Review of Alicia, Afterimage by Lulu Delacre

I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

On the evening of September 24, 2004, sixteen-year-old Alicia María Betancourt was killed in a car accident. Popular, happy, fun-loving Alicia-daughter, sister, and friend to so many-gone in an instant. How would those left behind cope with such a sudden, devastating loss?Wrestling with grief, anger, mortality, and spirituality, Alicia's loved ones struggle to create a lasting place in their hearts for someone who is no longer a physical presence. They share joyful and painful memories, and discover the resilient power of enduring friendship and love. In time, each person finds a way to heal while keeping Alicia's vibrant spirit alive for those who knew her, and those who never will.Alicia Afterimage is a remarkable story of loss and recovery, but mostly it is a story of love. In this moving tribute to an extraordinary girl, readers will find a pathway through grief and a road map to remembrance. It is a book of comfort for all-teens and adults-who seek a way to ease the pain of losing someone they cherished.This is Lulu Delacre's first novel.

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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April (Books&Wine)

April is in her 30s and created Good Books And Good Wine. She works for a non-profit. April always has a book on hand. In her free time she can be found binge watching The Office with her husband and toddler, spending way too much time on Pinterest or exploring her neighborhood.

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