catguamgirl's review
4.0
Summary: This was a good short story, showing the reality of 9/11. Anna Grace wrote in a way that helped those of us in the younger generation to understand what exactly happened. In addition, the characters connected intentionally with their shunned Muslim neighbors. The style wasn't my favorite, but it was good for the story.
Characters: The sister relationship between Alli and Ashlee is great, and Ash's relationship with Dean is sweet. My other favorite part was their befriending the Muslim family next door. Aliya is a sweetheart.
Setting, Style and Plot: The setting was well done, and I liked the setting especially for the last scene. :D The style… threw me off a little, but I also can't remember the last thing I read in 3rd person present so that might have been a big part of it. It felt simply written but also good. The plot was pretty good I liked how the events were shaped around 9/11 and you could tell that. The one thing is that I wish we had seen Carson and Alli together more than they were, especially with how it ended.
Theme: This story was designed to show the events of 9/11, to remind us to "never forget." I also really appreciated the Christian faith shown and the way they loved their Muslin neighbors through their differences, not judging them or being afraid, but caring.
Some quotes:
After another few excruciating minutes of doing nothing but listening to the reporters, Dean breathes a prayer. “Oh, God, I have no idea what’s happening right now. But You do.”
“Amen.”
“What— what happened?”
“I don’t know. I don’t... just listen...”
“Is that... that’s the... World Trade Center?”
“Be careful, stay safe. Please, Dean. I’ll be praying for you.”
“You, too, Ash. Love ya.” As he turns to leave, he begins to recite their
blessing. “May the Lord bless thee—”
“And keep thee,” Ashlee joins in, smiling slightly. In unison, they finish reciting the next few verses. When Dean leaves, Alli sees her sister wipe the back of her hand across her face, brushing away tears.
“But if God calls us to it,” Ashlee brightens and smiles slightly. “He will be
glorified.”
With a sigh of defeat, both sisters lean against the wall. “Well, so much for
getting that chocolate,” Alli sighs after a long minute of eye contact with her sister.
“Well, I think there’s enough left for another cup—”
Alli interrupts with a laugh, which she quickly attempts to stifle.
“I know, it’s a comfort thing, okay?”
*I received a free digital copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.*
Characters: The sister relationship between Alli and Ashlee is great, and Ash's relationship with Dean is sweet. My other favorite part was their befriending the Muslim family next door. Aliya is a sweetheart.
Setting, Style and Plot: The setting was well done, and I liked the setting especially for the last scene. :D The style… threw me off a little, but I also can't remember the last thing I read in 3rd person present so that might have been a big part of it. It felt simply written but also good. The plot was pretty good I liked how the events were shaped around 9/11 and you could tell that. The one thing is that I wish we had seen Carson and Alli together more than they were, especially with how it ended.
Theme: This story was designed to show the events of 9/11, to remind us to "never forget." I also really appreciated the Christian faith shown and the way they loved their Muslin neighbors through their differences, not judging them or being afraid, but caring.
Some quotes:
After another few excruciating minutes of doing nothing but listening to the reporters, Dean breathes a prayer. “Oh, God, I have no idea what’s happening right now. But You do.”
“Amen.”
“What— what happened?”
“I don’t know. I don’t... just listen...”
“Is that... that’s the... World Trade Center?”
“Be careful, stay safe. Please, Dean. I’ll be praying for you.”
“You, too, Ash. Love ya.” As he turns to leave, he begins to recite their
blessing. “May the Lord bless thee—”
“And keep thee,” Ashlee joins in, smiling slightly. In unison, they finish reciting the next few verses. When Dean leaves, Alli sees her sister wipe the back of her hand across her face, brushing away tears.
“But if God calls us to it,” Ashlee brightens and smiles slightly. “He will be
glorified.”
With a sigh of defeat, both sisters lean against the wall. “Well, so much for
getting that chocolate,” Alli sighs after a long minute of eye contact with her sister.
“Well, I think there’s enough left for another cup—”
Alli interrupts with a laugh, which she quickly attempts to stifle.
“I know, it’s a comfort thing, okay?”
*I received a free digital copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.*
abigailkayharris's review
5.0
*clears throat* Um, well.
Before the World Changed isn't what I expected. And, I'm going to go into spoilers only because I want to be clear. So, forewarned, don't read my review unless you're okay with spoilers.
Many times when service members come home from overseas they can have random, weird, or anything trigger them. That is often so when someone has PTSD, so, personally, I've seen the reaction when a veteran sees a woman in full dress, head covered, etc.... The alertness, the want to think it's okay, but knowing that it might not be, the hands clenched, the bouncing leg, the need to get out. BUT, at the same time they don't always suspect that something bad will happen. It can be the other way, they can see the truth, that not everyone is bad. They can see the mother, sister, daughter, the little girl who needs help. They see the need or the winsome spirit or the joy.
Which is why I so so appreciate the way that Anna Grace handled some very harsh topics in such ... Naturally calm and loving way that points toward grace.
This little story is just so good, wholesome, and shows so much of what it was like 20 years ago.
If you read one book today, make it this one.
Before the World Changed isn't what I expected. And, I'm going to go into spoilers only because I want to be clear. So, forewarned, don't read my review unless you're okay with spoilers.
Many times when service members come home from overseas they can have random, weird, or anything trigger them. That is often so when someone has PTSD, so, personally, I've seen the reaction when a veteran sees a woman in full dress, head covered, etc.... The alertness, the want to think it's okay, but knowing that it might not be, the hands clenched, the bouncing leg, the need to get out. BUT, at the same time they don't always suspect that something bad will happen. It can be the other way, they can see the truth, that not everyone is bad. They can see the mother, sister, daughter, the little girl who needs help. They see the need or the winsome spirit or the joy.
Which is why I so so appreciate the way that Anna Grace handled some very harsh topics in such ... Naturally calm and loving way that points toward grace.
This little story is just so good, wholesome, and shows so much of what it was like 20 years ago.
If you read one book today, make it this one.
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