"My mother named me Autumn. People say to me "Oh how pretty," and then the name seems to glide away from them, not grasping all the things that the word should mean to them, shades of red, change, and death." 
 This book was beautifully written, and I don't say that lightly. When I began the book, I thought that the title, If He Had Been with Me, only referred to that fateful day when Finny and Sylvie got into their accident. And I initially thought - what a bland, bland title. But as I read through Autumn's story, I realized that the title had so much more meaning. It went much deeper and I felt, I felt consumed. We get brief glimpses of how it would have been like if Autumn indeed was with Finn. And wasn't it just beautiful? Wasn't it just breathtaking? 
 I don't know what to write to do this book justice. All the characters were believable (with their distinct traits and personalities) and you would grow to love them despite their shortcomings. Autumn's take on life, friends and family was riveting too. It was just an absolute great read. 
 Now, every time I hear Troye Sivan's YOUTH, I think of them - Autumn, Finn, Jamie, Sasha, Angie, Preppy Dave, Brooke and the gang - having fun, banging pots on New Year's, learning how to drive - just basically, having the time of their lives. And then I'll feel sad, and happy at the same time. 
 My youth is yours 
 Trippin' on skies, sippin' waterfalls