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Life, After
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, Dani and her family move to the United States. It's supposed to be a fresh start, but when you're living in a cramped apartment and going to high school where all the classes are in another language-and not everyone is friendly-life in American is not all it's cracked up to be. Dani misses her old friends, her life, Before.In addition, she must deal with an angry father who seems more like a stranger every day.
Just when Dani is about to break, she meets a boy named Jon, who isn’t like all the other students. Through him, she becomes friends with Jessica, one of the popular girls, who is harboring a secret of her own. And then there’s Brian, the boy who makes Dani’s pulse race. In her new life, the one After, Dani learns how to heal and forgive. She finds the courage to say goodbye and allows herself to love and be loved again.
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, Dani and her family move to the United States. It's supposed to be a fresh start, but when you're living in a cramped apartment and going to high school where all the classes are in another language-and not everyone is friendly-life in American is not all it's cracked up to be. Dani misses her old friends, her life, Before.In addition, she must deal with an angry father who seems more like a stranger every day.
Just when Dani is about to break, she meets a boy named Jon, who isn’t like all the other students. Through him, she becomes friends with Jessica, one of the popular girls, who is harboring a secret of her own. And then there’s Brian, the boy who makes Dani’s pulse race. In her new life, the one After, Dani learns how to heal and forgive. She finds the courage to say goodbye and allows herself to love and be loved again.
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First published May 15, 2010
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1192 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Darer Littman
16 books528 followersSarah Darer Littman is an award-winning author of books for teens. She lives in Connecticut, in a house that never seems to have enough bookshelves.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
August 20, 2018
At least I only wasted 50 cents on this book.
November 17, 2021
Was a good book. You should read it.
April 18, 2010
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, Dani wonders if life is going to improve. Tho the location is new, her parents are the same. Her father is temperamental and refusing to work, her mother is the provider and Dani finds herself taking on more responsibilities than a teenager should. Her boyfriend, Roberto is somewhere in Miami and she doesn't even know if he is her boyfriend anymore. To top all that off, kids in school aren't always nice, especially to a foreigner wearing hand me downs. However, Dani makes the most of her situation and befriends a boy with Asperger's syndrome and plans to attend a school dance. If only she could do something about her dad's depression...
A good story about modern day immigration. The heroine is very likeable and has a certain spunkiness that comes to the surface at times especially when she slaps a bully in school. The only reason I am not giving this book a five star rating is because at times, Dani has too much self pity. I get that she is tired of eating eggs every night (omelettes) but at least there is food on the table and I wanted to kick her dad's arse.
Her parents decide to immigrate to America, but upon arrival, Dani wonders if life is going to improve. Tho the location is new, her parents are the same. Her father is temperamental and refusing to work, her mother is the provider and Dani finds herself taking on more responsibilities than a teenager should. Her boyfriend, Roberto is somewhere in Miami and she doesn't even know if he is her boyfriend anymore. To top all that off, kids in school aren't always nice, especially to a foreigner wearing hand me downs. However, Dani makes the most of her situation and befriends a boy with Asperger's syndrome and plans to attend a school dance. If only she could do something about her dad's depression...
A good story about modern day immigration. The heroine is very likeable and has a certain spunkiness that comes to the surface at times especially when she slaps a bully in school. The only reason I am not giving this book a five star rating is because at times, Dani has too much self pity. I get that she is tired of eating eggs every night (omelettes) but at least there is food on the table and I wanted to kick her dad's arse.
March 31, 2019
The book “Life, After”, is about a girl named Daniela who’s life very quickly falls apart because of things that aren't even her fault. She is a young teen girl living in Argentina where a terrorist attack kills her aunt and her community is leaving and she feels like she needs to leave to. Her father is struggling since her aunts passing and she wishes he would be the way he used to be again. It is a emotion filled book where she leaves the place she's lived for the longest time and moves to the U.S. She is scared of what people would think of her and a new school but mostly leaving behind all her friends in such a scary place. I actually really enjoyed this book and it made me feel. This book makes you realize how lucky you are to have all the things you have, it has good message it may or may not even tried to send but it sure did. This was one of my favorite books I read this time and I really liked it. I would recommend this book if you are okay or even enjoy a book with more emotion and power that makes you feel something for the characters. I really liked the plot that it had with parts when the character was conflicted or did things that you would expect. Daniela was a very important character that did very empowering things that you wouldn't expect. She also had many bottled up emotions which made you want her to be happy and her family to be better. From me this book would get five stars I really liked it!
July 6, 2010
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+
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+
October 9, 2011
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!
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!
April 6, 2010
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
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
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October 21, 2015For some reason I randomly remembered that I read this book a couple years ago and it was absolutely amazing so I definitely need to re-read it as soon as possible since I don't recall the ending, agh!!
I liked how real the plot was and how it dealt with real issues that many people still deal with.
I liked how real the plot was and how it dealt with real issues that many people still deal with.
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October 15, 2019This book is called Life, After by Sarah Darer Littman. The beginning of this book is based in Argentina and ends off in New York. The main characters are Daniela Bensimon, her family, Jess, Jon, Roberto, and Brian. I found this book in my teachers bookshelf and began to read what it was about. It was very interesting and has a little history in it.
This story is about a girl named Daniela, “Dani,” who’s family went through a crisis, the AMIA bombing in Argentina. After this bomb happened her family isn’t the same, her father has a temper and will not leave the couch, her sister is talkative and often irritates her father, and her mother feels like the weight of the world is on her shoulders because she is the only one in the house working. The family is then moved to New York by a jewish charity. Roberto has a new girlfriend in Miami, Brian asks Dani to the Winterwonderland dance, and Jon finally reveals what's in the notebook. How will Dani and her family feel about the move and will her father change.
I believe the book ended really well and I like the way the book ended. It ended with the family being happy and the father was doing better. My favorite part was when Dani and Brian were going to the Winterwonderland Dance together and Sarita, Dani’s younger sister ask, “‘Are you going to do kissy stuff with him?’” This is my favorite part because the author describes everyone's faces after she said it and it was hilarious.
In my opinion I really liked the book and it ended on good terms. One thing I do wish is that there was a second book and I could see if her and Roberto would be friends again. A similar book is called Want to go Private? Also by Sarah Darer Littman. These books are both about girls feeling like they lost their once happy life. I think teenage girls might like this book.
This story is about a girl named Daniela, “Dani,” who’s family went through a crisis, the AMIA bombing in Argentina. After this bomb happened her family isn’t the same, her father has a temper and will not leave the couch, her sister is talkative and often irritates her father, and her mother feels like the weight of the world is on her shoulders because she is the only one in the house working. The family is then moved to New York by a jewish charity. Roberto has a new girlfriend in Miami, Brian asks Dani to the Winterwonderland dance, and Jon finally reveals what's in the notebook. How will Dani and her family feel about the move and will her father change.
I believe the book ended really well and I like the way the book ended. It ended with the family being happy and the father was doing better. My favorite part was when Dani and Brian were going to the Winterwonderland Dance together and Sarita, Dani’s younger sister ask, “‘Are you going to do kissy stuff with him?’” This is my favorite part because the author describes everyone's faces after she said it and it was hilarious.
In my opinion I really liked the book and it ended on good terms. One thing I do wish is that there was a second book and I could see if her and Roberto would be friends again. A similar book is called Want to go Private? Also by Sarah Darer Littman. These books are both about girls feeling like they lost their once happy life. I think teenage girls might like this book.
September 26, 2025
Very emotional and touching story of a family trying to pave a new path for themselves. Dani has lost more than she can imagine after a terrorist attack kills her aunt; but, when her mom gets caught up in a political demonstration that almost takes her life, her family decides desperate times call for desperate measures. Leaving everything they know behind in Argentina, they make their way to New York, USA with hopes of a better life.
I saw so many of my students in this book. Dani was not poor, she was not needy, she was not impoverished. Her and her family were victims of a economic and political Crisis affecting their country, which pushed them to their breaking point. Starting over in a new country is hard, especially when people only have a certain perception of you. Because she is an immigrant, she is labeled in very stereotypical ways. However, after she shares her story with others, and she hears theirs in return, she is able to find solace in her situation and realize that she may not be so different from these new peers after all.
Life, After is a beautiful story about trauma, grief, starting over, and having to be brave at a young age. Although the events in this story are dated, the feelings and emotions of these characters are felt everyday by real people we know.
I saw so many of my students in this book. Dani was not poor, she was not needy, she was not impoverished. Her and her family were victims of a economic and political Crisis affecting their country, which pushed them to their breaking point. Starting over in a new country is hard, especially when people only have a certain perception of you. Because she is an immigrant, she is labeled in very stereotypical ways. However, after she shares her story with others, and she hears theirs in return, she is able to find solace in her situation and realize that she may not be so different from these new peers after all.
Life, After is a beautiful story about trauma, grief, starting over, and having to be brave at a young age. Although the events in this story are dated, the feelings and emotions of these characters are felt everyday by real people we know.
September 2, 2018
Sarah Littman is a genius! It's simply amazing how her stories flow so flawlessly, how they make me want to keep wondering what will happen next through each chapter, keeping me turning the pages, holding my interest more than I thought possible. I can't help but read though her books quick because they are so interesting and enjoyable! She brings her characters to life and her story lines are enough to make grown, older men cry. Well, at least this somewhat sensitive one.
She's obviously a very devout Jew as I think in all of her books I've read the main characters are with a number of references to Judaism. I wasn't so sure about that at first being a constant in her novels but this doesn't distract from the stories in any way and I can see how an author giving a positive nod to her religion is a respectable thing to do no matter what it is.
I'm VERY impressed by her young adult novels, and this was one of my favorites. If you like her other works, you'll love this.
She's obviously a very devout Jew as I think in all of her books I've read the main characters are with a number of references to Judaism. I wasn't so sure about that at first being a constant in her novels but this doesn't distract from the stories in any way and I can see how an author giving a positive nod to her religion is a respectable thing to do no matter what it is.
I'm VERY impressed by her young adult novels, and this was one of my favorites. If you like her other works, you'll love this.
March 14, 2018
Although I bought this book back in middle school, I still had the desire to read it even if it was a pretty easy read. I was pleasantly surprised of how unique the concept of the story was. I know it was fiction but the author did a wonderful job talking about how immigration works and life outside the United States is. I really enjoyed Dani and Brian's relationship (I'm a sucker for romance like that). It seemed to me that everything just ended perfectly with not a lot of conflict or major action. I do like stories like that, but to me, the story went by so fast because nothing bad popped up...at least not really. Anyways, I still thoroughly loved the book.
December 31, 2017
Loved this book! I was intrigued that the main character was a Jewish girl from Argentina. This story centers around Dani’s Family as they recover from a terrorist attack and move to the United States.
As an English Language teacher, I enjoyed Dani’s point of view as she navigates her new School and friends. I especially enjoyed the idioms covered in this book! It served as a reminder of the colorful language we use in English and how we can be easily misunderstood.
As an English Language teacher, I enjoyed Dani’s point of view as she navigates her new School and friends. I especially enjoyed the idioms covered in this book! It served as a reminder of the colorful language we use in English and how we can be easily misunderstood.
October 4, 2018
it was really deep and emotional. It made me feel as if I was experiencing what the protagonist was experiancing.
Want to read
August 30, 2019This book is really fabulous because talks of the life.
March 10, 2023
the only memory i have of this book was reading it in the back of the class during geometry period and cried IN SECRET. good times x
Want to read
June 23, 2023the cover and title are very good for the book.
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February 18, 2026Great book... I absolutely loved how Dani's life in New York turned out.
