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Life After
Best Teen Novel - Indies Today
“. . . [a] gorgeously-written story of hope that will stay with you long after you finish the last page.” (Amber Smith, New York Times bestselling author of The Way I Used to Be)
Someone once asked August Haiz if twins realize one of them is an accident. Deep down, August knows if anyone was an accident, it wasn’t Benny—it was her. Granted, August doesn’t mind dancing in the background, letting Benny be the star musician and center of attention. In fact, she prefers it that way.
Abandoned by their mother as children, the twins have spent a decade dodging the unpredictable nature of their alcoholic father in an attempt to stay off his radar. With graduation in sight and their freedom on the horizon, August and Benny look forward to fleeing their hometown together and starting fresh at college. But a tragic accident turns August’s world upside down, swallowing her hopes of a brighter future.
Guilt-ridden and struggling to cope with her new normal, August shuts out the people who love her most, and nearly ruins her most important friendship. If August wants a chance at adjusting to life after tragedy, she’ll have to process her pain, let go of the past, and leave the darkness behind.
“Perfect for fans of Sarah Dessen, LIFE AFTER is a moving story of overcoming grief, loss and heartbreak. Bust out the tissues!” (Kelly deVos, author of Fat Girl on a Plane and Eat Your Heart Out)
“A heartbreaking and poignant exploration of grief in the wake of tragedy, LIFE AFTER reminds us of the incredible strength of the human spirit – to experience pain and love and loss and still find the courage to start anew. Readers will cheer for August in this gorgeously-written story of hope that will stay with you long after you finish the last page.” (Amber Smith, New York Times bestselling author of The Way I Used to Be and The Last to Let Go)
"Raw and wrenching, LIFE AFTER tackles themes of trauma, grief, and resilience with compassion and care. Readers will hurt along with August as she faces life-changing loss—and root for her as she finds her way forward." (Kathryn Holmes, author of The Distance Between Lost and Found and How It Feels to Fly)
"LIFE AFTER is a searing coming-of-age novel that tackles loss with poignancy and grace. An immersive and deeply honest look at the staggering waking dream of grief and the power love and compassion can have to light the way through. Barker writes with an emotional potency that breathes warmth into each tender moment shared. Gus's voice shines—vibrant and vulnerable—as she navigates her new life, and finds the will to step into a self that while shaped by both loss and love is all her own." (Jacquie Reiko Teruya, award-winning writer)
“. . . [a] gorgeously-written story of hope that will stay with you long after you finish the last page.” (Amber Smith, New York Times bestselling author of The Way I Used to Be)
Someone once asked August Haiz if twins realize one of them is an accident. Deep down, August knows if anyone was an accident, it wasn’t Benny—it was her. Granted, August doesn’t mind dancing in the background, letting Benny be the star musician and center of attention. In fact, she prefers it that way.
Abandoned by their mother as children, the twins have spent a decade dodging the unpredictable nature of their alcoholic father in an attempt to stay off his radar. With graduation in sight and their freedom on the horizon, August and Benny look forward to fleeing their hometown together and starting fresh at college. But a tragic accident turns August’s world upside down, swallowing her hopes of a brighter future.
Guilt-ridden and struggling to cope with her new normal, August shuts out the people who love her most, and nearly ruins her most important friendship. If August wants a chance at adjusting to life after tragedy, she’ll have to process her pain, let go of the past, and leave the darkness behind.
“Perfect for fans of Sarah Dessen, LIFE AFTER is a moving story of overcoming grief, loss and heartbreak. Bust out the tissues!” (Kelly deVos, author of Fat Girl on a Plane and Eat Your Heart Out)
“A heartbreaking and poignant exploration of grief in the wake of tragedy, LIFE AFTER reminds us of the incredible strength of the human spirit – to experience pain and love and loss and still find the courage to start anew. Readers will cheer for August in this gorgeously-written story of hope that will stay with you long after you finish the last page.” (Amber Smith, New York Times bestselling author of The Way I Used to Be and The Last to Let Go)
"Raw and wrenching, LIFE AFTER tackles themes of trauma, grief, and resilience with compassion and care. Readers will hurt along with August as she faces life-changing loss—and root for her as she finds her way forward." (Kathryn Holmes, author of The Distance Between Lost and Found and How It Feels to Fly)
"LIFE AFTER is a searing coming-of-age novel that tackles loss with poignancy and grace. An immersive and deeply honest look at the staggering waking dream of grief and the power love and compassion can have to light the way through. Barker writes with an emotional potency that breathes warmth into each tender moment shared. Gus's voice shines—vibrant and vulnerable—as she navigates her new life, and finds the will to step into a self that while shaped by both loss and love is all her own." (Jacquie Reiko Teruya, award-winning writer)
- GenresYoung AdultContemporary
245 pages, Paperback
Published February 7, 2023
8 people are currently reading
198 people want to read
About the author
Genalea Barker
5 books70 followersGenalea is a sleep-deprived mom and—somehow—the author of three books: LIFE AFTER, A SONG I USED TO KNOW, and LOVEHURTS. Her work has appeared with Broad River Review, WOW! Women on Writing, Watershed Review, Gemini Magazine, The Bookends Review, and more. She resides in Southern Idaho with her husband, four children, and a judgmental dog. Should you ever need to find Genalea in a crowd, simply shout a line from an early 2000s emo song and she’ll be sure to answer back.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
September 18, 2022
I was given an advanced copy of LIFE AFTER and I was hooked from the minute I started reading. LIFE AFTER is the story of a young woman named August (Gus) and the two different halves of her life- before and after.
Gus is a senior in high school along with her twin brother Benny. They live with their alcoholic father who often treats the twins with indifference. Their saving grace is their best friend Warren and his parents, who provide the parental affection and support that they are missing from their father. Gus and Benny have plans of leaving her father in rural Oregon and going away for college. Both are talented in their chosen passions, dance for Gus and music for Benny. With their plans to leave discovered by their father, life begins to crumble for Gus.
When the unthinkable happens, we see how Gus reacts to LIFE AFTER. After tragedy strikes, Gus’ world is left shattered and unrecognizable. Gus tries to make sense of the ruins of her life and in doing so, clings tighter to the familiar. Gus’ journey to finding herself again is not easy but through it all, she remains relatable as a character.
I read LIFE AFTER in less than 24 hours after receiving it. I was unable to stop reading once I started. I was thoroughly invested in the characters and how their story would end. I loved the story and its ending. There were small elements that I really enjoyed. The mentions of music that I love, the band and dance lingo that was spot on, the story taking place in Eastern Oregon in communities that I am familiar with and love.
LIFE AFTER was a great read that I highly recommend. The characters were well written and were instantly likable. It was a serious read without being heavy. There were moments of great humor that showed true friendship and love between the characters. It gave me all the feels and I am here for it. Read it. You will thank me for it later.
Gus is a senior in high school along with her twin brother Benny. They live with their alcoholic father who often treats the twins with indifference. Their saving grace is their best friend Warren and his parents, who provide the parental affection and support that they are missing from their father. Gus and Benny have plans of leaving her father in rural Oregon and going away for college. Both are talented in their chosen passions, dance for Gus and music for Benny. With their plans to leave discovered by their father, life begins to crumble for Gus.
When the unthinkable happens, we see how Gus reacts to LIFE AFTER. After tragedy strikes, Gus’ world is left shattered and unrecognizable. Gus tries to make sense of the ruins of her life and in doing so, clings tighter to the familiar. Gus’ journey to finding herself again is not easy but through it all, she remains relatable as a character.
I read LIFE AFTER in less than 24 hours after receiving it. I was unable to stop reading once I started. I was thoroughly invested in the characters and how their story would end. I loved the story and its ending. There were small elements that I really enjoyed. The mentions of music that I love, the band and dance lingo that was spot on, the story taking place in Eastern Oregon in communities that I am familiar with and love.
LIFE AFTER was a great read that I highly recommend. The characters were well written and were instantly likable. It was a serious read without being heavy. There were moments of great humor that showed true friendship and love between the characters. It gave me all the feels and I am here for it. Read it. You will thank me for it later.
February 28, 2023
**I was given an advanced reader copy for LIFE AFTER**
LIFE AFTER is a story about the sibling love between August (Gus) and Benjamin (Benny), twins in their senior year of high school. Benny is the absolute center of Gus’s world, and when tragedy strikes, their love takes on a different form.
Barker does a fantastic job bringing these characters to life. As a reader, I felt attached to them all and didn’t want the book to end! I laughed, I cried, and I cheered them all on as they grew and evolved on the page.
The theme of coping with grief is handled so beautifully, and Barker’s prose is poignant without breaking character voice. Gus is a great character to follow along and seeing her character arc makes me feel like a proud dance mom cheering on from the sidelines!
Overall, this was a wonderful debut novel!
LIFE AFTER is a story about the sibling love between August (Gus) and Benjamin (Benny), twins in their senior year of high school. Benny is the absolute center of Gus’s world, and when tragedy strikes, their love takes on a different form.
Barker does a fantastic job bringing these characters to life. As a reader, I felt attached to them all and didn’t want the book to end! I laughed, I cried, and I cheered them all on as they grew and evolved on the page.
The theme of coping with grief is handled so beautifully, and Barker’s prose is poignant without breaking character voice. Gus is a great character to follow along and seeing her character arc makes me feel like a proud dance mom cheering on from the sidelines!
Overall, this was a wonderful debut novel!
January 19, 2024
CAUTION! Do not read this book before work, or after doing your makeup, and do not forget the tissues! From page one, this heart wrenching YA novel will have you falling in love with the main character, August. The reader gets to experience her life along side her; full of trauma, loss, grief, and yet so much love. Leaning on her closest friends, who are more like family, she is able to overcome tragedy and find her footing in her life after. Barker has done a great job of captivating her readers with real life circumstances, characters that will tug at your heart strings, and hard truths of life that many teens in rural America face.
I honestly wanted to devour “Life After”, but chose to pace myself, because I knew I would be sad when I got to the last page. I can not wait to see what else the author has in store for us.
I honestly wanted to devour “Life After”, but chose to pace myself, because I knew I would be sad when I got to the last page. I can not wait to see what else the author has in store for us.
June 12, 2023
A great read for teens and adults alike
I knew going into reading this book that it was sure to tug on my heartstrings. It did not disappoint. I'm not one to normally cry over fictional books, but there were parts even I became weepy over.
Barker has done an excellent job capturing all the pain and heartbreak that comes after a traumatic loss. Anyone who has dealt with grief can relate to someone in this story and how everyone processes their pain in different ways.
I don't often read YA books, but this heartfelt look at life after loss is so well written and so relatable for readers of all ages. I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for Barker's future work!
I knew going into reading this book that it was sure to tug on my heartstrings. It did not disappoint. I'm not one to normally cry over fictional books, but there were parts even I became weepy over.
Barker has done an excellent job capturing all the pain and heartbreak that comes after a traumatic loss. Anyone who has dealt with grief can relate to someone in this story and how everyone processes their pain in different ways.
I don't often read YA books, but this heartfelt look at life after loss is so well written and so relatable for readers of all ages. I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for Barker's future work!
June 12, 2023
Very moving. There is a ton of sadness in this story but also a ton of the purest love. I cried, but it was a good cry and it didn't leave me depressed or down in the dumps. A good insight to grief, and hope.
June 19, 2023
A volcanic explosion of emotions. Keep the tissues handy. When a tragic accident occurs, August has to learn to cope with her grief in the aftermath and how to move on.
October 6, 2022
*ARC review*
Just by the title, you know that Life After is going to pull at heartstrings. That you will be holding a breath and waiting for whatever the event that life is after to occur. And when it does... Genalea Barker has a way of making you feel like you're right there, that you are reading the texts from a friend or on the phone with a loved one, in the moment and everything after with them.
This book... Wow. It's emotional. It could cause tears. It has moments where you want to yell at a character (or several) to be or do better! Or to give characters hugs and reassure them that everything will be OK. And you cannot put it down. You just can't. This is a, "I am binging this in one afternoon, I need to know how this ends," kind of book.
It's a beautiful and heartbreaking journey and doesn't send you spiraling down roads where you go, "What's the point? This is a sideplot I don't care about. I hate this character." Because it's just August (Gus) and her journey. And you want to know what life after has in store for the brave heroine. Actually, I am hoping this gets a sequel- because while it absolutely ended on a high note with closure, it's a book that makes you go, "I want to know that Gus gets a happy ending! That things go wonderfully for her!" Like, full Wikipedia page of, "and she lived a long, happy, healthy, successful life".
Tl;dr: You should read this book. You should absolutely read this book.
Just by the title, you know that Life After is going to pull at heartstrings. That you will be holding a breath and waiting for whatever the event that life is after to occur. And when it does... Genalea Barker has a way of making you feel like you're right there, that you are reading the texts from a friend or on the phone with a loved one, in the moment and everything after with them.
This book... Wow. It's emotional. It could cause tears. It has moments where you want to yell at a character (or several) to be or do better! Or to give characters hugs and reassure them that everything will be OK. And you cannot put it down. You just can't. This is a, "I am binging this in one afternoon, I need to know how this ends," kind of book.
It's a beautiful and heartbreaking journey and doesn't send you spiraling down roads where you go, "What's the point? This is a sideplot I don't care about. I hate this character." Because it's just August (Gus) and her journey. And you want to know what life after has in store for the brave heroine. Actually, I am hoping this gets a sequel- because while it absolutely ended on a high note with closure, it's a book that makes you go, "I want to know that Gus gets a happy ending! That things go wonderfully for her!" Like, full Wikipedia page of, "and she lived a long, happy, healthy, successful life".
Tl;dr: You should read this book. You should absolutely read this book.
December 22, 2022
*ARC Review*
This book tells the story of August and her twin brother and best friend Benny. August and Benny are in their senior year of high school in LaGrande Oregon. After an unthinkable tragedy occurs, August’s life is changed forever. She is left to pick up the pieces as she learns how to live her life without Benny.
This book was a very special read! One of my very good friends from elementary/middle/high school has a cousin named Genalea that I spent some time with when we were kids. Genalea and I are Facebook friends and she sent me an advanced reader copy of this that she wrote! It comes out officially in February, and I would highly recommend it! I felt so connected to her characters, and it was so hard to put down once I got started. This book will hit you right in the feels, but it was very well done!!
This book tells the story of August and her twin brother and best friend Benny. August and Benny are in their senior year of high school in LaGrande Oregon. After an unthinkable tragedy occurs, August’s life is changed forever. She is left to pick up the pieces as she learns how to live her life without Benny.
This book was a very special read! One of my very good friends from elementary/middle/high school has a cousin named Genalea that I spent some time with when we were kids. Genalea and I are Facebook friends and she sent me an advanced reader copy of this that she wrote! It comes out officially in February, and I would highly recommend it! I felt so connected to her characters, and it was so hard to put down once I got started. This book will hit you right in the feels, but it was very well done!!
September 21, 2022
I was fortunate to read the Advanced Copy. As an older reader, I didn't anticipate that shortly after being introduced to the main characters, I would be yanked by the shirt, stuffed in my seat, and off on a roller coaster ride of emotions. You know, "I laughed, I cried." Did I mention anxiety??? I really couldn't stop until I came to the end and found myself wishing for more. I felt myself relating to August, Benny, Warren, and Seth on a visceral level, having been propelled back to my own youth. I have been mesmerized by Genalea's short stories and am thrilled to see a full scale novel. Kudos! I am looking forward to visiting with others after this hits the general public. Watch for it! I can hardly wait for her next book. Wow!
September 20, 2022
As a former Literature and Reading teacher, I can say this book is amazing. If it had been around while I was still teaching, I know so many of my students would've loved it. August, the main character, is sarcastic, funny, talented, and though she believes otherwise, brave in the face of tragedy. It's relatable on so many levels and tells an encompassing story of love, loss, and grief, while ensuring there's light at the end of the tunnel.
As an adult reader and writer, the novel is equally engaging. The writing is eloquent, yet biting--the story, engrossing and well-conceptualized from start to finish.
As a friend, I'm proud and humbled to have had the chance to experience it before its debut. This is a must-read. You will not be disappointed!
As an adult reader and writer, the novel is equally engaging. The writing is eloquent, yet biting--the story, engrossing and well-conceptualized from start to finish.
As a friend, I'm proud and humbled to have had the chance to experience it before its debut. This is a must-read. You will not be disappointed!
October 19, 2022
**I was given an advanced reader copy for LIFE AFTER**
This book gave me ALL the feels. All of them. I laughed, I cried, I cursed the author. I was hooked before the first chapter was over. It was very hard to put down. I read for hours at a time. I felt like I knew every character personally. They weren’t just characters in a book. They were living breathing souls to me. I laughed at their jokes, I cried at their joy, and I felt their agony deep in my soul. I rejoiced in their healing, got frustrated with their shortcomings, and loved the way they loved. I haven’t ever FELT a book so deeply as I felt this one. The story is well thought out and very relatable. Genalea is a brilliantly talented author. I hope to see more from her in the near future.
This book gave me ALL the feels. All of them. I laughed, I cried, I cursed the author. I was hooked before the first chapter was over. It was very hard to put down. I read for hours at a time. I felt like I knew every character personally. They weren’t just characters in a book. They were living breathing souls to me. I laughed at their jokes, I cried at their joy, and I felt their agony deep in my soul. I rejoiced in their healing, got frustrated with their shortcomings, and loved the way they loved. I haven’t ever FELT a book so deeply as I felt this one. The story is well thought out and very relatable. Genalea is a brilliantly talented author. I hope to see more from her in the near future.
February 7, 2023
Deep within the clutches of grief lies a sarcastic, passionate girl who has already faced more trauma than most. The main character, August, takes the reader through each painful phase of the grieving process, and it's impossible to go unchanged as you traverse this path.
There is a question coursing through the center of each moment that asks if there is Life After such loss. Not just for August, but for all those around her that must endure the hole left in their world.
The author handles the subject matter with both remarkable grace and the visceral complexity of one who understands the journey of moving on... And moving through.
There is a question coursing through the center of each moment that asks if there is Life After such loss. Not just for August, but for all those around her that must endure the hole left in their world.
The author handles the subject matter with both remarkable grace and the visceral complexity of one who understands the journey of moving on... And moving through.
October 3, 2022
Put this book on your YA reading list!
A remarkable story about grief and recovery, one that will keep any teen turning the pages. As an adult reading Life After, I was tossed back to my own teenage years and where I was emotionally just as I was about to graduate high school. And then I wanted to throw the book against the wall. I was heartbroken for August, angry at her situation, and relieved when she caught a break. Excellent insight into twin siblings, family dynamics, and how there are always helpers to bring you from the darkness.
A remarkable story about grief and recovery, one that will keep any teen turning the pages. As an adult reading Life After, I was tossed back to my own teenage years and where I was emotionally just as I was about to graduate high school. And then I wanted to throw the book against the wall. I was heartbroken for August, angry at her situation, and relieved when she caught a break. Excellent insight into twin siblings, family dynamics, and how there are always helpers to bring you from the darkness.
September 17, 2022
This was such an emotional rollercoaster ride, in the best way possible. The author does such an amazing job of capturing what it means to grieve and learn how to live again after a tremendous loss. This story will rip your heart out and make you cry (the ugly kind. Get your tissues ready), then turn around and make you laugh. It's witty and devastating and heart warming all at once. Read this. You won't regret it.
June 18, 2023
This is a stunning book. Barker’s writing is beautiful, like a mirror into the grieving human spirit. This isn’t something I often would pick up but I’ll never regret that I did or stop recommending it. Warning though, if it hit my rough, horror writer’s heart enough to make me cry — you’ll probably cry too. But it’s so worth it.
May 25, 2023
A YA required read
A phenomenally gut-wrenching debut that will leave tear stains on your pages.
Oh my GOODNESS. This left me with so many emotions. Hurt. Angry. Unhinged. Raw. Hopeful.
All of these words still cannot describe how beautifully written this novel is. You know the hurt is coming. Barker takes you there. And when she does, you will hurt in the best way, because while this is a story about tragedy and loss AND YOU WILL CRY, this is also a story about love, hope and second chances. About exploring the loss. Living in the "after." We have all been there. Barker did a wonderful job at writing the hurt that you can practically feel it hit you.
I just love this so much. A required YA read for all ages!!
A phenomenally gut-wrenching debut that will leave tear stains on your pages.
Oh my GOODNESS. This left me with so many emotions. Hurt. Angry. Unhinged. Raw. Hopeful.
All of these words still cannot describe how beautifully written this novel is. You know the hurt is coming. Barker takes you there. And when she does, you will hurt in the best way, because while this is a story about tragedy and loss AND YOU WILL CRY, this is also a story about love, hope and second chances. About exploring the loss. Living in the "after." We have all been there. Barker did a wonderful job at writing the hurt that you can practically feel it hit you.
I just love this so much. A required YA read for all ages!!
May 18, 2023
Heart breakingly emotional
Holy moly I got half way through this book and then cried the rest of the way through it.
If you want a cathartic read that will have you sobbing and blubbering like a baby, then this is it.
Ugh, my heart.
Holy moly I got half way through this book and then cried the rest of the way through it.
If you want a cathartic read that will have you sobbing and blubbering like a baby, then this is it.
Ugh, my heart.
February 7, 2023
“There’s no stopping the world—no escape. There are simply things—people—who make it less excruciating.”
There are young adult books we read only to devour quickly and race through because the language is brief enough and we see the story unfold in a quick-paced frenzy, like a Netflix binge. And then there are books we savor chapter by chapter, and as reader/writers, we study and learn from—sentence structure, delicious phrases, and literary tightness. Like a luxury. In those sit-downs of learning, we also really fall in love. Life After is the latter.
Life After is a beautifully written YA that was my pleasure to read in the Advance Copy scenario. Every character has depth, every chapter a purpose, and as you can see from the quote I pulled above, full of universal genius. I loved reacquainting myself with the family of characters every time I sat down and snuggled into Barker’s lovely words. The sibling dynamic is spot-on when it’s at its peak. The dialogue is perfection. All lovers of YA and beyond will cherish this of people, relationships, family, and grief. It’s one I’d pick up again in a year or two.
There are young adult books we read only to devour quickly and race through because the language is brief enough and we see the story unfold in a quick-paced frenzy, like a Netflix binge. And then there are books we savor chapter by chapter, and as reader/writers, we study and learn from—sentence structure, delicious phrases, and literary tightness. Like a luxury. In those sit-downs of learning, we also really fall in love. Life After is the latter.
Life After is a beautifully written YA that was my pleasure to read in the Advance Copy scenario. Every character has depth, every chapter a purpose, and as you can see from the quote I pulled above, full of universal genius. I loved reacquainting myself with the family of characters every time I sat down and snuggled into Barker’s lovely words. The sibling dynamic is spot-on when it’s at its peak. The dialogue is perfection. All lovers of YA and beyond will cherish this of people, relationships, family, and grief. It’s one I’d pick up again in a year or two.
October 12, 2022
I was the recipient of an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for my honest review.
This book is broken up into two halves, the before and the after of a tragic event that happens about exactly halfway through. In the before, we learn how life is for August, which isn’t great, but she has close family and friends who she relies on. In the after, she has to learn how to breathe again and learn that life is worth living. I felt the first half had a nice ominous build to it, I just knew something was coming and I had no idea when it would hit.
Barker is not afraid of digging into those hard emotions and staying with the character as they travel through them. There is no glossing over grief in its many stages. I found it a bit hard to read at times, but only because I have a hard time dealing with those painful emotions, not because I found the story or writing to be bad. On the contrary. I felt that Barker wonderfully illustrates how these emotions affect people differently. This book will make you cry, even if you’re not an easy crier, so make sure to have tissues handy.
This book is broken up into two halves, the before and the after of a tragic event that happens about exactly halfway through. In the before, we learn how life is for August, which isn’t great, but she has close family and friends who she relies on. In the after, she has to learn how to breathe again and learn that life is worth living. I felt the first half had a nice ominous build to it, I just knew something was coming and I had no idea when it would hit.
Barker is not afraid of digging into those hard emotions and staying with the character as they travel through them. There is no glossing over grief in its many stages. I found it a bit hard to read at times, but only because I have a hard time dealing with those painful emotions, not because I found the story or writing to be bad. On the contrary. I felt that Barker wonderfully illustrates how these emotions affect people differently. This book will make you cry, even if you’re not an easy crier, so make sure to have tissues handy.
March 1, 2023
*ARC Review*
Genalea Barker is a maestro of heartbreak and redemption. It's rare for me to find a book that makes my chest ache with that taste of bittersweet sorrow, but Life After was one of them. I knew this was going to be a tough read based on other reviews, but once I got going, I was hooked. I finished it in a day. Every character was beautifully nuanced--nobody is perfect and their flaws, even the hidden ones, are pulled into the light. So many layers so intricately woven together to make them come to life in so many ways. This is one of those books that sends you right back to all of the big feelings of high school, compounded by the even bigger ones surrounding abandonment, neglect, and loss. The entire story was beautifully crafted, wrenching and heartwarming all at once. Absolutely loved this book!
Genalea Barker is a maestro of heartbreak and redemption. It's rare for me to find a book that makes my chest ache with that taste of bittersweet sorrow, but Life After was one of them. I knew this was going to be a tough read based on other reviews, but once I got going, I was hooked. I finished it in a day. Every character was beautifully nuanced--nobody is perfect and their flaws, even the hidden ones, are pulled into the light. So many layers so intricately woven together to make them come to life in so many ways. This is one of those books that sends you right back to all of the big feelings of high school, compounded by the even bigger ones surrounding abandonment, neglect, and loss. The entire story was beautifully crafted, wrenching and heartwarming all at once. Absolutely loved this book!
December 8, 2022
Warning: This book will steal your heart! I literally couldn't stop reading!!!
A poignant tale of loss and healing, told through the lens of August, a teenage girl who navigates her rollercoaster life with the help of her good-natured twin brother Benny. I received an ARC of the novel and I'm so grateful to have had the chance to walk alongside Benny and August through their bittersweet story. The characters were REAL to me and immediately hooked my heart. My emotions twisted and turned as if in one of August's intricate dances, and I was honestly so captivated that I couldn't look away. I will definitely be buying a copy when the book releases in February and you should too! Just be prepared to get totally emotionally invested! I'm sad I can't follow the characters further than the last page! Props to the author on this awesome debut. I'm thoroughly impressed!
A poignant tale of loss and healing, told through the lens of August, a teenage girl who navigates her rollercoaster life with the help of her good-natured twin brother Benny. I received an ARC of the novel and I'm so grateful to have had the chance to walk alongside Benny and August through their bittersweet story. The characters were REAL to me and immediately hooked my heart. My emotions twisted and turned as if in one of August's intricate dances, and I was honestly so captivated that I couldn't look away. I will definitely be buying a copy when the book releases in February and you should too! Just be prepared to get totally emotionally invested! I'm sad I can't follow the characters further than the last page! Props to the author on this awesome debut. I'm thoroughly impressed!
April 24, 2023
Get your tissues ready!
I got this book on sale for .99 and finished it in two days. Halfway through reading I purchased the paperback for full price. This story had me laughing and crying. It was so well written. I felt terrible only paying .99 for it.
The plot is simple. August deals with a terrible loss and has to free herself from her abusive father and from herself in order to overcome the loss.
Barker is a brilliant writer. While I read it was like I was watching a movie. The characters were so distinct and realistic. The story was paced well and was an easy and satisfying read. Smooth like butter.
This book is PERFECT for 13-18 or older. IMO she really captured the way grief can effect someone. I think she did an amazing job showing grief through August.
Definitely get this book. You will not be disappointed
I got this book on sale for .99 and finished it in two days. Halfway through reading I purchased the paperback for full price. This story had me laughing and crying. It was so well written. I felt terrible only paying .99 for it.
The plot is simple. August deals with a terrible loss and has to free herself from her abusive father and from herself in order to overcome the loss.
Barker is a brilliant writer. While I read it was like I was watching a movie. The characters were so distinct and realistic. The story was paced well and was an easy and satisfying read. Smooth like butter.
This book is PERFECT for 13-18 or older. IMO she really captured the way grief can effect someone. I think she did an amazing job showing grief through August.
Definitely get this book. You will not be disappointed
July 9, 2023
I was wholly unprepared for this beautiful, raw, and heartfelt story. August Haiz and her twin brother, Benny, lived a hard life even before that winter day when her life was turned upside down by an event so tragic it made everything follow known as “life after.”
Genalea made me laugh, love, cry, and ugly cry. The character development and bonds painted in this novel are a masterpiece. A road of tragedy and pain for August eventually gives way to seeds of hope. It teaches us to hold tight of the people who see us for our broken pieces and love us anyways. Even through pain and heartbreak, we can be strong enough and brave enough to love again.
This is a wonderfully written story that simultaneously broke my heart and mended it back together again. Highly recommend this book (and a box of tissues)!
Genalea made me laugh, love, cry, and ugly cry. The character development and bonds painted in this novel are a masterpiece. A road of tragedy and pain for August eventually gives way to seeds of hope. It teaches us to hold tight of the people who see us for our broken pieces and love us anyways. Even through pain and heartbreak, we can be strong enough and brave enough to love again.
This is a wonderfully written story that simultaneously broke my heart and mended it back together again. Highly recommend this book (and a box of tissues)!
July 19, 2023
Life After has taken my heart apart. Author Genalea Barker has created a story that will wreck you but also offer a promise of rebuilding. The author does not pat the reader on the head and say just get over it. This makes August’s story so much more authentic. This is powerful writing that many authors aspire to but rarely achieve.
August’s life was never easy, but her Life After is tragic and leaves her alone, full of guilt, and unable to see her path forward. There are people around her who will go the distance to help her, but her father is not one of them.
If you want to read with your whole heart, as well as have a total immersion in the character’s emotional journey, this book was written for you. You will be drawn in with every fiber of your being.
August’s life was never easy, but her Life After is tragic and leaves her alone, full of guilt, and unable to see her path forward. There are people around her who will go the distance to help her, but her father is not one of them.
If you want to read with your whole heart, as well as have a total immersion in the character’s emotional journey, this book was written for you. You will be drawn in with every fiber of your being.
April 24, 2023
This book was just.....incredible. It grabbed me from page 1 and didn't let go until the end and I was completely destroyed by this, in the best way possible. The first true 5 star read this year. Not only was the plot very well done, it was simple and effective. No page was wasted, and every plot point was resolved. There were no cliff hangers in this one, thankfully. The writing was top notch and you can feel August's grief and rage jumping off the page. Very well done!
Full review can be found at https://leighdavisbooks.com/2023/04/2...
Full review can be found at https://leighdavisbooks.com/2023/04/2...
August 26, 2023
So to start, THIS BOOK IS AMAZING!!!!
I have never had a book impact me so hard with its story and feelings. I had to stop reading for a month because of how real and intense the emotion portrayed in this book is. Truly a beautiful and amazing story, and i will tell you it is definitely worth it to push through the tears from this story. Beautifully written, I would absolutely recommend this book to others, especially if you are looking for a beautiful, life touching story.
I have never had a book impact me so hard with its story and feelings. I had to stop reading for a month because of how real and intense the emotion portrayed in this book is. Truly a beautiful and amazing story, and i will tell you it is definitely worth it to push through the tears from this story. Beautifully written, I would absolutely recommend this book to others, especially if you are looking for a beautiful, life touching story.
November 1, 2022
I was given an advanced reader copy of LIFE AFTER. I have nothing but rave reviews for this book. The author brings the story to life- I felt the pain, love and laughter right along with the characters. This was a beautiful written story of an emotional journey, an example of living when life is hard, and a book that teaches all of us a lesson to keep going. I highly recommend this book!
April 20, 2023
This story is absolutely beautiful! Once I picked it up, I couldn’t put it down! Life After is a heart wrenching and gorgeously written look at grief and navigating life after loss. The characters were so real and the story drew you right in. I cried, I laughed, I gushed.
I would highly recommend this book!
I would highly recommend this book!
November 1, 2022
Get out your tissues for this raw and emotional read! You will fall in love with August and her people (well, most of them...). Ms. Barker portrayed a unique and consistent young-adult voice and I look forward to reading more from this author!
April 3, 2023
A beautifully Heartbreaking tale of the Meaning of True Love, Friendship, Heartbreak. I laughed and I cried (a lot). Thank you for such a well written descriptive story that hits to the core. A book that I will share with others and that I will reread.
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