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What We Leave Behind
It is said that our lives are a sum total of the choices we make, which inevitably leaves us to wonder: what if? What if we had the chance to go back and live what could have been? What We Leave Behind hones in on the fleeting moments and stand-out events that irrevocably change our lives.
The book chronicles the life and emotional growth of Jessica Parker as she frees herself from the past and moves forward with her future. At sixteen, Jessica is managing the emotional trauma of her father’s death while surrendering to the profound pain of a failed first love. Jonas Levy, a twenty-two-year-old medical student, has abruptly walked out of Jessica’s life after an intense summer romance, and the wounds are still raw. Is it possible to ever forget the boy you first gave your heart to? Jessica eventually moves on, and in her twenties, becomes a successful music supervisor in Los Angeles. She marries film producer, Marty Tauber, starts a family, and appears to have it all until things slowly begin to unravel. The marriage struggles through a miscarriage and becomes harder and harder to sustain.
With an unexpected phone call from New York, a secret from Jessica’s past comes to light. As the rippling effects of her betrayal emerge, Jessica finds herself caught in the firestorm of long-hidden emotional trauma. Thrust into a modern day moral and ethical dilemma, Jessica must face the pain of her past or lose everything she holds dear. Will she be able to reconcile old feelings in time to salvage her marriage?
An honest, tender, and poignant portrayal of love in its many forms, this heart-wrenching novel will resonate with any woman who has questioned her past and wondered what could have been.
The book chronicles the life and emotional growth of Jessica Parker as she frees herself from the past and moves forward with her future. At sixteen, Jessica is managing the emotional trauma of her father’s death while surrendering to the profound pain of a failed first love. Jonas Levy, a twenty-two-year-old medical student, has abruptly walked out of Jessica’s life after an intense summer romance, and the wounds are still raw. Is it possible to ever forget the boy you first gave your heart to? Jessica eventually moves on, and in her twenties, becomes a successful music supervisor in Los Angeles. She marries film producer, Marty Tauber, starts a family, and appears to have it all until things slowly begin to unravel. The marriage struggles through a miscarriage and becomes harder and harder to sustain.
With an unexpected phone call from New York, a secret from Jessica’s past comes to light. As the rippling effects of her betrayal emerge, Jessica finds herself caught in the firestorm of long-hidden emotional trauma. Thrust into a modern day moral and ethical dilemma, Jessica must face the pain of her past or lose everything she holds dear. Will she be able to reconcile old feelings in time to salvage her marriage?
An honest, tender, and poignant portrayal of love in its many forms, this heart-wrenching novel will resonate with any woman who has questioned her past and wondered what could have been.
329 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 15, 2012
1035 people are currently reading
3161 people want to read
About the author
Rochelle B. Weinstein
8 books1,865 followersRochelle B. Weinstein is the USA Today bestselling author of multiple contemporary fiction novels, most recently We Are Made of Stars. Her work has been featured in People, Deadline, Entertainment Weekly, Country Living, Woman’s Day, Woman’s World, First for Women, Kveller, Totally Booked with Zibby, BookBub, and more. Rochelle is the book columnist for AQUA Magazine and a frequent speaker and workshop instructor. A former entertainment industry executive and NBC-6 Miami book correspondent, Rochelle splits her time between South Florida and the mountains of North Carolina.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 210 reviews
July 26, 2016
Update: Today and tomorrow --7/26 and 7/27 this book will be 99 cents as a Kindle download!!!!!!!
I couldn't put it down when I read it --tender -emotional -thought provoking.
This is a fully engaging story. Such subtle greatness! The author is very attund to the depths of our deeper souls. (really great at it --her wisdom comes through her writing).
How do we make sense of loss that make up a life? (this is a theme that runs through this story) ---but by even saying this, won't tell you 'anything' about which you are about to read.
This is a powerful story --(a page-turning great novel)
Here are a few of my favorite lines: (but taken out of context might not have the same 'feeling' until you read the entire book) --which I 'highly' suggest!
1)" I cried for the emptiness inside of me, the soul that ached for someone to fill it up and for the awareness that no one could, not when the standard was set so high."
2)"You Can't always see love --but you should always be able to trust its there".
3)..... "I love you ....." (sorry I don't want to say the name here)
If you've read the book, and want to know the ..... (the name I left out), after the quote "I love you, ....."... then write me ---and I'll tell you.
Thank you Rochelle Weinsten! I'm a new fan! I'll read anything you write! Congrats on THIS ONE!!! Heart-felt-book!
I couldn't put it down when I read it --tender -emotional -thought provoking.
This is a fully engaging story. Such subtle greatness! The author is very attund to the depths of our deeper souls. (really great at it --her wisdom comes through her writing).
How do we make sense of loss that make up a life? (this is a theme that runs through this story) ---but by even saying this, won't tell you 'anything' about which you are about to read.
This is a powerful story --(a page-turning great novel)
Here are a few of my favorite lines: (but taken out of context might not have the same 'feeling' until you read the entire book) --which I 'highly' suggest!
1)" I cried for the emptiness inside of me, the soul that ached for someone to fill it up and for the awareness that no one could, not when the standard was set so high."
2)"You Can't always see love --but you should always be able to trust its there".
3)..... "I love you ....." (sorry I don't want to say the name here)
If you've read the book, and want to know the ..... (the name I left out), after the quote "I love you, ....."... then write me ---and I'll tell you.
Thank you Rochelle Weinsten! I'm a new fan! I'll read anything you write! Congrats on THIS ONE!!! Heart-felt-book!
January 7, 2018
I won this in a Goodreads giveaway and am so glad I did. What a beautifully crafted story, full of rich characters that I bonded with. These were real people, smart and talented, full of life and full of flaws.
I was drawn to the young Jessica, who keeps her emotions bottled up, afraid that loving someone will mean losing them, as she did her father. She is defiant, sarcastic and full of so much longing. When she meets Jonas her shell cracks and she falls hard. As many first loves do theirs did not last and Jessica is left with the "what if" questions that we all play out in our imaginations.
Years go by and she has become a successful musician, a wife and mother, yet Jonas has always had a place in her heart for her alone to cherish. Then her past and her present collide, and secrets and circumstances come crashing down on her. She has the chance to live her what ifs, but at what cost?
Weinstein wonderfully builds layer on layer, in these characters and this story. The secondary characters are just as full as the main characters. I loved the ending, and it was probably not the one I had expected, which made it that much more satisfying. This was a beautifully done love story. I look forward to my next Rochelle Weinstein story. 5 stars, up from 4 due to how this story took me by surprise, both heartbreaking and heartwarming.
I was drawn to the young Jessica, who keeps her emotions bottled up, afraid that loving someone will mean losing them, as she did her father. She is defiant, sarcastic and full of so much longing. When she meets Jonas her shell cracks and she falls hard. As many first loves do theirs did not last and Jessica is left with the "what if" questions that we all play out in our imaginations.
Years go by and she has become a successful musician, a wife and mother, yet Jonas has always had a place in her heart for her alone to cherish. Then her past and her present collide, and secrets and circumstances come crashing down on her. She has the chance to live her what ifs, but at what cost?
Weinstein wonderfully builds layer on layer, in these characters and this story. The secondary characters are just as full as the main characters. I loved the ending, and it was probably not the one I had expected, which made it that much more satisfying. This was a beautifully done love story. I look forward to my next Rochelle Weinstein story. 5 stars, up from 4 due to how this story took me by surprise, both heartbreaking and heartwarming.
March 15, 2012
At 4:30am after reading right through the acknowledgements, I finally closed What We Leave Behind. To say this book satisfied my heart and soul would be an understatement. It’s very rare that a book grabs my attention in such a way that every time I would attempt to put it down, I would tell myself, “just one more chapter!” But, Rochelle Weinstein did it; telling a poignant story of what was, what is, and what could have been. Not just for Jessica Parker… but in many ways for all of us. This is a must read. You won’t be able to put it down either!
October 21, 2014
1 ★
I finished it, all 700 pages! I deserve a cookie for this accomplishment. I've dnf'd so many books this year that I couldn't bring myself to do it again. I kept holding out hope that it would somehow get better. It didn't.
I didn't like any of the characters. The storyline was bad. The conversations and inner thoughts were written weird. Too much happens in this book. You name it, it happened. It's like things were thrown in just for shock value and to get you emotional. But what happens when there's too much going on? I shut down emotionally. There was no time to get emotional about anything. As soon as something happened you would turn the page and something else would happen. I was just over it.
I thought, from other reviews, I was getting some great contemporary read about love, loss, life, and what ifs. And I guess that is what this book is about but I didn't get the memo. Usually, I would say give this one a go and that it just wasn't for me but this time I don't think that's true. It just wasn't good and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone. I would feel bad about leaving a bad review but I'm mad that it wasn't any good and that I couldn't even find, within 700 pages, anything good to say :(
July 4, 2016
Having had the pleasure of reading talented Rochelle B. Weinstein’s latest (2016) Where We Fall landing on my Top Books of 2016 List, an instant fan of this South Florida author.
I found myself quickly searching for her previous books, discovering her debut, WHAT WE LEAVE BEHIND, now available in audio (6/14/16) narrated by Casey Turner and also available in e-book, and paperback. The paperback and audio make a nice combo; you will want to bookmark many quotes.
Powerful, and emotional, a poignant portrayal of love in its many forms, this heart wrenching novel will resonate with any woman who has questioned her past and wondered what could have been. Broken out in three parts we follow Jessica's life journey.
Part One 1972-1988 “The heart that truly loves never forgets.” - Proverb
Weinstein takes readers on an incredible journey of Jessica Parker, a young fifteen year old girl (almost sixteen) to adulthood. From first love, powerful emotions, grief, tragedy, love, and loss. The what ifs. The moments which change our lives, and the things we leave behind, but not forgotten.
Jessica resides with her single mom, after the death of her father. Her mom works at the hospital and she sets out to try and find her mom a doctor. She is still grieving for her father; however, pretends to be strong.
While visiting the hospital Jessica meets 22-yr-old Harvard medical student, Jonas Levy. She is infatuated. Jonas’ father, Adam is dying of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. He is a big name in the music and film business. An impressive man and she becomes close with the family.
She learns so much from Jonas; however, nothing prepares her for the splattering of emotions he left her, to sort out. Good things would soon end, when Emily was returning from Italy and he would return to Boston. First loves. Painful and heart-breaking.
“And the good-bye makes the journey harder still.”—Cat Stevens “O Very Young”
She falls for him, even though Jonas has a girlfriend. However, once Adam dies, Jonas abruptly tells her not to come to the funeral, and they cannot see one another again. She is devastated.
Can she free herself from the past in order to move forward?
Part Two 1994-2011 “In everyone’s life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit." —Albert Schweitzer
Life moves on and she makes her way to film school and a job as a music supervisor with the famous Hollywood producer Marty Tauber at SixthSense, in Los Angeles. She is shocked by the connection to Adam. A protégé?
She struggles to allow anyone get close. She wanted to love again and be happy. It had been six years since her first love. Now her boss, Marty.
Finally, they start dating and marry. SixthSense was plastered across most every entertainment trade magazine. She was an expert in the field of music—the authority to hit songs and doors opened. She was finding fulfillment with her career, husband and child.
She finds it difficult to rely on others. If she needed them, she fears they will leave. Then a tragedy. A loss.
Her mother once told her that decisions were difficult because by making a choice, we’re forced to give up something. But it is also about re-embracing the things you gave up. And it’s learning that there are some things, and some people, you can’t live without. Or can you?
Part Three 2001-2002 “All changes, even the most longed for, have their melancholy; for what we leave behind is part of ourselves; we must die to one life, before we can enter into another.” — Anatole France
Jessica fears of getting close, and having them leave. Even though lost, there is a spirit that moves and encircles and leads to a clearer path. Who had stolen her strength and dignity? The man who would make it impossible for love to be uncomplicated.
Soon she begins questioning her life, as a wife, companion, mother. Not trusting enough. Her husband seemed to want more, and she wanted less. It was easier to pretend that everything would be OK. No one wants to see something that they do not want to believe is there.
Then another shocker phone call. An explosive secret forces her to reconnect with Jonas. She had given herself to Marty, and trust does not come easy to her, from losing her father at a young age and then Jonas. The what ifs?
Haunted by the past and the guilt she still feels of her dad’s death. Then more guilt from her other hidden secret. Why couldn’t she be more like her mother who had overcome great adversity in her life. Her strength overshadowed any sign of weakness.
A simple memory could take her back. Thrust into a modern day moral and ethical dilemma, Jessica must face the pain of her past, or lose everything she holds dear.
She and her husband are separated by lies and miles that buried them from view. Now she has to choose between her husband and the man she always considered the love of her life. Will she make the right decision? Can Marty love her with her imperfections and does she trust him to understand? Was she holding on to something –needing and wanting.
“Sometimes you can’t always see love. You have to trust it is there. Learning the difference between real love and fairy tales.”
What a debut! Ongoing themes, thought-provoking, and beautiful metaphors! With Weinstein’s vast music background from LA to Miami, as well as her gift of prose, well-developed characters, and human insights, makes for a gripping and absorbing tale.
In addition to being a talented author, a genuine person, she definitely shares my love of nature-and familiar places-Inspiring! Love her book covers. I think she has a hidden degree in psychology.
“What makes a great song and great film? That passion, that marriage between the melody and the story? Words tell a story. As in filmmaking, a tremendous undertaking from conception to premier. All parts are critical and as long as every person is as ardent and industrious with their craft to equal stellar.”
As our personal relationships: Trust, life, marriage. Everyone has to do their part to make a success. A collaboration.
A mix of domestic suspense, contemporary, psychological, and romance. For fans of Liane Moriarty, T. Greenwood, Lisa Genova, Amy Hatvany, Catherine Ryan Hyde, Paula Treick DeBoard, Karen White and Diane Chamberlain.
Since I have read the third book, currently reading her second book, The Mourning After . Looking forward to her fourth book, Somebody's Daughter, plus hear rumors she is working on her fifth novel, a love story based in the Florida Keys (always my familiar favorite settings-can't wait). An author to follow!
JDCMustReadBooks
I found myself quickly searching for her previous books, discovering her debut, WHAT WE LEAVE BEHIND, now available in audio (6/14/16) narrated by Casey Turner and also available in e-book, and paperback. The paperback and audio make a nice combo; you will want to bookmark many quotes.
Powerful, and emotional, a poignant portrayal of love in its many forms, this heart wrenching novel will resonate with any woman who has questioned her past and wondered what could have been. Broken out in three parts we follow Jessica's life journey.
Part One 1972-1988 “The heart that truly loves never forgets.” - Proverb
Weinstein takes readers on an incredible journey of Jessica Parker, a young fifteen year old girl (almost sixteen) to adulthood. From first love, powerful emotions, grief, tragedy, love, and loss. The what ifs. The moments which change our lives, and the things we leave behind, but not forgotten.
Jessica resides with her single mom, after the death of her father. Her mom works at the hospital and she sets out to try and find her mom a doctor. She is still grieving for her father; however, pretends to be strong.
While visiting the hospital Jessica meets 22-yr-old Harvard medical student, Jonas Levy. She is infatuated. Jonas’ father, Adam is dying of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. He is a big name in the music and film business. An impressive man and she becomes close with the family.
She learns so much from Jonas; however, nothing prepares her for the splattering of emotions he left her, to sort out. Good things would soon end, when Emily was returning from Italy and he would return to Boston. First loves. Painful and heart-breaking.
“And the good-bye makes the journey harder still.”—Cat Stevens “O Very Young”
She falls for him, even though Jonas has a girlfriend. However, once Adam dies, Jonas abruptly tells her not to come to the funeral, and they cannot see one another again. She is devastated.
Can she free herself from the past in order to move forward?
Part Two 1994-2011 “In everyone’s life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit." —Albert Schweitzer
Life moves on and she makes her way to film school and a job as a music supervisor with the famous Hollywood producer Marty Tauber at SixthSense, in Los Angeles. She is shocked by the connection to Adam. A protégé?
She struggles to allow anyone get close. She wanted to love again and be happy. It had been six years since her first love. Now her boss, Marty.
Finally, they start dating and marry. SixthSense was plastered across most every entertainment trade magazine. She was an expert in the field of music—the authority to hit songs and doors opened. She was finding fulfillment with her career, husband and child.
She finds it difficult to rely on others. If she needed them, she fears they will leave. Then a tragedy. A loss.
Her mother once told her that decisions were difficult because by making a choice, we’re forced to give up something. But it is also about re-embracing the things you gave up. And it’s learning that there are some things, and some people, you can’t live without. Or can you?
Part Three 2001-2002 “All changes, even the most longed for, have their melancholy; for what we leave behind is part of ourselves; we must die to one life, before we can enter into another.” — Anatole France
Jessica fears of getting close, and having them leave. Even though lost, there is a spirit that moves and encircles and leads to a clearer path. Who had stolen her strength and dignity? The man who would make it impossible for love to be uncomplicated.
Soon she begins questioning her life, as a wife, companion, mother. Not trusting enough. Her husband seemed to want more, and she wanted less. It was easier to pretend that everything would be OK. No one wants to see something that they do not want to believe is there.
Then another shocker phone call. An explosive secret forces her to reconnect with Jonas. She had given herself to Marty, and trust does not come easy to her, from losing her father at a young age and then Jonas. The what ifs?
Haunted by the past and the guilt she still feels of her dad’s death. Then more guilt from her other hidden secret. Why couldn’t she be more like her mother who had overcome great adversity in her life. Her strength overshadowed any sign of weakness.
A simple memory could take her back. Thrust into a modern day moral and ethical dilemma, Jessica must face the pain of her past, or lose everything she holds dear.
She and her husband are separated by lies and miles that buried them from view. Now she has to choose between her husband and the man she always considered the love of her life. Will she make the right decision? Can Marty love her with her imperfections and does she trust him to understand? Was she holding on to something –needing and wanting.
“Sometimes you can’t always see love. You have to trust it is there. Learning the difference between real love and fairy tales.”
What a debut! Ongoing themes, thought-provoking, and beautiful metaphors! With Weinstein’s vast music background from LA to Miami, as well as her gift of prose, well-developed characters, and human insights, makes for a gripping and absorbing tale.
In addition to being a talented author, a genuine person, she definitely shares my love of nature-and familiar places-Inspiring! Love her book covers. I think she has a hidden degree in psychology.
“What makes a great song and great film? That passion, that marriage between the melody and the story? Words tell a story. As in filmmaking, a tremendous undertaking from conception to premier. All parts are critical and as long as every person is as ardent and industrious with their craft to equal stellar.”
As our personal relationships: Trust, life, marriage. Everyone has to do their part to make a success. A collaboration.
A mix of domestic suspense, contemporary, psychological, and romance. For fans of Liane Moriarty, T. Greenwood, Lisa Genova, Amy Hatvany, Catherine Ryan Hyde, Paula Treick DeBoard, Karen White and Diane Chamberlain.
Since I have read the third book, currently reading her second book, The Mourning After . Looking forward to her fourth book, Somebody's Daughter, plus hear rumors she is working on her fifth novel, a love story based in the Florida Keys (always my familiar favorite settings-can't wait). An author to follow!
JDCMustReadBooks
March 29, 2017
There wasn't anything truly complicated about this story -- no big "WOW" moment -- and no great surprise ending and yet it spoke to me. The author's writing style had such a smooth, fluid air to it with the sprinkling of a poetic blanket surrounding it. It was life in its purest form.
This story involves one girl, three time periods and the effects of choices made in each. The first time period is Jessica at age 16. It was like watching a flower unfold in slow motion. The young budding girl blossoms and finds life opening up to her. The aroma of passion and awareness is so strong that it can only be likened to those first few drops of coffee that falls from the percolator. Jessica's level of maturity and ability to think as an adult was a bit overplayed, but yet I loved the simplicity of this section.
Fast forward about 6 years and Jessica is seen watching her life unfold before her. She is given a chance to see her dreams come to fruition. She is much aware that choices from her past and relationships in her past have been pivotal in obtaining the life she envisioned. Unfortunately, there can be a downside to everything. And sometimes when you are moving forward, you find you have to leave the past behind. Sometimes it is impossible to grab the prize in front of you when you are still tethered to the past.
Fast forward another 6 years and you have Section 3 of this story. Jessica finds herself forced to face the repercussions of choices made in her youth. She is confronted with the reality of her feelings and her inability to forgive others and even herself. But some mistakes and feelings can never be buried forever. And unfortunately, sometimes when the past surfaces, someone is bound to get hurt. But how do you choose who you hurt and who you protect?
I found the characters well developed and felt the flow of the story to be steady and strong. In the end it delved into some controversial medical, moral and ethical issues and I thought the author's handling of it was spot on.
This story involves one girl, three time periods and the effects of choices made in each. The first time period is Jessica at age 16. It was like watching a flower unfold in slow motion. The young budding girl blossoms and finds life opening up to her. The aroma of passion and awareness is so strong that it can only be likened to those first few drops of coffee that falls from the percolator. Jessica's level of maturity and ability to think as an adult was a bit overplayed, but yet I loved the simplicity of this section.
Fast forward about 6 years and Jessica is seen watching her life unfold before her. She is given a chance to see her dreams come to fruition. She is much aware that choices from her past and relationships in her past have been pivotal in obtaining the life she envisioned. Unfortunately, there can be a downside to everything. And sometimes when you are moving forward, you find you have to leave the past behind. Sometimes it is impossible to grab the prize in front of you when you are still tethered to the past.
Fast forward another 6 years and you have Section 3 of this story. Jessica finds herself forced to face the repercussions of choices made in her youth. She is confronted with the reality of her feelings and her inability to forgive others and even herself. But some mistakes and feelings can never be buried forever. And unfortunately, sometimes when the past surfaces, someone is bound to get hurt. But how do you choose who you hurt and who you protect?
I found the characters well developed and felt the flow of the story to be steady and strong. In the end it delved into some controversial medical, moral and ethical issues and I thought the author's handling of it was spot on.
June 4, 2012
An excellent book about love, loss, and forgiveness. A well-written book that has the reader pulling for young Jessica Parker from the beginning.
Jessica is fifteen at the outset of the story and still trying to recover from her father's death several years before. She falls hard for a twenty-two year old med student who ends up dumping her. Jess pulls her life together and eventually gets married. However, the past threatens to destroy the life she has built. Jessica is a really strong woman with a sharp wit and keen intelligence (just the kind of protagonist I love to read about).
Highly recommended. If you enjoy books about relationships and romance, I think you will enjoy this book.
"Goodreads First Reads Give Away Book"
Jessica is fifteen at the outset of the story and still trying to recover from her father's death several years before. She falls hard for a twenty-two year old med student who ends up dumping her. Jess pulls her life together and eventually gets married. However, the past threatens to destroy the life she has built. Jessica is a really strong woman with a sharp wit and keen intelligence (just the kind of protagonist I love to read about).
Highly recommended. If you enjoy books about relationships and romance, I think you will enjoy this book.
