A review by rubygnz
The Astonishing Color of After by Emily X.R. Pan

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

honestly, i thought the pacing was a little odd at first because i felt SO much was happening in too little time since the chapters are very short and would often jump around. it definitely got a lot better after the first 75 pgs and after that it was honestly pure perfection. i think the topic of mental illness, in this case depression, was discussed in such an open and relatable manner it was like a breath of fresh air (i am horrendously sad). i think i may have liked a little bit more of an explanation over what the heck was real in regards to what leigh was experiencing, but at the same time i love that it’s never confirmed whether or not the bird was real or simply just a part of her grieving process. i loved all the different aspects of this book in regards to the relationships created and how each one played a role in the way she is now having to adapt after a huge loss. love this so much and i would love a second book going in deeper into what leigh’s relationships look like now that she has said goodbye to her mother (i need more of her and her grandparents, her and axel, her and caro, her and her dad!!!!, and her being a girlboss artist)