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After Henry
"At the 90th floor, the stairwell door was propped open. There was a window facing the North Tower, and all you could see was this massive hole. Just blackness. Dad’s grip on my hand tightened. The building was eviscerated."
Emma Jenkins has no memory of the day her father died.
When tragedy strikes the nation, it hits home for Emma. Forced to flee Manhattan, leaving behind her dreams and childhood, Emma must find a way to steady her life, to build around the gaping hole.
Now, after three years, she returns to New York to begin a new future--and face her past. But when the memories come back, she is confronted with lies she was forced to believe. Caught between her present and her past, will Emma accept her memories as truth...or find a way to erase them for good?
Told with both compassion and candor, After Henry is a provocative story about a girl who finds love, and then finds love again.
Emma Jenkins has no memory of the day her father died.
When tragedy strikes the nation, it hits home for Emma. Forced to flee Manhattan, leaving behind her dreams and childhood, Emma must find a way to steady her life, to build around the gaping hole.
Now, after three years, she returns to New York to begin a new future--and face her past. But when the memories come back, she is confronted with lies she was forced to believe. Caught between her present and her past, will Emma accept her memories as truth...or find a way to erase them for good?
Told with both compassion and candor, After Henry is a provocative story about a girl who finds love, and then finds love again.
253 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 17, 2014
25 people are currently reading
314 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
April 19, 2019
A story that will rip you open and release all of your emotions. A wonderful story about Emma’s journey to find herself and start living again after tragedy strikes. I do not know what I would do if I found myself in her situation and it has me questioning all the what if’s. Beautifully written and a story that will stay with me. This is also one that needs to be read by everyone who is looking for a story of change and hope.
May 6, 2019
HEARTFELT!
Not what I was expecting it was so much more. A sweet emotionally heartfelt read that I had a hard time putting it down. Some unexpected twists with nail-biting suspense and a myriad of emotions. I would gladly recommend and enjoyed very much.
Not what I was expecting it was so much more. A sweet emotionally heartfelt read that I had a hard time putting it down. Some unexpected twists with nail-biting suspense and a myriad of emotions. I would gladly recommend and enjoyed very much.
April 30, 2019
"You’ve never met Henry Jenkins, my dad, but unlike me, I bet you can remember where you were when he died.” This was a truly unique story, a second chance romance built around the events of 9/11. A very emotional story of second chances, finding who you are in the face of terrible times, and love and friendships that are tested in the aftermath of tragedy. I look forward to reading more by this author!
May 3, 2019
A heart-rending story of loss, love and finding hope. A very different read for me and one I immensely enjoyed. Through Emma’s point of view you are taken on an emotional journey as she starts to begin living again. Sadness, tears, love and hope will only be the beginning of what you feel. This story will stick with you and have you wondering what would happen if or what would you do. Highly recommended for those looking for a story of love and redemption after loss and confusion.
May 5, 2019
Henry
It’s a good thing the author warns that this isn’t your typical romance because it certainly is not. This is a story of love though. And if you enjoy women’s fiction and coming-of-age, you will definitely enjoy After Henry.
It’s a good thing the author warns that this isn’t your typical romance because it certainly is not. This is a story of love though. And if you enjoy women’s fiction and coming-of-age, you will definitely enjoy After Henry.
December 13, 2019
The only memory she has of her dad is holding his hand, everything else is blank. She moves away from New York to start a new life but now she is back. She needs to face her past if she wants her future to be brighter. Will she be able to recover the memories? Will she want to? See what she does
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 21, 2018
After Henry is so much more than a beautiful love story. Elegantly balanced between Young Adult and New Adult, this is a highly original coming-of-age tale about a young woman's journey to recover repressed memories and work through trauma in the aftermath of 9/11 -- all while rediscovering seemingly lost loves along the way.
Ms. Josette's deft command of language and sensitive handling of the delicate subject matter is evident from the opening pages. She works through multiple character timelines with seamless authority as the narrative unfolds, and I found myself pausing to admire individual sentences just as much as I enjoyed mulling over various arcs in the story. The characters are likable, relatable, and believable, and I was especially impressed by the realistic (and at times gut-wrenching) growth in narrative voice between pre and post-9/11 Emma. Without providing any spoilers, I will comment that the central love story is absolutely enthralling -- the characters (even in infuriating moments!) are easy to root for together, for the passion between them is spellbinding all throughout the deepening stages of their maturation. Emma is a highly compelling MC, providing a realistic snapshot into the lives of elite youths in privileged New York, as well as an intimate look at the inner workings of the mind of a true creative. Her self-reflection after the tragedy of 9/11 as she slowly regains more of her repressed memories almost makes one feel like, as a reader, that you're "growing up" right along with her.
I typically struggle with works of fiction with backdrops of real-world terror due to the very real ongoing threats throughout the world, but I found that even through the more heartbreaking moments of the story, Ms. Josette still manages to insert an overall feel of optimism. After Henry is a multi-layered read, and a beautiful commentary on the resiliency of the human heart. This is by no means an “easy” novel, but a deeply satisfying, beautifully told emotional journey, fearlessly exploring uncomfortable truths of trauma, grief, and growth -- whilst somehow still maintaining an inspiring message of hope. Highly recommended.
Ms. Josette's deft command of language and sensitive handling of the delicate subject matter is evident from the opening pages. She works through multiple character timelines with seamless authority as the narrative unfolds, and I found myself pausing to admire individual sentences just as much as I enjoyed mulling over various arcs in the story. The characters are likable, relatable, and believable, and I was especially impressed by the realistic (and at times gut-wrenching) growth in narrative voice between pre and post-9/11 Emma. Without providing any spoilers, I will comment that the central love story is absolutely enthralling -- the characters (even in infuriating moments!) are easy to root for together, for the passion between them is spellbinding all throughout the deepening stages of their maturation. Emma is a highly compelling MC, providing a realistic snapshot into the lives of elite youths in privileged New York, as well as an intimate look at the inner workings of the mind of a true creative. Her self-reflection after the tragedy of 9/11 as she slowly regains more of her repressed memories almost makes one feel like, as a reader, that you're "growing up" right along with her.
I typically struggle with works of fiction with backdrops of real-world terror due to the very real ongoing threats throughout the world, but I found that even through the more heartbreaking moments of the story, Ms. Josette still manages to insert an overall feel of optimism. After Henry is a multi-layered read, and a beautiful commentary on the resiliency of the human heart. This is by no means an “easy” novel, but a deeply satisfying, beautifully told emotional journey, fearlessly exploring uncomfortable truths of trauma, grief, and growth -- whilst somehow still maintaining an inspiring message of hope. Highly recommended.
March 9, 2015
a sweet story, believing in love after a horrible tragedy
I was gifted a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Emma couldn't remember what happened that day. She knew that her father had pawed away in the towers but she couldn't remember anything else. He thought that her best friend had left her and that he close friend Chloe was drifting away from her also. Emma had met Henry at the academy where she learned danceable would be successful. She did realize that should would fall in love with this boy only to find out that he didn't love her back. Then one day Henry left. Without a word or even a second thought. So Emma moved forward with her life. She continued to dance and learn. This was her outlet for stress. Little did she know that this would eventually be how the past would catch up with her and finally remember. Finally she could have some answers.
This book was well written. In places I had to go back and reread what I had just written. There were things in the past when she could remember and the stories being told that will have you in tears. She had such fold memories of Henry and she also didn't know much about him after she left. She had to be pulled from her shell so she could reconnect with her friends. You never know where life will take you until something changes your whole world. Emma had a passion for dance and wouldn't let anything stop her from her dream. Lindsey, reviewer for MNP.
