After Life

Featured
51ZHrhv4uDL._SY445_SX342_
Author(s)
Age Range
14+
Release Date
January 07, 2025
ISBN
0063346141
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One spring afternoon after school, Amber arrives home on her bike. It's just another perfectly normal day. But when Amber's mom sees her, she screams. Because Amber died seven years ago, hit by a car while on the very same bicycle she's inexplicably riding now.

This return doesn't only impact Amber. Her sister, Melissa, now seven years older, must be a new kind of sibling to Amber. Amber's estranged parents are battling over her. And the changes ripple farther and farther out: Amber's friends, boyfriend, and even people she met only once have been deeply affected by her life and death. In the midst of everyone's turmoil, Amber is struggling with herself. What kind of person was she? How and why was she given this second chance?

This magnificent tour de force by acclaimed author Gayle Forman brilliantly explores the porous veil between life and death, examines the impact that one person can have on the world, and celebrates life in all its beautiful complexity.

Editor review

1 review
An emotional read
(Updated: June 22, 2026)
Overall rating
 
4.3
Plot
 
4.0
Characters
 
5.0
Writing Style
 
4.0
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
 
N/A
Seven years ago, Amber was killed on her bike as she rode home from school. Now she has returned. Her family struggle to adjust, but Amber is struggling too. Her family has been fractured by her death and she feels the need to make things right.

What I Loved:

The mystery of Amber's return is intriguing and it keeps the reader glued to the page. Amber's family has fallen apart and it hurts her to see them like that. She does what she can to fix things, feeling guilty over her role in it. The converging storylines felt like a puzzle that did not quite make sense in the beginning, but then they came together to show the reader the complete story.

What Left Me Wanting More:

The ending was unexpected, though it did fit the story. Given that the focus is around death and the people left behind, the author framed the story in a positive way, though the reveal at the end surprised me.

Final Verdict:

Readers who have experienced loss may draw some comfort from this book. There is a positive message that those who are gone never truly leave us. The author has created a poignant and thought provoking story with After Life. Highly recommended.
Good Points
A unique plot
An intriguing mystery
A positive message
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