What do you think?
Rate this book
The Year That Follows
The story of a woman’s search for her brother’s lost son, orphaned in the wake of his sudden death, drives Scott Lasser’s riveting novel - a work of stunning economy and momentum about a woman’s quest and a family’s longing for wholeness and completion.
Cat is a single mother living in Detroit when her brother is killed in New York, and she sets off in search of his child. Her search is still under way when she gets a call from her father. Sam is eighty and carrying the weight of a secret he has kept from Cat all her life. He asks her to visit him in California, intending to make his peace.
Cat’s journey - toward her father, and her brother’s infant son - and Sam’s journey toward his daughter, his lost son, and a new relationship to both his future and his past are woven into this superbly realized novel about families and the mysteries and ambiguities that inhere in our most primal relations. The result is a deeply stirring work that explores the complexities of home and heritage, and the bonds that even death is powerless to diminish.
Cat is a single mother living in Detroit when her brother is killed in New York, and she sets off in search of his child. Her search is still under way when she gets a call from her father. Sam is eighty and carrying the weight of a secret he has kept from Cat all her life. He asks her to visit him in California, intending to make his peace.
Cat’s journey - toward her father, and her brother’s infant son - and Sam’s journey toward his daughter, his lost son, and a new relationship to both his future and his past are woven into this superbly realized novel about families and the mysteries and ambiguities that inhere in our most primal relations. The result is a deeply stirring work that explores the complexities of home and heritage, and the bonds that even death is powerless to diminish.
7 pages, Audio CD
First published June 9, 2009
18 people are currently reading
370 people want to read
About the author
Scott Lasser
6 books29 followersScott Lasser is the author of four novels: Battle Creek, All I Could Get, The Year That Follows, and Say Nice Things About Detroit. His non-fiction has appeared in magazines ranging from Dealmaker (for which he wrote a regular book column) to the New Yorker. He splits his time between Los Angeles and Colorado.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
March 29, 2010
This book has one of the most lovely covers I've seen in years. It's a spare novel, and one I was surprised to find written by a man when I bothered to notice halfway through. Cat Miller, unlucky in love and seemingly going through the motions of life, finds new hope after her brother, Kyle, is killed in the 9/11 attacks. Knowing her brother had a love child by a woman she only knows as "Siobhan," she searches for and finds the child, whose mother has also been killed. The book's theme of secrets is woven in nicely; the book pressing in on them in all forms, and searching how they matter and don't matter in terms of family.
The ending threw me for a loop, and I'm still not altogether sure Cat --careful, thoughtful Cat -- would accept that big secret so readily. Or that DNA wouldn't have had to have been proven to begin with for the baby's adoption to take place. And what about the real father? Also, on more than one occasion, her current love interest (and former high school boyfriend) the tall, dark, and handsome doctor seemed too good to be true, with nary a flaw I can think of. Also, the blending of an instant, large family was too easy and bordered on unbelievable.
The ending threw me for a loop, and I'm still not altogether sure Cat --careful, thoughtful Cat -- would accept that big secret so readily. Or that DNA wouldn't have had to have been proven to begin with for the baby's adoption to take place. And what about the real father? Also, on more than one occasion, her current love interest (and former high school boyfriend) the tall, dark, and handsome doctor seemed too good to be true, with nary a flaw I can think of. Also, the blending of an instant, large family was too easy and bordered on unbelievable.
June 12, 2009
On September 10, 2001, Wall Street broker Kyle tells his sister Cat that he believes he has an infant son from a relationship with another broker. The next day, both he and the child’s mother die in the 9-11 attacks. Cat, a single mother living in Detroit, makes it her mission to find the child against seemingly long odds. Meanwhile, her eighty-year-old father is wrestling with his own set of challenges on the West Coast, from blocked arteries to a secret he has kept from his only surviving child for too long. Father and daughter agree to observe the first anniversary of Kyle’s death with a Jewish custom, even though neither has practiced the faith for many years – or, in Cat’s case, ever. The portrayal of these two very different characters is remarkably empathetic, the story moves at a good clip, and themes of family bonds and second chances are powerfully conveyed.
October 11, 2009
[close:] The storyline was tense. The life issues of the characters were credible. With minimal verbage the author took us past the surface of Cat's life and her father's. I felt compelled to find out how the situation would play out. Part of the story took place in a suburb of Detroit which was an appealing feature.
Soon after I finished the book I went to the library to request 'Battle Creek,' by the same author
Soon after I finished the book I went to the library to request 'Battle Creek,' by the same author
January 28, 2010
This was a fabulous book. Covering two generations of a family torn apart by horror, this was realistic without being gritty and fun to read. A great bit of the plot hinges on the 9/11 attacks, but the horror and complications stay in the background as much as possible, while still permeating through the characters' thoughts and actions.