I was gifted a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Emma couldn't remember what happened that day. She knew that her father had pawed away in the towers but she couldn't remember anything else. He thought that her best friend had left her and that he close friend Chloe was drifting away from her also. Emma had met Henry at the academy where she learned danceable would be successful. She did realize that should would fall in love with this boy only to find out that he didn't love her back. Then one day Henry left. Without a word or even a second thought. So Emma moved forward with her life. She continued to dance and learn. This was her outlet for stress. Little did she know that this would eventually be how the past would catch up with her and finally remember. Finally she could have some answers.
This book was well written. In places I had to go back and reread what I had just written. There were things in the past when she could remember and the stories being told that will have you in tears. She had such fold memories of Henry and she also didn't know much about him after she left. She had to be pulled from her shell so she could reconnect with her friends. You never know where life will take you until something changes your whole world. Emma had a passion for dance and wouldn't let anything stop her from her dream. Lindsey, reviewer for MNP.
March 12, 2015
Emma moves to Oregon after losing her father, Henry during the tragic events of 9/11. "September 11th--the tipping point. The day she'd begun to think of things in terms of before and after." They move in with Emma's grandmother, Augusta, who prefers to be called by her first name. Augusta sees something in Emma, who before losing her father, attended an elite dance school with dreams of one day attending the highly competitive Julliard School.
With help from her grandmother in the form of a plane ticket, a video camera, and some money, Emma is able to go back to the place she called home, New York. The story reads like a memoir, as Emma tells her story while creating a video log where she speaks about her deceased father, her school, and her close friend coincidentally named Henry.
Seeing Henry once more, Emma reveals she had deeper feelings for him than she was willing to admit. While this book is probably intended for YA/NA readers, young ladies especially, I found it interesting, as the author does a great job of putting the reader inside Emma's mind, and lets you feel her situation: standing up to her past and declaring her true feelings for Henry.
I read it while relaxing one weekend, as the writing is lucid and entertaining. At the current price, I think it's a bargain.
With help from her grandmother in the form of a plane ticket, a video camera, and some money, Emma is able to go back to the place she called home, New York. The story reads like a memoir, as Emma tells her story while creating a video log where she speaks about her deceased father, her school, and her close friend coincidentally named Henry.
Seeing Henry once more, Emma reveals she had deeper feelings for him than she was willing to admit. While this book is probably intended for YA/NA readers, young ladies especially, I found it interesting, as the author does a great job of putting the reader inside Emma's mind, and lets you feel her situation: standing up to her past and declaring her true feelings for Henry.
I read it while relaxing one weekend, as the writing is lucid and entertaining. At the current price, I think it's a bargain.
September 28, 2014
Michelle Josette’s first novel, After Henry, is a great love story set against the backdrop of 9/11. At its core, it’s a story of loss, of rebirth, of truly and deeply learning to love. The heroine, Emma Jenkins, is everything a great character should be—strong, smart, artistic, vulnerable, searching for answers that will help her rise above her past. She does so with the help and the love of Henry, who is also a well-drawn flawed character. Throughout the course of the novel, Emma’s past slowly unfolds until she is finally able to confront her biggest demon.
In each scene, Jossette’s storytelling and writing skills are evident. Her storytelling is flawless, builds at just the right pace, and uses dialogue, narrative summary, and scene setting expertly. And her prose is filled with poetic elements that will draw readers in. As a writer myself, I often stopped to re-read and admire a beautiful passage or two, and say, “I wish I wrote that.”
Josette has a long career ahead of her as novelist, and I’m looking forward to reading her next book. As for After Henry, I highly recommend it.
In each scene, Jossette’s storytelling and writing skills are evident. Her storytelling is flawless, builds at just the right pace, and uses dialogue, narrative summary, and scene setting expertly. And her prose is filled with poetic elements that will draw readers in. As a writer myself, I often stopped to re-read and admire a beautiful passage or two, and say, “I wish I wrote that.”
Josette has a long career ahead of her as novelist, and I’m looking forward to reading her next book. As for After Henry, I highly recommend it.
December 14, 2014
Not even sure how to start the review for this book.... Once I completed it, I had to pull myself together as I have a hard time dealing with the emotional and painful day of 9/11. I won't say this book was bad or anything cause it's far from that. It's actually a damn good book. It's emotionally challenging. But yet a good read. It's painful to put yourself in the lives of so many affected from that awful day, but yet, I wasn't able to put it down. It tells of so much! When Michelle Josette wrote this book, I am sure that she knew that this would be risky. But had she not wrote the book, so many wouldn't know how to know that there are many out there that are healing from that day. How so many are learning to love again. I think that the risk she took in writing this book is one that she knew would capture readers, she knew that it would help others. Loved this book and will be reading over and over and over!
*received for an honest review*
*received for an honest review*
November 23, 2014
I received this book from a Goodreads giveaway and to Thank the author and Goodreads in return i will give My honest review.
After Henry is a Beautifully Written Novel. The Story is Very touching but at the same time Very sad.It touches on the Event of 9/11 and this Young woman's personal story.As humans we are beautiful for the fact that we go through so much hardship and yet we become stronger through it.God said basically that if he brings us to it then he shall lead us through it. Emma is very inspiring not just to the woman that share her story but to all woman. She not only Lost one but three people back to back. The child that she has can grow up knowing that he came from two heroes. I recommend this book as a must read.
After Henry is a Beautifully Written Novel. The Story is Very touching but at the same time Very sad.It touches on the Event of 9/11 and this Young woman's personal story.As humans we are beautiful for the fact that we go through so much hardship and yet we become stronger through it.God said basically that if he brings us to it then he shall lead us through it. Emma is very inspiring not just to the woman that share her story but to all woman. She not only Lost one but three people back to back. The child that she has can grow up knowing that he came from two heroes. I recommend this book as a must read.
December 22, 2014
From Oregon back to New York where Emma finds that much has changed during the three years she's been gone. Much of that change was caused by 9/11 which was the day her father, Henry, died her mother began to waste away. I did wonder if when Emma's childhood home burns down there's not a subconscious wish for it to go the way of her childhood. Then there's Henry, the boy she was close to in school and was in love with her. Who has kept in touch with Emma's friend Chloe and returns to New York whenever he can to play at a small restaurant. I just wish that she and Henry had more time together to enjoy the reality of their love rather than the short time Henry was on leave.
then there are the secrets that Henry has been keeping about 9/11
then there are the secrets that Henry has been keeping about 9/11
February 27, 2017
I first should apologize to the author Michelle Josette, who sent this book to me through a Goodreads.com giveaway for my review about 2 years ago. Somehow it got lost in my piles of books and forgotten until yesterday. Yes, yesterday I began reading and today I finished, because this story is so "life" and it beckoned to be read, straight through to the finish. It has all the makings of what our lives really are. Tragedy, tears, happiness, awkwardness, true love, true deep loss, endings and beginnings.
After Henry, is a poignant story that I absolutely loved! It reminded me that through all, hope remains and lives on.
After Henry, is a poignant story that I absolutely loved! It reminded me that through all, hope remains and lives on.
January 2, 2015
After Henry is the type of book that truly displays the beauty of language, storytelling, and human connection. As Emma's story unfolds, bits and pieces of her memory are recovered, and we begin to learn how she is able to salvage a life she once knew, in the wake of 911 and the loss of her parents; how her love for dance and a high school sweetheart are rekindled. Even amidst catastrophe, Michelle’s words sparkle with comfort, reminding the reader that through destruction comes strength, through loss comes hope, and that even in the most terrible of situations, we are able to find our way.
December 30, 2014
I received this book through GoodReads First Reads.
This is a book I couldn't put down. Emma, the main character, is compelling, the plot is compelling, drawing the reader into the world of love, tragedy, compassion. It is a world that melds the past and the present.
Ms Josette's words flow like music, like the ballet dancer about whom she writes. I hope the author continues to write, I look forward to more of her books.
This is a book I couldn't put down. Emma, the main character, is compelling, the plot is compelling, drawing the reader into the world of love, tragedy, compassion. It is a world that melds the past and the present.
Ms Josette's words flow like music, like the ballet dancer about whom she writes. I hope the author continues to write, I look forward to more of her books.
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September 21, 2017I won a copy of this book from Goodreads Giveaways. After I've had a chance to read it and formulate my opinions, I'll post a review. Stay tuned!
April 22, 2019
A Note For Readers:
Like the rest of our nation, at just fourteen years old I was struck by the horror of 9/11. My world cracked; I had never lived to see such a tragedy. I was moved by stories from the survivors and their loved ones. This, coupled with a passion for love stories that feel authentically human, galvanized me to craft my very first novel. After Henry is meant, not to exploit the events of 9/11, but to explore how a human spirit might survive after America’s worst tragedy.
This story was originally published in 2014 under the name Michelle Josette.
I hope you enjoy reading After Henry as much as I enjoyed writing it!
Like the rest of our nation, at just fourteen years old I was struck by the horror of 9/11. My world cracked; I had never lived to see such a tragedy. I was moved by stories from the survivors and their loved ones. This, coupled with a passion for love stories that feel authentically human, galvanized me to craft my very first novel. After Henry is meant, not to exploit the events of 9/11, but to explore how a human spirit might survive after America’s worst tragedy.
This story was originally published in 2014 under the name Michelle Josette.
I hope you enjoy reading After Henry as much as I enjoyed writing it!
September 24, 2020
On the one hand, you have a young man who knows exactly what he's wants and who is madly in love with the girl .
On the other hand, you have a young lady who doesn't know exactly what she wants other than to dance. Eventually she learns to fall in love with the young man .
In some ways, the book is confusing. Especially when we learn that her father died in the 9/11 terrorist attack. What I didn't understand was her reaction to the young man telling her exactly what happened that day.
I was prepared for it to be a teardrop but instead it was just a well-written book with interesting characters.
A love story, but not sappy.
On the other hand, you have a young lady who doesn't know exactly what she wants other than to dance. Eventually she learns to fall in love with the young man .
In some ways, the book is confusing. Especially when we learn that her father died in the 9/11 terrorist attack. What I didn't understand was her reaction to the young man telling her exactly what happened that day.
I was prepared for it to be a teardrop but instead it was just a well-written book with interesting characters.
A love story, but not sappy.
March 24, 2025
This book holds a lot of meaning, particularly as a veteran who witnessed the events in this novel and dealt with the changes it brought in real life. Very poignant ending. I suggest you read it.
March 21, 2016
Recieved this book for FREE from goodreads giveaways (Goodreads First Reads). Meant to review it earlier, read this one a while ago.
The book was good, but not what I expected. The tragedy of 9-11 is still fresh for many people. This book takes a serious topic and sheds light on the issues many people have faced and will continue to face. It may have more meaning to those who were more effected by 9-11. I was young when it happened, not fully aware of what 9-11 meant or what happened. Many people today still have a deep personal connection to the day. All it meant to me was a few days off school (being only in 4th grade). Seeing the pain it caused to other people was upsetting, however I did not feel much about it at the time. Glad this young women in the book was able to move on and find love again. Hopefully this is true of many people that were affected by 9-11.
The book was good, but not what I expected. The tragedy of 9-11 is still fresh for many people. This book takes a serious topic and sheds light on the issues many people have faced and will continue to face. It may have more meaning to those who were more effected by 9-11. I was young when it happened, not fully aware of what 9-11 meant or what happened. Many people today still have a deep personal connection to the day. All it meant to me was a few days off school (being only in 4th grade). Seeing the pain it caused to other people was upsetting, however I did not feel much about it at the time. Glad this young women in the book was able to move on and find love again. Hopefully this is true of many people that were affected by 9-11.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews