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If You Come Softly #2
Behind You
After fifteen-year-old Jeremiah is mistakenly shot by police, the people who love him struggle to cope with their loss as they recall his life and death, unaware that 'Miah is watching over them. An ALA Best Book for Young Adults. Reprint.
128 pages, Paperback
First published May 24, 2004
57 people are currently reading
1856 people want to read
About the author
Jacqueline Woodson
83 books9,145 followersI used to say I’d be a teacher or a lawyer or a hairdresser when I grew up but even as I said these things, I knew what made me happiest was writing.
I wrote on everything and everywhere. I remember my uncle catching me writing my name in graffiti on the side of a building. (It was not pretty for me when my mother found out.) I wrote on paper bags and my shoes and denim binders. I chalked stories across sidewalks and penciled tiny tales in notebook margins. I loved and still love watching words flower into sentences and sentences blossom into stories.
I also told a lot of stories as a child. Not “Once upon a time” stories but basically, outright lies. I loved lying and getting away with it! There was something about telling the lie-story and seeing your friends’ eyes grow wide with wonder. Of course I got in trouble for lying but I didn’t stop until fifth grade.
That year, I wrote a story and my teacher said “This is really good.” Before that I had written a poem about Martin Luther King that was, I guess, so good no one believed I wrote it. After lots of brouhaha, it was believed finally that I had indeed penned the poem which went on to win me a Scrabble game and local acclaim. So by the time the story rolled around and the words “This is really good” came out of the otherwise down-turned lips of my fifth grade teacher, I was well on my way to understanding that a lie on the page was a whole different animal — one that won you prizes and got surly teachers to smile. A lie on the page meant lots of independent time to create your stories and the freedom to sit hunched over the pages of your notebook without people thinking you were strange.
Lots and lots of books later, I am still surprised when I walk into a bookstore and see my name on a book’s binder. Sometimes, when I’m sitting at my desk for long hours and nothing’s coming to me, I remember my fifth grade teacher, the way her eyes lit up when she said “This is really good.” The way, I — the skinny girl in the back of the classroom who was always getting into trouble for talking or missed homework assignments — sat up a little straighter, folded my hands on the desks, smiled and began to believe in me.
I wrote on everything and everywhere. I remember my uncle catching me writing my name in graffiti on the side of a building. (It was not pretty for me when my mother found out.) I wrote on paper bags and my shoes and denim binders. I chalked stories across sidewalks and penciled tiny tales in notebook margins. I loved and still love watching words flower into sentences and sentences blossom into stories.
I also told a lot of stories as a child. Not “Once upon a time” stories but basically, outright lies. I loved lying and getting away with it! There was something about telling the lie-story and seeing your friends’ eyes grow wide with wonder. Of course I got in trouble for lying but I didn’t stop until fifth grade.
That year, I wrote a story and my teacher said “This is really good.” Before that I had written a poem about Martin Luther King that was, I guess, so good no one believed I wrote it. After lots of brouhaha, it was believed finally that I had indeed penned the poem which went on to win me a Scrabble game and local acclaim. So by the time the story rolled around and the words “This is really good” came out of the otherwise down-turned lips of my fifth grade teacher, I was well on my way to understanding that a lie on the page was a whole different animal — one that won you prizes and got surly teachers to smile. A lie on the page meant lots of independent time to create your stories and the freedom to sit hunched over the pages of your notebook without people thinking you were strange.
Lots and lots of books later, I am still surprised when I walk into a bookstore and see my name on a book’s binder. Sometimes, when I’m sitting at my desk for long hours and nothing’s coming to me, I remember my fifth grade teacher, the way her eyes lit up when she said “This is really good.” The way, I — the skinny girl in the back of the classroom who was always getting into trouble for talking or missed homework assignments — sat up a little straighter, folded my hands on the desks, smiled and began to believe in me.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 252 reviews
November 12, 2021
When I read If You Come Softly, which this book is a sequel to, I felt like I'd never read anything that was as touching as real as that book was, in that book's particular way.
I feel like I've read books about mourning with similar insights to this one. Which isn't a bad thing, necessarily. But it isn't the same.
Bottom line: A good book! But my expectations were higher.
I feel like I've read books about mourning with similar insights to this one. Which isn't a bad thing, necessarily. But it isn't the same.
Bottom line: A good book! But my expectations were higher.
November 11, 2024
"Feels like I've known him since before he got to the world-longer than he knew himself, truthfully. Seems like we'd been friends really...Somewhere before life on earth..."
—Desire Viola Roselind, Behind You, P. 24
"Kids are something. All they can see is the beauty in a moment."
—Norman Roselind, Behind You, P. 37
If You Come Softly is one of the greatest stories it has ever been my privilege to read, so the bar was set almost unrealistically high for this companion novel. It may not have reached the awesome heights of its predecessor—I'd rate this one three and a half stars—but Behind You is an excellent book, written with the beautiful Jacqueline Woodson touch that sweetly saturates every one of her books and pours itself out into the world like a much-needed healing salve. My expectations whenever I encounter a book of hers are sky high, and none have ever let me down. It is truly a treat for me whenever one of her majestic volumes finds irs way into my hands, and I look forward with much anticipation to the next time that I am so blessed as to read one.
"Everything and everyone seemed like it was part of a long-ago time—when I was young and free and living." —Ellie, Behind You, P. 62
"I feel like the world stopped. And I got off...and then it started spinning again, but too fast for me to hop back on. I feel like I'm still trying to get a...to get some kind of foothold on living".
—Ellie, P. 84
—Desire Viola Roselind, Behind You, P. 24
"Kids are something. All they can see is the beauty in a moment."
—Norman Roselind, Behind You, P. 37
If You Come Softly is one of the greatest stories it has ever been my privilege to read, so the bar was set almost unrealistically high for this companion novel. It may not have reached the awesome heights of its predecessor—I'd rate this one three and a half stars—but Behind You is an excellent book, written with the beautiful Jacqueline Woodson touch that sweetly saturates every one of her books and pours itself out into the world like a much-needed healing salve. My expectations whenever I encounter a book of hers are sky high, and none have ever let me down. It is truly a treat for me whenever one of her majestic volumes finds irs way into my hands, and I look forward with much anticipation to the next time that I am so blessed as to read one.
"Everything and everyone seemed like it was part of a long-ago time—when I was young and free and living." —Ellie, Behind You, P. 62
"I feel like the world stopped. And I got off...and then it started spinning again, but too fast for me to hop back on. I feel like I'm still trying to get a...to get some kind of foothold on living".
—Ellie, P. 84
May 10, 2010
A young, black man is shot and killed by the police, and his loss impacts numerous members of the community. Each character sort of comes across in a series of candid interviews, almost like a documentary.
This book brings up a lot of important issues, like racial injustice, forgiveness, and overcoming loss, but sort of fails to do them justice because of the way it is written. Woodson switches through narrators every few pages, and never really allows us to get to close to any particular characters. I thought it was an interesting experimentation in form, but sort of fell short of its desired effect in my mind. It's a really quick read, and could lead to some interesting discussions with youth about some of the themes in the novel. I would recommend it to 9-10th graders.
This book brings up a lot of important issues, like racial injustice, forgiveness, and overcoming loss, but sort of fails to do them justice because of the way it is written. Woodson switches through narrators every few pages, and never really allows us to get to close to any particular characters. I thought it was an interesting experimentation in form, but sort of fell short of its desired effect in my mind. It's a really quick read, and could lead to some interesting discussions with youth about some of the themes in the novel. I would recommend it to 9-10th graders.
May 26, 2022
Books about death are never elegant. This one was.
Books can never get the spectrum of emotion down correctly on the page. This one did.
Books are often one dimensional, from one perspective. Neither was the case here.
Raw with emotion from every person left reeling after the accidental shooting death of Miah. The year after follows Miah witnessing the awe encompassing grief of his girlfriend, parents, family & friends. The healing, the closure, the new bonds are never complete but what bereavement journey is- Jacqueline Woodson has never had a lack of pouring emotion out on the page and this was both an experience and a raw process of grief that has, and continues to be, current events in police wrong doing and racial profiling.
Books can never get the spectrum of emotion down correctly on the page. This one did.
Books are often one dimensional, from one perspective. Neither was the case here.