I can't wait to read more by this author.
I can't wait to read more by this author.
June 2, 2018
This is the second book I've read by Scott Lasser. One of the things I like about his books is that they have a Detroit connection, so that either all or part of the book is set in the Detroit area. This book had more that this, though. It was a nice book about family, love and relationships. I give it 4.5 stars.
June 4, 2022
A tender and perceptive book about the aftermath and context of a horrific loss. Deeply and authentically complicated characters.
September 17, 2010
I enjoyed the human connections in this book. A book of loss, of secrets kept, of love that overcomes human error, twists of fate and character flaws. I truly believe every family is dysfunctional in its own ways. That is what makes them unique, funny and most of all cherished. This book reminded me that despite the downfalls of fathers and mothers, siblings and friends, love bonds us. When we want to be bonded and when we don't. A quick uplifting read that I couldn't put down.
April 30, 2019
Enjoyed the book and couldn't wait to see what happened and whether Cat was successful in the search for her nephew. But although I liked the plot and the characters I found the twist at the end a big disappointment. Just didn't think it was believable that any of the people involved would proceed with the adoption before confirming the baby's father since the DNA was available and all it would take was a simple test. Felt let down with the ending.
September 22, 2009
So, there was nothing wrong with this book, fairly well written...but, just kind of boring in general. I didn't find myself particularly into the characters or the story line. It got great reviews from other readers and authors, but I personally found it to be okay!
July 16, 2009
It's a good one! Congratualtions Scott.
July 23, 2009
A classic family struggle set in the context of post-9/11 ruins. Lasser is a fantastic writer - read anything he writes!
August 14, 2012
Couldn't wait to finish this book so I could start something new!
July 7, 2018
This book is a well told and interesting story, but I think the praise on the cover is overstated. This is not 'the best novel about loss' nor is it 'very touching', at least not to me. It's a story about a family, or a bunch of people really, making the best out of the blows that life deals them.
November 19, 2022
Niente di eccezionale, vari particolari poco credibili. Peccato.
Una storia carina, ma un po' troppo edulcorata.
Una stella e mezzo max due.
Ottimo libro 'cuscinetto' da intervallare a letture.piu 'impegnate'.
Una storia carina, ma un po' troppo edulcorata.
Una stella e mezzo max due.
Ottimo libro 'cuscinetto' da intervallare a letture.piu 'impegnate'.
March 12, 2023
I read this in book form (not the audio book version) and loved it. It's hopeful and heartbreaking at the same time. The characters are realistic, and you are truly rooting for their happiness throughout the book. It didn't end how I expected, but the ending was just right for the story.
October 31, 2024
Touching story of the aftermath of losing loved ones in the 9/11 terrorist attack. There are two connected storylines - one from the sister of the victim and one from the father. Very moving and a quick read.
February 17, 2025
Mi aspettavo molto di più avendo letto alcune recensioni fantastiche, ho faticato a finirlo per la noia, ma non è un brutto libro. Mi è piaciuto il senso di speranza infusa che non sia mai troppo tardi.
August 29, 2018
Very well written!
Want to read
July 19, 2020elibrary
Read
March 30, 2021found it boring
March 6, 2023
What a wonderful read. The only thing I would change is the ending; however, I do understand why the author created the ending he did. It’s a stirring and poignant read.
July 23, 2023
A captivating read, surprised by the ending. States a novel so I guess nothing that actually happened, however there is always that possibility.
August 24, 2024
Sad. But meaningful. Makes you appreciate those around you in your life. Your family and to think about living each day to the fullest.
March 24, 2017
tears
September 20, 2022
Pensavo di imbattermi in un racconto pesante viste le premesse, ma in realtà è una storia alla ricerca della positività e della speranza.
Se vi aspettate un libro impegnativo che vi strazi il cuore, ambientato l’11 settembre, rimarrete delusi.
Al contrario, se siete alla ricerca di qualcosa che trasmetta leggerezza seppur nelle difficoltà della vita, allora questa storia fa per voi!
Se vi aspettate un libro impegnativo che vi strazi il cuore, ambientato l’11 settembre, rimarrete delusi.
Al contrario, se siete alla ricerca di qualcosa che trasmetta leggerezza seppur nelle difficoltà della vita, allora questa storia fa per voi!
August 28, 2019
Post 9/11 story about a girl in search of her brothers baby after both parents died in 9/11. The family stories were a little too dysfunctional. The main character herself never knew who her real father was. Overall a quick and decent summer read!
March 18, 2015
La mia recensione completa la trovate qua
http://katiusciarigogliosi.blogspot.i...
L'11 settembre, quel famoso 11 settembre, Kyle era al posto sbagliato nel momento sbagliato: si trovava in una delle Twin Tower, per una riunione organizzata all'ultimo momento. Nell'altra torre, a poca distanza da lui, c'era anche Siobhan, la ragazza che l'aveva lasciato poco tempo prima, la ragazza che da poco aveva avuto un bambino.
Sarà compito di Cat, sorella di Kyle, ritrovare quel bambino, sapere in che mani crescerà, sconvolgendo la propria vita per ricordare al meglio quella del fratello. Aiutata da un figlio poco più che ragazzino, un padre 80enne ex Marine con una nuova compagna - e con tanti problemi di cuore - scaverà fino nelle viscere di quella tragedia per dare una famiglia, la giusta famiglia, al piccolo Ian.
E se la vita non avesse finito di riservare sorprese alla famiglia Miller?
Sinceramente, leggendo la quarta di copertina, mi aspettavo una storia completamente diversa, molto più incentrata sull'11 settembre. Invece la tragedia americana c'entra, ma relativamente: è la motivazione per cui un fratello viene a mancare, e la scusante per far sì che tutta la sua famiglia si metta alla ricerca del piccolo. Ma, detto tra noi, fosse morto per un incidente stradale o durante una rapina, forse sarebbe stata la stessa cosa.
La lettura mi ha dato, però - sebbene in certi momenti stessi delirando a causa della febbre - ben due spunti di osservazione:
1 - il legame tra i due fratelli
2 - il senso di appartenenza alla nazione
Per il primo punto non mi pronuncio, io per mio fratello non muoverei nemmeno mezzo dito, figuriamoci smuovere mari e monti per cercare un figlio che, prove alla mano, nemmeno si è sicuri che sia suo.
Per il secondo punto, invece, come già detto più volte tra le righe di questo blog, invidio a cuore aperto gli Americani per questo loro legame con la Nazione. L'11 settembre è stato un attentato al loro mondo, al loro cuore, i loro ragazzi partono quasi bambini per difendere - o difendere a priori attaccando, ma questo è tutto un altro discorso - una nazione che tutt'ora vive grazie ai loro sogni.
Non sto dicendo che siano giuste o sbagliate le guerre che fanno, non sto dicendo che siano giuste o sbagliate le scelte che alcuni giovani fanno, non sto dicendo che sia giusto o sbagliato un certo fanatismo nazional-popolare. Sto dicendo che noi italiani non muoviamo un dito per noi stessi, per i nostri vicini, per i nostri concittadini, figuriamoci per la nostra nazione. Cantiamo Fratelli d'Italia muovendo solamente le labbra perchè la maggior parte di noi nemmeno sa le parole, come pretendiamo di uscire da una crisi se continuiamo a guardare di sottecchi chi ci è vicino?
Detto questo, salvo il libro per la citazione vascorossiana messa in copertina: un disegno che dia un senso a ciò che un senso non ha.
Voglio trovare un senso a questa storia
anche se questa storia un senso non ce l'ha.
Senso - Vasco Rossi
http://katiusciarigogliosi.blogspot.i...
L'11 settembre, quel famoso 11 settembre, Kyle era al posto sbagliato nel momento sbagliato: si trovava in una delle Twin Tower, per una riunione organizzata all'ultimo momento. Nell'altra torre, a poca distanza da lui, c'era anche Siobhan, la ragazza che l'aveva lasciato poco tempo prima, la ragazza che da poco aveva avuto un bambino.
Sarà compito di Cat, sorella di Kyle, ritrovare quel bambino, sapere in che mani crescerà, sconvolgendo la propria vita per ricordare al meglio quella del fratello. Aiutata da un figlio poco più che ragazzino, un padre 80enne ex Marine con una nuova compagna - e con tanti problemi di cuore - scaverà fino nelle viscere di quella tragedia per dare una famiglia, la giusta famiglia, al piccolo Ian.
E se la vita non avesse finito di riservare sorprese alla famiglia Miller?
Sinceramente, leggendo la quarta di copertina, mi aspettavo una storia completamente diversa, molto più incentrata sull'11 settembre. Invece la tragedia americana c'entra, ma relativamente: è la motivazione per cui un fratello viene a mancare, e la scusante per far sì che tutta la sua famiglia si metta alla ricerca del piccolo. Ma, detto tra noi, fosse morto per un incidente stradale o durante una rapina, forse sarebbe stata la stessa cosa.
