The premise for this book is heartbreaking - the loss of high school senior Dara's best friend in an accident more than a year ago. The pattern used to tell their story makes it a compelling read. Alternating chapters take readers from scenes Before the accident when Dara and Aubrey spent every possible moment together, to the present in After scenarios where Dara is left to deal with the loss and repercussions of the accident that killed Aubrey. It is an incredibly effective way to tell this harrowing story, and provides the background needed to help readers deal with what is happening in the present.
Dara was the leader in everything the two of them did together; Aubrey, the follower. When Dara shoves her friend while walking home after school and Aubrey trips and is crushed by an approaching truck, people rush to blame Dara for the accident and Aubrey's death. Hoping to take some pressure off their daughter as she deals with the loss of her friend, Dara's parents send her to live with relatives for her junior year. Wanting to spend senior year back at home, Dara returns to school and faces persecution as she struggles with the daily guilt that overwhelms her. She finds an ally in Aubrey's younger brother, Ethan. The two have been fast friends since sixth grade when the two girls met.
This well-written story examines harsh realities: death, guilt, and endless grief. It is also a story of forgiveness; forgiveness that comes from others, and also forgiveness for oneself. Emotional and empathetic, it is a book that will find fans for the characters who are both real and flawed. Their path to a better place is troubled, and ultimately hopeful.
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