Before the Ever After
Before the Ever After by Jacqueline Woodson is a poignant reprint published by Penguin on September 6, 2022. This novel-in-verse delves into the complexities of family dynamics as ZJ navigates the challenges of his father’s declining health and memory, a consequence of his past as a celebrated professional football player. The narrative captures the emotional landscape of a family grappling with the impact of sports on their lives, particularly focusing on the effects of head injuries on Black bodies.
Readers will find a heartfelt exploration of memory, identity, and the bonds of family as ZJ reflects on his father’s legacy and the traditions that define them. The story addresses themes of health and the emotional toll of illness, while also touching on the world of sports and recreation. With 176 pages, this edition invites readers to engage with the struggles of holding onto cherished memories amid the challenges of change and loss.
Official synopsis Publisher
WINNER OF THE NAACP IMAGE AWARD
WINNER OF THE CORETTA SCOTT KING AUTHOR AWARD
National Book Award winner Jacqueline Woodson’s stirring novel-in-verse explores how a family moves forward when their glory days have passed and the cost of professional sports on Black bodies.
For as long as ZJ can remember, his dad has been everyone’s hero. As a charming, talented pro football star, he’s as beloved to the neighborhood kids he plays with as he is to his millions of adoring sports fans. But lately life at ZJ’s house is anything but charming. His dad is having trouble remembering things and seems to be angry all the time. ZJ’s mom explains it’s because of all the head injuries his dad sustained during his career. ZJ can understand that–but it doesn’t make the sting any less real when his own father forgets his name. As ZJ contemplates his new reality, he has to figure out how to hold on tight to family traditions and recollections of the glory days, all the while wondering what their past amounts to if his father can’t remember it. And most importantly, can those happy feelings ever be reclaimed when they are all so busy aching for the past?
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