"Goodreads First Reads Give Away Book"
February 16, 2016
This was a wonderful though heartbreaking book. It took me through many what ifs about my own life. What happens if you made a different decision or had a chance later on to do what you may have felt you should have done earlier
Jessica Parker learned about loss at an early age as a teen she falls into a relationship that she knew wasn't made to last going into it. But even knowing doesn't stop the heart from wanting. The second half of the book deals with the possibility of changing that past I don't want to spoil the outcomes of the book. Suffice it to say there are several gut wrenching twists to the story it's a beautiful love story and a lesson of learning to know and accept your self and your past so you can love others in the future
Jessica Parker learned about loss at an early age as a teen she falls into a relationship that she knew wasn't made to last going into it. But even knowing doesn't stop the heart from wanting. The second half of the book deals with the possibility of changing that past I don't want to spoil the outcomes of the book. Suffice it to say there are several gut wrenching twists to the story it's a beautiful love story and a lesson of learning to know and accept your self and your past so you can love others in the future
January 29, 2017
This is the second audiobook by Rochelle Weinstein that I have completed and absolutely loved. The writing is spectacular and beautiful! I feel I can't say too much about the story, especially Parts Two and Three, without giving too much away. I'll just say that I was surprised by a twist in the story, it was heart-wrenching, and it was so very hard to stop listening to this book. An excellent book and one I highly recommend it. The narration by Casey Turner was very well done!!
I won this audiobook from Rochelle Weinstein in a Twitter giveaway.
Favorite quotes:
"You can't always see love but you should always be able to trust that it's there."
"It's like the moon and the earth, they don't touch but they rely upon each other's presence. Just knowing he's somewhere, I'm less afraid, less alone."
"...the numbers that would forever represent time given and time stolen; the in-between was time borrowed, reduced to a dash." (referring to dates on a tombstone.)
I won this audiobook from Rochelle Weinstein in a Twitter giveaway.
Favorite quotes:
"You can't always see love but you should always be able to trust that it's there."
"It's like the moon and the earth, they don't touch but they rely upon each other's presence. Just knowing he's somewhere, I'm less afraid, less alone."
"...the numbers that would forever represent time given and time stolen; the in-between was time borrowed, reduced to a dash." (referring to dates on a tombstone.)
September 12, 2013
Wow. I haven’t read a novel like this in decades and it ushered in a flock of memories from my own adolescence defined by complicated emotions, hormone-raging impulses, secrets, misunderstandings and heartbreak from unrequited love. This book certainly speaks deeply to any woman who has ever loved and lost. Oftentimes, I was compelled to set the book aside to quietly ponder my own past of misguided relationships, wondering where I’d be today had I followed a different path. Ms. Weinstein does a phenomenal job of maintaining the story’s suspense and each time I’d pick it up to read “just another chapter or so,” I’d find myself tearing through the pages to find out what happened next- holding my breath through those last few chapters. Having finished, I can finally exhale…
February 18, 2016
Through the first couple of chapters I struggled to find a way to get into the story of “ What we Leave Behind”. For me, the young Jessica Parker felt forced, unbelievable and just written too old for her age. As she matured, an emotional complicated story developed. In my opinion, Weinstein is successful in creating a controversial, heartbreaking and still heartwarming story the reader can connect with and contemplate what they would do. It’s a nice thoughtful package.
*** Please note I received this book for free from Goodreads First-reads.
*** Please note I received this book for free from Goodreads First-reads.
February 16, 2016
I won this book in a First Reads giveaway. It took me a few chapters to relate to the main character Jessica, but as I continued to read, I couldn't put it down and finished the book in two days.
It is a coming of age love story with lots of twists and turns and surprises, and as the Author describes, it is both heartwarming and heartbreaking. Loved the book!
Thank you for the free, autographed copy!!
It is a coming of age love story with lots of twists and turns and surprises, and as the Author describes, it is both heartwarming and heartbreaking. Loved the book!
Thank you for the free, autographed copy!!
June 27, 2021
I didn't love this, but as always the writing pulls me in. I highly recommend everyone give this author a try on KU. Some books are available as ebook and audio version on KU so please try!!
I hated Jonas and I wanted more people outside of Jessie's mom to really hone in on why he is such a sleaze. I wanted HER to have a larger moment where she realized that. To me he is an abuser.
I hated Jonas and I wanted more people outside of Jessie's mom to really hone in on why he is such a sleaze. I wanted HER to have a larger moment where she realized that. To me he is an abuser.
March 15, 2012
I had NO idea where this was going. I feel at one point I was Jessica! From the way she was as a teen to the Mom who had to bury a child I was touched. I read the entire thing in a day! Great story and from a Mom who had to bury a child it was soooo good.
October 30, 2014
Took a little time to get into it but enjoyed the book.
August 16, 2025
What We Leave Behind by Rochelle Weinstein is the story of Jessica Parker as she faces life and emotional growth confronting the past and moving forward in her future. At sixteen, she is dealing with the loss of her father as well as the loss of her first love. After an intense summer romance, Jonas Levy, a twenty two year old medical student, has abruptly walked out of her life and Jessica is left with deep wounds. As she grows up and moves on, she eventually becomes a successful music supervisor in Los Angeles. After she marries Marty Tauber, a film producer, she finally seems to have it all until her marriage begins to unravel. When a secret from her past comes to light, Jessica finds herself in a storm of trauma and memories as she faces the past. Will she be able to find peace in order to salvage her marriage and save everything she loves?
For a story that describes itself that “our lives are a sum total of the choices we make, which inevitably leaves us to wonder: what if?” To ask the question: would we go back and make a different choice if we could? To live what could have been? However, What We Leave Behind fell short. The story dragged with lots happening but it didn’t really add to the benefit of the story. For me, different reveals felt out of place and were more for shock value than an emotional impact. I didn’t care for the main character, Jessica and the events that she has to experience which made the book very hard to pick up and get into. Overall, I did not enjoy What We Leave Behind. I just wasn’t drawn into a story I expected to be an emotional exploration of what if and what could have been. I do not recommend What We Leave Behind.
What We Leave Behind is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook
For a story that describes itself that “our lives are a sum total of the choices we make, which inevitably leaves us to wonder: what if?” To ask the question: would we go back and make a different choice if we could? To live what could have been? However, What We Leave Behind fell short. The story dragged with lots happening but it didn’t really add to the benefit of the story. For me, different reveals felt out of place and were more for shock value than an emotional impact. I didn’t care for the main character, Jessica and the events that she has to experience which made the book very hard to pick up and get into. Overall, I did not enjoy What We Leave Behind. I just wasn’t drawn into a story I expected to be an emotional exploration of what if and what could have been. I do not recommend What We Leave Behind.
What We Leave Behind is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook
August 17, 2020
Rochelle B. Weinstein is a Rock Star! I absolutely Love how she puts twists and turns into her stories and the characters are so wonderful. Casey Turner did an Amazing job bringing this story to life! I highly recommend it.
December 19, 2020
I finished this book about 3 months ago. As I recall I didn’t really like the main character, Jessica. So, it took me a long time to read the book which made it seem never-ending. But, don’t let that put you off the book, it has a lot of high ratings so many people obviously enjoyed it and I do recall there were some good parts, it just wasn’t for me.
September 3, 2014
I received this book as a winner of a Goodreads giveaway two summers ago. Just after I won it, I experienced a loss and I felt I might have a difficult time with the subject matter of the book. It stared at me from its place on my bookshelf and asked me again and again to pay attention. Although I am glad I waited, because this novel has many heartbreaking moments and I probably wasn't prepared for them emotionally until recently, I am truly sorry I didn't read it before now. This is a beautiful novel and deserves to be read and praised.
What We Leave Behind is a story of the way we love, and how we seem to find room in our hearts for more even when we are left with bitter pain and memories that seem to tell us making more room is impossible. The things we endure and and the things we are rewarded with are both represented in this novel. It is an honest depiction of young love, moving forward, starting over, and marriage. It also is a lovely telling of the moments in our lives when our hearts decide for us, even though those decisions may not always be in our best interest.
I don't want to give too much of the plot away because there is a definite twist and there are many moments throughout the book when you are left feeling off kilter because of the unexpected turns of events. I think it best to say that this book is worth your time and that I am looking forward to reading The Mourning After as well as her new book which has yet to be titled.
I'd also like to thank Ms. Weinstein for personalizing my copy. Although it had an "autographed" sticker on the cover, I expected only her name and found that she has written a lovely note on the title page wishing me well as I read the book. I cherish copies of books that have the author's signature and seeing this brief inscription made me realize that I had picked this book up at exactly the right time.
What We Leave Behind is a story of the way we love, and how we seem to find room in our hearts for more even when we are left with bitter pain and memories that seem to tell us making more room is impossible. The things we endure and and the things we are rewarded with are both represented in this novel. It is an honest depiction of young love, moving forward, starting over, and marriage. It also is a lovely telling of the moments in our lives when our hearts decide for us, even though those decisions may not always be in our best interest.
I don't want to give too much of the plot away because there is a definite twist and there are many moments throughout the book when you are left feeling off kilter because of the unexpected turns of events. I think it best to say that this book is worth your time and that I am looking forward to reading The Mourning After as well as her new book which has yet to be titled.
I'd also like to thank Ms. Weinstein for personalizing my copy. Although it had an "autographed" sticker on the cover, I expected only her name and found that she has written a lovely note on the title page wishing me well as I read the book. I cherish copies of books that have the author's signature and seeing this brief inscription made me realize that I had picked this book up at exactly the right time.
September 27, 2015
For my review, I'd like to start with a quote from the book, a rumination from the main protagonist:
"In those moments of darkness, it was starting to become clear to me. For too long I’d been unable to rely on others, as if needing someone would make them leave. Maybe Marty hadn’t left. Maybe it was me who had become frightened and scared and retreated into places I didn’t dare speak about. Maybe it wasn’t so terrible to need someone."
Albeit late, this was a very fitting thought to end the book (no, these were not the actual words in the ending; these were a couple of chapters yet before the end). It also marked the moment when Jessica was lifted out of a lifetime of walls and shields she carefully built around herself.
Jessica had Jonas for her first love, her first heartache. Who knew what could have been if circumstances permitted them to be together? Several years later, she fell in love again. She finally found her happiness, only to be thwarted by a tragedy, by a long-buried secret that resurfaced. Is it worth sacrificing her present life only to go back where she and Jonas left off more than a decade ago?"
For me, the story is all about redemption and coming to terms with one's self. It is so true that before we can give to others or love others, we must first look inward. We must truly know ourselves first; we must truly love ourselves first.
"In those moments of darkness, it was starting to become clear to me. For too long I’d been unable to rely on others, as if needing someone would make them leave. Maybe Marty hadn’t left. Maybe it was me who had become frightened and scared and retreated into places I didn’t dare speak about. Maybe it wasn’t so terrible to need someone."
Albeit late, this was a very fitting thought to end the book (no, these were not the actual words in the ending; these were a couple of chapters yet before the end). It also marked the moment when Jessica was lifted out of a lifetime of walls and shields she carefully built around herself.
Jessica had Jonas for her first love, her first heartache. Who knew what could have been if circumstances permitted them to be together? Several years later, she fell in love again. She finally found her happiness, only to be thwarted by a tragedy, by a long-buried secret that resurfaced. Is it worth sacrificing her present life only to go back where she and Jonas left off more than a decade ago?"
For me, the story is all about redemption and coming to terms with one's self. It is so true that before we can give to others or love others, we must first look inward. We must truly know ourselves first; we must truly love ourselves first.
July 30, 2012
This book is just beautiful, I feel so privileged to be one of the first people in the world to have read it.
Nothing about this novel disappoints. Weinstein writes with such poetry and ease that your eyes glide across the pages like blades on ice and, before you know it, you're nearing the end of the book.
The characters Weinstein has created in this fantastic debut novel are likable, sympathetic and very, very real. These are people whom you pass in the street every day, who you share the air with.
The story itself is actually quite simple; there's nothing really complex about it, but it is mesmerising. The way she weaves all of the characters' backgrounds together - to bring them into one - is so well thought out and so well executed, it's as if you are reading about people you actually know.
I won't say any more, for fear of giving anything away, but I would recommend this book to everybody I know. It's definitely not one to miss.
Nothing about this novel disappoints. Weinstein writes with such poetry and ease that your eyes glide across the pages like blades on ice and, before you know it, you're nearing the end of the book.
The characters Weinstein has created in this fantastic debut novel are likable, sympathetic and very, very real. These are people whom you pass in the street every day, who you share the air with.
The story itself is actually quite simple; there's nothing really complex about it, but it is mesmerising. The way she weaves all of the characters' backgrounds together - to bring them into one - is so well thought out and so well executed, it's as if you are reading about people you actually know.
I won't say any more, for fear of giving anything away, but I would recommend this book to everybody I know. It's definitely not one to miss.
November 5, 2012
Rochelle Weinstein has created an original teenage character here --
a highly intelligent, flippant, vulnerable 16-year-old cynic who views the world through narrowed eyes while waiting for the other shoe to drop following the death of her father. Although Jessica is subject to the same lovesickness as most teenage girls with their first crush, she has her guard up every minute. Good thing, too -- Jonas is all about his own carefully mapped future.
When we meet Jess again, she is a wife, mother, and professional. Although happy, she seems subdued by life. When a personal tragedy leads to the revelation of a well-kept secret, what follows seems predictable -- until the end!
A fine exploration of the exquisite heartache of teenagers, the fallacies we carry within ourselves, and how the smoke clears when we finally let go of our illusions.
a highly intelligent, flippant, vulnerable 16-year-old cynic who views the world through narrowed eyes while waiting for the other shoe to drop following the death of her father. Although Jessica is subject to the same lovesickness as most teenage girls with their first crush, she has her guard up every minute. Good thing, too -- Jonas is all about his own carefully mapped future.
When we meet Jess again, she is a wife, mother, and professional. Although happy, she seems subdued by life. When a personal tragedy leads to the revelation of a well-kept secret, what follows seems predictable -- until the end!
A fine exploration of the exquisite heartache of teenagers, the fallacies we carry within ourselves, and how the smoke clears when we finally let go of our illusions.
May 30, 2012
This book is a great read. The story touches on many different experiences we have all gone through in our relationship with love. It is funny and sad, you laugh and cry. And that to me is the basis of a great book. The author takes you through a journey of life, which always includes ups and downs, happy moments and sad ones. I recommend this book to everyone who loves to read a great story. Amazing effort for a first time author. I hope all of the future author's books are this compelling.
May 23, 2012
The pages of Ms. Weinstein's novel seem to turn themselves. The words invite the reader to take place in a tango of the deepest love and the most tragic loss. Women, especially, will find part of themselves in Jessica. I am truly impressed with this author and I look forward to meeting these characters again.
I attended one of Ms. Weinstein's book-signings, and I must say that I am even more impressed now. She is a wonderful author, and a wonderful person. I can't wait for the next novel.
I attended one of Ms. Weinstein's book-signings, and I must say that I am even more impressed now. She is a wonderful author, and a wonderful person. I can't wait for the next novel.
June 2, 2012
I truly enjoyed reading this book. I'm anxiously awaiting Rochelle's next book. What I enjoyed the most was the twists in the story -- it's the kind of book you just can't put down --, you just can't wait to see what happens next! I also enjoyed how Rochelle weaves in the unexpected, but quickly fills in to where you immediately realize what's happening. When a book makes you feel like you are part of the story, that for me, is good writing! Thanks for sharing your talent . . . :)
July 11, 2012
Good throw-back to childhood crushes and first loves. The author really put me in the moment and took me back to those tender, teen years of crushes. Unfortunately, the author then sped through key events in the main character's life and fast-forwarded to the present tense. I connected with the character early, but then felt I didn't understand her as she became an adult, dealing with adult issues. Nevertheless, I wanted to know how it ended, so I kept reading. The ending was satisfying.
November 3, 2014
Here's what I left behind...hours of my time that I'm never getting back. I'll save you that same fate...don't read this book! I can't even tell you how many times I rolled my eyes, laughed at the absurdities that were on every page of this read, and just plain skipped everything but dialogue to finish this tortuous book. Whew, on to something better I hope!
June 30, 2015
Intense book...I read it in one sitting, into the early morning hours, unable to put it down. I appreciate the reverence with which she tells the tale...no one is perfect but they are all...understandable - and likeable, despite their many flaws.
I liked that the ending was different from what I'd initially hoped, but remained perfect anyway...
I liked that the ending was different from what I'd initially hoped, but remained perfect anyway...
July 14, 2020
This is a tough book to review. There are many things done well in the book and as I was nearing it's end, I was leaning towards giving it 5 stars. But the ending killed it for me. I can't give more than 3 stars to a book in the romance genre that produces an ending that is not what is built up in the writing.
This is the fourth Weinstein book I've read. She has a style of writing that I like and her other books delivered on the ending she was building. I was very excited to read this book and as was the case with the others, it is engaging and I was drawn to read through it quickly.
Here are the things that didn't work for me:
1) Several times reading I'd yell out 'what' trying to make sense of the flow. I'd swear a sentence was missing but you'd read on and it would sort of make sense but I was left wondering what I wasn't understanding. A classic example is the Epilogue where two people are talking and we're left to guess who they are. With thought, you can figure it out but this is the ending - should there be mystery to this? Another example is an exchange with Jessica's mother where Jessica is implying she is having sex with Marty and yet they haven't started dating yet. But she throws it out there leaving you to wonder if you missed something.
2) Jessica in the beginning sounds more like a 13/14 year old than a 15/16 year old.
3) A substantial amount of words (book 1) is devoted to demonstrating the love between Jonas and Jessica. So many words are spent on this that the pace is a little slow. Then we fast forward mostly past Jessica's reaction to the loss of Jonas. When we pick her up, we learn she has been with no other men. But magically she hooks up with her playboy boss when he expresses interest in her. I did not feel we were shown any connection to Marty that was more than friendship and a woman longing to finally be sexual again. I didn't see love and didn't understand why she magically was 'free' when she learned Jonas was married. This propelled her to go ahead and marry Marty. They seem to have a good marriage and she seems satisfied. They encounter loss which adds to the character's issues. Then we have a substantial buildup to bring Jonas back into her life. She gets closure but we're again shown two people who seem to love one another. Only to be delivered an ending where she sets him free and decides she doesn't love him. Reader screams in frustration 'then why did I read all of those pages?'. Many readers seem happy with this ending. It is not a HEA to me.
4) There were believability problems with this book. First, I don't believe given his family that Jonas would have walked the plank to follow Emily and marry her. His family was romantic and believed in his love for Jessica. Maybe I can buy the 'she's 16, I can't go there' but he'd have looked back and done something when things fell apart. He was very passive and as she said weak. Second, when Jessica looks up her old therapist and makes the call but hangs up, I can't see why it was so many years before she made the call again. She went through several major traumas and decisions and waited until after those to get back in therapy. Can't believe the mother that pushed her into therapy as a child, essentially left her to go rudderless through so many additional losses. She's a nurse. She would have nudged her back to therapy. Third, I don't believe Jessica waited six years after, not making any attempts to contact Jonas, and doesn't date anyone else but then somehow falls willingly to someone else so quickly.
5) I didn't see character growth. We watch in frustration as Jonas goes against his heart and chooses the path of least resistance. We really don't get a great reason for why he did this other than to not hurt Emily. She needs him. Then we watch Jessica make the same choice at the end of the book. She plays it safe and stays the course. She denies her feelings for Jonas and chooses to let them go. I don't see how Michelle did anything other than establish a connection between Jonas and Jessica and then it was killed off along with Michelle. The underlying thread is that Jonas-Jessica is a cancer. We were told (not shown) why Marty was better because he was willing to offer her everything whereas 22 year old Jonas wouldn't offer her. It felt like punishing Jonas for what he didn't do years ago and choosing not to hurt someone who did love her. At some point, I want to see Jessica choose what she wants. Instead, she's passive and listens to her mom's ideas of what she should do. She's not 16 anymore.
6) The Epilogue blows as an ending. It is good she's back in therapy but it leaves you to wonder what she will do, what she would have chosen or will choose once she works past her issues. The therapy should have been introduced earlier to work through her issues so she could make decisions we could feel confident were bringing a HEA. In this case, I just see Jessica as someone who endured too much loss and will likely be broken for a long time. Her issues expand well beyond the loss of a father. She didn't deal with the pain of losing Jonas and Michelle initially and then loses Josh and Michelle later.
This is the fourth Weinstein book I've read. She has a style of writing that I like and her other books delivered on the ending she was building. I was very excited to read this book and as was the case with the others, it is engaging and I was drawn to read through it quickly.
Here are the things that didn't work for me:
1) Several times reading I'd yell out 'what' trying to make sense of the flow. I'd swear a sentence was missing but you'd read on and it would sort of make sense but I was left wondering what I wasn't understanding. A classic example is the Epilogue where two people are talking and we're left to guess who they are. With thought, you can figure it out but this is the ending - should there be mystery to this? Another example is an exchange with Jessica's mother where Jessica is implying she is having sex with Marty and yet they haven't started dating yet. But she throws it out there leaving you to wonder if you missed something.
2) Jessica in the beginning sounds more like a 13/14 year old than a 15/16 year old.
3) A substantial amount of words (book 1) is devoted to demonstrating the love between Jonas and Jessica. So many words are spent on this that the pace is a little slow. Then we fast forward mostly past Jessica's reaction to the loss of Jonas. When we pick her up, we learn she has been with no other men. But magically she hooks up with her playboy boss when he expresses interest in her. I did not feel we were shown any connection to Marty that was more than friendship and a woman longing to finally be sexual again. I didn't see love and didn't understand why she magically was 'free' when she learned Jonas was married. This propelled her to go ahead and marry Marty. They seem to have a good marriage and she seems satisfied. They encounter loss which adds to the character's issues. Then we have a substantial buildup to bring Jonas back into her life. She gets closure but we're again shown two people who seem to love one another. Only to be delivered an ending where she sets him free and decides she doesn't love him. Reader screams in frustration 'then why did I read all of those pages?'. Many readers seem happy with this ending. It is not a HEA to me.
4) There were believability problems with this book. First, I don't believe given his family that Jonas would have walked the plank to follow Emily and marry her. His family was romantic and believed in his love for Jessica. Maybe I can buy the 'she's 16, I can't go there' but he'd have looked back and done something when things fell apart. He was very passive and as she said weak. Second, when Jessica looks up her old therapist and makes the call but hangs up, I can't see why it was so many years before she made the call again. She went through several major traumas and decisions and waited until after those to get back in therapy. Can't believe the mother that pushed her into therapy as a child, essentially left her to go rudderless through so many additional losses. She's a nurse. She would have nudged her back to therapy. Third, I don't believe Jessica waited six years after, not making any attempts to contact Jonas, and doesn't date anyone else but then somehow falls willingly to someone else so quickly.
5) I didn't see character growth. We watch in frustration as Jonas goes against his heart and chooses the path of least resistance. We really don't get a great reason for why he did this other than to not hurt Emily. She needs him. Then we watch Jessica make the same choice at the end of the book. She plays it safe and stays the course. She denies her feelings for Jonas and chooses to let them go. I don't see how Michelle did anything other than establish a connection between Jonas and Jessica and then it was killed off along with Michelle. The underlying thread is that Jonas-Jessica is a cancer. We were told (not shown) why Marty was better because he was willing to offer her everything whereas 22 year old Jonas wouldn't offer her. It felt like punishing Jonas for what he didn't do years ago and choosing not to hurt someone who did love her. At some point, I want to see Jessica choose what she wants. Instead, she's passive and listens to her mom's ideas of what she should do. She's not 16 anymore.
6) The Epilogue blows as an ending. It is good she's back in therapy but it leaves you to wonder what she will do, what she would have chosen or will choose once she works past her issues. The therapy should have been introduced earlier to work through her issues so she could make decisions we could feel confident were bringing a HEA. In this case, I just see Jessica as someone who endured too much loss and will likely be broken for a long time. Her issues expand well beyond the loss of a father. She didn't deal with the pain of losing Jonas and Michelle initially and then loses Josh and Michelle later.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 22, 2012
I thoroughly enjoyed the book from start to finish. I could not put it down!
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