Raw with emotion from every person left reeling after the accidental shooting death of Miah. The year after follows Miah witnessing the awe encompassing grief of his girlfriend, parents, family & friends. The healing, the closure, the new bonds are never complete but what bereavement journey is- Jacqueline Woodson has never had a lack of pouring emotion out on the page and this was both an experience and a raw process of grief that has, and continues to be, current events in police wrong doing and racial profiling.
February 8, 2022
break my heart and leave it hurting 😭
woodson never disappoints.
this one is different than her others. dealing with grief, it rotates through multiple povs.
definitely want to read if you come softly first, as this is the sequel. the povs fits so well and keeps the book moving. there's not rly plot, but the emotion is what woodson really delivers.
i love the wholesome relationships we peek into, and the support and love the friends give each other.
it's powerful, it's beautiful. like poetry in pros.
young adult. i rec.
just get me allllllll of jacqueline woodson's books, ok?
black history month 💫
(didn't read it just for that but it works out perfect! :)
woodson never disappoints.
this one is different than her others. dealing with grief, it rotates through multiple povs.
definitely want to read if you come softly first, as this is the sequel. the povs fits so well and keeps the book moving. there's not rly plot, but the emotion is what woodson really delivers.
i love the wholesome relationships we peek into, and the support and love the friends give each other.
it's powerful, it's beautiful. like poetry in pros.
young adult. i rec.
just get me allllllll of jacqueline woodson's books, ok?
black history month 💫
(didn't read it just for that but it works out perfect! :)
January 18, 2019
I thought this was such a good sequel to If You Come Softly. I guess it gave me a sense of "Things are going to be OK" after If You Come Softly made me literally bawl , and I just really appreciated the positive emotion it gave me. The writing was so beautifully poetic and I really liked how each section was in first person from varying characters' points of view as the reader sees what happened next after the ending of If You Come Softly by filling in the details via multiple people.
June 4, 2015
I really liked this book. I liked it better than the first one. Each chapter is told from the perspective of a different person in Miah's life - how their lives are going since his death and how they are dealing with the loss. Woodson is an amazing writer. I would compare her to Angela Johnson, only slightly more poetic. Maybe that's not fair, I haven't read a Johnson book in a while. I read Behind You over the course of two days and really tried to let her words sink in as I sat on the couch, sipping my coffee and enjoying the wind chimes outside. I will be recommending these two books to my students a lot now. If anyone is dealing with the loss of a loved one and can handle reading about loss, these two books, especially Behind You, will be bring a little peace and comfort to the soul. Although I don't really agree with the theology demonstrated in Behind You, if you take it for what it is - a poetic expression about death, then it is a beautiful, short, masterful work of fiction.
December 28, 2017
As an heirloom micro farmer, Doctor of Divinity and trauma survivor I understand the devastating loss of life about as much as anyone. However I have never read or seen a movie with an accurate depiction of it. That is until I read Jacqueline Woodson. Betty and I just realized that women didn't really used to faint like in the movies and now I don't believe there are many histrionics during trauma either. It's more silence, shock, and disbelief at the realization that the rest of the world goes along laughing; not even knowing your entire crop is ruined because it's more like San Diego in the Midwest when it should be like Death Valley. Thanks for stopping global warming trump.
September 21, 2021
English Review Below.
الجزء التاني من: If You Come Softly
مقدرش أتكلم كتير عن الرواية دي، لأنها تكملة لأحداث رواية تانية، وأنصح بيهم هما الاتنين فعلا. الرواية دي بتدور أحداثها على مدار عام بعد النهاية الحزينة للكتاب الأول، وبنتنقل بين وجهات نظر كتيرة وده مختلف عن الكتاب الأول اللي كان فيه وجهتين نظر بس. أسلوب الكتابة رائع والأحداث حزينة جدا وأعتقد أنه تكملة مهمة للرواية الأولى وشايفة أن قراءة الاتنين مع بعض مهمين جدا، وخصوصا أن الرواية دي قصيرة، تكاد تكون نوفيلا. بتتعامل مع الحزن والأسى والفقد وازاي كل شخص بيتعامل مع فقد شخص ما بطريقة مختلفة. أسلوب الكاتبة رائع بس الموضوع حزين جدا.
