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Life, After

by Sarah Darer Littman (Goodreads Author)

3.76 of 5 stars 3.76 · rating details · 247 ratings · 57 reviews

From the author of PURGE and CONFESSIONS OF A CLOSET CATHOLIC, a new book that is searing, gripping, and impossible to put down.

Dani's life will never be the same again.

After a terrorist attack kills Dani's aunt and unborn cousin, life in Argentina-private school, a boyfriend, a loving family-crumbles quickly. In order to escape a country that is sinking under their feet,...more

Paperback, 281 pages

Published July 1st 2010 by Scholastic Press (first published May 15th 2010)

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Apr 25, 2012 YA Reads Book Reviews rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: jocie

Originally featured on www.yareads.com, reviewed by Jocie

Dani’s life will never be the same again.
For Dani, life in Argentina hasn’t been very normal or happy for a long time. A terrorist attack, which killed Dani’s aunt and unborn cousin, has sent the country into economic ruin. When Dani’s family can’t hold out any longer, they move to New York. It’s supposed to be a fresh start, but when you’re living in a cramped apartment, have an angry father, and are going to high school where all the cla...more Originally featured on www.yareads.com, reviewed by Jocie

Dani’s life will never be the same again.
For Dani, life in Argentina hasn’t been very normal or happy for a long time. A terrorist attack, which killed Dani’s aunt and unborn cousin, has sent the country into economic ruin. When Dani’s family can’t hold out any longer, they move to New York. It’s supposed to be a fresh start, but when you’re living in a cramped apartment, have an angry father, and are going to high school where all the classes are in another language – and not everyone is friendly – life in America is not all it’s cracked up to be.
Then Dani becomes friends with Jon – who isn’t like all the other students – and popular Jessica who is hiding a painful loss of her own. And then there’s Brian, the boy who makes Dani’s pulse race. In her new life, the one After, Dani finds the courage to heal and forgive, and to love and be loved again.

This is a sweet little book. After a terrorist attack devastates the Argentinian economy, many families are forced to conserve what they have. ‘Life, After’ is the story of Dani Bensimon and her family, following the death of a much loved Aunt, who was killed in the aforementioned attack, and their new life in New York.
The writing is gentle and affects you in a quiet way, so much so that it almost goes unnoticed. The imagery she creates for both life in Argentina and New York is impressive, and you really feel like you know the setting. Furthermore, Littman has created an exceedingly authentic voice in Dani, and should be applauded for that.
As for the characters, Dani is relatable in more ways than one. Her feelings of worry, and confusion and frustration are illustrated wonderfully. The secondary characters are also very authentic and memorable in that they’re vocal in their differences. I have a soft spot for Dani’s little sister, Sarita.
As for plot, Life, After was relatively slow in that respect. The big move to New York didn’t actually happen till about a quarter to halfway through the book, however I got a good impression of what Argentina must’ve been like for Dani. Despite this, I still had times where I wanted it to speed up a bit.
Overall, ‘Life, After’ is a gentle soul of a book that shows the effects of terrorism on families and the difficulties that many face through it.(less)

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Feb 13, 2011 Karen Ball rated it 5 of 5 stars

I loved this one -- it is truly a walk in someone else's shoes. Dani lives in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where her father runs a successful store, she goes to school, and has her first boyfriend. Her world starts to fall apart when a terrorist bombing kills her pregnant aunt... the country's political crisis leads to economic problems, and her father loses the store. As their family sinks into poverty like so many people they know, the violence of their surroundings increases, and the decision is...more

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Jul 19, 2010 Eliora Vespera rated it 5 of 5 stars

http://scholarberry.blogspot.com/

"'Open mouth and insert foot. That's a Brian Harrison specialty.'
I had no idea what he was talking about, and my confusion obviously showed on my face.
'It's an expression. To put your foot in your mouth means to say something stupid and tactless that you shouldn't have said. You know, that offends the other person.'"

Before I read Life, After, I thought it was going to be sad and filled with emotions. Now that I've finished it, it was funny and more than just life...more

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Jun 27, 2010 Kerry Cerra rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: ya

Fifteen year-old Dani’s life in Argentina was perfect—private school, awesome boyfriend, and a family that was super tight. But, that was before a terrorist attack kills her aunt and that baby she was pregnant with. Now, Dani’s life if falling apart. Her dad sinks into a deep depression and her mom works crazy hours to keep the money coming in. That leaves Dani to look after her younger sister Sari and little time for Dani to spend with her boyfriend Roberto, as his family prepares—along with co...more

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May 19, 2010 Katie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc

Dani lives in Argentina with her family – father, mother, and little sister. She has friends, and a boyfriend but her life is nowhere near perfect. Seven years ago, a terrorist attack took the lives of her aunt and unborn cousin. Right now, her family is struggling financially since they lost their family store and Dani’s father is depressed and angry. Many people are leaving Argentina and Dani’s family soon plans a move to America, for a new chance at life. But Dani and her family aren’t the on...more Dani lives in Argentina with her family – father, mother, and little sister. She has friends, and a boyfriend but her life is nowhere near perfect. Seven years ago, a terrorist attack took the lives of her aunt and unborn cousin. Right now, her family is struggling financially since they lost their family store and Dani’s father is depressed and angry. Many people are leaving Argentina and Dani’s family soon plans a move to America, for a new chance at life. But Dani and her family aren’t the only ones suffering from the aftermath of a terrorist attack – some of the students at Dani’s new school have personal ties to the recent September 11th attack in New York City.

I really enjoyed “Life, After.” I thought that it was a fairly realistic portrayal of grief and the struggle to return to normal after such catastrophic events take place. The story has great layers – parallels between the AMIA building in Buenos Aires terrorist attack and the more well-known (coming from a United States perspective) 9/11 terrorist attack that will really have readers relating to both teen’s struggles.

This novel covers a lot of difficult subjects (terrorism, immigration, poverty, autism spectrum disorders, grief, depression) without coming off as heavy-handed in terms of lessons or morals. And even though it might seem like those are a lot of topics to cover, the novel has great rhythm and flow. I didn’t feel overwhelmed by the subjects at all.

My favorite parts of the novel were actually the scenes in Argentina, and I was sad to see us move from an unfamiliar place and setting to the very familiar contemporary United States. (My suspicion is that teens will have the opposite reaction.) I’m not sure how accurate the portrayal of Argentina is (just looked it up and the author has never been to Argentina, but did a good amount of research) – but I absolutely loved the setting and thought it came to life. I could see the streets and trees. I could imagine Dani’s apartment.

The characterization was awesome, and I thought Dani was full of life. Definitely enjoyed this one and can see a lot of different kinds of angles to sell it to teens. Looking forward to reading more of Darer Littman’s books! (Like “Purge” which is already on my TBR pile.)

Four stars. (less)

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Apr 05, 2010 Rachael rated it 4 of 5 stars

Dani has lived in Argentina her whole life. She and her family have survived the death of her aunt in a brutal terrorist attack and nearly all the effects of the Crisis—the economic depression that caused the family business to close, the protests in the streets, having family and friends move away to find a better life elsewhere. But with the situation in Argentina gradually deteriorating, Dani’s family knows they can no longer stay, so they move to America to make a fresh start. For Dani, this...more Dani has lived in Argentina her whole life. She and her family have survived the death of her aunt in a brutal terrorist attack and nearly all the effects of the Crisis—the economic depression that caused the family business to close, the protests in the streets, having family and friends move away to find a better life elsewhere. But with the situation in Argentina gradually deteriorating, Dani’s family knows they can no longer stay, so they move to America to make a fresh start. For Dani, this transition is extremely difficult. Having school in an entirely different language with people who aren’t entirely friendly is only the half of it. Dani doesn’t feel like she fits in anywhere, at school or at home, and more than anything, she misses the way things were Before. But through some unexpected friendships, Dani may find the courage to heal, forgive, and move on.

Life, After is a novel that tackles undoubtedly serious topics, particularly the aftershocks of terrorist attacks, but in a surprisingly innocent and somewhat light way. What I mean to say is that although many characters are confronted by deep grief by the loss of someone close to a terrorist attack, the overall tone of the story isn’t overwhelmingly intense in the way of this pain. The effects of this are that the story never gets too depressing despite its content but also that this story isn’t quite as meaningful as it could be. I love the undercurrent of hope running throughout the entire story, because it makes reading about Dani’s situation bearable. At the same time though, because the most personal effects of terrorist attacks are not the main focus of the story, any larger message regarding that was mostly lost. Life, After is definitely a sweet and hopeful story, accurate in its depictions of Argentinean language and culture and the struggles of immigrants, but unfortunately, it lacked a certain something that will resonate deep with readers beyond just being enjoyable.

Though a lighter read, Life, After will also be enjoyed by fans of Purge, also by Sarah Darer Littman. Those who liked Amor and Summer Secrets by Diana Rodriguez Wallach may also want to check this novel out.

reposted from http://thebookmuncher.blogspot.com (less)

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Apr 23, 2012 Emily rated it 3 of 5 stars

To be honest I didn't know what book to read. So ignoring the saying, “don’t judge a book by its cover", I pick the best looking cover on the shelf. I would say I did a pretty good job. Even though this book wasn't my favorite book I've have ever read, it was descent.
At the beginning of the book I was kind of getting tired of Daniela saying that she had such a horrible life. As the story progressed into her having to leave and go somewhere totally different than she was used to, I connected with...more To be honest I didn't know what book to read. So ignoring the saying, “don’t judge a book by its cover", I pick the best looking cover on the shelf. I would say I did a pretty good job. Even though this book wasn't my favorite book I've have ever read, it was descent.
At the beginning of the book I was kind of getting tired of Daniela saying that she had such a horrible life. As the story progressed into her having to leave and go somewhere totally different than she was used to, I connected with the story better. In my life I have moved many times but just this January I moved again. I would say that it was the toughest moved of all my five moves I have made. I really felt like I knew how Daniela was feeling. She was a young teenage girl in high school who moved leaving behind all of her friends and familiarity of life. I also have been going through the same things. This aspect of the main character definitely made the story easier to understand and I felt like I was walking in her shoes. This story also showed me that things work out even if they don’t fell like change is a good thing at the time. It gives me hope in a way. So I would recommend this book to people who are going through a big change in their life.
I like how the book shows that many people are struggling with the same problems that you have around you. Like Daniela is going through some of the same things that Jon and his sister are going through with losing someone close to you in a terrorist attack.
Overlooking the book as a whole it’s a good realistic story. Truthfully, the story was a little cliché. It’s the original story of something horrible happening in the main characters life that causes change but in the end it turns out alright. It seems a little over played to me. I did like that many different people can connect with it though. One other thing that bothered me about this story is how the author put in little piece of Spanish here and there. It gave the book a little character but for people that don’t speak Spanish it was little hard to follow.
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Oct 07, 2010 Ms. Norris rated it 5 of 5 stars

If I had read this book before teaching in South Phoenix, I would probably give it four stars or maybe three.
But because it was recommended to me by a student who gave an enthusiastic book talk, and is going to be so excited to hear it was one of my fall break reads, I am giving it five.
Dani's story does remind me of Esperanza Rising, which is what my student said in her book talk. After all, they are both stories of immigrant girls who must find their way in America. However, Dani's story is mo...more

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Sep 15, 2011 Sue rated it 4 of 5 stars

This book was given to me by a writer-friend, and to be honest, when I read the flap copy, I knew I'd have to be in the right frame of mind to read it. Only because it dealt with a teen going through stressful and tragic events in her life - the Crisis in Argentina. So I waited to read it. When I finally picked it up this summer, I was glad I did. As I read, the Crisis in Argentina was paralleled to the terrorist attack of 9/11. Little did I know, that I would read this book and finish it on 9/1...more

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Jul 17, 2011 Christina rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: young-adult, contemporary, made-me-cry

Poignant, beautiful, and inspiring. Life, After is the story of Dani, a young Argentinian girl who struggles with the before's and after's in her life. Before the terrorist attacks that killed her tia Sara. After the economic crisis that caused her father to lose his business and for her family to become impoverished. Before the family's move to America. After Dani learns how to forgive.

Though the dialogue was a bit weaker at times, at least in comparison with the well paced plot and the well d...more

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Jun 27, 2011 Mrs. Nicole rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-2011

Life, After is the story of Dani a teenage girl who moves from Argentina to New York with her father, mother, and young sister, Sari. When Dani was seven her aunt and unborn cousin are killed in a terrorist attack and her country is in crisis. This terrorist attack causes her father to lose his business and the family to see moving to New York as their only option to overcome their poverty. Upon moving to New York, Dani struggles to learn the English language, make friends, and deal with her fat...more

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Jan 07, 2011 Vivian rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2010-reads

i think the story could've been much richer. the plot and the story line overall was pretty good but the events and the dialouge weren't as great as i thought it couldve been. when i read the blurb i thought it was an interesting story but the story disappointed me, not a lot but it couldve been better. i think it was the dialouge that really made me lose interest.
i think that dani was a pretty well developed character and she did seem like a real person. i think i expected more romance than t...more

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Jun 19, 2012 Karissa rated it 3 of 5 stars

This book starts off with Dani living in Argentina with her parents and little sister, Sarita (which I thought was awesome because my mother-in-law's name is Sarita! You don't see it very often!) Her aunt and unborn cousin were killed in a terrorist attack. Argentina's economy has gone down the toilet and her father is in a depression while her mother works her tush off as a nurse.

After her mother escapes an attack near her work, she finally gives her husband an ultimatum. Either we go to Ameri...more This book starts off with Dani living in Argentina with her parents and little sister, Sarita (which I thought was awesome because my mother-in-law's name is Sarita! You don't see it very often!) Her aunt and unborn cousin were killed in a terrorist attack. Argentina's economy has gone down the toilet and her father is in a depression while her mother works her tush off as a nurse.

After her mother escapes an attack near her work, she finally gives her husband an ultimatum. Either we go to America together as a family, or we go without you. So Dani's family is sent to America. Luckily, they speak English pretty well with the exception of some phrases that Dani learns from her new American friends.

Of course when Dani gets to school she does make friends very easily. She's even got a boy interested in her. Okay, it does take her a while to become friends with the popular girl, and when it does happen it only happens because she has befriended the girls' brother who has Aspergers. At least, I'm pretty sure that's what it was.

This book mostly tries to deal with Argentina and brings a parallel to the 9/11 attacks. Dani makes friends with a girl and her brother whose father died during the attacks and the girl doesn't want to be known as "the girl whose father died during the 9/11 attacks so lets feel pity for her".
I enjoyed Dani's frustration at Americans only reference to Argentina being the movie Evita. I could feel her frustration, but at the same time, when I picked up the book, that's the only thing I could reference as well.

This is a quick read, and it was a nice peek into Argentina. I enjoyed how it started there and then moved over to America. I did feel like they could have done more with the dad though. I was SO frustrated with his character, and with Dani for not doing anything sooner. Because when she did, it felt like her father went "Oh? I've been a douchebag? Sorry about that. I'll get right on fixing everything." There could have been a little oomph there and before the very end of the book please and thank you. (less)

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May 25, 2010 Tasha rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: teen

Dani’s life is changed forever when a terrorist attack in her country of Argentina kills her aunt and the baby she is carrying. Adding to the misery, the country of Argentina is in the middle of economic collapse. Her father has lost his job and his sister and is now unable to cope. Dani and her mother keep the family going with Dani fixing meals and caring for her younger sister. Many people are fleeing Argentina, heading to Israel and the United States. When Dani’s uncle makes an offer to get...more

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Sep 30, 2012 Mandy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Life, After is the story of Dani who moves from Argentina to New York with her dad, mom, and young sister. When Dani was seven her aunt and unborn cousin are killed in a terrorist attack and her country is in crisis. Her family has to move to New York due to the economic crisis. Upon moving to New York, Dani has a hard time learning English, making friends, and dealing with her father's depression. I really enjoyed this book. It is about the hardships families have to go through, and friends who...more

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Jul 30, 2010 Riley Carney rated it 5 of 5 stars

Life, After is a wonderful, inspiring book with a thoroughly genuine, relevant teen protagonist. Dani faces the kind of problems that most teens will be able to relate to even if they’ve never had to move to a new country. Changing schools, leaving friends behind and making new friends, losing a loved one, dealing with financial struggles, or difficult family relationships are issues that most teenagers are faced with at some time during their childhood or teens. The message of hope and enduranc...more

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Oct 08, 2011 Alyssa hoffmaster rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book was such and emotional read and I felt like it should get a lot more hype than it has, I really didn’t think I was going to like this, the synopsis sounded good but not a 5 star book, by the end I was crying and laughing at the same time and loving every minute of it. Life, After deserves more than 5 stars.

On page 92 Dani was in the airport bathroom and she’s only ever lived in a culture where all they spoke was Spanish so when she was in the bathroom she heard some English speaking g...more This book was such and emotional read and I felt like it should get a lot more hype than it has, I really didn’t think I was going to like this, the synopsis sounded good but not a 5 star book, by the end I was crying and laughing at the same time and loving every minute of it. Life, After deserves more than 5 stars.

On page 92 Dani was in the airport bathroom and she’s only ever lived in a culture where all they spoke was Spanish so when she was in the bathroom she heard some English speaking girls come in and talk to each other and she said how fast she thought they talked, and I thought that was funny because whenever I’m somewhere and there are people speaking in Spanish I think they talk to fast to.

The first 100 pages were kind of slow, but without it the book wouldn’t be what it was. I expected her family to move to the US near the beginning but the first 100 pages were of her and her family in Argentina, explaining how bad it was over there and why they moved.
I didn’t like the father figure at all, well until the end. But for almost the whole book her dad was lazy, ill tempered and didn’t deserve the family that he had. The whole family was pulling together trying to make the hard times better but there dad was being a huge jerk about it. He could have helped or did something but instead he stayed in his depressed state sleeping or watching TV all day.

My favorite characters in the book were Jess and Jon. Jess acted like the spoiled rich brat that ruled the school in the beginning but Dani stuck up for Jess’s brother and from then on there they became friends. I think when it comes to bullies or snuck up snobs it’s really hard for people not to judge them or hate them. Reading this book actually gave me another outlook on bullies and people in different cultures.

At first it was hard to tell that anything was wrong with Jon, he was just incredibly smart and no social at all. Made me feel bad for him because I thought that he just didn’t have any friends but he actually had a disease.

The only thing I didn’t like was all the Spanish words in the book, I realize that it was part of the culture of the book, and that the girl spoke Spanish but I hardly know any Spanish and it was kind of annoying because I wanted to know what each word was.

Sarah created a book between the difference between cultures and people. After reading this I don’t think there’s going to be one dry eye. I don’t really know how to express my love for this book, just know that it’s well worth it to read!

(less)

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Jul 15, 2010 Brittany rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: arc-own, young-adult

There was a time when Dani considered herself just another, normal, girl. However, after the crisis her father became a different man and with that their lives started to change for the worse. When her father finally accepts the fact that they aren't doing very well in Buenos Aires he moves them all to America. Here Dani and her family must start over. Dani has to think and speak in a foreign language, she has to leave behind all her friends and her boyfriend and try to make new ones. She finds...more

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Apr 18, 2010 Tara Chevrestt rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to Tara by: Janet

Shelves: ya, 2010-release, arc

I think adults and young adults both will enjoy this novel. Dani is an Argentine teenager. A terrorist attack took her aunt's life in 1994 and her life has never been the same since. The peso is worthless, her father has lost his business and with it his self esteem and all desire to get out of bed and leave the apartment. Her friends are leaving for "greener pastures" in America or Israel and Dani thinks she has hit "rock bottom."

Her parents decide to immigrate to America, but upon arrival, Da...more

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Nov 15, 2012 Jennifer Wardrip rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: trt-posted-reviews

Reviewed by Sally Kruger aka "Readingjunky" for TeensReadToo.com

LIFE, AFTER by Sarah Darer Littman truly echoes the world today. Dani is a survivor in more ways than one. She has known the loss of losing a loved one in a terrorist attack. She has experienced the economic collapse of her country and felt its effect on her own family. She knows what it's like to be a stranger in a new place. It seems that each of us today has personal knowledge of at least one of these life-changing events.

Dani wa...more Reviewed by Sally Kruger aka "Readingjunky" for TeensReadToo.com

LIFE, AFTER by Sarah Darer Littman truly echoes the world today. Dani is a survivor in more ways than one. She has known the loss of losing a loved one in a terrorist attack. She has experienced the economic collapse of her country and felt its effect on her own family. She knows what it's like to be a stranger in a new place. It seems that each of us today has personal knowledge of at least one of these life-changing events.

