A review by currant7
After Life by Gayle Forman

emotional hopeful mysterious reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

 This book came at the right time for me. It is a YA novel about grief, love, loss, family, and continuing after a significant, unexpected loss. This book also brings up a lot of thoughts on a loved one's passing - though not through an accident.

The book talks about what happens to the people left behind by loved ones who passed away after seven years, and then this particular deceased loved one came back as if that person didn't die in the first place. The main character, Amber, discovers what happened to her family, friends, and loved ones, whom Amber left behind after an unfortunate accident. Reading through the book from multiple reader's POVs was enlightening and poignant. Clearly, good, bad, and ugly elements eventually revealed the truth of what happened to Amber and what happened "behind the scenes." While Amber's death was a devastating tragedy, the resolution and healing that unfurled seven years later was so powerful for all because of her mysterious reappearance. It was an impactful read.

I cried so much in the latter part of the book. I like the message - our departed loved ones are not gone forever.

Some points:-

We honor our departed loved ones through our memories of them. (I think that is why I enjoy traveling —making new memories)

Making little decisions leads readers to different paths that can ultimately affect others around them.