What do you think?
Rate this book
The Year After
With unflinching honesty and unsinkable spirit, The Year After offers a rare and intimate portrait of trauma. Inspired by original journal entries, the daily challenges of recovery from rape at the restless age of 24 are artfully interwoven with reflections from early childhood and twenty years beyond in the search for understanding so familiar to those who have wrestled with life-changing upheaval. Now a psychoanalyst, Warner subtly brings a forward-looking perspective to the narrative while remaining true to the arduous journey through emotional volatility, interpersonal conflict, and the tasks of criminal prosecution after the rapist is identified in a lineup. The result is an empowering memoir about the courage to heal and the promise of peace.
351 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 20, 2013
15 people are currently reading
1397 people want to read
About the author
Ashley Warner
2 books35 followersASHLEY WARNER is a writer and psychotherapist in private practice in New York City. When she’s not in the office you might find her in the pottery studio covered with mud, salsa dancing, or crushing her husband at Scrabble. Syzygy.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
August 12, 2017
The Year After by Ashley Warner was a tale about one woman's experience with rape.
That seems like such a horrible way to word that sentence, but this story is a year's worth of journals about what happened after the rape (and a few extra stories from years later). There is literally journals from every single day after, all 365, and it shows how one woman has dealt with that horrible situation. Her job, her friends, her apartment, the lawsuits, her family - it is all discussed and shown to be aspects of her life that were affected (because contrary to popular belief - this affects your ENTIRE life).
This story is just one of many about these types of situations. In our world today, it's hard to believe people can't understand how damaging this can feel and how this is a real life situation that can happen to anyone. Having just one story show many sides of the rape has made me feel a little better about humanity. While rape is still happening, and that's not good (in short terms), this book does shed light on real life situations. More books like this should be read to shown this can happen to anyone and it's not a piece of pie to deal with.
This story took guts, and to me its inspirational. Everyone has their dark secrets and past that they don't need to tell, but Ashley shared it with readers. There's nothing that can fix the hurt she faced, but if this book can bring one more reader out to understand why this shouldn't happen and potentially stop someone it'll have done it's job.
This book can bring a discussion up. I almost wish this book would have been made at the time I was in grade 12 gym class. Rape was a short discussion being told "it happens" and that was all. We knew what it was, was told as girls it'll happen to somebody and that we'll deal with it. No, that's not right. This book should be given to classes to understand - this is a discussion, not a "oh well" sort of situation.
While there were parts of this book I didn't like - the super short chapters with three sentences on a page - that hardly takes away from the story. This journey is super important and I highly suggest everyone read this book or a book similar to it to understand the pain, the survival, and the changes that a situation like this can have on someone.
Thank you for this tale Ashley, what a fantastic book.
Four out of five stars.
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
That seems like such a horrible way to word that sentence, but this story is a year's worth of journals about what happened after the rape (and a few extra stories from years later). There is literally journals from every single day after, all 365, and it shows how one woman has dealt with that horrible situation. Her job, her friends, her apartment, the lawsuits, her family - it is all discussed and shown to be aspects of her life that were affected (because contrary to popular belief - this affects your ENTIRE life).
This story is just one of many about these types of situations. In our world today, it's hard to believe people can't understand how damaging this can feel and how this is a real life situation that can happen to anyone. Having just one story show many sides of the rape has made me feel a little better about humanity. While rape is still happening, and that's not good (in short terms), this book does shed light on real life situations. More books like this should be read to shown this can happen to anyone and it's not a piece of pie to deal with.
This story took guts, and to me its inspirational. Everyone has their dark secrets and past that they don't need to tell, but Ashley shared it with readers. There's nothing that can fix the hurt she faced, but if this book can bring one more reader out to understand why this shouldn't happen and potentially stop someone it'll have done it's job.
This book can bring a discussion up. I almost wish this book would have been made at the time I was in grade 12 gym class. Rape was a short discussion being told "it happens" and that was all. We knew what it was, was told as girls it'll happen to somebody and that we'll deal with it. No, that's not right. This book should be given to classes to understand - this is a discussion, not a "oh well" sort of situation.
