Book Review: Después de diciembre (Meses a tu lado, #2)
When I first picked up "Después de diciembre," the second installment in the Meses a tu lado series by the talented author, I was filled with anticipation. The first book had introduced me to Jenna and Jack—a couple whose chemistry I found enchanting. However, as I flipped through the pages this time around, I quickly realized that my excitement was misplaced.
The story begins with Jenna returning to university after a year marked by a heartbreaking farewell. Jack, who is now in France, is blissfully unaware of her plans. This setup promised a plethora of romantic possibilities, yet the execution fell flat for me. While the initial drama brought a few laughs, as Jenna navigates her university life, I couldn’t shake the feeling that the plot was meandering without a clear direction.
One of the themes that struck me was the struggle between love and personal growth. Jenna’s desire to keep things secretive from Jack felt relatable. However, as the narrative unfolded, what could have been an intriguing exploration of trust and maturity devolved into repetitive arguments that lost their charm. Jack and Jenna, who once felt like a breath of fresh air, now resembled the archetypal ‘toxic couple’ that seemed to become all too common in young adult literature.
The writing style, while initially engaging, began to feel redundant. Many scenes recycled the same confrontations between our main characters, with resolutions that could easily be summarized in a single phrase: “I love you.” This approach diminished the tension and drama that should be an integral part of their relationship. As I read through the latter portions of the book, I found myself skimming—an unsettling sign for a book that promised so much more.
While Jenna and Jack’s relationship faltered, I did appreciate the secondary characters. Will, with his decency, and Sue, who provided comic relief, stood out as the saving graces amidst the chaos. However, this only highlighted the stark contrast with Jenna and Jack, who seemed to regress rather than evolve throughout the story.
In sum, "Después de diciembre" was a disappointment for me. The potential for a nuanced exploration of love and its challenges seemed squandered in a muddled narrative that ultimately didn’t resonate. It’s evident that this sequel could have triumphed with stronger development and a clearer vision. I find it hard to recommend this book to anyone but die-hard fans of the first installment. My interest in the next installment—especially Jack’s perspective—is now nonexistent.
I truly wished for an engaging follow-up that would explore Jenna’s journey in a meaningful way, but instead, I ended up feeling frustrated and let down. At the end of the day, I believe every reader deserves to find books that resonate with them, but for me, this one was not it.
Who might enjoy this book? Perhaps those who thrive on drama might appreciate the ups and downs of Jenna’s story. But if you’re anything like me and seek depth, it might be best to look elsewhere for your next read.
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