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

dark emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious sad fast-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? No

5.0

 I loved this one. Every time I picked it up I didn't want to put it down. Firstly, she really captures the experience of living in the house with a deeply depressed parent, something that I know well. The heavy atmosphere, and the way that it's an invisible problem-nobody outside the family really knows, and there is collusion to hide it in the family (in this case, Leigh's parents hiding from her what is going on.) Second--the romance is awesome. Third--the surreal/mythic way that Leigh is lead to travel to Taiwan and uncover her mother's past history. And finally, the way Leigh has to fight against her father's opposition to her passion for art. So many elements come together in this book making for a completely immersive experience.