Alicia, Afterimage by Lulu Delacre is such a hard book to review because it is based on a true story and on a real person who died. I will be upfront and say I did not like this book.
Alicia, Afterimage by Lulu Delacre is a book comprised of recollections of this girl, Alicia who dies in a car crash. In the beginning we learn about the accident, then the rest of the book is how everyone remembers her and deals with the grief. It is an incredibly quick read. I think it only took me an hour to finish.
Unfortunately, I found Alicia to be too perfect. To me, this did not ring true. No one is that perfect or without flaws. I understand that perhaps we remember the dead with more gentleness and more favor than we did when they were alive. That’s great, however, if you want to really reach teens, there should be some authenticity.
I felt the writing style was too juvenile for me, although the afterword specifically states Alicia, Afterimage is aimed at teens. I honestly think the reading level is better fit for an elementary school. However, I do think this could be beneficial for low performing readers who are reluctant. I just do not see the writing as stacking up with other YA I have read.
Ultimately, I believe Alicia, Afterimage by Lulu Delacre would be a great book to give to people who are grieving. But it’s not a fun or a leisure read
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I often feel that women in literature are too perfect (or too irritating) to really be believable, and I feel it really lessens my enjoyment of a book. I'm sorry the same happened to you!
It is so unfortunate when protagonists are perfect. Wonderful honest review, though.