"If I Stay" Possible Theme Statement (up to page 150)

As you may know, I am currently reading the book If I Stay by Gayle Forman. Right now I am at page 150, and am already starting to see some possible theme statements coming up. The most supported possible theme  statement (so far in this book) is: tragedy may make one's relationship with those around them closer and stronger. This theme statement is supported by a couple of examples from the text.

First, the relationship between Adam (Mia's boyfriend) and Kim (Mia's best friend) has gotten so much closer because of the tragedy that Mia and her whole family has been in a car accident, causing Mia to be in a coma, her brother in critical condition, and her parents dead. Page 116 says, "The funny thing was, I never really bought into Kim's notion that they were somehow bound together through me-- until just now when I saw her half carrying him down the hospital corridor." This line is what Mia is narrating while she is in a coma. What I take from this quote is that Adam and Kim were always mutual-- they only associated with each other because Mia was there, a connection between the two of them. Now that Mia is in a coma from a life- threatening accident, the two people Mia is closest to (other than family) need each other (because of Mia), as Mia states, "...half carrying him down the hospital corridor." So, Mia is still their connection, but their relationship has still gotten closer. Later in the book, Adam and Kim's relationship continues to become stronger because of this accident. For example, they both work together to find a way to get into the ICU to see Mia. Just things like this make their relationship stronger, and it's all because of a tragedy.

Also, Willow (who is a family friend of Mia's family) and Adam's  relationship becomes closer because of what happened to Mia. Page 150 states, "Adam swivels around and hugs Willow with such force that her feet lift up off the ground. Willow to the rescue." Two people who don't know each other too well-- Adam and Willow-- are bound together by this tragedy that has happened. They try to help each other out. This also supports the theme statement that tragedy may make one's relationship with those around them closer and stronger, because Adam and Willow immediately embrace because of this accident.

The theme statement, tragedy may make one's relationship with those around them closer and stronger, is very well supported by the text. There may be more theme statements that come up throughout the rest of the book.