Author: Laura Wiess
Series: Standalone
Publisher: MTV Books
Genre: YA Contemporary
Format: ebook
Release Date: February 18, 2014
Source: eARC received from publisher via Edelweiss
Rating: 5 Stars
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***I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This has in no way changed my opinion of the book. The review below is my open and honest opinion.***
Synopsis from Goodreads:
Are there any answers when someone you love makes a
tragic choice?
Before and After. That’s how Rowan Areno sees her life now. Before: she was a normal sixteen-year-old—a little too sheltered by her police officer father and her mother. After: everything she once believed has been destroyed in the wake of a shattering tragedy, and every day is there to be survived.
If she had known, on that Friday in March when she cut school, that a random stranger’s shocking crime would have traumatic consequences, she never would have left campus. If the crime video never went viral, maybe she could have saved her mother, grandmother — and herself — from the endless replay of heartache and grief.
Finding a soul mate in Eli, a witness to the crime who is haunted by losses of his own, Rowan begins to see there is no simple, straightforward path to healing wounded hearts. Can she learn to trust, hope, and believe in happiness again?
Before and After. That’s how Rowan Areno sees her life now. Before: she was a normal sixteen-year-old—a little too sheltered by her police officer father and her mother. After: everything she once believed has been destroyed in the wake of a shattering tragedy, and every day is there to be survived.
If she had known, on that Friday in March when she cut school, that a random stranger’s shocking crime would have traumatic consequences, she never would have left campus. If the crime video never went viral, maybe she could have saved her mother, grandmother — and herself — from the endless replay of heartache and grief.
Finding a soul mate in Eli, a witness to the crime who is haunted by losses of his own, Rowan begins to see there is no simple, straightforward path to healing wounded hearts. Can she learn to trust, hope, and believe in happiness again?
If you don’t like books that make you cry or deal
with grief, turn back now. This book destroyed me. It ripped my soul to pieces.
I have never cried so much reading a book. Tears were streaming down my face
during most of this story. The emotions were raw, honest, and heartbreaking. A
book has never affected me like this one did. This story will stick with me for
a long time.
We follow a young girl, Rowan, whose family has been
affected by a truly horrible tragedy. The way that Laura Wiess has written this
book, you feel as if you are right there with Rowan. Perhaps even her sister,
experiencing the same emotions she is. The book is like a door into this girl’s
heart. I wanted to reach inside so badly and take away just a fraction of the
hurt Rowan was feeling. But I couldn’t. So instead I cried with her and felt
with her. I struggled with the same things Rowan did. Asking why. Suppressing
anger. Giving in to the anger. I felt as if I went through the stages of grief
with her.
The romance in this book was cute, but didn’t
overtake the plot. This is something that I really appreciated. Many times I
feel like a tragedy happens and then the romantic relationship is what pulls the
person out of their grief. I don’t think this is realistic and Laura Wiess
didn’t do it. In fact, she had Rowan pull away, withdraw inwardly before she
was able to truly start healing. This is what made the story so realistic and
honest. I loved that the romance didn’t take over the story and that we got to
see Rowan work through her grief on her own.
I loved the family dynamics in this book. Watching
the relationships build, crumble, and rebuild. I loved that Rowan’s mom and
grandparents were a major part of her life and were there during this difficult
time and I loved how the author showed that everyone grieves differently. It
killed me to watch Rowan’s friendships disappear though. Her best friend was a
total bitch and I hated the way she treated Rowan.
Will this book make you smile? Probably not. But it
definitely examines a lot of different issues. Guilt. Anger. Grief. Love.
Family. Hope. Strength. All of these things are present in this book in the
most intense and realistic way. Even though I cried the whole time, I
absolutely loved this book. It was beautifully written. I highly recommend this
if you’re a fan of realistic contemporaries, books about dealing with
grief/tragedy, or “issue” books. Laura Wiess is a force to be reckoned with and
I will definitely be checking out her other books. Happy reading all!
Have you read this book? Did it tear you up as much as it did me? Have you read any of Laura Wiess's other books? Which one should I start with?
Awww! I really want to read this one now. I've had my copy from Edelweiss just sitting there. MUST.GET.TO.IT. Sometimes the romance isn't all, so I'm happy the author really decided to explore the story differently! Great review as always :)
ReplyDelete-Marianne
You need to get to it!! It's so good. Omg seriously, this book is a new favorite. I will be book pushing this one for the rest of my life.
DeleteI always like ti when issue books really examine family dynamics. Sounds like a great read!
ReplyDeleteKate @ Ex Libris
Yes! Me too! This one did a great job of that! You should definitely read it!
DeleteI'll definitely have to be in the right mood for this one...and have tissues handy. I usually try to pick the light and fluffy contemporary, but your review makes me want to read it. To evoke such strong emotions, the author was definitely doing something right. ~Pam
ReplyDeleteYes, you definitely should. It was well worth the tears. But have tissues ready bc you will definitely cry. I hope you enjoy!
DeleteI think I'd have to be in the right mood and be prepared... because while I like books that go over these topics, sometimes I just can't handle it. However, this does sound really good and I'll have to pick it up when I'm mentally ready for this kind of read!
ReplyDeleteYes, definitely mentally prepare yourself for heartbreak because it will happen. But it's so worth it. I can't say enough good things about this one.
Delete