La lettura mi ha dato, però - sebbene in certi momenti stessi delirando a causa della febbre - ben due spunti di osservazione:
1 - il legame tra i due fratelli
2 - il senso di appartenenza alla nazione
Per il primo punto non mi pronuncio, io per mio fratello non muoverei nemmeno mezzo dito, figuriamoci smuovere mari e monti per cercare un figlio che, prove alla mano, nemmeno si è sicuri che sia suo.
Per il secondo punto, invece, come già detto più volte tra le righe di questo blog, invidio a cuore aperto gli Americani per questo loro legame con la Nazione. L'11 settembre è stato un attentato al loro mondo, al loro cuore, i loro ragazzi partono quasi bambini per difendere - o difendere a priori attaccando, ma questo è tutto un altro discorso - una nazione che tutt'ora vive grazie ai loro sogni.
Non sto dicendo che siano giuste o sbagliate le guerre che fanno, non sto dicendo che siano giuste o sbagliate le scelte che alcuni giovani fanno, non sto dicendo che sia giusto o sbagliato un certo fanatismo nazional-popolare. Sto dicendo che noi italiani non muoviamo un dito per noi stessi, per i nostri vicini, per i nostri concittadini, figuriamoci per la nostra nazione. Cantiamo Fratelli d'Italia muovendo solamente le labbra perchè la maggior parte di noi nemmeno sa le parole, come pretendiamo di uscire da una crisi se continuiamo a guardare di sottecchi chi ci è vicino?
Detto questo, salvo il libro per la citazione vascorossiana messa in copertina: un disegno che dia un senso a ciò che un senso non ha.
Voglio trovare un senso a questa storia
anche se questa storia un senso non ce l'ha.
Senso - Vasco Rossi
January 17, 2015
This is the second book I have read from this author and I think he definitely knows how to knit a story together. The premise of the book appears to be secrets. It kind of reminds me of must families, we have our little secrets that we don't share with other family members or bring up in conversations. However, I guess this family has more important secrets than most families. A father thinks he has kept secret from his daughter that she is not really his biological daughter but comes to find out from her son that she already knows. He also does not want his daughter to know that he is involved with another woman, even at the age of 80, he feels this is nothing she needs to know. The daughter, like most women, has her own ways of finding out differently. Cat, the daughter, is attempting to gain custody of what she assumes is her brother's child. Her brother was killed in the 9/11 attacks and in his last conversation with his sister informed her that he had a child in a past relationship. The mother of the child was also killed in the 9/11 attacks. During this year, following the death of her brother, Cat rekindles a relationship with a former lover who is now a doctor. She had been with him the night her mother died, due to a mixture of alcohol and drugs. No one believes it was a suicide, just reckless thinking. The book ends with Cat and Tommy each revealing secrets, one of which I did not see coming.
I enjoyed listening to this book as the narrators, a man and woman, read the respective parts for each and this made it more enjoyable for me.
I enjoyed listening to this book as the narrators, a man and woman, read the respective parts for each and this made it more enjoyable for me.
July 26, 2009
Mostly told through the perspectives of Cat and Sam (Cat's father). The book spans from the events of 9/11 to the couple of years that follow. Kyle (Cat's brother) is one of the victims of 9/11. Just prior to that day, he confesses to Cat that he thinks that he has a son.
This story is a journey to find 'family' and the meaning of 'family.' Cat's life is actually coming together through the end of this story and Sam's life is coming to a conclusion, seems to be a somewhat satisfying life at that. Even with this, this story is about the little other things that Cat and Sam want to get or make happen to make their lives feel 'complete.'
Nothing spectacular. It was just a nice, little journey.
This story is a journey to find 'family' and the meaning of 'family.' Cat's life is actually coming together through the end of this story and Sam's life is coming to a conclusion, seems to be a somewhat satisfying life at that. Even with this, this story is about the little other things that Cat and Sam want to get or make happen to make their lives feel 'complete.'
Nothing spectacular. It was just a nice, little journey.
June 11, 2012
To be fair, I listened to the unabridged on CD version while on a long car ride. It was excellent. I was in tears half the trip. This book will make you think about all the people who's families had to try to move forward after 9/11. It will make you think about the souls who were "in the wrong place at the wrong time" that day. It will make you think about life, and how we never know how or where it will end and to make the most of what you have. It will make you think about what you truly feel is important. It will make you realize that sometimes life doesn't work out the way we want and really, that's ok. In fact, sometimes that lets us find something we didn't know we wanted. It will get into your heart and it will change your life a little.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews