In 1998, fourteen-year-old Jesse Newsome finds his world turned upside down after his parents’ tragic death in a car crash two years earlier. Now living with a guardian in upstate New York, Jesse begins to adjust to his new life. However, a fateful prank ends in disaster, claiming the life of Kiki Lewis, the girl who brought a smile to his face. While life seemingly returns to normal for everyone else, Jesse is haunted by the memory of Kiki. Unaware of her own death until her funeral, Kiki’s spirit struggles to communicate as she searches for the key to cross over.

Before We Move On by Sally Reiser Simon masterfully explores how a single day can irrevocably change lives. The novel delves into Jesse’s journey of facing his mistakes and accepting his destiny, capturing readers’ attention from the very first page. Simon excels in character development, presenting Jesse as a boy shaped by loss and pain. We accompany him on his path to acceptance while also witnessing Kiki’s struggle to come to terms with her own death. The portrayal of Ralphie, the quintessential high school bully, as the villain is particularly commendable. Simon’s writing style is poetic yet accessible, making the book both profound and easy to read. The exploration of Jesse’s past is so intriguing that it leaves readers eager for more depth and detail in that area. The emotional depth she brings to Jesse’s struggles and Kiki’s ethereal journey ensures that readers are invested in their stories from beginning to end. The author’s ability to intertwine the lives of her characters creates a narrative that is both heart-wrenching and thought-provoking.

Simon’s writing is a testament to her skill in balancing poetic prose with accessibility, making this novel a compelling read for a wide audience. The nuanced depiction of grief, loss, and the quest for closure resonates on multiple levels, prompting readers to reflect on their own experiences and the fleeting nature of life. The authenticity of the characters, the intensity of the plot, and the emotional journey make Before We Move On a memorable and impactful read.

Pages: 281 | ASIN : B0D4JRVLZX

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/07/09/before-we-move-on/