While there were parts of this book I didn't like - the super short chapters with three sentences on a page - that hardly takes away from the story. This journey is super important and I highly suggest everyone read this book or a book similar to it to understand the pain, the survival, and the changes that a situation like this can have on someone.
Thank you for this tale Ashley, what a fantastic book.
Four out of five stars.
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
February 4, 2014
This is a must-read, actually written by an old friend. While it feels wrong to call the story of person's personal trauma, despair, grieving and ultimate recovery "a page-turner," The Year After is one I could not put down. Ashley Warner has shared her personal journey in a beautifully-written, heart-wrenching, candid and sometimes humorous manner that taught this reader more than any textbook could about the emotional destruction of rape. Very hard to believe this is her first book. Read it.
August 31, 2015
Amazingly written. Describes the healing journey of the author Ashely Warner who's now a psychoanalyst and offers hope for those who are in the same boat.
Indeed, past experiences do not define who we are nevertheless, they may very well have shaped us and made us who we really are now. An interesting read especially for those who are interested in psychology and feminism.
Indeed, past experiences do not define who we are nevertheless, they may very well have shaped us and made us who we really are now. An interesting read especially for those who are interested in psychology and feminism.
November 26, 2016
Ashley Warner has a lot of guts to tell about her rape experience and even more, she reported it to police and went through the trial of the rapist. In The Year After, she tells in simple language and in short chapters her whole experience from before it happened to twenty years after.
She was living in low rent apartment in New York when a man came up behind her as she opened the door. She was in shock then and after the attack, she could not breath with the man's hands so tight around her neck. She describes the painful experience and what she was thinking while it happened. She went back to her childhood and described her grandparents who she felt so at home with yet her own divorced parents who could not provide the comfort and the support that she wanted so much.
Some of her friends figured out how to relate to her but it was very difficult to find the comfort and support that she needed. She needed to be told that she was not responsible for it. My feelings are that our culture hides even the discussion of rape leaving the people who are raped ill prepared for what to do and even how to respond to someone who has been raped.
This is a book for all women and men. It is time to discuss this and learn what to do. People should not have to suffer in silence.
I received an Advanced Reading copy of this book as a win from FirstReads, with a message from the author but that in no way determined my thoughts or feelings in this review.
She was living in low rent apartment in New York when a man came up behind her as she opened the door. She was in shock then and after the attack, she could not breath with the man's hands so tight around her neck. She describes the painful experience and what she was thinking while it happened. She went back to her childhood and described her grandparents who she felt so at home with yet her own divorced parents who could not provide the comfort and the support that she wanted so much.
Some of her friends figured out how to relate to her but it was very difficult to find the comfort and support that she needed. She needed to be told that she was not responsible for it. My feelings are that our culture hides even the discussion of rape leaving the people who are raped ill prepared for what to do and even how to respond to someone who has been raped.
This is a book for all women and men. It is time to discuss this and learn what to do. People should not have to suffer in silence.
I received an Advanced Reading copy of this book as a win from FirstReads, with a message from the author but that in no way determined my thoughts or feelings in this review.
November 23, 2016
I received this book for free through a Goodreads Giveaway. Being a survivor of sexual abuse, this book hit home. It was at times way too much and I physically had to sit it down. Other times it was liberating to know what the human body and mind can overcome. Five stars for this beautiful woman.
January 4, 2014
It holds you until you are done- moving story that shows the deep pain that someone can survive.
July 14, 2014
Remind yourself right now: Never judge a book by its cover. In the case of The Year After: A Memoir (2013), its looks – like its title – appear rather bland. But inside is a gripping story that might even bring tears to your eyes. You see, the author Ashley Warner was raped. Her book is an almost day-by-day account of what happened starting from the moment a stranger forced himself into her apartment to the first-year anniversary of her survival. It’s a rare look into a victim’s mind during the assault and how she slowly manages to put her shambled life back to together.
When I began reading, one of the first things I noticed was how much Warner did “right.” Her immediately reported the incident, submitted to a medical examination, and sought the comfort of family and friends. In addition, the legal proceedings went rather favorably for her. This is not to say that everything was hunky-dory. Warner was constantly in doubt about her self-worth and her actions. Did she deserve to be raped? Was she wrong in submitting and not physically defending herself? Would she ever be able to have a normal relationship again? She also suffered financially, tolerated sexual harassment from unsympathetic coworkers, and alienated friends and family who didn’t know how to relate to her problem. But she somehow she managed, seeking solace in a support group and empowerment in a self-defense class. And by taking her time, Warner heals. She masters up the courage to try new things, pursue a new career, and eventually take ownership over her sexuality.
I’d recommend The Year After for books clubs and support groups because there’s so many discussion possibilities. Family and friends are both help and hindrance. Rape victims, as shown by the members of Warner’s support group, vary in how they cope, especially when it comes to their sexual relationships.
Readers may also take notice of Warner’s deep-seated “white guilt” issues. She gets defensive when questioned about the racial identity of her attacker. While she’d like to pretend that things like that aren’t important, they clearly are necessary for apprehending criminals. Race comes up again when she’s applying for public assistance. She’s almost apologetic when a government employee makes an insensitive remark to her. It’s sad that, as victim of both a rape and of an inefficient bureaucratic system, she – perhaps subconsciously – takes on the identity of the perpetrator.
The Year After had some loose ends that were left untied, and a lot of content repetition (which is fine for everyday life, but gets a bit tiresome in a book). In addition, the author veered away from her “year after” theme – meaning the initial year after – when she devoted the last few chapters to the second to the twentieth years after. I’m not sure why she chose to do that when she’s obviously guarded about her current career and personal life. These later chapters are disconnected from the rest of the book. If there’s ever a second edition, I hope the author will consolidate those later years into the Afterward, where vague comments about where she’s been since are easily tolerated.
If you pick up this book, be forewarned. Reading The Year After was like watching people get shot at or beaten up in a documentary film. It affected me in profound ways. I’d put it down for days at a time because it was difficult to face the trauma of both the rape and the aftermath. But I don’t regret one minute I spent reading it.
Disclaimer: I received this book as a First Reads giveaway winner on GoodReads.com. There was no obligation to write a review.
When I began reading, one of the first things I noticed was how much Warner did “right.” Her immediately reported the incident, submitted to a medical examination, and sought the comfort of family and friends. In addition, the legal proceedings went rather favorably for her. This is not to say that everything was hunky-dory. Warner was constantly in doubt about her self-worth and her actions. Did she deserve to be raped? Was she wrong in submitting and not physically defending herself? Would she ever be able to have a normal relationship again? She also suffered financially, tolerated sexual harassment from unsympathetic coworkers, and alienated friends and family who didn’t know how to relate to her problem. But she somehow she managed, seeking solace in a support group and empowerment in a self-defense class. And by taking her time, Warner heals. She masters up the courage to try new things, pursue a new career, and eventually take ownership over her sexuality.
I’d recommend The Year After for books clubs and support groups because there’s so many discussion possibilities. Family and friends are both help and hindrance. Rape victims, as shown by the members of Warner’s support group, vary in how they cope, especially when it comes to their sexual relationships.
Readers may also take notice of Warner’s deep-seated “white guilt” issues. She gets defensive when questioned about the racial identity of her attacker. While she’d like to pretend that things like that aren’t important, they clearly are necessary for apprehending criminals. Race comes up again when she’s applying for public assistance. She’s almost apologetic when a government employee makes an insensitive remark to her. It’s sad that, as victim of both a rape and of an inefficient bureaucratic system, she – perhaps subconsciously – takes on the identity of the perpetrator.
The Year After had some loose ends that were left untied, and a lot of content repetition (which is fine for everyday life, but gets a bit tiresome in a book). In addition, the author veered away from her “year after” theme – meaning the initial year after – when she devoted the last few chapters to the second to the twentieth years after. I’m not sure why she chose to do that when she’s obviously guarded about her current career and personal life. These later chapters are disconnected from the rest of the book. If there’s ever a second edition, I hope the author will consolidate those later years into the Afterward, where vague comments about where she’s been since are easily tolerated.
If you pick up this book, be forewarned. Reading The Year After was like watching people get shot at or beaten up in a documentary film. It affected me in profound ways. I’d put it down for days at a time because it was difficult to face the trauma of both the rape and the aftermath. But I don’t regret one minute I spent reading it.
Disclaimer: I received this book as a First Reads giveaway winner on GoodReads.com. There was no obligation to write a review.
January 6, 2014
It took me a few days after reading this before I could write this review. In my opinion, that's the sign of something truly amazing-- when you have to take time to process it. It's almost like, in reading something like this, your life will never be the same.
Ashley Warner has done something that took so much bravery, I can't even imagine. She's taken her experience, something so terrible, vile, and a million other words such as those, and documented it and turned it into this, the true 'Year After' You follow her through that first year with, as the synopsis says, unflinching honesty. You see as she does her best to move on just going through the motions, finding herself angry at every person but the one who did that most horrible thing to her. Yet, you watch her ups and her downs, and ultimately her triumphs. I cannot praise this memoir enough, one of the best I've read in a long while. Sometimes there's those books that make you feel like there aren't enough "stars" in your rating system to describe how beautiful they are. Mrs. Warner has inspired me so much by writing this, sharing her story. This will stay with me for a long while. I highly recommend, walking in Ashley's shoes by reading this has certainly given me a new outlook on a lot of things.
*I received this book in exchange for an honest review from the author. This, however, in no way affected my thoughts expressed in this review.*
Ashley Warner has done something that took so much bravery, I can't even imagine. She's taken her experience, something so terrible, vile, and a million other words such as those, and documented it and turned it into this, the true 'Year After' You follow her through that first year with, as the synopsis says, unflinching honesty. You see as she does her best to move on just going through the motions, finding herself angry at every person but the one who did that most horrible thing to her. Yet, you watch her ups and her downs, and ultimately her triumphs. I cannot praise this memoir enough, one of the best I've read in a long while. Sometimes there's those books that make you feel like there aren't enough "stars" in your rating system to describe how beautiful they are. Mrs. Warner has inspired me so much by writing this, sharing her story. This will stay with me for a long while. I highly recommend, walking in Ashley's shoes by reading this has certainly given me a new outlook on a lot of things.
*I received this book in exchange for an honest review from the author. This, however, in no way affected my thoughts expressed in this review.*
December 12, 2016
I received this book as a Goodreads advanced readers copy. I think unless you've been through rape it's hard to know exactly what the person is going through. Ashley is a remarkable woman to have gone through this and to be able to write about it, even if it has been a very long time, it still isn't a long time for her. Ashley has been able to describe what happened to her and how she has recovered. I think this book is a good book for others to read that had been raped and then also their friends and family to know what's going on with them when they are depressed, when they are angry and know that it's not directed at them. The rate that victim needs to know that they have an outlet for their anger and the people are there for them during their depression.
July 19, 2017
"Regular people" like Ashley Warner become remarkable when they write books like this. The honesty tears (as in rips, although my eyes became moist more than once) into the narrative making it more real than the many stories we have read before. No matter how hard some authors try to tell a rape story, they just don't get it right unless, tragically, they have been through it personally. So, I thank Warner for baring her soul along with her story. And for the positiveness of it! That is rare. Good for you that at some point ... 7 years? 11 years? ... you are strong! I don't know if Warner has written again, I'll be sure to read anything she has.
September 13, 2017
This was a eye-opening story. It shed light on a tragedy in a very unique way. However I think some of the details were false or exaggerated. I think the use of race was ignorant and unnecessary. I guarantee you did not hear that statement at the aid office because Caucasians were using financial aid back when it was called welfare before anybody. There are more Caucasians on financial aid and honestly, rape victims are not handicapped. Unless she was trying to acquire a medical card for therapy I didn't understand the purpose of her trying to get assistance. It enticed me enough to keep reading however this wasn't the best story.
August 25, 2017
I received this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
And I'm so glad I did because this is a story worth reading. While hard and heartbreaking at times, I just wanna thank Ashley Warner for sharing this part of her history. I appreciate that she felt her story was important enough to tell, because it was.
(I also really liked her writing style)
I would recommend this to every man, woman and high schooler I know. It's such an important topic and a very timely book.
And I'm so glad I did because this is a story worth reading. While hard and heartbreaking at times, I just wanna thank Ashley Warner for sharing this part of her history. I appreciate that she felt her story was important enough to tell, because it was.
(I also really liked her writing style)
I would recommend this to every man, woman and high schooler I know. It's such an important topic and a very timely book.
September 29, 2017
This book details withing its pages the path the author took to deal with rape. I think this is a book that should be read. People who have been through this ordeal can learn one way of helping themselves recover and family members and friends of them should read it too in order to gain some perspective on the roller coaster survivors can go through. It's worthwhile to listen.
*won as a GoodReads Giveaway*
*won as a GoodReads Giveaway*
Read
November 30, 2015This book has been on my " To- Read" list since July 2014. I was so disappointed! It feels almost wrong and harsh to not give a memoir about such a terrible subject a bad review. I got pretty far into the book and finally just gave up. The writing style was bland. I couldn't make that reader-character connection.
December 21, 2013
This is a gripping read, from beginning to end. Ashley Warner's tale of trauma and recovery is written with frank detail, deep beauty and dark humor. No matter what you've been through yourself, this utterly unique book will leave you inspired and motivated.
February 9, 2014
A brave and necessary voice. "Rape culture" cannot just stay a statistic or a topic that makes discussions awkward. Don't pretend to know if you haven't actually "listened." It's not that things get left unsaid; they go unlistened.
January 10, 2020
This book is real.
The way this book puts rape, the POV of someone who has been there. Blunt, raw, no sugar coating, that is what makes it so compelling and real for me. It made me feel not so alone. Gave me a pang of hope in my first year.
The way this book puts rape, the POV of someone who has been there. Blunt, raw, no sugar coating, that is what makes it so compelling and real for me. It made me feel not so alone. Gave me a pang of hope in my first year.
December 30, 2014
A long, hard read but worth it! Subject matter is not glossed over, which is why I had to put the book down several times, but, the end chapters give something to rejoice. Great read for survivors.
December 22, 2014
Thank you Ashley! You have paved the way for other survivors of sexual assault, like me, to heal.
November 27, 2014
Unbelievably beautiful, poetic, lyrical, raw, melodic, heart breaking. Yeah, I read it in two days. It's a must read for rape survivors.
Want to read
December 15, 2016A must read for sure..It was very raw and intimate. It pulls you in and rooting for the young lady to overcome something so heinous. Thank you for the read!
December 30, 2016
Hard and a joy to read at the same time. A great followup book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 6, 2017
I didn't want to put this book down, but at times I absolutely had to do I could process my feelings. It's unflinchingly honest, raw, and feels, sadly, all too familiar.
July 9, 2020
This book was beautifully written. It felt so real, and so comforting.
July 12, 2024
Thank you for writing this memoir. It is not as graphic as it could have been, which I am glad about, but it definitely shows what Ashley’s first year was like, also what happened after this first year. It is not really like you can like reading such a title, can you? But it is well written, and it catches what matters, so that you can at least get a glimpse of what a survivor goes through, and I really think Ashley Warner has managed to do this.
5 out of 5 stars.
5 out of 5 stars.
May 20, 2021
A stranger rape of a 24-year-old white woman in NYC whose assailant was apprehended and plead guilty and was sentenced within one year. Warner eloquently captures the meanness of prosecutors, the indifference of emergency rooms, the expectation that one will just bounce back, and chronicles how hard it is to heal. Let's hear it for survivor support groups.
August 9, 2020
Amazing courageous band beautifully written.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews