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The Beginning Of After is probably one of the most heartbreaking books I've ever read, full of raw and powerful emotions that had me in uncontrollable tears more than a few times while reading. Laurel has an extremely realistic life. Castle's depiction of the average teenage girl is pretty much spot on, but once the grieving began, the realism kind of cracked for me. Despite being beautifully written and very intense with the feelings, there was just something crucial missing. I would read these gut-wrenching scenes and where I'd be devastated and crying, Laurel would be calm and numb. I just didn't understand why Laurel wasn't acting the way that I was. Why wasn't this horrible tragedy affecting her as much as it was affecting me? That's what wasn't there; that connection, that personal mindset where all of Laurel's coldness and numbness comes from. I've read a lot of reviews that comment on the drifting plot of this book, not appreciating that Laurel didn't have some kind of a grieving process or journey or something to keep us readers on our toes. For me, personally, I loved that she didn't. I felt like it was a lot more authentic with Laurel aimlessly trudging through the novel. It was really a reading experience to follow along with her as she tries to figure out everything day by day, not having any clue how to get over the wreckage that had just occured. I guess what I'm saying is that I don't need some set, complex plot. This is a story about getting over a tragedy and Jennifer Castle soared above my expectations. Overall, The Beginning Of After is a heavyhearted, moving tale of loss and love and getting over the sorrow that comes with it. It tugged at my heartstrings, making me feel for these characters who were going through so much at such a young age. I definitely recommend it if you're in the mood for something intense and emotionally powerful!

Just when you think you've read everything about the sinking of the Titanic comes this little book which takes an interesting and different slant on it. Tess, an aspiring seamstress, is hired by the famous designer Lady Duff Gordon (a real person) just as the Titanic is about to sail. On the ship she meets two men, one a sailor, Jim, and the other a wealthy businessman, Jack, who figure into her story later. She survives the sinking, as does her employer, but there is controversy because Lady Duff Gordon's lifeboat contains only twelve people and does not go back to rescue others from the water. What happened on that boat and what happens to the designer's reputation make an interesting story. Tess is torn because she feels great loyalty to Duff Gordon, but Jim, the sailor, was on her lifeboat and tells a shocking story about refusing to turn around while listening to people scream, knocking people out of the boat who try to get in it, and of bribes being handed out after the rescue. When a United States Senator decides to hold hearings on the disaster, Jim is maligned by other seamen who've taken bribes and Lady Duff Gordon and her husband are the only passengers called as witnesses. This is based on fact and is well written by Ms. Alcott. There is, of course, the requisite romance as Tess has to decide between two suitors, one rich and one poor. All of that is fairly predictable, but the characters are charming and I found it a good read. Another character, Pinky, a plucky New York Times reporter who is investigating the sinking and befriends Tess is a welcome addition to the cast. She lets us into the world of women in the press at this time when they are fighting for their right to vote and have their voices heard. All in all, a recommended read. Thanks to Book of the Month Club for allowing me to read this pre-publication.