After Life by Gayle Forman: Book Review
Gayle Forman has a way of crafting stories that pull you in and make you feel deeply and After Life is no exception. This novel is an emotional and thought-provoking exploration of grief, second chances, and the power of human connection. If you’re looking for a book that will make you think, feel, and maybe even shed a tear or two, this one might be for you.
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Title: After Life
Author: Gayle Forman
Genre: YA Contemporary
Published: January 7, 2025
Publisher: Quill Tree Books
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Content Considerations: Grief, Child Death, Drug Use
Synopsis
One spring afternoon, Amber arrives home after school on her bike—it feels like an ordinary day. But when her mother sees her, she screams. Because Amber died seven years ago, struck by a car while riding that very same bicycle. Now, inexplicably back, Amber must navigate a world that moved on without her. Her sister Melissa, now seven years older, struggles to adjust, and her estranged parents are at odds over her return. Meanwhile, Amber is left questioning everything—who she was, why she’s here, and whether she’s been given a second chance for a reason. After Life is a poignant exploration of grief, love, and the lasting impact one life can have on so many others.
My Thoughts/Review
This book gripped me from the first page and didn’t let go. Forman’s writing is as compelling as ever, blending emotional depth with a sharp, engaging narrative. The characters feel incredibly real, and their struggles are raw and authentic. One of my favorite aspects of After Life was how it portrayed grief not as something to “get over” but as something to carry and grow alongside.
I also loved the themes of second chances and human connection. The relationships in this book, whether between family members, friends, or even unexpected acquaintances, felt so genuine and beautifully written. While it is a book about loss, it’s also about hope, making it a deeply moving yet ultimately uplifting read.
If you pay attention, you see that miracles are everywhere. In a sunrise. In a bicycle accidentally locked to another. In the way that memory and love and belief can keep a person around long after they’re gone.
After Life is a poignant and heartfelt novel that will stay with you long after you turn the final page. If you enjoy stories about resilience, love, and the journey to healing, I highly recommend picking this one up. I received a free copy of After Life from BookSparks as part of the Winter Reading Challenge 2025.
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