debi_g's review against another edition
4.0
"I hate how in high school you're stuck in a group and when you really later you probably belonged in another one, it's too late to change because you're already who you are" (85).
"It's weird that there are people out there who actually go to Harvard. It sounds like going to Mars" (147).
"The thing about Moments is that when you try to have them, you can't. They only sneak up on you when you don't expect them" (276).
For it's fresh perspective (afterward rather than during), I highly recommend this story for fans of Room or Stolen or other fictional accounts of kidnapping and captivity and its aftermath for survivors and their families.
I adore the character of Dr. Greenberg.
"It's weird that there are people out there who actually go to Harvard. It sounds like going to Mars" (147).
"The thing about Moments is that when you try to have them, you can't. They only sneak up on you when you don't expect them" (276).
For it's fresh perspective (afterward rather than during), I highly recommend this story for fans of Room or Stolen or other fictional accounts of kidnapping and captivity and its aftermath for survivors and their families.
I adore the character of Dr. Greenberg.
grahamlibrarian's review against another edition
5.0
I was lucky enough to get an ARC of this title at the Texas Library Association. I've been a fan of Mathieu since The Truth About Alice and this is her best title yet. I can't wait to recommend this to my students when it's released in the fall. It's a great contemporary fiction about a difficult topic and dealt with in a realistic, honest, and respectful way.
jacieandbooks's review against another edition
4.0
Very interesting, I was so excited to see a book that isnt just the action of the story but how people continue to live after such trauma. I would have loved to have a bit more information about the brother, even if it is only observations. Autism is such an interesting and varying disease, the thought of adding trauma on top of it was very intriguing. Great read.
cjsjellybean's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed this book but it was way too simple for me. I feel like the simplicity would be good for a younger audience however the subject of being abducted for several years might be frightening for too young of a reader. I never felt super connected to either of the two main characters which was rather disappointing. Sure, they were likable, but I didn't feel very attached. The book held my attention and I definitely found myself wanting to read every night which is great. However, I felt like things were flowing nicely at the end - I pressed the turn page button on my Kindle - and the book was over. It felt very abrupt and I didn't like that things didn't really wrap up. I know the book is called "Afterward" and is mainly about after the kidnapping, but I would have liked to have learned a little more about Ethan and Dylan's time being away.
Thank you so much to NetGalley for the opportunity to read an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you so much to NetGalley for the opportunity to read an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for my honest review.
cupcakegirly's review against another edition
4.0
This was one of those rare times when a book affected me both as a reader and as a parent.
Much like Jennifer Mathieu's two previous books, The Truth About Alice and Devoted, this story was difficult to read at times. It was awkward, uncomfortable, and the rawness of Ethan and Caroline's emotions hurt. But it's also story filled with forgiveness, healing, and hope.
Much like Jennifer Mathieu's two previous books, The Truth About Alice and Devoted, this story was difficult to read at times. It was awkward, uncomfortable, and the rawness of Ethan and Caroline's emotions hurt. But it's also story filled with forgiveness, healing, and hope.
wafflewombat's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
vedgi74's review against another edition
5.0
I need to start this review by saying that I was not sure I would like this book. I picked it up at a library book sale without really reading the plot summary on the dust jacket. So, once I realized what the story was about I was nervous reading the book. I’m a mother and this is literally my worst nightmare and I did not want to read about any details. Thankfully there are no details.
This is a heartbreaking story about two teenagers trying to deal with a terrible trauma and trying to make sense of the ordeal. The two are trying to understand something that even adults have a hard time dealing with. I appreciate the authors respectful writing about such a heart wrenching subject and would recommend this story.
This is a heartbreaking story about two teenagers trying to deal with a terrible trauma and trying to make sense of the ordeal. The two are trying to understand something that even adults have a hard time dealing with. I appreciate the authors respectful writing about such a heart wrenching subject and would recommend this story.
sam_i_am012's review against another edition
Didn’t really like the pace. I think it was meant for a younger audience so that’s probably why I got bored.
nic_m_hud's review against another edition
4.0
This is the third YA novel I've read over the past few weeks. Thankfully, it restored my hope in the genre. It is funny, so funny I attempted to read excerpts aloud for my husband, and also sad and scary, and most of all real. I wanted to hug Ethan and shake some sense into him all at the same time. I wanted Caroline to make better choices. The characters were real, not some stereotypical teenager. Great book.
molly_s_reads's review against another edition
dark
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0