A review by nothingforpomegranted
Before the Ever After by Jacqueline Woodson

dark emotional inspiring reflective sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

This novel in verse  tells the story of a boy's relationship with his father, a professional football player who has suffered numerous concussions, leading to forgetfulness, confusion, and mood swings. The timeline shifts through the poems, mostly staying in ZJ's teen years, reflecting on the father he idolizes but doesn't always recognize anymore. 

This was beautiful, poignant, and sad with fantastic writing that reminds me how meaningful novels in verse can be, though I am never drawn to them.