Of course I can't talk much about this one, since it's a direct sequel to If You Come Softly. But what I can say is that it takes place over a year after the devastating event, and we go through multiple POVs, unlike the first book which focused on just two POVs. The writing style is exquisite, and it's very sad and made me cry a couple of times, and I'd think it's an important follow-up to the first book, even though that one could be read as a stand-alone. It deals with grief and how different people have different ways to move on and how the grieving person is forever changed. Just beautiful.
الجزء التاني من: If You Come Softly
مقدرش أتكلم كتير عن الرواية دي، لأنها تكملة لأحداث رواية تانية، وأنصح بيهم هما الاتنين فعلا. الرواية دي بتدور أحداثها على مدار عام بعد النهاية الحزينة للكتاب الأول، وبنتنقل بين وجهات نظر كتيرة وده مختلف عن الكتاب الأول اللي كان فيه وجهتين نظر بس. أسلوب الكتابة رائع والأحداث حزينة جدا وأعتقد أنه تكملة مهمة للرواية الأولى وشايفة أن قراءة الاتنين مع بعض مهمين جدا، وخصوصا أن الرواية دي قصيرة، تكاد تكون نوفيلا. بتتعامل مع الحزن والأسى والفقد وازاي كل شخص بيتعامل مع فقد شخص ما بطريقة مختلفة. أسلوب الكاتبة رائع بس الموضوع حزين جدا.
Of course I can't talk much about this one, since it's a direct sequel to If You Come Softly. But what I can say is that it takes place over a year after the devastating event, and we go through multiple POVs, unlike the first book which focused on just two POVs. The writing style is exquisite, and it's very sad and made me cry a couple of times, and I'd think it's an important follow-up to the first book, even though that one could be read as a stand-alone. It deals with grief and how different people have different ways to move on and how the grieving person is forever changed. Just beautiful.
July 5, 2021
Beautiful, beautiful follow-up to If You Come Softly. It's a sequel I didn't know I needed and maybe the most captivating book written about death and about the process of overcoming the grief of losing someone. Woodson is an absolute master of the craft, love, love, love her work.
March 8, 2017
Personal Response
I really enjoyed this book because of how you have to read. Instead of having chapters you switch perspectives constantly. For a few pages you will be reading what Kennedy is thinking and saying then it will switch to a story from Ellie. I also liked how it took you through the stages of mental recovery from losing a loved one. There are also parts where the book takes you in to the afterlife and learn what it's like from Jeremiah's perspective watching his family and friends and meeting other loved ones who have also died.
Plot
The book starts off with everyone still very sad for the loss of Jeremiah or "Miah". He was a really nice guy and was friends with pretty much everyone. It was a case of mistaken identity that ended his life because he was shot in Central Park by two police officers. Miah's mom shut down for a while after his death but ended up getting a lot better by remembering all of the fun times she had with Miah. Miah's girlfriend, Ellie, was very sad about his death but never showed it. Ellie just kept on with life but eventually opens up to one of Miah's best friends, Kennedy. Ellie tells Kennedy how much her reminds her of Miah and Kennedy gets offended because he is black and Kennedy and Miah were some of the only black kids at school. Both come to conclusion and accept Miah's death and that there's no way to bring him back. The main point of this book is showing the mental recovery after losing someone so close to you and that it's okay to be sad but eventually you just have to accept it.
Characterization
Ellie was Jeremiah's girlfriend and they always did stuff together and couldn't be split apart. After Miah's death Ellie was very depressed and didn't know what to do. She held all of her emotions in and eventually one day they were going to come out. She takes it out on Kennedy and he handles it for a while but then he goes off and leaves Ellie on an island. She takes a trip to Central Park and is so frustrated why this had to happen to her. Kennedy comes and talks to her and cheers her up and this helps her come to terms with the death of Miah. She turns into a much happier and outgoing person at school and to others in public towards the end.
Recommendation
I would recommend this book to anybody in high school that wants to read a great story about recovery and loss. This book isn't the most action packed but it can make you think about how even the worst of things have a silver lining. This book is appropriate for pretty much everyone. I was really impressed with this book because of how it started slow but it kept getting more and more interesting so I really think a lot of people would enjoy this book.
I really enjoyed this book because of how you have to read. Instead of having chapters you switch perspectives constantly. For a few pages you will be reading what Kennedy is thinking and saying then it will switch to a story from Ellie. I also liked how it took you through the stages of mental recovery from losing a loved one. There are also parts where the book takes you in to the afterlife and learn what it's like from Jeremiah's perspective watching his family and friends and meeting other loved ones who have also died.
Plot
The book starts off with everyone still very sad for the loss of Jeremiah or "Miah". He was a really nice guy and was friends with pretty much everyone. It was a case of mistaken identity that ended his life because he was shot in Central Park by two police officers. Miah's mom shut down for a while after his death but ended up getting a lot better by remembering all of the fun times she had with Miah. Miah's girlfriend, Ellie, was very sad about his death but never showed it. Ellie just kept on with life but eventually opens up to one of Miah's best friends, Kennedy. Ellie tells Kennedy how much her reminds her of Miah and Kennedy gets offended because he is black and Kennedy and Miah were some of the only black kids at school. Both come to conclusion and accept Miah's death and that there's no way to bring him back. The main point of this book is showing the mental recovery after losing someone so close to you and that it's okay to be sad but eventually you just have to accept it.
Characterization
Ellie was Jeremiah's girlfriend and they always did stuff together and couldn't be split apart. After Miah's death Ellie was very depressed and didn't know what to do. She held all of her emotions in and eventually one day they were going to come out. She takes it out on Kennedy and he handles it for a while but then he goes off and leaves Ellie on an island. She takes a trip to Central Park and is so frustrated why this had to happen to her. Kennedy comes and talks to her and cheers her up and this helps her come to terms with the death of Miah. She turns into a much happier and outgoing person at school and to others in public towards the end.
Recommendation
I would recommend this book to anybody in high school that wants to read a great story about recovery and loss. This book isn't the most action packed but it can make you think about how even the worst of things have a silver lining. This book is appropriate for pretty much everyone. I was really impressed with this book because of how it started slow but it kept getting more and more interesting so I really think a lot of people would enjoy this book.
December 21, 2018
A beautifully written, moving story about love and loss.
I feel like I've written a review for this book before, but I know for sure that I didn't on Goodreads. Maybe a summary for myself somewhere? This is a re-read, so it's possible. If I ever un-earth my initial thoughts, I'll add them to the bottom of this review for comparison.
In Behind You, several character POVs are featured to show their emotional journey following Jeremiah (Miah)'s death. Miah was a fifteen-old-old black boy mistaken by the cops for a fully grown black male suspect in a crime, and shot for this "mistake." Behind You is short but impactful, a companion novel that can be read without any pretext to give readers a window into love, loss, as well as a quick study on themes of racial injustice, colourism/shadeism, and coming out in a black community. I would suggest this book for readers aged 13 to 15.
ELLIE: Miah's now ex-girlfriend. Ellie is white and the book brushes on their interracial relationship and her own parents' discomfort with their daughter dating a black person.
NORMAND / NELIA: Miah's parents, who are divorced. Both struggle to cope with the loss of their son. The book shows the different ways parents deal with child loss.
CARLTON: Miah's best friend. Carlton had a secret that he felt only Miah understood (without Carlton even having to voice it). Now Carlton doesn't know how to share the personal side of himself.
KENNEDY: Miah's team-mate. Kennedy wasn't that close with Miah, but the pair were on the same team.
MIAH / HIS GRANDMOTHER: The book gives insight into what Miah is thinking from the other side. It does get spiritual, but only lightly so, sharing one view on what happens after death.
The book wraps nicely. I appreciated it for the different aspects of grief it touched on, over a year long time span. Nothing felt rushed (though a lot does happen). This book is a great jumping off point for readers who want to look more into books that deal with the grieving process, or black lives matter issues.
I feel like I've written a review for this book before, but I know for sure that I didn't on Goodreads. Maybe a summary for myself somewhere? This is a re-read, so it's possible. If I ever un-earth my initial thoughts, I'll add them to the bottom of this review for comparison.
In Behind You, several character POVs are featured to show their emotional journey following Jeremiah (Miah)'s death. Miah was a fifteen-old-old black boy mistaken by the cops for a fully grown black male suspect in a crime, and shot for this "mistake." Behind You is short but impactful, a companion novel that can be read without any pretext to give readers a window into love, loss, as well as a quick study on themes of racial injustice, colourism/shadeism, and coming out in a black community. I would suggest this book for readers aged 13 to 15.
