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Before the World Changed
What's left when the world falls apart?
The only concern on Alli's mind is planning her upcoming trip with her sister—until a bolt from a clear sky turns the world upside down. But as shock and grief close in, Alli comes face to face with others just as devastated by the events as she is, and with even more reason to fear. Can she find a way to share hope with those who need it most?
The only concern on Alli's mind is planning her upcoming trip with her sister—until a bolt from a clear sky turns the world upside down. But as shock and grief close in, Alli comes face to face with others just as devastated by the events as she is, and with even more reason to fear. Can she find a way to share hope with those who need it most?
- GenresChristian Fiction
38 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 11, 2021
103 people want to read
About the author
Anna Grace
4 books60 followersA chronic illness warrior, Anna Grace understands the what it feels like to have questions with no apparent answer, even while still trusting God as her source of strength. Passionate about using her writing to reach her generation, she is described by her parents as a "born writer." She can often be found reading, writing, or enjoying worship music. She also enjoys folding origami cranes and crocheting. You can connect with her on her blog, Redeem the Time, or in her novelette, Before the World Changed.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
September 11, 2021
*clears throat* Um, well.
Before the World Changed isn't what I expected. And, I'm going to go into spoilers only because I want to be clear. So, forewarned, don't read my review unless you're okay with spoilers.
Many times when service members come home from overseas they can have random, weird, or anything trigger them. That is often so when someone has PTSD, so, personally, I've seen the reaction when a veteran sees a woman in full dress, head covered, etc.... The alertness, the want to think it's okay, but knowing that it might not be, the hands clenched, the bouncing leg, the need to get out. BUT, at the same time they don't always suspect that something bad will happen. It can be the other way, they can see the truth, that not everyone is bad. They can see the mother, sister, daughter, the little girl who needs help. They see the need or the winsome spirit or the joy.
Which is why I so so appreciate the way that Anna Grace handled some very harsh topics in such ... Naturally calm and loving way that points toward grace.
This little story is just so good, wholesome, and shows so much of what it was like 20 years ago.
If you read one book today, make it this one.
Before the World Changed isn't what I expected. And, I'm going to go into spoilers only because I want to be clear. So, forewarned, don't read my review unless you're okay with spoilers.
Many times when service members come home from overseas they can have random, weird, or anything trigger them. That is often so when someone has PTSD, so, personally, I've seen the reaction when a veteran sees a woman in full dress, head covered, etc.... The alertness, the want to think it's okay, but knowing that it might not be, the hands clenched, the bouncing leg, the need to get out. BUT, at the same time they don't always suspect that something bad will happen. It can be the other way, they can see the truth, that not everyone is bad. They can see the mother, sister, daughter, the little girl who needs help. They see the need or the winsome spirit or the joy.
Which is why I so so appreciate the way that Anna Grace handled some very harsh topics in such ... Naturally calm and loving way that points toward grace.
This little story is just so good, wholesome, and shows so much of what it was like 20 years ago.
If you read one book today, make it this one.
September 26, 2021
Summary: This was a good short story, showing the reality of 9/11. Anna Grace wrote in a way that helped those of us in the younger generation to understand what exactly happened. In addition, the characters connected intentionally with their shunned Muslim neighbors. The style wasn't my favorite, but it was good for the story.
Characters: The sister relationship between Alli and Ashlee is great, and Ash's relationship with Dean is sweet. My other favorite part was their befriending the Muslim family next door. Aliya is a sweetheart.
Setting, Style and Plot: The setting was well done, and I liked the setting especially for the last scene. :D The style… threw me off a little, but I also can't remember the last thing I read in 3rd person present so that might have been a big part of it. It felt simply written but also good. The plot was pretty good I liked how the events were shaped around 9/11 and you could tell that. The one thing is that I wish we had seen Carson and Alli together more than they were, especially with how it ended.
Theme: This story was designed to show the events of 9/11, to remind us to "never forget." I also really appreciated the Christian faith shown and the way they loved their Muslin neighbors through their differences, not judging them or being afraid, but caring.
Some quotes:
After another few excruciating minutes of doing nothing but listening to the reporters, Dean breathes a prayer. “Oh, God, I have no idea what’s happening right now. But You do.”
