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Not After Everything
Tyler has a football scholarship to Stanford, a hot girlfriend, and a reliable army of friends to party with. Then his mom kills herself. And Tyler lets it all go. Now he needs to dodge what his dad is offering (verbal tirades and abuse) and earn what his dad isn’t (money). Tyler finds a job that crashes him into Jordyn, his former childhood friend turned angry-loner goth-girl. She brings Tyler an unexpected reprieve from the never-ending pity party his life has become. How could he not fall for her? But with his dad more brutally unpredictable than ever, Tyler knows he can’t risk bringing Jordyn too deeply into the chaos. So when violence rocks his world again, will it be Jordyn who shows him the way to a hopeful future? Or after everything, will Tyler have to find that future for himself?
336 pages, Hardcover
First published August 4, 2015
70 people are currently reading
10175 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Levy
1 book125 followersMichelle Levy was born and raised in Littleton, Colorado, where she memorized books before she was able to read, tricking her parents into thinking she was a genius. At eighteen she moved to Los Angeles, to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. Michelle always secretly harbored a desire to write. She spent many insomnia-filled nights dreaming up stories that she never thought to write down. When she finally set out to get something on the page, the words flew out of her until she had her first completed manuscript, and she never looked back.
When Michelle isn't writing she is most likely working at her other job as a casting director, where in her many years of casting she has been privileged to work on projects such as Six Feet Under, Deadwood, Bruce Almighty, Mr. Popper’s Penguins, Vampire Academy: Blood Sisters, and many more.
She still lives in Los Angeles but desperately misses thunderstorms and clouds and, well, weather really (even the occasional snowstorm), so she visits Colorado quite often.
When Michelle isn't writing she is most likely working at her other job as a casting director, where in her many years of casting she has been privileged to work on projects such as Six Feet Under, Deadwood, Bruce Almighty, Mr. Popper’s Penguins, Vampire Academy: Blood Sisters, and many more.
She still lives in Los Angeles but desperately misses thunderstorms and clouds and, well, weather really (even the occasional snowstorm), so she visits Colorado quite often.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 529 reviews
September 21, 2015
This was good until that freaking end..
February 18, 2017
Ohhhhhhhhhhh que historia más dura, más cruel, pero triste y tierna a la vez.
Me ha gustado muchísimo.
Tyler, el protagonista, me ha encantado.
Es una historia agridulce pero que merece la pena leer.
Recomendable 100% a pesar de su traducción al español/latino (hay expresiones y palabras que descolocan porque no se conocen).
Me ha gustado muchísimo.
Tyler, el protagonista, me ha encantado.
Es una historia agridulce pero que merece la pena leer.
Recomendable 100% a pesar de su traducción al español/latino (hay expresiones y palabras que descolocan porque no se conocen).
October 21, 2016
4 Estrellas, y mi corazón partío'
A pesar de haberlo acabado hace 24 horas aún siento un vació en mi alma, ¡qué historia! Creo no haber leído algo así antes (por lo menos no que se le parezca mucho). ¡Por deos! Sufrí con Tyler todo el bendito libro, ¡¿Cómo pueden haber padres así?! Y tengo tanta furia por la situación porque, compañeros, esto se vive en la vida real, ¡deos!
Al principio debí de hacerle caso de frenarme de leerlo por lo que se menciona a "Eleanor y Park" en la sinopsis (hace tantos años que lo leí que aún me duele recordar, pero no se confundan los que no lo han leído, esto es otra cosa pero se siente esa melancolía y desconsuelo al leerlos a los dos). No obstante, siendo sincera no me arrepiento de haberlo leído, es uno de esos libros que todos en nuestros ratos libres deberíamos leer, te abre un poco los ojos como hijo, padres o futuros padres. :(
Esta historia va desde una tragedia, de los golpes de la vida hasta superación, el amor, las metas y llegar a ellas aunque se deje de creer en si vale la pena vivir a pesar de estar solos, abandonados y sin nadie que nos quiera o comprendan. Va de recibir los golpes pero también de saber levantarse y curarse las heridas.
Para finalizar, mi derramamiento de sentimientos dolorosos, sólo tengo que decir que ese final no me gustó pero al igual que "Eleanor y Park" es tan real y es el que de alguna manera "debe" ser (aunque estoy a la espera de un epílogo.
Gracias a la persona que me lo recomendó. ¡Abrazos para ella!
A pesar de haberlo acabado hace 24 horas aún siento un vació en mi alma, ¡qué historia! Creo no haber leído algo así antes (por lo menos no que se le parezca mucho). ¡Por deos! Sufrí con Tyler todo el bendito libro, ¡¿Cómo pueden haber padres así?! Y tengo tanta furia por la situación porque, compañeros, esto se vive en la vida real, ¡deos!
Al principio debí de hacerle caso de frenarme de leerlo por lo que se menciona a "Eleanor y Park" en la sinopsis (hace tantos años que lo leí que aún me duele recordar, pero no se confundan los que no lo han leído, esto es otra cosa pero se siente esa melancolía y desconsuelo al leerlos a los dos). No obstante, siendo sincera no me arrepiento de haberlo leído, es uno de esos libros que todos en nuestros ratos libres deberíamos leer, te abre un poco los ojos como hijo, padres o futuros padres. :(
Esta historia va desde una tragedia, de los golpes de la vida hasta superación, el amor, las metas y llegar a ellas aunque se deje de creer en si vale la pena vivir a pesar de estar solos, abandonados y sin nadie que nos quiera o comprendan. Va de recibir los golpes pero también de saber levantarse y curarse las heridas.
Para finalizar, mi derramamiento de sentimientos dolorosos, sólo tengo que decir que ese final no me gustó pero al igual que "Eleanor y Park" es tan real y es el que de alguna manera "debe" ser (aunque estoy a la espera de un epílogo.
Gracias a la persona que me lo recomendó. ¡Abrazos para ella!
May 29, 2017
Brushing your teeth with minty toothpaste, and then going and chugging a glass of orange juice.
That is the feeling I had while reading this, the bitter taste and the shudder that goes through your body just telling you that something is not right. Not After Everything felt like a hit or miss kind of book when I started reading it - it was a definite miss for me.
I put it down after Chapter Twenty One. My brain was on overdrive and it was screaming "You're not going to read on! Not After Everything you just read!! You can't possibly!!"
Tyler was a problem for me. The Narration was a problem for me. The disparaging outlook he had towards a lot of things was a problem for me. Some lines that were thrown out throughout the story was a problem for me.
So, I guess in conclusion... The moral of the story is I have a helluva lot of problems. This book being one of them.
That is the feeling I had while reading this, the bitter taste and the shudder that goes through your body just telling you that something is not right. Not After Everything felt like a hit or miss kind of book when I started reading it - it was a definite miss for me.
I put it down after Chapter Twenty One. My brain was on overdrive and it was screaming "You're not going to read on! Not After Everything you just read!! You can't possibly!!"
Tyler was a problem for me. The Narration was a problem for me. The disparaging outlook he had towards a lot of things was a problem for me. Some lines that were thrown out throughout the story was a problem for me.
So, I guess in conclusion... The moral of the story is I have a helluva lot of problems. This book being one of them.
September 29, 2015
I think this book would work for a lot of readers, but I just had a lot of run-ins with Not After Everything that prevented me from truly enjoying it.
Okay, so one of my biggest pet peeves are unlikable narrators, and guys I just really disliked Tyler. He is such a huge jerk! "Snarky, angry, mad-at-the-world" narrators are so hard for me to connect with, and Tyler takes the cake at being at the top of that list. He always has some derogatory comment to add to just about everyone he runs into:
Or something stereotypical:
And it was seriously annoying how much sex dominated his thoughts. This book is a good 75% of sexual related thoughts that are never acted on. I guess it's just thrown in there to show that he's a... well... guy.
And seriously, what is this about?? :
Yeah... I dunno... maybe it's just impolite and creepily inappropriate to stare at your teenage son's nudity??
And I'm not bothered by profanity at all, but it was just so over the top in this novel. Once again, I think the author used it excessively as a reminder--in case I forgot--that he's a guy, and that's how guys think and talk: 50% profanity. 50% sex. Yep.
So maybe I'm being a stickler, but Tyler just seemed like a rude, cranky, vulgar, mulish guy and it made it so difficult for me to really get into this book. If stuff like that doesn't bother you, then otherwise, really, the book isn't so bad. I did think that it was unnecessarily long... I mean the book does drag a lot in the middle, and I thought the beginning had such a slow start (I was pretty bored until I got to the last half). I wasn't exactly feeling the romance either. But what got me was how the author captures the abusive relationship between him and his father. It was so gritty and gruesomely realistic, and also his feelings toward his mother (this isn't a spoiler, but she committed suicide) is so complex, raw, and organic. Michelle Levy writes those parts with so much feeling, and towards the end I was pretty choked up. But the actual ending itself was so unsatisfying. It didn't even feel like an ending.
All in all, the cons outweighed the pros big time for me, which is why I couldn't give this more than 2 stars.
Okay, so one of my biggest pet peeves are unlikable narrators, and guys I just really disliked Tyler. He is such a huge jerk! "Snarky, angry, mad-at-the-world" narrators are so hard for me to connect with, and Tyler takes the cake at being at the top of that list. He always has some derogatory comment to add to just about everyone he runs into:
A woman with one of the most unfortunate faces I've ever seen--eyes too close together, nose too long, serious lack of a chin, and the kind of buckteeth I didn't know still existed after the advent of orthodontics--enters with her equally ugly son, who's either suffering from severe ADHD or he's just done a line of coke. The woman is wearing pink, and I mean pink, lipstick on her buckteeth in addition to her lips.
Or something stereotypical:
We have the quiet nerds with backpacks twice as thick as they are, twitching with anxiety at the mere possibility of socialization; the skaters, who haven't received the memo that wearing your pants below your ass was never cool; and the band geeks huddled together wearing their letterman jackets. Why they give letterman jackets to the band is something I will never get.
And it was seriously annoying how much sex dominated his thoughts. This book is a good 75% of sexual related thoughts that are never acted on. I guess it's just thrown in there to show that he's a... well... guy.
After school, it was either jerk off in the shower or get out of the house and do something productive.
She is kind of hot. If I made a move on her it would definitely piss Sheila off. That would be very bad. For both of us. I don't mind pissing Sheila off., but I don't want Cara to suffer Sheila's wrath because of me. But then again, she does have a nice rack.
"Can we talk about something else? Who are you screwing this week?" I ask Marcus.
"You ever think of asking Cara?" I ask.
"Cara? Well, yeah Man, her tits! I'd love to hit that, but there's no way. She's too smart to fall for my shit."
The oldest Child of the Corn has changed into jeans and a shirt that's staining agains her ample chest, I realize she's hot. She steps in my path, pulls a merger out of her purse, takes my hand, and writes her number. Then she takes my index finger in her mouth and sucks on it. If that little finger-sucking display is any indication of how fun she might be, perhaps I will call her. (And this was while he was in a relationship with Sheila)
"For your information, I am having sex with someone, mind-blowing acrobatic sex, but that has nothing to do with breaking up with you, it's just a bonus. And it's not that goth chick."
And seriously, what is this about?? :
I towel off as I casually stroll over to the pile of clothes. I can do this. I can face my dad. I pick out a pair of jeans and some boxers, pulling them on without bothering to shield my nakedness from him. I have a sneaking suspicion my d*ck is bigger than his. Sure enough, he turns away, boosting my confidence.
Yeah... I dunno... maybe it's just impolite and creepily inappropriate to stare at your teenage son's nudity??
And I'm not bothered by profanity at all, but it was just so over the top in this novel. Once again, I think the author used it excessively as a reminder--in case I forgot--that he's a guy, and that's how guys think and talk: 50% profanity. 50% sex. Yep.
So maybe I'm being a stickler, but Tyler just seemed like a rude, cranky, vulgar, mulish guy and it made it so difficult for me to really get into this book. If stuff like that doesn't bother you, then otherwise, really, the book isn't so bad. I did think that it was unnecessarily long... I mean the book does drag a lot in the middle, and I thought the beginning had such a slow start (I was pretty bored until I got to the last half). I wasn't exactly feeling the romance either. But what got me was how the author captures the abusive relationship between him and his father. It was so gritty and gruesomely realistic, and also his feelings toward his mother (this isn't a spoiler, but she committed suicide) is so complex, raw, and organic. Michelle Levy writes those parts with so much feeling, and towards the end I was pretty choked up. But the actual ending itself was so unsatisfying. It didn't even feel like an ending.
All in all, the cons outweighed the pros big time for me, which is why I couldn't give this more than 2 stars.
December 22, 2015
I am not exactly sure how I really feel about this book yet – I guess, I’m still trying to absorb the way the author chose to end it. Some would say that it has a hopeful ending for our main character Tyler, whose last year in high school was marred by the suicide of his mother for which he blames himself and everything in between was just a cacophony of hurt, betrayal, discovery, recovery and most importantly, love.
I loved the fact that despite the heavy plot lines in the story and the too angsty plight of Tyler – new author Michelle Levy was able to relay the book into something that is not overly dramatic with an overabundance of purple prose. Thank the gods she didn’t because it’s what some authors tends to do with such theme.
If you are up for something that will leave you just so sad like someone just ate your puppy or just be depressed like shit, this book is enough to leave you in such state. Written entirely from Tyler’s point of view, it let us see how barely legal Tyler pick up his life after the heartbreaking loss of his mother and how he tried to just go with the flow. Readers will feel that grief (I know I did – gaah, I told myself before that I’m gonna try to stop reading books like this because they just destroy the hell out of me – emotionally, but gahh – this book! *sigh*) and all that hurt Tyler is keeping for himself. And if I can just suckerpunch his dad, I know I’d totally do it. At first, I really didn’t see the need to keep himself from punching his asshole of a dad. I was like, cmon’ man – just one punch pppllleaseee… but no. Did not happen. Tyler’s a tough kid. Blame game. It’s a blame game all over again.
I loved how Jordyn and her family came into the picture. It’s just one of the bright spots in Tyler’s shadowed moment in his young life. It’s almost heartbreaking how they cared so much for him. The subtle blossoming in their relationship was fun to watch because you know that there’s true caring in there and there’s understanding. Most of the times it’s true – all you need is love.
The conclusion of the book was rather heartbreaking to say the least. It’s hopeful yeah but I find it really sad. There. I guess at the end of writing this review, I finally decided to put into words what I feel about it. It’s actually pretty believable. If I were on Tyler’s shoes, I don’t think I could come back. I just don’t see myself coming back to that place in time. Just like Tyler, he will move on and will never or perhaps it’d be a long time before he’d find himself looking back. Not after everything…
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
I loved the fact that despite the heavy plot lines in the story and the too angsty plight of Tyler – new author Michelle Levy was able to relay the book into something that is not overly dramatic with an overabundance of purple prose. Thank the gods she didn’t because it’s what some authors tends to do with such theme.
If you are up for something that will leave you just so sad like someone just ate your puppy or just be depressed like shit, this book is enough to leave you in such state. Written entirely from Tyler’s point of view, it let us see how barely legal Tyler pick up his life after the heartbreaking loss of his mother and how he tried to just go with the flow. Readers will feel that grief (I know I did – gaah, I told myself before that I’m gonna try to stop reading books like this because they just destroy the hell out of me – emotionally, but gahh – this book! *sigh*) and all that hurt Tyler is keeping for himself. And if I can just suckerpunch his dad, I know I’d totally do it. At first, I really didn’t see the need to keep himself from punching his asshole of a dad. I was like, cmon’ man – just one punch pppllleaseee… but no. Did not happen. Tyler’s a tough kid. Blame game. It’s a blame game all over again.
I loved how Jordyn and her family came into the picture. It’s just one of the bright spots in Tyler’s shadowed moment in his young life. It’s almost heartbreaking how they cared so much for him. The subtle blossoming in their relationship was fun to watch because you know that there’s true caring in there and there’s understanding. Most of the times it’s true – all you need is love.
The conclusion of the book was rather heartbreaking to say the least. It’s hopeful yeah but I find it really sad. There. I guess at the end of writing this review, I finally decided to put into words what I feel about it. It’s actually pretty believable. If I were on Tyler’s shoes, I don’t think I could come back. I just don’t see myself coming back to that place in time. Just like Tyler, he will move on and will never or perhaps it’d be a long time before he’d find himself looking back. Not after everything…
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
September 22, 2022
I was going to wait to review this book until my head and heart settled down. But I can’t. Not after everything. I need to get it out on the page now when my heart is still a mess of emotion. Not After Everything shows the brutality and awfulness in people. There is so much ugliness here, but a lot of hope and love as well. Teary-eyed hope.
Tyler Blackwell’s Mom killed herself. Committed suicide leaving him alone with a father who only communicates with head games, guilt, punches and verbal abuse. This book doesn’t mess around. It’s a hard story with hard lessons. Important lessons about standing up for yourself and your life. Michelle Levy writes Tyler’s voice in a brutally honest, straight forward, no sugar coating way. I liked the style and Tyler very much.
Tyler, a senior in high school, is struggling to stay afloat in an awful sea of grief, anger, and confusion. The way he talks and describes his pain felt very real to me. A sad, funny, lost, horny, and sweet voice. Tyler made my heart happy and hurt.
”Yeah, yeah, yeah. I’m...” I can’t finish because a piece of feeling has gone and gotten stuck in my throat.”
What hit me the hardest and impressed me the most about this story was how Ms. Levy gave Tyler time to break apart, remain broken, and then slowly start to put the pieces back together. Not that anything will be the same. Not that he will ever be the same. After a devastating blow and loss, life does go on. People want to understand and give you time, but that time soon runs out. Life expects you to keep moving, keep doing the same things. People expect you to be the same person. What if you can’t though? Can’t keep socializing with the same crowd or playing the same games? That’s when people don’t know what to do and more often than not turn away or push too hard. The world doesn’t seem to allow us time and room to fall to pieces. Sometimes that’s the only option though. Kids, teachers, and coaches all want to see Tyler in class and on the field. But he can’t. The people that once surrounded and supported him every day now felt suffocating and fake. Sometimes we need an old friend or someone new to pull us up again after a tragedy. Tyler finds that someone in Jordyn, a girl hiding behind a face of makeup and scowls. Tyler and Jordyn used to be friends as kids, but grew apart. They find each other again at just the right time.
”She does move her finger, but only to brush my finger back. My breathing speeds up. That tiny little touch is enough to make my entire body throb with electricity. I pull on the book, drawing her closer, looking from her eyes to her lips and back again. She licks her bottom lip. I lean in slightly. My stomach feels like I’ve swallowed a hurricane.”
I loved Tyler and Jordyn’s chemistry. Their time together was filled with humor, jabs, sarcasm, understanding, silence, and sparks! They had this ease with each other because of their history, but also knew how to push each other’s buttons. Jordyn gave Tyler shit! Gave him a push when he needed it. She didn’t let him get away with being an ass because of his loss, but she also gave him a haven—a safe place for him to let his feelings show. Needless to say I liked this girl! And Tyler gave it right back to Jordyn too. No BS between these two. They brought something real and special out and for each other.
I’m not going to lie. This is a hard read at times. A very powerful mix of emotions. The words and violence thrown between Tyler and his Dad made me cringe. Tyler spent most of the time hiding his feelings and pain behind attitude, silence, or numbness. But when his emotions overwhelmed him, when he could no longer hold it all in anymore *deep sigh* well it will break your heart. Bursts of anger and screams. Waves of sobs and snot. Love and memories. Emotions that poured out on the page and hit me like a Mack truck! Brutal. Tyler’s voice will be with me for awhile. I can still feel his anger and loneliness. Oh, my heart. I know he’s a fictional character, but I hope he’s living life out there with a smile in his heart. Living and loving life to the fullest.
I’m looking forward to reading more from Michelle Levy.
Recommended read.
August 14, 2015
***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***
Not After Everything by Michelle Levy
Publisher: Dial Books
Publication Date: August 4, 2015
Rating: 4 stars
Source: ARC sent by the publisher
Summary (from Goodreads):
Fans of Eleanor and Park, The Spectacular Now, Willow, and Perfectly Good White Boy won't be able to put down this gritty but hopeful love story about two struggling teens.
Tyler has a football scholarship to Stanford, a hot girlfriend, and a reliable army of friends to party with. Then his mom kills herself. And Tyler lets it all go. Now he needs to dodge what his dad is offering (verbal tirades and abuse) and earn what his dad isn’t (money): He needs a job. It’s there that he reunites with Jordyn, his childhood best friend, and now the token goth girl at school. Jordyn brings Tyler an unexpected peace and, finally, love. But with his family in shambles, he can’t risk bringing Jordyn too deeply into his life. So when violence rocks Tyler’s world again, will it be Jordyn who shows him the way to a hopeful future? Or after everything, will Tyler have to find it in himself?
This tough, realistic page-turner reveals a boy's point of view on loss and love—perfect for fans of Rainbow Rowell, Tim Tharp, Julia Hoban, Carrie Mesrobian, and Mindi Scott.
What I Liked:
Did anyone else choke up while reading this book? Tell me why I was sitting at work, holding this book and trying to swallow the golf-ball-sized lump in my throat. Good thing most of my coworkers were on lunch break. I never cry or tear up over books! But this one got to me. Tough-issue contemporary isn't my thing it all (quite possibly my least favorite genre), but this book is worth the read and then some.
Tyler's mother killed herself during the summer before his senior year, and weeks later, the pain of finding her dead in the bathtub, of losing her, hasn't eased. Tyler's father is abusive, and refuses to pay for anything for Tyler. Tyler quits football (in which he had locked down a football scholarship to Stanford) in order to start paying for basic needs, like toilet paper. His girlfriend Sheila is trying to get him to open up, but he finds that he can't, not with her, his best friend Marcus, his therapist, his school counselor. When he takes a job with a nutty photographer, a girl he used to be friends with is there - and Jordyn can't stand him. But she is the only one that doesn't let him get away with being a douchebag to everyone, and it's not long before Tyler realizes that he needs to open up with someone, before it's too late.
This book was incredible. So moving, so touching, so larger than life. It's more than just a story, a relationship between two teens reconnected, a teen losing his popularity and "claim" on the high school social ladder. This is one of those tough-issue contemporary novels that sticks with you and grips your heart and makes you grateful for what you have, for your own story.
The books is written in first person, entirely from Tyler's POV. In the beginning, we see Tyler as a douchebag type, feelings locked squarely away, on autopilot. He pushed away everyone, broke up with his girlfriend Sheila, hooked up with a random girl soon after, quit one job, picked up one, picked up another, skipped classes. Tyler didn't give many displays of emotion. You can't help but feel sorry for Tyler, as well as want to hug him and punch him at the same time. He was a running back on the football team before he quit, and he had been on track to go to Stanford with a football scholarship. Talk about all-American golden boy. All that changed when his mother killed herself.
Tyler's character development is subtle and extraordinary, and I loved seeing him go through so many phases of grief, so many phases of accepting grief and letting go of guilt. Tyler grows into a lass a**holish guy, and more of a sweeter guy who sees and understands. No longer the popular running back, head of the pack, hot, sought-after guy. I like the vulnerable side of him better, though his macho football side appealed to me greatly.
Jordyn and Tyler used to be friends when they were small, but then Jordyn and her mother moved away. Years later, Jordyn has been attending the same high school as Tyler, though Tyler doesn't recognize her. She wears a ton of Goth makeup, obscuring her natural features and hiding her own personal problems from the world. Jordyn is so hateful and angry with Tyler in general, when he first starts working for her stepdad Henry. But she slowly starts to see the situation that Tyler is in. Jordyn is a smart, clever girl, who doesn't put up with Tyler's emotionless routine. As soon as she finds out about Tyler's life at home with his father, she tries to help him. Jordyn has every reason to hate Tyler, but the two of them grow close slowly.
I love watching their relationship progress. They both seriously did not like each other at first (well, Jordyn hated Tyler; Tyler didn't care about her). Tyler gets around, with his girlfriend, and then another girl, Ali, when he and Sheila break up. But there is something so different about his relationship with Jordyn, and he doesn't want to mess it up. He is careful around her, preserving the friendship that they have. But the two of them fall for each other, and it is quite beautiful. I generally enjoy hate-to-love relationships, and this was a sweet example of such.
The "tough-issue" part of this book is heartbreaking. The first scene I read with Tyler and his father in the same room infuriated me. About halfway through the book, another scene with Tyler and his father had me choked up. I cannot imagine for a second what Tyler was going through, yet I could understand exactly why he chose to do what he chose to do. It was so heartbreaking though, I couldn't help but feel heartsick for Tyler.
The climax of this book is heartbreaking as well, but also very hopeful and uplifting. And then the ending... it was so, so bittersweet. Although, I actually really LOVED the ending, because it makes so much sense. I can't say anything without spoiling everything but believe me, after going through the same transition between high school and college, this ending makes so much sense, and really isn't sad at all.
What I Did Not Like:
Sometimes I felt the high school drama was a little TOO much. Maybe my high school was "good" (I went to a public school), but no student every grabbed at anyone's shirt and pulled it up to reveal a girl's bra, in a hallway in front of students. Or at all, in any situation. No one sprayed paint on a student's clothing. Some scenes just seemed like too much for real life, or even fiction.
Other than that, I was very satisfied with this book!
Would I Recommend It:
For anyone who loves tough-issue contemporary, definitely do not miss this book. I'm not a tough-issue contemporary fan, but certain books are enjoyable for me, like Patty Blount's TMI, Some Boys, Nothing Left To Burn.
Rating:
4 stars. I honestly didn't think I would like this book! I couldn't put it down - I was at work and it was practically glued to my hand! So, do not start this book if you are working or doing something that will take your attention from the book. You'll want to read this all in one sitting!
Not After Everything by Michelle Levy
Publisher: Dial Books
Publication Date: August 4, 2015
Rating: 4 stars
Source: ARC sent by the publisher
Summary (from Goodreads):
Fans of Eleanor and Park, The Spectacular Now, Willow, and Perfectly Good White Boy won't be able to put down this gritty but hopeful love story about two struggling teens.
Tyler has a football scholarship to Stanford, a hot girlfriend, and a reliable army of friends to party with. Then his mom kills herself. And Tyler lets it all go. Now he needs to dodge what his dad is offering (verbal tirades and abuse) and earn what his dad isn’t (money): He needs a job. It’s there that he reunites with Jordyn, his childhood best friend, and now the token goth girl at school. Jordyn brings Tyler an unexpected peace and, finally, love. But with his family in shambles, he can’t risk bringing Jordyn too deeply into his life. So when violence rocks Tyler’s world again, will it be Jordyn who shows him the way to a hopeful future? Or after everything, will Tyler have to find it in himself?
This tough, realistic page-turner reveals a boy's point of view on loss and love—perfect for fans of Rainbow Rowell, Tim Tharp, Julia Hoban, Carrie Mesrobian, and Mindi Scott.
What I Liked:
Did anyone else choke up while reading this book? Tell me why I was sitting at work, holding this book and trying to swallow the golf-ball-sized lump in my throat. Good thing most of my coworkers were on lunch break. I never cry or tear up over books! But this one got to me. Tough-issue contemporary isn't my thing it all (quite possibly my least favorite genre), but this book is worth the read and then some.
Tyler's mother killed herself during the summer before his senior year, and weeks later, the pain of finding her dead in the bathtub, of losing her, hasn't eased. Tyler's father is abusive, and refuses to pay for anything for Tyler. Tyler quits football (in which he had locked down a football scholarship to Stanford) in order to start paying for basic needs, like toilet paper. His girlfriend Sheila is trying to get him to open up, but he finds that he can't, not with her, his best friend Marcus, his therapist, his school counselor. When he takes a job with a nutty photographer, a girl he used to be friends with is there - and Jordyn can't stand him. But she is the only one that doesn't let him get away with being a douchebag to everyone, and it's not long before Tyler realizes that he needs to open up with someone, before it's too late.
This book was incredible. So moving, so touching, so larger than life. It's more than just a story, a relationship between two teens reconnected, a teen losing his popularity and "claim" on the high school social ladder. This is one of those tough-issue contemporary novels that sticks with you and grips your heart and makes you grateful for what you have, for your own story.
The books is written in first person, entirely from Tyler's POV. In the beginning, we see Tyler as a douchebag type, feelings locked squarely away, on autopilot. He pushed away everyone, broke up with his girlfriend Sheila, hooked up with a random girl soon after, quit one job, picked up one, picked up another, skipped classes. Tyler didn't give many displays of emotion. You can't help but feel sorry for Tyler, as well as want to hug him and punch him at the same time. He was a running back on the football team before he quit, and he had been on track to go to Stanford with a football scholarship. Talk about all-American golden boy. All that changed when his mother killed herself.
Tyler's character development is subtle and extraordinary, and I loved seeing him go through so many phases of grief, so many phases of accepting grief and letting go of guilt. Tyler grows into a lass a**holish guy, and more of a sweeter guy who sees and understands. No longer the popular running back, head of the pack, hot, sought-after guy. I like the vulnerable side of him better, though his macho football side appealed to me greatly.
Jordyn and Tyler used to be friends when they were small, but then Jordyn and her mother moved away. Years later, Jordyn has been attending the same high school as Tyler, though Tyler doesn't recognize her. She wears a ton of Goth makeup, obscuring her natural features and hiding her own personal problems from the world. Jordyn is so hateful and angry with Tyler in general, when he first starts working for her stepdad Henry. But she slowly starts to see the situation that Tyler is in. Jordyn is a smart, clever girl, who doesn't put up with Tyler's emotionless routine. As soon as she finds out about Tyler's life at home with his father, she tries to help him. Jordyn has every reason to hate Tyler, but the two of them grow close slowly.
I love watching their relationship progress. They both seriously did not like each other at first (well, Jordyn hated Tyler; Tyler didn't care about her). Tyler gets around, with his girlfriend, and then another girl, Ali, when he and Sheila break up. But there is something so different about his relationship with Jordyn, and he doesn't want to mess it up. He is careful around her, preserving the friendship that they have. But the two of them fall for each other, and it is quite beautiful. I generally enjoy hate-to-love relationships, and this was a sweet example of such.
The "tough-issue" part of this book is heartbreaking. The first scene I read with Tyler and his father in the same room infuriated me. About halfway through the book, another scene with Tyler and his father had me choked up. I cannot imagine for a second what Tyler was going through, yet I could understand exactly why he chose to do what he chose to do. It was so heartbreaking though, I couldn't help but feel heartsick for Tyler.
The climax of this book is heartbreaking as well, but also very hopeful and uplifting. And then the ending... it was so, so bittersweet. Although, I actually really LOVED the ending, because it makes so much sense. I can't say anything without spoiling everything but believe me, after going through the same transition between high school and college, this ending makes so much sense, and really isn't sad at all.
What I Did Not Like:
Sometimes I felt the high school drama was a little TOO much. Maybe my high school was "good" (I went to a public school), but no student every grabbed at anyone's shirt and pulled it up to reveal a girl's bra, in a hallway in front of students. Or at all, in any situation. No one sprayed paint on a student's clothing. Some scenes just seemed like too much for real life, or even fiction.
Other than that, I was very satisfied with this book!
Would I Recommend It:
For anyone who loves tough-issue contemporary, definitely do not miss this book. I'm not a tough-issue contemporary fan, but certain books are enjoyable for me, like Patty Blount's TMI, Some Boys, Nothing Left To Burn.
Rating:
4 stars. I honestly didn't think I would like this book! I couldn't put it down - I was at work and it was practically glued to my hand! So, do not start this book if you are working or doing something that will take your attention from the book. You'll want to read this all in one sitting!
December 14, 2016
Puede que no sea el mejor libro del año. En mi humilde opinión, no es de los que más me han gustado en cuanto a historia de trasfondo se refiere, puesto que a diferencia de otros, en este la autora se ha centrado más en la evolución psíquica y emocional del protagonista. Y ahí reside que este libro me haya enganchado tanto.
“Después de todo estás tú” es un título que le viene como anillo al dedo. Y es que a lo largo de la historia puedes ver cómo esa soledad, esa depresión autoimpuesta por parte de Tyler se va convirtiendo poco a poco en aceptación y en ganas de salir adelante y dejar atrás el pasado gracias al apoyo de Jordyn, su mejor amiga de la infancia y de la que poco a poco se va enamorando y de la familia de ésta, que intuyendo los problemas que tiene en su casa le va haciendo cada vez más partícipe de esas reuniones familiares que él nunca ha tenido.
En cuanto a personajes con peso en la trama destacar la figura del padre como el más odioso y al que esperaba un final todavía peor del que ha tenido. Cada vez que aparecía juro que me echaba a temblar al igual que Tyler por ver qué haría a continuación.
Tiene bastantes peros, no lo niego; empezando por el final, ya que me ha emocionado y a la vez me ha decepcionado. Aunque a mí me ha hecho emocionarme desde la primera página hasta la última. Me ha hecho sentir pena, rabia, dolor, alegría, tristeza, esperanza...y todo ello en apenas 300 páginas. Solo por eso, le valoro con esta nota, así que doy las gracias a la persona que me lo recomendó.
No puedo decir mucho más porque spoilearía todo el libro, tan solo puedo decir que lo recomiendo si quieres leer una historia completamente diferente a las que se acostumbra a leer en este tipo de géneros, con una temática muy dura y llena de superaciones.
“Después de todo estás tú” es un título que le viene como anillo al dedo. Y es que a lo largo de la historia puedes ver cómo esa soledad, esa depresión autoimpuesta por parte de Tyler se va convirtiendo poco a poco en aceptación y en ganas de salir adelante y dejar atrás el pasado gracias al apoyo de Jordyn, su mejor amiga de la infancia y de la que poco a poco se va enamorando y de la familia de ésta, que intuyendo los problemas que tiene en su casa le va haciendo cada vez más partícipe de esas reuniones familiares que él nunca ha tenido.
En cuanto a personajes con peso en la trama destacar la figura del padre como el más odioso y al que esperaba un final todavía peor del que ha tenido. Cada vez que aparecía juro que me echaba a temblar al igual que Tyler por ver qué haría a continuación.
Tiene bastantes peros, no lo niego; empezando por el final, ya que me ha emocionado y a la vez me ha decepcionado. Aunque a mí me ha hecho emocionarme desde la primera página hasta la última. Me ha hecho sentir pena, rabia, dolor, alegría, tristeza, esperanza...y todo ello en apenas 300 páginas. Solo por eso, le valoro con esta nota, así que doy las gracias a la persona que me lo recomendó.
No puedo decir mucho más porque spoilearía todo el libro, tan solo puedo decir que lo recomiendo si quieres leer una historia completamente diferente a las que se acostumbra a leer en este tipo de géneros, con una temática muy dura y llena de superaciones.
October 3, 2015
Trigger warnings: suicide, animal(!!!!) and child abuse. Don't read if you can't stomach reading about helpless animals being hurt. I have to admit, I started crying when the dog was hurt. I can handle when people are killed but if someone touches an animal I am ready to kill a bitch.
Bless Michelle Levy for gracing us with this realistic ending and 'boo' to all those people rating it down because of said ending. It's not every day you see authors writing about what comes after the fairytale. Not that this book is anywhere near a fairytale status.
Not After Everything hit me hard because someone close to me is in a similar situation. I couldn't help but sympathize with the main character. His personality shined through all the crap(sometimes even literally) life served him.
Romance wasn't the main focus and I would be fine if there wasn't even a trace of it.
A solid contemporary book which made me miss reading.
Bless Michelle Levy for gracing us with this realistic ending and 'boo' to all those people rating it down because of said ending. It's not every day you see authors writing about what comes after the fairytale. Not that this book is anywhere near a fairytale status.
Not After Everything hit me hard because someone close to me is in a similar situation. I couldn't help but sympathize with the main character. His personality shined through all the crap(sometimes even literally) life served him.
Romance wasn't the main focus and I would be fine if there wasn't even a trace of it.
A solid contemporary book which made me miss reading.
April 27, 2015
I just finished this book but I can already tell the characters are going to stay with me for a long, long time. Not After Everything is a gritty, emotional, unputdownable read--heart-breaking in all the best ways.
November 26, 2015
4.5 starting over stars!
This was amazing! Tragic, but holy shit, Tyler's story broke me and slowly pieced me back together. Mostly. I hated his fucking father something fierce. He was such a piece of shit, the way he treated his only son. Only child for that matter. I wanted to stick my hand through my kindle, grab his throat and cut off all his air supply. Fuck. His mother was selfish for doing what she did. Part of me really hated her, almost as much as his dad. But Jordyn...oh sweet Jordyn. She was Tyler's saving grace. I loved her...the way she helped Tyler heal from his fucked up life. Her kind heart and care for him. She became the only good thing in his life. But the end...I wasn't completely satisfied. I needed more closure, more...resolution. I don't know, I understood why the author chose that path for Ty. It was a pretty good one. I just needed more happiness for him. I wanted an epilogue. Still, his story was one I was glad to experience. Except for the devastating parts, mostly involving his asshole dad. I just hope he's happy and it would be awesome to see more Tyler and Jordyn in the future. *hint hint*
This was amazing! Tragic, but holy shit, Tyler's story broke me and slowly pieced me back together. Mostly. I hated his fucking father something fierce. He was such a piece of shit, the way he treated his only son. Only child for that matter. I wanted to stick my hand through my kindle, grab his throat and cut off all his air supply. Fuck. His mother was selfish for doing what she did. Part of me really hated her, almost as much as his dad. But Jordyn...oh sweet Jordyn. She was Tyler's saving grace. I loved her...the way she helped Tyler heal from his fucked up life. Her kind heart and care for him. She became the only good thing in his life. But the end...I wasn't completely satisfied. I needed more closure, more...resolution. I don't know, I understood why the author chose that path for Ty. It was a pretty good one. I just needed more happiness for him. I wanted an epilogue. Still, his story was one I was glad to experience. Except for the devastating parts, mostly involving his asshole dad. I just hope he's happy and it would be awesome to see more Tyler and Jordyn in the future. *hint hint*
April 9, 2016
I decided to read this book because the description mentioned that Eleanor & Park fans would love it. Well, while I did really like it, it was nothing like E&P.
This novel deals with some really difficult subjects, but I felt that it dealt with them in the most honest way possible. Tyler's narrative is definitely harsh, rude, and venomous at times, but considering what he'd been through, it felt right. Sure, he wasn't the hero most of us are accustomed to experiencing, but his honesty about his situation was refreshing. His internal monologue coming to terms with the loss of his mother depicted what (I would guess) most of us in the same situation would think and feel. It wasn't prettied-up or filtered, bringing the emotional impact.
Jordyn is okay. I thought I would really attach to her, but I couldn't. Maybe if we'd had her narrate some chapters it would have been easier to attach to her emotionally, but all I could think was, "she's being a bitch because she likes him. Okay, now she's being a really good person. How sweet, she's so helpful." That's basically it.
The sections with Tyler and his dad were really, REALLY hard to read. What impressed me was that at times, I couldn't help but feel sorry for his dad. Despite everything, he could be a sympathetic character (for about 5 seconds, until he beat the hell out of Tyler again). Tyler's feelings toward him at the end show a lot of growth on his part and really show the depths of his character.
I enjoyed the supporting cast, too. The shrink, Jordyn's family, Captain, Tyler's coach. They were all well done in shaping the story and pulling your heartstrings.
That ending will probably make you a little misty-eyed. I expected a sad ending going in, but I wasn't prepared for bittersweet, which is sometimes even more sad.
Overall, a solid YA novel, quick read, with strong characters and a realistically narrated plot. I'd probably give it 3.5.
This novel deals with some really difficult subjects, but I felt that it dealt with them in the most honest way possible. Tyler's narrative is definitely harsh, rude, and venomous at times, but considering what he'd been through, it felt right. Sure, he wasn't the hero most of us are accustomed to experiencing, but his honesty about his situation was refreshing. His internal monologue coming to terms with the loss of his mother depicted what (I would guess) most of us in the same situation would think and feel. It wasn't prettied-up or filtered, bringing the emotional impact.
Jordyn is okay. I thought I would really attach to her, but I couldn't. Maybe if we'd had her narrate some chapters it would have been easier to attach to her emotionally, but all I could think was, "she's being a bitch because she likes him. Okay, now she's being a really good person. How sweet, she's so helpful." That's basically it.
The sections with Tyler and his dad were really, REALLY hard to read. What impressed me was that at times, I couldn't help but feel sorry for his dad. Despite everything, he could be a sympathetic character (for about 5 seconds, until he beat the hell out of Tyler again). Tyler's feelings toward him at the end show a lot of growth on his part and really show the depths of his character.
I enjoyed the supporting cast, too. The shrink, Jordyn's family, Captain, Tyler's coach. They were all well done in shaping the story and pulling your heartstrings.
That ending will probably make you a little misty-eyed. I expected a sad ending going in, but I wasn't prepared for bittersweet, which is sometimes even more sad.
Overall, a solid YA novel, quick read, with strong characters and a realistically narrated plot. I'd probably give it 3.5.
March 25, 2018
There are so many things wrong with this book I just can't....
Firstly, I hate how it shows that you just need somebody that you can't just stand the hell up on your own feet. Tyler lives in an abusive household, hates everyone, beats up literally everyone who talks to him but Jordyn is the "angel" who just 'talks' him out of his miserable life. Tf? How much does a 17 year old know?? And I don't understand how Tyler is also shown a good student like he literally doesn't study shit, for all I know he goes to school only to beat up people but gets into a prestigious college. I'm confused.
Alsoooo they called each other brother and sister while they were dating. EWWW.
This was just a bunch of cringe from beginning to end.
Firstly, I hate how it shows that you just need somebody that you can't just stand the hell up on your own feet. Tyler lives in an abusive household, hates everyone, beats up literally everyone who talks to him but Jordyn is the "angel" who just 'talks' him out of his miserable life. Tf? How much does a 17 year old know?? And I don't understand how Tyler is also shown a good student like he literally doesn't study shit, for all I know he goes to school only to beat up people but gets into a prestigious college. I'm confused.
Alsoooo they called each other brother and sister while they were dating. EWWW.
This was just a bunch of cringe from beginning to end.
April 15, 2019
Si hubieran mas estrellas se las daría.
Qué historia tan bonita y tan dura. Solo me lo ha estropeado un pelin la traducción porque habian expresiones que no entendia.
Me han encantado los protas principalmente, cómo evolucionan, han ido de mas a menos de una manera perfecta.
Que mal lo he pasado con y por Tyler. Nadie debería soportar eso.
Qué historia tan bonita y tan dura. Solo me lo ha estropeado un pelin la traducción porque habian expresiones que no entendia.
Me han encantado los protas principalmente, cómo evolucionan, han ido de mas a menos de una manera perfecta.
Que mal lo he pasado con y por Tyler. Nadie debería soportar eso.
September 1, 2015
Tyler had it all: a hot girlfriend, football scholarship to Standford, plenty of friends. He was king of the school Then his mom kills herself and he turns his back on all of it. Getting too close to people means they might find out his secret: that his father is abusive and refuses to pay for anything Tyler needs - including food. Tyler finds a job working in a photo studio and it's a great job. The only problem is Jordyn, a girl he used to be close friends with who now seems to hate him also works there. The photo studio, and Jordyn, end up being a reprieve from his everyday life and Tyler finds himself falling for Jordyn. With his dad more brutal than ever, how can he risk bringing Jordyn into his life?
This book was so hard to read. There were many violent scenes that had me flinching and so tense while reading, many scenes that had me in tears, many scenes that had me wanting to strangle Tyler's father. It was real and gritty but also touching and hopeful. It was a book that I just couldn't put down.
Tyler was a great narrator. He made me feel for him. There were many times when my chest was tight and I was holding my breath because I was so scared for him and what he was going through just shouldn't happen. It was hard to see him pull away from his friends and hobbies he liked because he didn't want anyone to know his secret. He could be a jerk to people but it was to push them away, to protect himself, and that just made it hurt more. His growth from self-protecting jerk to caring, vulnerable Tyler was slow and subtle and absolutely believable.
The character interactions were great. I loved the banter between Tyler and Jordyn and how it grew into something more. It started with tense snark but as they got to know each other and accept they had to work together, it developed into something more playful and flirty, and eventually into something supportive. I liked the interactions between Tyler and his former best friend Marcus as well. Marcus obviously still cared about Tyler, and Tyler about Marcus, but the tragedy changed Tyler and neither boy really knew how to react to the change in their dynamic. It was sad that a close friendship could come apart but I thought it was realistic. Same with Tyler and his girlfriend Sheila.
The pacing of the book was absolutely fantastic. There was never a spot where I had time to think 'this seems like a good time to stop because it's 2 am'. I had to know what was going to happen next. I was entranced by it. I didn't even know it was 2 am until the book was over because the world did not exist outside of reading time.
I could say a whole lot more but I don't want to spoil anything so I'll leave things with: loved it!
This book was so hard to read. There were many violent scenes that had me flinching and so tense while reading, many scenes that had me in tears, many scenes that had me wanting to strangle Tyler's father. It was real and gritty but also touching and hopeful. It was a book that I just couldn't put down.
Tyler was a great narrator. He made me feel for him. There were many times when my chest was tight and I was holding my breath because I was so scared for him and what he was going through just shouldn't happen. It was hard to see him pull away from his friends and hobbies he liked because he didn't want anyone to know his secret. He could be a jerk to people but it was to push them away, to protect himself, and that just made it hurt more. His growth from self-protecting jerk to caring, vulnerable Tyler was slow and subtle and absolutely believable.
The character interactions were great. I loved the banter between Tyler and Jordyn and how it grew into something more. It started with tense snark but as they got to know each other and accept they had to work together, it developed into something more playful and flirty, and eventually into something supportive. I liked the interactions between Tyler and his former best friend Marcus as well. Marcus obviously still cared about Tyler, and Tyler about Marcus, but the tragedy changed Tyler and neither boy really knew how to react to the change in their dynamic. It was sad that a close friendship could come apart but I thought it was realistic. Same with Tyler and his girlfriend Sheila.
The pacing of the book was absolutely fantastic. There was never a spot where I had time to think 'this seems like a good time to stop because it's 2 am'. I had to know what was going to happen next. I was entranced by it. I didn't even know it was 2 am until the book was over because the world did not exist outside of reading time.
I could say a whole lot more but I don't want to spoil anything so I'll leave things with: loved it!
September 27, 2015
You know those books that are so realistic that they make you love and hate them simultaneously? Yeah, this is one of those.
October 3, 2015
Thank you for realistic ending!
July 12, 2015
Disclaimer: Do not read if emotional/physical abuse or animal abuse is distressing to you.
Now that we've got that out of the way...I am always wary of book comparisons in blurbs. THE SPECTACULAR NOW is one of my favorite YA novels and often when it's used as a comparative title, it's not right. That is NOT the case here.
NOT AFTER EVERYTHING by Michelle Levy is about seventeen-year-old Tyler, who just doesn't have give a sh*t anymore. Similar to THE SPECTACULAR NOW and PERFECTLY GOOD WHITE BOY, he is rough around the edges. He's a tough guy. Or so he seems. He quit football when his mom committed suicide and even though he continues to sleep with his "girlfriend" Sheila, he's not really into it. But when he gets into a fight at work and gets fired, his abusive/asshole dad insists he get another one because he "won't be paying for any of his shit" (not even food). Tyler starts at a photography studio in a strip mall with a burly but kind man named Henry and Henry's stepdaughter and Tyler's fellow classmate, Jordyn. Henry and Jordyn and their family - along with Tyler's faithful dog Captain (Jack Sparrow) and his therapist Dr. Dave - are serious bright spots in this novel.
This is one of helluva special novel. Really. Truly. Bravo to Michelle Levy for writing a debut about a kid who doesn't think he deserves anything, but really deserves the world.
I am so grateful for Dahlia Adler who sent me her copy, knowing it was my type of book. It is so, so is. This one will be a hardcover buy for me. An important buy. One I'll be pushing for a year to come.
Now that we've got that out of the way...I am always wary of book comparisons in blurbs. THE SPECTACULAR NOW is one of my favorite YA novels and often when it's used as a comparative title, it's not right. That is NOT the case here.
NOT AFTER EVERYTHING by Michelle Levy is about seventeen-year-old Tyler, who just doesn't have give a sh*t anymore. Similar to THE SPECTACULAR NOW and PERFECTLY GOOD WHITE BOY, he is rough around the edges. He's a tough guy. Or so he seems. He quit football when his mom committed suicide and even though he continues to sleep with his "girlfriend" Sheila, he's not really into it. But when he gets into a fight at work and gets fired, his abusive/asshole dad insists he get another one because he "won't be paying for any of his shit" (not even food). Tyler starts at a photography studio in a strip mall with a burly but kind man named Henry and Henry's stepdaughter and Tyler's fellow classmate, Jordyn. Henry and Jordyn and their family - along with Tyler's faithful dog Captain (Jack Sparrow) and his therapist Dr. Dave - are serious bright spots in this novel.
This is one of helluva special novel. Really. Truly. Bravo to Michelle Levy for writing a debut about a kid who doesn't think he deserves anything, but really deserves the world.
I am so grateful for Dahlia Adler who sent me her copy, knowing it was my type of book. It is so, so is. This one will be a hardcover buy for me. An important buy. One I'll be pushing for a year to come.
January 26, 2016
3... 3.5 Necesito reflexionar un poco entre lo bueno y lo malo antes de decidirme.
August 17, 2015
Every once in a while a book comes along that guts you, and Not After Everything is one of those stories. The characters are so raw and honest, and the emotional frequency is turned way up in this brutal portrait of a young man whose life is so broken and finds healing and friendship from an unlikely source. From the dialogue to the description, I was immersed in this story from the first page to the last. Highly recommended, but I suggest having tissues nearby.
August 26, 2018
Oh look, there's a piece of my shattered heart over there.
March 22, 2022
male povs are my absolute favourite, but this was atrocious.
hearing the way the MC talked about women in general was gross, it didn’t work for me.
hearing the way the MC talked about women in general was gross, it didn’t work for me.
January 10, 2018
Such a heartbreaking book! I don’t often read novels narrated by teenage boys, so it was an interesting point of view.
November 9, 2015
Rating 4.5 of 5
I should have been better prepared for the heartache captured within the pages of this book. Not After Everything involves suicide, verbal and physical abuse, and bullying, and even knowing these things prior to starting the book, I still wasn't prepared for all of the emotions I would experience. Once I started reading it, I didn't want to stop because I had to know that Tyler was going to make it out okay.
Not After Everything shows that we all deal with grief in different ways. When you top that off with fear and guilt and shame, you can get a confused, lost, sad, person who acts out like Tyler did. What he experienced was too much to handle on his own and it overwhelmed him. It was overwhelming to read. The scenes with Tyler and his father were the hardest to read. They were unimaginable and devastating, but quite often they are someone's reality. I found myself fighting back tears. Other times, I just let them flow.
Throughout the story, there are people who enter Tyler's life who show him compassion and want to help him. They offer him some hope. Once he begins to be more honest with all that his is experiencing, he becomes vulnerable is able to embrace the generosity and sincere concern.
I loved Jordyn's character. There was such an honesty to her in the way she interacted with Tyler. Knowing his reputation and their shared history, she was guarded in offering him her friendship. She has her own story to tell and we get to know it as she begins to grow closer to Tyler. As they became closer and their friendship started to become more, it's apparent that their love story wasn't going to be simple, but I was enthralled reading every page of it.
From this review, one would think that this is the saddest book that I'd ever read and one might question why would anyone want to pick up such a sad book. To that I would say, I like sad books. I like books that make me feel vulnerable and emotional and overwhelmed. And I would also say that Not After Everything isn't just sad. There is humor and hope, and SO MUCH LOVE that it is also overwhelming. And maybe, just maybe, I couldn't find the correct words to express that here. It's a book that I'm glad to have read and hope it finds its way into the hand of readers just when they need it. It is definitely a recommended read!
I should have been better prepared for the heartache captured within the pages of this book. Not After Everything involves suicide, verbal and physical abuse, and bullying, and even knowing these things prior to starting the book, I still wasn't prepared for all of the emotions I would experience. Once I started reading it, I didn't want to stop because I had to know that Tyler was going to make it out okay.
Not After Everything shows that we all deal with grief in different ways. When you top that off with fear and guilt and shame, you can get a confused, lost, sad, person who acts out like Tyler did. What he experienced was too much to handle on his own and it overwhelmed him. It was overwhelming to read. The scenes with Tyler and his father were the hardest to read. They were unimaginable and devastating, but quite often they are someone's reality. I found myself fighting back tears. Other times, I just let them flow.
Throughout the story, there are people who enter Tyler's life who show him compassion and want to help him. They offer him some hope. Once he begins to be more honest with all that his is experiencing, he becomes vulnerable is able to embrace the generosity and sincere concern.
I loved Jordyn's character. There was such an honesty to her in the way she interacted with Tyler. Knowing his reputation and their shared history, she was guarded in offering him her friendship. She has her own story to tell and we get to know it as she begins to grow closer to Tyler. As they became closer and their friendship started to become more, it's apparent that their love story wasn't going to be simple, but I was enthralled reading every page of it.
From this review, one would think that this is the saddest book that I'd ever read and one might question why would anyone want to pick up such a sad book. To that I would say, I like sad books. I like books that make me feel vulnerable and emotional and overwhelmed. And I would also say that Not After Everything isn't just sad. There is humor and hope, and SO MUCH LOVE that it is also overwhelming. And maybe, just maybe, I couldn't find the correct words to express that here. It's a book that I'm glad to have read and hope it finds its way into the hand of readers just when they need it. It is definitely a recommended read!
June 26, 2015
An unputdownable read! I took it down in a single sitting. NOT AFTER EVERYTHING is one of the most raw, emotional, and engrossing contemporary YA novels I've encountered in a while. Have some tissues handy, this one is definitely full of feels. Michelle Levy is one to watch!!!
November 9, 2015
Heartbreaking and compulsively readable. Loved this book and couldn't put it down. About love and loss and the definition of family. Highly recommend.
February 4, 2017
4.5/5
Un libro muy especial.
Un libro muy especial.
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