Review: The Beginning of After

The Beginning of After

by Jennifer Castle

Published by:HarperTeen

Released on:September 6th, 2011

Pages: 432 Hardcover

Buy here

Sixteen-year-old Laurel’s world changes instantly when her parents and brother are killed in a terrible car accident. Behind the wheel is the father of her bad-boy neighbor, David Kaufman, whose mother is also killed. In the aftermath of the tragedy, Laurel navigates a new reality in which she and her best friend grow apart, boys may or may not be approaching her out of pity, overpowering memories lurk everywhere, and Mr. Kaufman is comatose but still very much alive. Through it all, there is David, who swoops in and out of Laurel’s life and to whom she finds herself attracted against her better judgment. She will forever be connected to him by their mutual loss, a connection that will change them both in unexpected ways.

   I haven't read a book in a long time that I couldn't simply put down but today I found one. The Beginning of After had me hooked from the beginning. The idea of losing people that are in your life everyday, and then they simply vanish because they have died scared the bejibus(not exactly a real word) out of me and also intrigued me. I know your thinking I'm might be a psychopath but it was interesting to see how Laurel dealt with her grief. I'm going to admit it I teared up more than five times. This book was honestly depressing in a sort of good way. What I mean by that is, it helped me realize all the good I have in my life and how much I take for granted.

   I didn't know exactly what to expect but I think I got a lot more out of it then I originally thought I would. This wasn't an amazingly well written book but it's just right for someone who likes somewhat of an easy read in the sense of the writing style. One of the only things that bugged me was in the book she show's text messages from Laurel's friends and not every teenager texts like this: "city 2mrw? goin stir craZ alrdy." It was really quite annoying and that's an actual example from the book. The only other thing that bugged me was in the summary it claims her best friend and her drift apart but that's not really what happened at all. If anything I'd want a best friend just like Meg. Overall this book was a nice weekend read made me sad at times but I really did enjoy this. I rate it 4/5 stars. Check it out or if you already have leave me a comment on your thoughts!

Bonjour and Happy Reading,

Ashlinn :)