Reviews

Afterward: A Novel by Jennifer Mathieu

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.

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.

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.

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

aprilbooksandwine's review against another edition

dark emotional hopeful medium-paced

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

3.25

mlatrece's review against another edition

5.0

Wow! This is a great read. I have always read stories on news about kidnappings and you see the tv specials on them with their families. But that's where it ends. This book explores that and more. You get a sense of what the kidnap victims are going through as well as the parents who haven't seen their kids. I really can't put into words what this book is; but it's a book that I highly recommend you reading.

I received this book from NetGalley in an exchange for an honest opinion.

rcaivano's review against another edition

Ethan was kidnapped when he was 12, and now 4 years later, he's been found and returned home. With him was 11 year old autistic Dylan, whose sister Caroline is just trying to help get him back on track. She befriends Ethan in the hopes he can lend some clarity to the situation, but when he is unable to help, she finds she really likes being with him. The two form a very odd friendship, but it works for them. But when Ethan's memories come flooding back and he remembers what Caroline wants to know, he realizes this may cost him their friendship. .