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Kristin P. (Elburn, IL)
Before Ever After
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it was one of the most creative books that I have read in years. It was well-executed and unlike other recent books that stretch the creativity bounds- Before Ever After's creativity was believable. This book is a great individual read, however, I would not recommend the book for a book club. This book exemplifies the art of storytelling, but it is not set-up for the typical book club analysis. If you like Audrey Niffenegger give this book a try.
Jeanne C. (Ventura, CA)
Not for Me
I loved the quirkiness of Amanda Sotto’s writing, the delightful coupling of unexpected items. I had a hard time following the storyline at times; it felt disjointed. The book is well-written. However, the many vignettes of suffering, pain, and destruction depressed me and nearly caused me to stop reading the book. The depressing vignettes did have a purpose in the weaving of the story, but perhaps there were just too many of them. The ending was a surprise.
Cathy R. (Scottsdale, AZ)
Before Ever After
Not sure if I loved the book or just liked it. All the elements were there--love story, time travel, historical novel--but the sexual innuendos and chicken themes were distracting. It is a light read with deeper undertones that had they been developed would certainly have warranted a higher rating for the book.
Kathleen Z. (oxford, mi)
Fan of the Spoken or Written Word?
A kind of modern day twist on "The Gift of the Magi" and "Romeo and Juliet". I liked the book. If you know someone who adds an extra dimension to conversation, just by using a word not usually placed in a particular sentence, but given the particular circumstance you find yourself in...the word is perfect, then you have and idea of the writing ability of this author. The conversation between the characters, as well as individual thoughts and feelings, are about as real as you can get. I see the movie coming, instead of a feather floating around (as in Forest Gump) you will hear and egg cracking or see Shelley tripping.
Lisa B. (Denton, TX)
Before Ever After
I was very excited to be receiving this book and loved the concept of it. The story kept me interested, the attention to historical detail and obviously thorough historical research I found impressive. I kept wishing that such a tour actually existed because I would like nothing more than to go on a tour of Europe in a Volkswagen van, exploring places that tourists never go.
However, I was a little disappointed in the writing, which seemed self concious and a little over the top, as though the author was trying to sound literary, but didn't quite make it.
I think it is well worth reading and makes a great read for a virtual tour of Europe.
Amy O. (Scottsdale, AZ)
I Love You Max!
Quite a unique read. Here we have a not your normal historical, time-shifting, love story of a page-turner. Talk about a magic mystery tour. Max is a tour guide extraordinare. Not only is he irrestible to Shelley but he also makes the past seem to come alive. Although the writing is sometimes a bit thin, Sotto takes us along a memorable path of a story strewn with nuggets of wisdom about life and the death defying power of love. A must read for this summer!
Carol T. (Ankeny, Iowa)
Before Ever After
I, too, am a fan of time travel, so was a little disapponted to discover this is the story of an immortal man. That aside, the author had an an interesting idea and with a little more effort to round out the characters and make time more linear, could have created a memorable book.
David S. (San Diego, CA)
Before Ever After by Samatha Sotto
A neat blending of romance, thriller, and history into a fast-paced story that will keep the reader engrossed from the first page to the last. A well done first novel that makes for a fun summer read for both guys and gals.