“Amen.”
“What— what happened?”
“I don’t know. I don’t... just listen...”
“Is that... that’s the... World Trade Center?”
“Be careful, stay safe. Please, Dean. I’ll be praying for you.”
“You, too, Ash. Love ya.” As he turns to leave, he begins to recite their
blessing. “May the Lord bless thee—”
“And keep thee,” Ashlee joins in, smiling slightly. In unison, they finish reciting the next few verses. When Dean leaves, Alli sees her sister wipe the back of her hand across her face, brushing away tears.
“But if God calls us to it,” Ashlee brightens and smiles slightly. “He will be
glorified.”
With a sigh of defeat, both sisters lean against the wall. “Well, so much for
getting that chocolate,” Alli sighs after a long minute of eye contact with her sister.
“Well, I think there’s enough left for another cup—”
Alli interrupts with a laugh, which she quickly attempts to stifle.
“I know, it’s a comfort thing, okay?”
*I received a free digital copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.*
Characters: The sister relationship between Alli and Ashlee is great, and Ash's relationship with Dean is sweet. My other favorite part was their befriending the Muslim family next door. Aliya is a sweetheart.
Setting, Style and Plot: The setting was well done, and I liked the setting especially for the last scene. :D The style… threw me off a little, but I also can't remember the last thing I read in 3rd person present so that might have been a big part of it. It felt simply written but also good. The plot was pretty good I liked how the events were shaped around 9/11 and you could tell that. The one thing is that I wish we had seen Carson and Alli together more than they were, especially with how it ended.
Theme: This story was designed to show the events of 9/11, to remind us to "never forget." I also really appreciated the Christian faith shown and the way they loved their Muslin neighbors through their differences, not judging them or being afraid, but caring.
Some quotes:
After another few excruciating minutes of doing nothing but listening to the reporters, Dean breathes a prayer. “Oh, God, I have no idea what’s happening right now. But You do.”
“Amen.”
“What— what happened?”
“I don’t know. I don’t... just listen...”
“Is that... that’s the... World Trade Center?”
“Be careful, stay safe. Please, Dean. I’ll be praying for you.”
“You, too, Ash. Love ya.” As he turns to leave, he begins to recite their
blessing. “May the Lord bless thee—”
“And keep thee,” Ashlee joins in, smiling slightly. In unison, they finish reciting the next few verses. When Dean leaves, Alli sees her sister wipe the back of her hand across her face, brushing away tears.
“But if God calls us to it,” Ashlee brightens and smiles slightly. “He will be
glorified.”
With a sigh of defeat, both sisters lean against the wall. “Well, so much for
getting that chocolate,” Alli sighs after a long minute of eye contact with her sister.
“Well, I think there’s enough left for another cup—”
Alli interrupts with a laugh, which she quickly attempts to stifle.
“I know, it’s a comfort thing, okay?”
*I received a free digital copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.*
September 16, 2021
Rounded to 4 ⭐️
I have to say this was not what I expected. In mostly good ways!
I appreciated several elements highlighted that usually aren’t mentioned during this time: the pentagon and Pennsylvania incidents, as well as the backlash against Muslim/Middle Eastern Americans.
I enjoyed the sisters’ close relationship. I loved that they came even closer together in helping someone else. Ashlee’s taking comfort in hot chocolate and that that was merged into loving their neighbor was in all ways heartwarming!
I think my biggest consternation was that it was so short. I know it’s a novelette, but I felt like certain correlations could’ve been… expanded. Dean and Carson’s work as police officers, for example. And Aliyah and Carson “friends becoming family” was definitely great but whose relationship arcs felt kinda rushed at the end.
The story also jumped between/had slightly seeming random moments throughout that I didn’t expect and left me backtracking to piece it back together. But that may also be because I haven’t read many works written like this before.
Overall though, I enjoyed it! The scenes were relatable, I could definitely see having similar realistic reactions. I’m glad to have read this and considered the event in history new ways.
Also have to add I ADORE the cover 😍
A favorite scene
“Be careful, stay safe. Please, Dean. I’ll be praying for you.”
“You, too, Ash. Love ya.” As he turns to leave, he begins to recite their blessing. “May the Lord bless thee—”
“And keep thee,” Ashlee joins in, smiling slightly”
I received a free copy of this work in exchange for an honest, though not necessarily favorable, review
I have to say this was not what I expected. In mostly good ways!
I appreciated several elements highlighted that usually aren’t mentioned during this time: the pentagon and Pennsylvania incidents, as well as the backlash against Muslim/Middle Eastern Americans.
I enjoyed the sisters’ close relationship. I loved that they came even closer together in helping someone else. Ashlee’s taking comfort in hot chocolate and that that was merged into loving their neighbor was in all ways heartwarming!
I think my biggest consternation was that it was so short. I know it’s a novelette, but I felt like certain correlations could’ve been… expanded. Dean and Carson’s work as police officers, for example. And Aliyah and Carson “friends becoming family” was definitely great but whose relationship arcs felt kinda rushed at the end.
The story also jumped between/had slightly seeming random moments throughout that I didn’t expect and left me backtracking to piece it back together. But that may also be because I haven’t read many works written like this before.
Overall though, I enjoyed it! The scenes were relatable, I could definitely see having similar realistic reactions. I’m glad to have read this and considered the event in history new ways.
Also have to add I ADORE the cover 😍
A favorite scene
“Be careful, stay safe. Please, Dean. I’ll be praying for you.”
“You, too, Ash. Love ya.” As he turns to leave, he begins to recite their blessing. “May the Lord bless thee—”
“And keep thee,” Ashlee joins in, smiling slightly”
I received a free copy of this work in exchange for an honest, though not necessarily favorable, review
April 5, 2024
I've gotta say, this little novelette was unlike any 9/11 story I've ever read (and I've read my fair share). It doesn't focus on the horror of the attacks; instead, it focuses on loving a Muslim neighbor and making chocolatey deserts. It highlights hope instead of fear; love instead of hate.
There were some things nit-picky me didn't much like, like some grammatical errors and whatnot, and I wasn't always completely sure what was going on, but it was short enough that I was able to easily finish it.
All in all, a sweet little story about a side of 9/11 that's not shown as much: the home front.
There were some things nit-picky me didn't much like, like some grammatical errors and whatnot, and I wasn't always completely sure what was going on, but it was short enough that I was able to easily finish it.
All in all, a sweet little story about a side of 9/11 that's not shown as much: the home front.
May 14, 2022
A thoughtful short read on an event that rocked our world. The emotions were real along with the sense of loss, and I appreciated the way Alli and Ashlee went out of their way to be kind to their Muslim neighbour. There were several sections of dialogue that I felt didn’t flow or feel nature, and the present tense POV was a little hard to follow, but that’s a personal preference.
July 19, 2023
It was really good!!! the ending was a bit confusing though. Thank you, Anna Grace, for shedding light on a dark time in history.
Read
December 16, 2023Looks like I never put my review of this one on GR either:
I…am not sure how to rate this, probably because I don’t exactly know what I think of it. It was…distant? I’m not sure if it’s because it was written in third-person present tense (which I think I’ve read before) or because I myself have no physical memories of 9/11, since I was four and asleep on the West Coast when it happened.
That being said, it’s a good story. I’m just not sure what…maybe I was expecting…more? More…depth? Characterization?
I really don’t know, so I don’t think I can give it any stars.
**
P.S. In retrospect, it honestly feels weird to me to star stories about 9/11, which is probably the actual reason I didn't give this or Daylight any.
I…am not sure how to rate this, probably because I don’t exactly know what I think of it. It was…distant? I’m not sure if it’s because it was written in third-person present tense (which I think I’ve read before) or because I myself have no physical memories of 9/11, since I was four and asleep on the West Coast when it happened.
That being said, it’s a good story. I’m just not sure what…maybe I was expecting…more? More…depth? Characterization?
I really don’t know, so I don’t think I can give it any stars.
**
P.S. In retrospect, it honestly feels weird to me to star stories about 9/11, which is probably the actual reason I didn't give this or Daylight any.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews