Here After

Of all the books sitting on my TBR forever, I'm so glad I finally picked this one up. Huge thanks to the bookstagrammer who recommended it! Here After by Amy Lin is a memoir about grief—raw, honest, and deeply moving.

Amy Lin shares her journey of surviving each day after losing her husband. This book made me teary not once or twice, but multiple times. It made me reflect on grief, something I haven't personally experienced, and on how we rarely think about the moments that shake us to our core until they happen.

If you're someone who likes a strong plot or clear progress, this might not be for you. But if you love books that explore deep human emotions, you might just connect with this one.

Okay maybe i did not start reading this at the best time to read this book, but she is...so good.

Definitely want to reread this book.

Especially given the circumstances I'm in right now (why it actually is not the best book to be reading now lol), i think it is good for me to keep this book close and to reread it when the time is right.

The book delves deeply into Amy Lin's journey through grief following the loss of her husband. What sets it apart is how seamlessly she weaves together memories of their past, offering readers intimate glimpses into their shared life. These recollections not only paint a vivid picture of her husband but also allow readers to connect with their love story, intensifying the emotional impact of her grief. The book's structure, alternating between joyful reminiscences and heart-wrenching moments, often leaves the reader emotionally winded. Despite its brevity, each chapter resonates profoundly, necessitating pauses for emotional respite. Below are some of the poignant quotes that lingered with me.

“Some mornings, I forget. I wake up swamped with unease, with the sense that something dark is vanishing around the corner. For a second, I cannot catch the trailing tendrils, cannot pull the shadow into shape.”

“I cannot believe how much pain we are asked to bear when we are alive. How, even if there is a way, no one can show us how to live with it.”