This is the first book I've read by this author, so I wasn't sure what to expect from the writing style or the story. The blurb conveys that it's a tale that will tug on your heart strings and have you thinking deeply about life and death and the workings of our existence. 

I truly adored the concept of this story. The idea that we are able to come back, even just for a little while, to visit loved ones and see how they are doing after we have passed. 

This is the case for Amber, cruely taken from this world at 17 years of age. 

Amber returns to her family after having been dead for the last 7 years and sees how the people around her carried on after she was in her accident. 

The story shows how death can affect those around you, even those you met only briefly, and Amber's story also contains the theme of coming back to help your loved ones move on and be at peace.

The reason my review dropped in stars was due to Calvin's arc. I don't believe his story was particularly necessary, and even if it was, his actions didn't reflect his intentions at the start. I also wasn't a fan of Casey and being a fake best friend. I think in this story, that particular event didn't need to happen to get the full effect of what After Life was trying to convey. It's not a trope I'm terribly fond of. 

The idea of forgiveness is heavy at the end. I'm not sure I'd have been as forgiving, but I hope I never have to be in the position to think about it. 

No matter what you believe, this book definitely opens a line of conversation that can be really interesting and insightful. Especially for the young adults that the book is aimed at.