The Astonishing Color of After

The story follows Leigh, a half-Asian, half-white teenager, grappling with grief after her mother’s suicide. Her journey takes a surreal turn when she is visited by a red bird, which she believes to be her mother reincarnated. Determined to uncover the truth, Leigh travels to Taiwan—her mother’s birthplace—where she meets her grandparents for the first time and seeks the bird. The book is deeply emotional, skillfully balancing its poignant themes with compelling storytelling.

I found this book incredibly moving. Certain scenes stood out vividly, especially the opening, where Leigh describes the haunting image of bloodstains on the carpet—a moment I know will stay with me for a long time. Through this story, I gained a deeper understanding of depression and the many ways people cope with loss. It’s a book that lingers in your thoughts, offering profound reflections that resonate well beyond the final page.