January 17, 2014
Life, After is a fiction book, written by Sarah Darer Littman. It is about a girl, named Dani, who tells us about her life We follow her through her life adventure, that was really sad and painful. Because of a terrorist attack, that killed her aunt and unborn cousin, Dani’s family decides to move to much more peaceful country, where there is no war - the United States of America. There, everything is different-language, culture, etc… but she also finds some of her best friends for life - Jessica, Jon and mostly Brian, who makes Dani’s pulse raise.
The main character is called Dani. She is thirteen years old and she moves to the United States from Argentina. Because of a terrorist attack, that killed her beloved aunt and her unborn cousin, Dani’s parents decided to move to another peaceful country, where there is no war. Dani’s father is a doctor and he does everything to save money, so they can afford his family to live in the United States. While her dad is working weeks, without sleeping, Dani tries to get over the fact that she will also leave her friends. She will especially miss her boyfriend. His family decided to move more to the south of America - to Florida, while Dani’s parents decided to move to New York City. As you may think, life is really different in a country where people don’t protest on the streets all day and night and where people don’t kill themselves, because they do not get the money they deserve from their jobs. As Dani goes to High School in New York, the first people, who she meets are Jon and Jessica, who are twins. Jon is a nice, cute and little boy, who is the “tour guide” on her first day of school around the building. Jessica is his twin sister and she is one of the most popular girls in school. At first, she finds Dani really creepy and strange, but after she gets to know Dani better, they become really good friends. And the last, but not least best friend is Brian. Oh my god… Brian … He is so handsome, so smart, so nice, so charming … when he goes around Dani, her pulse increases and she dies to talk to him, but because he is always around his friends she doesn’t go to talk to him … she just smiles and she tries to make eye contact with him. At the end of the year, Dani decided officially to stay in New York and have fun with her new friends. Life for her was so much better, than her old Argentinian boyfriend’s life - he decided to brake up with Dani on the phone, using his new American Girlfriend, Georgia, calling and explaining everything to Dani. Dani was so disappointed, but she found even bigger soulmate in Brian, who always knew how to talk to her.
I really liked the book, because it relates to me - I moved from another country, because protests and financial “war”. I mostly relate to Dani, not only because we are both emigrants. Because we both feel the same way and we have the same thoughts about almost everything. I believe we would have been great best friends if there was a real life girl like her.
I would recommend this book and I would especially add it to my favorites, because it is not just a story, told about a girl’s life, who moves, finds new friends, etc. No! It is all because I really love books that can “touch my heart” or even “relate” to it. There are almost no books that I have considered like that. That is the third one. About the age group I would recommend to teens and adults,but not to little children, because they may not understand the financial conflict and war, so they will not understand the “base of the book”.
I loved this book and I hope you enjoyed it too!
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March 8, 2017This was a great quick read! It was a book that was definitely written for teenagers, but it has a nice simple message for everyone. It has taken me four days to read it, only because the beginning was so hard to get through.
July 20, 2010
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-changing sad. It was crying-sad and I-can-relate-to-some-of-this-sad.
In Life, After, the main character, Daniela Bensimon is from Argentina. July 18, 1994 was the AMIA bombing in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Because of it, Dani lost her aunt Sara.
Her father, was nice and kind. Her father was gentle and caring--not short tempered and fussy about every little thing and impatient. Dani loved and liked him very much. But these days, it's a bit hard to, really.
Sarita, Dani's little sister, doesn't understand that the crisis is changing her father's life. Or her mother. Or Dani's. She was innocent--and curious. She asks a lot of questions, and asks them bluntly.
Dani lost Gaby, her best friend, who moved to Israel because of the crisis. But Dani still have Roberto, her novio (boyfriend in Spanish). But her novio had to move, too. To Miami in America.
After not being able to pay for electricity and a crazy protest-scene in front of the hospital (where Dani's mom works), Dani's dad finally gave in to move to America. But no, not Miami. New York, where Dani's uncle, Jacobo, lives.