Dani was born and raised in Argentina. Her life began to change in 1994 when her aunt and unborn cousin were killed in a terrorist attack on a Jewish organization in Buenos Aires. Since then the economy of Argentina has hit an all-time low. Now, her father's clothing store has folded (no pun intended) leaving him depressed and unable to work. Dani tries to take care of the cooking, cleaning, and looking after her little sister, while her mother works to keep food on the table. Life is full of stress.

As many of Dani's friends leave the country in search of more opportunity, she begins to wonder if they might move, as well. Her mother pleads daily with Dani's father to accept an offer of help from a relative living in New York. After another frightening display of political unrest, he is finally convinced, and the family heads to America.

The move may offer more security for her family, but for Dani, the tiny, cramped apartment, a strange new language, and the huge high school she is forced to attend are almost more than she can handle. Making friends is not as easy as she had hoped, so school fills her with anxiety; plus, when she returns home each day, she has to face an increasingly depressed and angry father. Wanting to make life easier for her hard-working mother is the only thing that keeps Dani from exploding with frustration.

Finally, an unpleasant encounter with a school bully allows Dani to discover that there are others who suffer silently. Dani's view of her own circumstances changes when she learns that a fellow classmate lost her father in the 9/11 tragedy. Together, they discover when one has enough love and support; life can once again be filled with joy.

Author Sarah Darer Littman tells Dani's story in an honest, straight-forward voice. I felt emotionally connected to the family as they struggled to make their way through tough times. Littman is able to communicate the love and concern Dani has for her mother and younger sister, as well as the uncomfortable love/hate relationship she has with her suffering father.

As I turned the pages, I found myself wanting to offer advice and encouragement as Dani searched for ways to understand all the changes surrounding her. Teens will definitely be able to relate to both the story and the characters of LIFE, AFTER. (less)

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Jul 05, 2010 Lauren rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: own

There's not an excellent enough word out there to describe just how amazing, touching, and beautifully written this novel is or how it pulls on your heart strings one second, having you close to tears, but at the next moment has you smiling with a slight giggle escaping from your mouth, your tears drying instantly like they weren't even there one second ago. Life, After is a book that touches on the important but sad parts of life- tragedies, terrorism, and coping; they are all there within the...more There's not an excellent enough word out there to describe just how amazing, touching, and beautifully written this novel is or how it pulls on your heart strings one second, having you close to tears, but at the next moment has you smiling with a slight giggle escaping from your mouth, your tears drying instantly like they weren't even there one second ago. Life, After is a book that touches on the important but sad parts of life- tragedies, terrorism, and coping; they are all there within the pages along with the happiest parts of life- love, friendship, strength, and hope.

Life, After is a novel told from the viewpoint of Dani, an Argentina teenager dealing with the after affects of The Crisis- a crisis that has left her dad jobless and desperate, her mother working constantly, trying to keep her family alive, and her friends, herself, and boyfriend defenseless against the grim future ahead of them. But soon enough comes a chance, a chance to start over in brand new country. An opportunity that will give them hope, even if it's definitely not an easy task in the long-run.

To me, Dani is an immensely strong teenager. One that not only serves as a role model because of the way she acts, but someone who I'm sure most readers could relate to, because who hasn't had a bad year because of a tragic event? Or maybe has started in a new country or place were they didn't no anyone? Or felt so broken to the point were they doubted they could never be fixed again? Or feel in love with a boy who made them smile in the best or worst of times? Or-well, you get the picture. I couldn't help but relate and root for Dani in the tragic and good parts of her life. I also adored reading about her blossoming romance with Brian and her friendship with Jessica, Jon, and Gaby; four people any girl would be lucky to have.

One of my favorite parts of this novel was the fact that Sarah had Argentina serve as the setting for part of it because I learned a great deal from Dani's experiences there, but I have to admit I would have loved to have had just a little more information and development into The Crisis there. Also, another favorite and interesting part was seeing Dani begin her new life in America. To someone like me who's so well-adjusted in America because of the fact I've lived here my whole life, I sometimes forget how hard it is for immigrants to come and start over here. But Sarah showed a light into this, one that has made me greatly appreciate those immigrants who have worked so hard to get well-adjusted to their life here.

In all, Life, After is a book I highly suggest you pick on your next trip to the book store, because I pinkie-promise you, you won't regret it for one second after beginning this wonderful story of falling down and learning how to bloom and grow again. Lastly, this review wouldn't be complete if I didn't share my favorite line of the book, which I feel perfectly sums up the themes and purpose of this novel:

"Because with joy, we overcome the terror. With love, strength, and hope we prevail." (page 278)

Grade: A+(less)

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Aug 15, 2010 Sadie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2010, books-i-own, young-adult

This book first attracted me because of the cover. It's one of the most appealing covers I've seen in a long time. Then after learning a little bit about the book I was eager to read it and it did not disappoint. The book covers many serious political issues, including terrorism, the after affects, immigration etc. and does so in a way that younger readers may start to have an understanding of the events. The characters were likable and I loved the spanish throughout. I just really enjoyed the b...more

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Aug 08, 2011 Tammy rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Life After is a beautiful novel that was incredibly breathtaking and hard to put down. Dani is brave and just wants things to be good again, although that seems impossible with a father who has angry outbursts and puts everybody down when they are happy. When Dani and her family have no choice but to move to the U.S to make ends meet, she feels out of place and sorts, until she meets Jon, who she feels she can relate to and Brian, who she feels lets her be herself for the first time in ages.

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Mar 14, 2011 Irene rated it 3 of 5 stars

As an immigrant, I had some issues with this book - mostly with the language. The "spanglish" seemed forced and at times, I felt like I was reading the script of a telenovela (or even worse a Dora the Explorer episode). I did appreciate the characters' arch and what the author's message. It was an ok read over all. Maybe I was too harsh of a judge since - like Dani - I moved to the US from Venezuela because of its situation.
P.S 1: I assure you, not all of us use "ay!" for everything.
P.S 2: Ther...more

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Oct 20, 2010 Mary rated it 4 of 5 stars

This book is a welcome addition to YA literature with its view into the experience of a teen as she leaves Argentina for a new life in New York. I feel the book will connect both with teens who are facing the ups and downs of the current economic stress on one's family but also with first generation American teens. Dani, the protagonist, is a strong and likable character. I particularly was impressed with the strong focus on the love of family.

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Aug 19, 2010 Mindy/fangedmom rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: YES

This book was incredible. The story line included several characters that lead different lives but yet were connected by a very strong bond. I fell in love with the characters and the quilt made me cry. Sarah Darer Littman, the author, created a wonderful view of our world so many will never see. A way to see outside of our bubble. No matter where you live, what color you are or what you believe in, we are all connected!

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Oct 11, 2012 Christine Engelbrecht rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: multi-cultural-yal

A great multi-cultural book to share with the classroom about a Jewish family from Argentina who moves to the US to escape the collapsing Agentinian economy. The family struggles with the cultral implications of assimilating and becoming Americans.

Again, another book with a strong female protagonist and a multicultural lense. Got to love it.

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Jul 23, 2012 Amanda rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: ya

Okay, I read this. I know I did. It might have been a skim job but I read it. The author was at Anderson's YA Lit conference and I asked the author a question because this book is very different from her other books.
All chit chat aside it was a good story, not great and I liked that it focused on family and what happens after first love.

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Sep 13, 2010 Danie P. rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: y-a

Great story about high school sophomore Dani who must immigrate to the United States from Argentina. Dani's Aunt and unborn cousin were killed in the AMIA Jewish center terrorist bombing in Argentina, the family is going hungry most nights and her dad doesn't want to leave. Such a good story about family, the modern world and internal values.

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Jul 07, 2010 Donna (Jaevenstar) rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This book is all about the challenges life hands you and ultimately how you will deal with the ups and downs. Each person in the story has something huge happen to them and each of them handle it in a different way.

This was a nice book with a nice encouraging story! It was a nice change from the fantasy books I have been reading lately.

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About Sarah Darer Littman

Sarah Darer Littman is the award-winning author of CONFESSIONS OF A CLOSET CATHOLIC, PURGE, LIFE, AFTER and the upcoming WANT TO GO PRIVATE? In addition to writing for teens, she is a columnist for Hearst Newspapers (CT) and for the website CTNewsJunkie.com. She lives in Connecticut with her family and three exceptionally cute dogs, in a house that never seems to have enough bookshelves.

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“Because with joy, we overcome the terror. With love, strength, and hope, we prevail.” — 6 people liked it

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