I never thought it was possible to like a book when you dislike the main character from the very first page. Plain and simple, Samantha Kingston is a mean girl. She's popular, pretty, dates the school hunk and doesn't appear to understand that others have feelings. We've all known people like that and, most likely, we met them in high school which is exactly where Sam is. Although she is never the instigator of the taunting and merciless teasing of her "less popular" classmates, she willingly participates and never steps up to defend them. Actually, she clearly believes that they should accept their lot in life because not everyone can be popular. 
 And then she dies...and I can't say I'm sad. 
 And then she gets to re-live that day...and I wait to see what happens. 
 I know what you're thinking. This is where it gets sappy, this is where she instantly sees all her wrongs and makes up for all her sins. Actually, it's not. Instead, the author allows the character to grow slowly. Her personality doesn't really change. Even in death she can still be selfish and shallow but she slowly begins to realize that the way she sees the world (with the clear black and white view we all have as teenagers) has become distorted. Her beliefs are challenged, her relationships questioned and her place in the world becomes unclear. Where does she really belong...what does she really think...who is Samantha Kingston? It's this journey, which is so well written, that draws you in. You explore the world with Sam and you begin to see that there is depth where previously you thought there were no redeeming qualities. You're reminded that you can't judge a book (or a person) by its cover. You understand that everyone's baggage makes them who they are. I'm not sure I like Sam even at the end but I see her differently. 
 This book makes you feel and it makes you think about your personal relationships. What impact are you having on others? Who have you wronged? Will you get a second chance? 
 Big questions from a YA book...and that's why I liked it even though I was sure I wasn't going to.