In America, the high school is huge. The hallways are mean. First day, right off the start Dani was found wearing another girl's shirt from charity. They kept picking on her, although Dani made a friend with the girl's brother.
But Dani had her personal GPS--Brian Harrison. Who she can't help but think about even though her novio is still Roberto. Roberto, Roberto, Roberto. Whom she misses so much but when in contact with, couldn't speak much to.
Dani is changing. So is Sarita. Will her dad change? Will he try to live normally again? Will Roberto's feelings change?
What I love about the book: I didn't come from America (I came from Indonesia to America in 2007) and I struggled with the idioms, too. Or maybe just the expressions and slang, really. So I definitely relate to that, and this book was just hilarious. I would love to reread this book again and again. Also, Dani's not exaggerating. She's frustrated, but she keeps it under control, until (of course, just like any other teens) her parents doesn't listen anymore.
What I dislike about the book: To be honest, I was a bit disappointed about the ending--but that's just because I don't like the hanging ending. And to be honest, that's because I wanted more of Sarita's blunt remark and also Dani and Brian's hilarious relationship.
:D
This is a very amazing book--Never judge a book by its cover, it's really good!! Highly recommended!
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-changing sad. It was crying-sad and I-can-relate-to-some-of-this-sad.
In Life, After, the main character, Daniela Bensimon is from Argentina. July 18, 1994 was the AMIA bombing in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Because of it, Dani lost her aunt Sara.
Her father, was nice and kind. Her father was gentle and caring--not short tempered and fussy about every little thing and impatient. Dani loved and liked him very much. But these days, it's a bit hard to, really.
Sarita, Dani's little sister, doesn't understand that the crisis is changing her father's life. Or her mother. Or Dani's. She was innocent--and curious. She asks a lot of questions, and asks them bluntly.
Dani lost Gaby, her best friend, who moved to Israel because of the crisis. But Dani still have Roberto, her novio (boyfriend in Spanish). But her novio had to move, too. To Miami in America.
After not being able to pay for electricity and a crazy protest-scene in front of the hospital (where Dani's mom works), Dani's dad finally gave in to move to America. But no, not Miami. New York, where Dani's uncle, Jacobo, lives.
In America, the high school is huge. The hallways are mean. First day, right off the start Dani was found wearing another girl's shirt from charity. They kept picking on her, although Dani made a friend with the girl's brother.
But Dani had her personal GPS--Brian Harrison. Who she can't help but think about even though her novio is still Roberto. Roberto, Roberto, Roberto. Whom she misses so much but when in contact with, couldn't speak much to.
Dani is changing. So is Sarita. Will her dad change? Will he try to live normally again? Will Roberto's feelings change?
What I love about the book: I didn't come from America (I came from Indonesia to America in 2007) and I struggled with the idioms, too. Or maybe just the expressions and slang, really. So I definitely relate to that, and this book was just hilarious. I would love to reread this book again and again. Also, Dani's not exaggerating. She's frustrated, but she keeps it under control, until (of course, just like any other teens) her parents doesn't listen anymore.
What I dislike about the book: To be honest, I was a bit disappointed about the ending--but that's just because I don't like the hanging ending. And to be honest, that's because I wanted more of Sarita's blunt remark and also Dani and Brian's hilarious relationship.
:D
This is a very amazing book--Never judge a book by its cover, it's really good!! Highly recommended!
http://scholarberry.blogspot.com/
November 15, 2012
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.
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.
August 8, 2013
Immigrant Voices Part 2--An Argentinian-Jewish Coming of Age Novel Littman, Sarah Darer. (2010). Life, After. New York: Scholastic Press.
282 pages. ISBN: 978-0-545-15144-3 (HC)/ 978-0-545-15145-0(PB)
On July 18, 1994, Daniela Bensimon turned seven and her world was turned upside-down. The terrorist bombing of the Jewish Community Center in Buenos Aires devastated her family and country. This novel, from Sarah Darer Littman, author of Confessions of a Closet Catholic (Dutton Juvenile, 2005), follows Dani’s Life, After the tragedy. A few years after the bombing, the economic crisis takes her father’s business, he spirals into depression and Dani, her mother, and younger sister Sarita are forced to struggle through, without accepting the charity her father so despises. To make things worse, her friends are all emigrating to escape the Crisis. She feels alone and helpless and wants her Papá from Before back.
Her family decides to immigrate to New York City and start a new life. But Dani is lonely here too. By night living in a tiny “hovel” of an apartment where she tiptoes around her father’s depression and rage,and by day in a massive school where she doesn’t know the language and feels lost and bullied, she longs for a place of peace. At least she can communicate with her boyfriend on the Library computers But she comes to realise that her new world is full of unexpected joys: new friends at school, a new love interest, and a ‘mean girl’ who turns out to be just as affected by terrorism as Dani.
Dani’s first person voice rings true, though she and other characters show a wisdom beyond their years, but entirely consistent with their life experience. Littman seamlessly weaves the events of Dani’s childhood in Argentina and her Jewishness into the narrative. She also peppers the text with Spanish in a realistic portrayal of learning a second language. The books also includes emails, IM chats, and letters which give voice to other characters and add layers to the plot and character development. There are enough universal themes here to keep most students engaged, though those with experience immigrating, learning another language, moving to a new school, living with depression, or coping with tragedy will make more connections. It is a solid YA novel, not just a niche story about the Argentinian Jewish experience and families of 9/11 victims.
Recommended for grades 8-12.
282 pages. ISBN: 978-0-545-15144-3 (HC)/ 978-0-545-15145-0(PB)
On July 18, 1994, Daniela Bensimon turned seven and her world was turned upside-down. The terrorist bombing of the Jewish Community Center in Buenos Aires devastated her family and country. This novel, from Sarah Darer Littman, author of Confessions of a Closet Catholic (Dutton Juvenile, 2005), follows Dani’s Life, After the tragedy. A few years after the bombing, the economic crisis takes her father’s business, he spirals into depression and Dani, her mother, and younger sister Sarita are forced to struggle through, without accepting the charity her father so despises. To make things worse, her friends are all emigrating to escape the Crisis. She feels alone and helpless and wants her Papá from Before back.
Her family decides to immigrate to New York City and start a new life. But Dani is lonely here too. By night living in a tiny “hovel” of an apartment where she tiptoes around her father’s depression and rage,and by day in a massive school where she doesn’t know the language and feels lost and bullied, she longs for a place of peace. At least she can communicate with her boyfriend on the Library computers But she comes to realise that her new world is full of unexpected joys: new friends at school, a new love interest, and a ‘mean girl’ who turns out to be just as affected by terrorism as Dani.
Dani’s first person voice rings true, though she and other characters show a wisdom beyond their years, but entirely consistent with their life experience. Littman seamlessly weaves the events of Dani’s childhood in Argentina and her Jewishness into the narrative. She also peppers the text with Spanish in a realistic portrayal of learning a second language. The books also includes emails, IM chats, and letters which give voice to other characters and add layers to the plot and character development. There are enough universal themes here to keep most students engaged, though those with experience immigrating, learning another language, moving to a new school, living with depression, or coping with tragedy will make more connections. It is a solid YA novel, not just a niche story about the Argentinian Jewish experience and families of 9/11 victims.
Recommended for grades 8-12.
January 26, 2016
Dani's life has been divided into Before and After. Before terrorists bombed a building killing many people, including her pregnant aunt, Dani has a great childhood. Living in Argentina with her loving family, life is enjoyable for a seven year old girl. After the bomb, her family's world is shattered and life is never the same. The book takes place when Dani is a teenager. Her life has moved forward, although her father remains trapped in the past. He has fallen into a deep depression and has no ambition to move forward. The Crisis has hit the nation causing so many to lose it all, including Dani's father's store. Dani's little sister, born after the attack never knew what their father was like Before. When things become so bad Dani's mother suggests it is time to move as so many others have done. Dani's best friend ends up in Israel and her boyfriend, Roberto announces they will be moving to Miami. Dani and her family move to New York.
Once in New York Dani realizes how different things are. She is able to speak English, but quickly realizes there is so much she needs to learn. Coming to the country with one suitcase only, her family has very little to start off with. They are given clothes from a local charity to help, and Dani recognizes the clothing as very expensive. Their father is furious they are accepting charity, but the girls keep their clothes. Dani wears some to school only to find out they came from a wealthy girl in her school who is less then kind. High school is not easy, especially when you are an outsider.
I really enjoyed this book and liked Dani as a main character. She carried a lot of pain for someone her age. She was the strength for her family when her father had given up hope. She leaves Argentina thinking her boyfriend and her would last the separation. When reality begins to crash down on her she still hangs onto hope.
Jess was a great side character. At first I hated her, but as the story progresses it is obvious she is carrying a great deal of her own pain and understands what Dani is going through more than Dani could ever thought. Jon is different, but Dani likes him for who he is, learning more about his story as well. Then there is Brian, the boy who shows interest in her and helps to show her about her new life in New York.
This book covers so many topics: terrorism, depression, autism, Judaism, and relocation. I learned so much about Argentina's cultural background and their struggles that were not so long ago. The book takes place in 2003.
Once in New York Dani realizes how different things are. She is able to speak English, but quickly realizes there is so much she needs to learn. Coming to the country with one suitcase only, her family has very little to start off with. They are given clothes from a local charity to help, and Dani recognizes the clothing as very expensive. Their father is furious they are accepting charity, but the girls keep their clothes. Dani wears some to school only to find out they came from a wealthy girl in her school who is less then kind. High school is not easy, especially when you are an outsider.
I really enjoyed this book and liked Dani as a main character. She carried a lot of pain for someone her age. She was the strength for her family when her father had given up hope. She leaves Argentina thinking her boyfriend and her would last the separation. When reality begins to crash down on her she still hangs onto hope.
Jess was a great side character. At first I hated her, but as the story progresses it is obvious she is carrying a great deal of her own pain and understands what Dani is going through more than Dani could ever thought. Jon is different, but Dani likes him for who he is, learning more about his story as well. Then there is Brian, the boy who shows interest in her and helps to show her about her new life in New York.
This book covers so many topics: terrorism, depression, autism, Judaism, and relocation. I learned so much about Argentina's cultural background and their struggles that were not so long ago. The book takes place in 2003.
April 25, 2012
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.
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.
April 24, 2012
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.
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.
June 19, 2012
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.
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.
May 25, 2010
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 them visas, there is little choice but to move to the United States. Dani must now cope with going to a large American high school, speaking and learning in English, and her father’s continued anger and depression. In a world changed by the effects of terrorism, Dani finds understanding in the most unlikely of people and realizes that there is life afterwards.
This novel is one of many branches that twine throughout. There are many things happening here, many things for the main character to deal with. It is down to the skill of Littman that the book remains so cohesive and powerful. These many branches are what make this book special and interesting. They help tell the tale of immigration but also terrorism and economic collapse. It is a timely story for American teens to read, one that will resound in their lives.
Dani is a great protagonist to see this experience through. She is bright, helpful, giving, and yet can be angry, sad and confused as well. The novel spends time in Argentina in the beginning, setting the stage to show just how much the family gave up in their move to America. Often immigration stories start with the family already in the United States. This time spent in Argentina really makes Dani and her family understandable and relatable.
Highly recommended, this book will reach its braches towards you and hold you tight. Appropriate for ages 13-17.
This novel is one of many branches that twine throughout. There are many things happening here, many things for the main character to deal with. It is down to the skill of Littman that the book remains so cohesive and powerful. These many branches are what make this book special and interesting. They help tell the tale of immigration but also terrorism and economic collapse. It is a timely story for American teens to read, one that will resound in their lives.
Dani is a great protagonist to see this experience through. She is bright, helpful, giving, and yet can be angry, sad and confused as well. The novel spends time in Argentina in the beginning, setting the stage to show just how much the family gave up in their move to America. Often immigration stories start with the family already in the United States. This time spent in Argentina really makes Dani and her family understandable and relatable.
Highly recommended, this book will reach its braches towards you and hold you tight. Appropriate for ages 13-17.
July 15, 2010
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 friends in very unlikely places and learns what it means to be connect with someone through a similar experience.
This was an enjoyable read. I really appreciated the little snippets of Spanish thrown in here and there. It would certainly help you if you know some basic Spanish, but if you don't it doesn't detract from the story really. At times this book was really slow going(maybe I just didn't feel like reading) but I always wanted to know what Dani had to face next. I can't imagine having to up and leave your country and have to go to a place where everything is different. I really enjoyed reading about Dani and her life. It was nice to see the similarities and differences between her culture and American culture. Though she was suffering on this very global scale, she still had all the suffering that comes with adolescence. She was teased and had crushes and boyfriends and had to make new friends in a new place. This story really shows how sometimes you should really find out what is going on with a person to make them the way they are before instantly judging them. If you like contemporary fiction that speaks of other cultures then this book is certainly for you.
First Line:
"Normal kids were happy when the bell rang at the end of the school day."
Favorite Line:
"I wondered if this was how a snake felt right before it shed its skin and slithered along without everything that identified it before."
This was an enjoyable read. I really appreciated the little snippets of Spanish thrown in here and there. It would certainly help you if you know some basic Spanish, but if you don't it doesn't detract from the story really. At times this book was really slow going(maybe I just didn't feel like reading) but I always wanted to know what Dani had to face next. I can't imagine having to up and leave your country and have to go to a place where everything is different. I really enjoyed reading about Dani and her life. It was nice to see the similarities and differences between her culture and American culture. Though she was suffering on this very global scale, she still had all the suffering that comes with adolescence. She was teased and had crushes and boyfriends and had to make new friends in a new place. This story really shows how sometimes you should really find out what is going on with a person to make them the way they are before instantly judging them. If you like contemporary fiction that speaks of other cultures then this book is certainly for you.
First Line:
"Normal kids were happy when the bell rang at the end of the school day."
Favorite Line:
"I wondered if this was how a snake felt right before it shed its skin and slithered along without everything that identified it before."
June 27, 2010
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 countless other Argentineans—to leave Argentina for a safer place. As her father spirals deeper into depression and the family is sure that their country no longer holds a place for them, the family decides to follow the lead of her widowed uncle who’s already in New York.
Dani’s world crumbles even more when they arrive in the U.S. to a cramped apartment, she’s forced to take classes in a school where she barely speaks the language, and she’s teased on the first day for wearing ultra-popular girl Jessica’s hand-me-down clothes. Dani wishes she could return to life before. Her only friend is a boy named Jon who’s just as much of an outcast as she is. And, when she discovers her boyfriend—who now lives in Florida—has met someone else, Dani is sure her life is over. Luckily she’s wrong. Through Jon, Dani becomes friends with Jessica as they bond over their shared experiences of tragedy. And, Dani realizes just how much she likes GPS Brian, who happens to have a major crush on her too. Finally, Dani begins to think that Life, After, might not be so bad.
Dani’s world crumbles even more when they arrive in the U.S. to a cramped apartment, she’s forced to take classes in a school where she barely speaks the language, and she’s teased on the first day for wearing ultra-popular girl Jessica’s hand-me-down clothes. Dani wishes she could return to life before. Her only friend is a boy named Jon who’s just as much of an outcast as she is. And, when she discovers her boyfriend—who now lives in Florida—has met someone else, Dani is sure her life is over. Luckily she’s wrong. Through Jon, Dani becomes friends with Jessica as they bond over their shared experiences of tragedy. And, Dani realizes just how much she likes GPS Brian, who happens to have a major crush on her too. Finally, Dani begins to think that Life, After, might not be so bad.
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