Review: The Beginning of After

The Beginning of After
Jennifer Castle
Publisher: HarperTeen
Release Date: September 6, 2011

Anyone who’s had something truly crappy happen to them will tell you: It’s all about Before and After. What I’m talking about here is the ka-pow, shake-you-to-your-core-and-turn-your-bones-to-plastic kind of crappy.

Sixteen-year-old Laurel’s world changes instantly when her parents and brother are killed in a terrible car accident. Behind the wheel is the father of her bad-boy neighbor, David Kaufman, whose mother is also killed. In the aftermath of the tragedy, Laurel navigates a new reality in which she and her best friend grow apart, boys may or may not be approaching her out of pity, overpowering memories lurk everywhere, and Mr. Kaufman is comatose but still very much alive. Through it all there is David, who swoops in and out of Laurel’s life and to whom she finds herself attracted against her better judgment. She will forever be connected to him by their mutual loss—a connection that will change them both in unexpected ways.

Jennifer Castle’s debut novel is a heart-wrenching, surprisingly witty testament to how drastically life can change in the span of a single moment.

It's been a while since I've read a novel like this. One of those sad yet good contemporaries. I've forgotten how much I enjoyed them. 

The Beginning of After is such a sad yet beautiful story. I've been craving a book like this.

Laurel was a flawed and perfect character. I could really fell her hurting. I could also feel her healing throughout the book.

Laurel wasn't the only character I liked. David was hurting. He and Laurel don't always get along. But, I really liked David.

The Beginning of After is a beautiful story with an uplifting ending.