ELLIE: Miah's now ex-girlfriend. Ellie is white and the book brushes on their interracial relationship and her own parents' discomfort with their daughter dating a black person.
NORMAND / NELIA: Miah's parents, who are divorced. Both struggle to cope with the loss of their son. The book shows the different ways parents deal with child loss.
CARLTON: Miah's best friend. Carlton had a secret that he felt only Miah understood (without Carlton even having to voice it). Now Carlton doesn't know how to share the personal side of himself.
KENNEDY: Miah's team-mate. Kennedy wasn't that close with Miah, but the pair were on the same team.
MIAH / HIS GRANDMOTHER: The book gives insight into what Miah is thinking from the other side. It does get spiritual, but only lightly so, sharing one view on what happens after death.
The book wraps nicely. I appreciated it for the different aspects of grief it touched on, over a year long time span. Nothing felt rushed (though a lot does happen). This book is a great jumping off point for readers who want to look more into books that deal with the grieving process, or black lives matter issues.
April 4, 2009
Behind You, written by Jacqueline Woodson is about a young boy who is shot and killed by the police, and his family’s struggle to recover from it. Throughout the story we see how Jeremiah, the deceased boy, and his death effects everyone in is life. His parents divorce, his girlfriend, Ellie, falls into a deep depression, and his basketball team suffers and soon begins to reminisce and forget that they’re playing without him, this causes them to begin losing.
This book is written from the point of view from several characters including; Kennedy, a former teammate, Ellie, his girlfriend, Norman and Nelia Roselind, his parents, also from Jeremiah even though he is dead. The best thing I like about this book is it way it is written. I like the way Jacqueline Woodson wrote it so that each writer is able to explore everyone’s thoughts instead of assuming things about them. She wrote it as if each character is the main character. Also, I like the amount of detail that it is written in the book, it describes it clear enough so that you are able to almost imagine yourself beside the character.
I would recommend this book to just about anyone. Anyone who’d dealt with loss in the of a close family member, or anyone who knows someone who has dealt wit this kind of loss. This story would most likely appeal to parents and teenagers.
This book is written from the point of view from several characters including; Kennedy, a former teammate, Ellie, his girlfriend, Norman and Nelia Roselind, his parents, also from Jeremiah even though he is dead. The best thing I like about this book is it way it is written. I like the way Jacqueline Woodson wrote it so that each writer is able to explore everyone’s thoughts instead of assuming things about them. She wrote it as if each character is the main character. Also, I like the amount of detail that it is written in the book, it describes it clear enough so that you are able to almost imagine yourself beside the character.
I would recommend this book to just about anyone. Anyone who’d dealt with loss in the of a close family member, or anyone who knows someone who has dealt wit this kind of loss. This story would most likely appeal to parents and teenagers.
December 9, 2010
realistic fiction, African American fiction
Fifteen year old Jeremiah is mistakenly shot by police officers and dies. He is African American, but not a stereotypical inner city kid. He is wealthy and educated and loved to play basketball. This novel is the story of how the people around him reacted to his death, and how they still feel his presence with them after he is dead. An interesting novel, it addresses a lot of stereotypes about inner city black people through Miah's story, through his white girlfriend, and his girlfriend's growing relationship with his friend, who turns out to be gay. It forces the reader to face stereotypes and prejudices they may have, but indirectly, since the main story is about Miah's death. The true circumstances of his death are revealed slowly, allowing Woodson's message to be clear without being overly obvious. It's kind of a cheesy book, but definitely valuable in its portrayal of human being rather than stereotypes.
Fifteen year old Jeremiah is mistakenly shot by police officers and dies. He is African American, but not a stereotypical inner city kid. He is wealthy and educated and loved to play basketball. This novel is the story of how the people around him reacted to his death, and how they still feel his presence with them after he is dead. An interesting novel, it addresses a lot of stereotypes about inner city black people through Miah's story, through his white girlfriend, and his girlfriend's growing relationship with his friend, who turns out to be gay. It forces the reader to face stereotypes and prejudices they may have, but indirectly, since the main story is about Miah's death. The true circumstances of his death are revealed slowly, allowing Woodson's message to be clear without being overly obvious. It's kind of a cheesy book, but definitely valuable in its portrayal of human being rather than stereotypes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 6, 2016
This is one of the books or stories that very different from what I've read so far because it's not divided by numbers of chapters but separated with people's names that relate to the protagonist. In every section I get to read from different perspectives of the character's sides of the story and how they felt when the main character, Miah, passed away. I got to understand the parents, girlfriends, and even friends side of their story and how they felt inside when they still couldn't accept that Miah died. The book is also split into three sections, the ending, hurting,and healing. So when the characters found out that Miah died and the reaction they had and then how the pain inside felt for them. And as time passes how they felt as in the inside they start to heal or accept the fact that their friend, boyfriend, or son has passed away.
February 15, 2012
After reading If You Come Softly, the companion to this book, I was left with an empty box of tissues and a broken heart. The story of Ellie and Miah was so real and deep. I was pleased with how it ended and was surprised to learn of a sequel. However, I immediately bought the book on my e-reader and finished it within a few hours.
Behind You had me tearing up from the first few pages and I didn't stop until well after i had finished the book. I am so glad that a friend told me about the sequel because it has made the list of my all time favorites now. :)
I loved how Woodson told part of the story from Miah's point of view as well. It was so heartbreaking watching Miah deal with leaving behind those that he loves, so that he too can be happy.
Overall, I feel that this book was definitely worth reading if you have read If You Come Softly.
Behind You had me tearing up from the first few pages and I didn't stop until well after i had finished the book. I am so glad that a friend told me about the sequel because it has made the list of my all time favorites now. :)
I loved how Woodson told part of the story from Miah's point of view as well. It was so heartbreaking watching Miah deal with leaving behind those that he loves, so that he too can be happy.
Overall, I feel that this book was definitely worth reading if you have read If You Come Softly.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 11, 2012
I thought the book was okay. At first I wasn't really interested with the book but as I got into it, it got a little better. Right off in the beginning a boy named Miah gets shot. The book is about his friends and family having entries about how they are getting over the shooting and how hard it is for all of them. His girlfriend Ellie was devastated but with the help of his friends and family she is trying to make the memories of Miah not be so hard to handle. She goes over to Miahs mother's house once in a while and they will sit and about him. After about a year she finally is getting better and is going out with her friends and doing what she likes to again. I would recommend this book to people ether in high school or maybe the older kids in middle school.
February 1, 2013
How can Ellie move after life how she knew it stopped? How can she go on if there is no more Miah? It is a tough fact to face, but everyone learns to move on in their own ways.
Jacqueline Woodson once again created a beautifully written novel. You can not help but to the feel the emotions of the characters as they go about their everyday lives and learn to overcome. It is a perfect companion to If You Come Softly also by Jacqueline Woodson.
Jacqueline Woodson once again created a beautifully written novel. You can not help but to the feel the emotions of the characters as they go about their everyday lives and learn to overcome. It is a perfect companion to If You Come Softly also by Jacqueline Woodson.
May 30, 2016
i had a little bit of a hard time with this one. it changes very often with who is telling their part and that just threw me off. i didn't read the book that came before this one so i was a little lost on what was going on at first. it was a decent read but i would probably read the one before it first before reading this one.
April 19, 2017
I loved this book. It fits perfectly with what is happening in our world right now. I think a lot of kids can relate to the characters. Situations like Jeremiah's are happening everyday and it helps show how the other characters are affected.
December 13, 2020
I needed this after finishing If You Come Softly.
April 19, 2022
A beautiful book about love, grief, and healing.
March 26, 2019
Personal Response- I personally did not like this book at first because it was slow to start. In the beginning, it was confusing because each chapter the narrator is different. The book did get more interesting towards the end where there was more action. Not only was it getting interesting, but it talked about grief and how they themselves couped with it and were still okay in the long run
Summary- This book was about an African American teenager named Miah who was shot for a reason no one knew. They said he was in the wrong place at the wrong time. His family and friends are the narrators of this book and they tell their stories on how they coped with losing him. Miah had a girlfriend, her name was Ellie and she was super sweet to him. Ellie visited Miah’s mom once in a while and sometimes just to have someone to talk to that understood how much she loved him and how much it hurt to lose him. One time however when she visited she heard a beautiful voice singing from across the street. Miah’s mom said that was one of Miah’s friends and that his name was Carlton. She walked over across the street and they began to talk more and more. After they hung out a few times they became good friends and Carlton was even comfortable enough to tell her that he was gay.
Characterization- Ellie started out as a mourning girlfriend. She slowly turned into a great friend to Carlton and she talked to her dad and pointed out something she had wanted to since she started dating Miah. Carlton started out as a guy who had a teammate for basketball and a good friend. He turned out to be a guy who cares about people more deeply than most, and after getting comfortable he comes out to Ellie saying “I’m gay.” Miah’s mom started writing books when Miah was younger and that’s how Ellie and Miah met. Anyways, after Miah was shot she stopped writing for the longest time. It was over two months after that she started writing again.
Recommendations- I recommend this book to anyone who is wondering how losing a loved one is on your body/ mental stability. This book can get you in your emotions with how you never know when someone is going to die, so I do not recommend this book if you are an emotional person. However, it does have some racism in it with Ellie’s parents so if you are sensitive about that I do not recommend this book.
Summary- This book was about an African American teenager named Miah who was shot for a reason no one knew. They said he was in the wrong place at the wrong time. His family and friends are the narrators of this book and they tell their stories on how they coped with losing him. Miah had a girlfriend, her name was Ellie and she was super sweet to him. Ellie visited Miah’s mom once in a while and sometimes just to have someone to talk to that understood how much she loved him and how much it hurt to lose him. One time however when she visited she heard a beautiful voice singing from across the street. Miah’s mom said that was one of Miah’s friends and that his name was Carlton. She walked over across the street and they began to talk more and more. After they hung out a few times they became good friends and Carlton was even comfortable enough to tell her that he was gay.
Characterization- Ellie started out as a mourning girlfriend. She slowly turned into a great friend to Carlton and she talked to her dad and pointed out something she had wanted to since she started dating Miah. Carlton started out as a guy who had a teammate for basketball and a good friend. He turned out to be a guy who cares about people more deeply than most, and after getting comfortable he comes out to Ellie saying “I’m gay.” Miah’s mom started writing books when Miah was younger and that’s how Ellie and Miah met. Anyways, after Miah was shot she stopped writing for the longest time. It was over two months after that she started writing again.
Recommendations- I recommend this book to anyone who is wondering how losing a loved one is on your body/ mental stability. This book can get you in your emotions with how you never know when someone is going to die, so I do not recommend this book if you are an emotional person. However, it does have some racism in it with Ellie’s parents so if you are sensitive about that I do not recommend this book.
October 13, 2020
I am so happy that I was able to finally read this book. This is the companion book to "If you come softly". This is the continuation of Miah's (Jeremiah) death in Central Park where is was racially profiled and was shot in the back. I really enjoyed this book because we get to step into the lives of Miah's loved ones and what they were thinking and going through when they lost Miah. I even dropped a few tears reading this book because I know how it feels to lose someone unexpectedly and their time on this earth was cut short. Though I will also say while reading this there was a lesson that I learned and that is life does go on, but that does not mean you will forget the people that you have lost or who no longer is on this earth. Our loved ones will always be remembered and as we go on with our lives one day at a time... we always look behind us while stepping into the future and the paths that your life will take you. This was a phenomenal read and heart felt that I will definitely reread.
July 30, 2024
As soon as I read the first book I knew I had to get my hands on the second. I loved the different POVs and seeing how everyone was impacted by the loss of the first book. This was so beautifully written and I can completely understand why the author wrote a follow up to the first book.
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March 19, 2026Beautiful writing as always. These books will always have an extremely tender spot in my heart, iykyk. Didn’t love it as much as If You Come Softly but it was a decent enough close to the story. Still think it’s an important message.
September 4, 2019
Okay, I liked this one way better than If You Come Softly.
April 7, 2020
God bless the OWLs because I don't think I'd have read these novels if the random number hadn't picked them, but now they're going on my favourites list.
December 27, 2023
3.5 stars, rounded up.
March 20, 2025
I’ll definitely come back for a reread, because I feel like there are definitely some quotes that need underlying and annotating :)
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