I didn’t know what to expect with Before I Disappear, but I devoured this book. I loved the story, the world, the quick pace, the profound notes, the science, but most of all I loved these characters. I rooted for them, I cried for them, I wanted things for them so badly. This book will stay with me for a while.

The main character, Rose, is a fantastic female heroine. She is smart, tough, independent, but feels no need to show any of that off. She has a huge heart and most of the story is driven by that heart, which gave it such a personal note. The relationship she has with the other characters, especially her brother, were touching and relatable. I felt like these could be real people with real thoughts and feelings. Stinson did an impeccable job of adding depth and drive to each character and their path, and I think that shows in both the writing and the story.

One thing I loved was how Stinson created a sense of urgency almost immediately. This energy sweeps you up with the rest of the story and doesn’t let you down until it’s over. This book was easy and fun to read while still engaging me on all fronts, which I so appreciate. Even the science that the author has woven into the story, while it can be confusing, does more to create a logical and immersive world around the “why” of every event.

This book had brains, heart, and courage, and I would definitely recommend it to any YA SF lovers out there.

Thank you to Netgalley for my copy of this ARC, in exchange for an honest review.

You know how sometimes you start reading a book, and within just a few pages, you're already saying, "I LOVE this!"? That was Before I Disappear for me. Right away, I could tell there was going to be something special in these pages---I was immediately wrapped up in the intrigue: What's so odd about Charlie? What's this music he's hearing? Why have they had to move so much? What are they running from? What dangers are lurking in Fort Glory?

Well, I'm happy to say that the book never let me down. I was riveted throughout. I don't want to say too much about what happens because I think it will be more fun to discover on your own, but I will say that a whole lot of craziness ensues when Fort Glory disappears. But I also loved these characters. Both Ian and Rose are obviously broken in many ways, but you can tell that both of them want something more out of life. I was definitely hoping these two would end up together in the end. Then there's sweet Becca, nerdy Blaine and Jeremy, who has his own role to play, but I don't want to say much about it. And Charlie. Ah, Charlie: full of mystery and wonder. And poetry! His short sections are written in verse (and I couldn't have loved them more!!). I will say, I had pretty much figured out Rose's secret long before the big reveal at the end, but that didn't ruin the emotional impact of it. Honestly, I can't think of much to say as far as negatives go. This book was pure perfection!

Perfect for fans of Stranger Things or A Wrinkle in Time (the book distinctly reminded me of both of those at some points---even while it stood very much on its own), this mind-bending sci-fi is sure to set your imagination racing!

***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley and FFBC blog tours in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***

Before I Disappear will be a huge hit with fans of A Wrinkle in Time! A particle accelerator in Oregon tears a town full of people out of existence. Among them are Rose's mother and brother. Rose knows she has to find them somehow in the forest of massive redwoods that replaces the town, but inside the limits of this missing area thoughts and emotions are made physical, and the well of anger and sadness Rose has pushed down for years may rise up to foil her efforts. Along the way, other searchers and wanderers wrestle their own demons. Can they find the town and the missing inhabitants before emotions break and before the universe tears apart?
There is violence and gore, so for mature teens, not middle grade at all.

I started this book with great hopes, but I could not get into it. It just seemed a little odd. They ( the brother and sister) were traveling with there “good for nothing” mother. I do not understand why there is bullying when they have just arrived into a new town. Maybe I was just off on this one and I’ll pick it up and try again. I will write another review if things change for me.

WOW Before I Disappear was a fantastic novel. I was hooked from page one and it was full of non stop action. I was flying through every chapter to find out what would happen to Rose and her gang of misfits. Great book for everyone.

I decided to DNF this one, sadly. I feel like I dont care at all about these characters and what’s happening. I’m just not feeling any emotions. It’s like I’m being told how to feel about the mystery and about the characters instead of pulling me in. In one part the MC is reminding herself she can’t trust anyone, not even anything she’s seeing, like its supposed to make it so mysterious but it feels like the author is trying to force me to feel it. As if that reminder was meant for me - to make sure I had the correct amount of suspicion in the right places towards this story.

Plus it also has a lot more sci-fi mumbo jumbo than I care for. Stuff about atoms and black holes, which, so early on, feels like it’s wanting me to already form theories and make educated guesses on what happened. (Likely so it can have a big “unexpected” twist, but that’s just my assumption.) I’m just not feeling it, but I’m sure some who are more into these kinds of stories could enjoy it. Hence the lack of an actual rating. It did have a Stranger Things feel to it which could be compelling to the right reader.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the E-arc copy of Before I Disappear.
What an unique and interesting look at putting ourselves second to someone else. I really enjoyed the main character, Rose, I think she is a brave young woman. The story is one that I hadn't read before and it will keep you turning page after page just to find out what will happen to Rose and her brother. Excellent young adult read! Please share!

What. Just. Happened? Stranger Things meets the Twilight Zone. What a different/cool book! Love Rose’s strength, her courage and her love for her family especially Charlie, her younger brother. Lots of great lessons about humanity and our place in society. A must read!

Thank you NetGalley for providing this digital ARC.

Wow.

This YA sci-fi is an absolute piece of art. There are truly no words to capture just how gorgeous this novel is—the writing, the storyline, the characters—all of it touched me to my core.

World-building & storyline
The very first lines in this book pull you in to a mysterious work where you know things are off kilter, but you can’t quite put your finger on it. When conversations about string theory, wrinkles in time and space continuum, and multiple dimensions cropped up, I was hooked. A Wrinkle in Time and When You Reach Me are two of my favorite middle grade books of this ilk, and Before I Disappear has just made it to the ranks of top YA of this kind.

The debut author, Danielle Stinson, has a unique writing style that follows a “less is more approach” which I appreciate and enjoy. Every page, every paragraph, every sentence, every word adds to the plot, world-building, or character development. There is no writing to fill pages or to sound writerly. It all has a precise purpose, and what a purpose it is. I’m in awe of how her words created images of incredibly difficult concepts and ideas. The book could have been too dense with ideas, but the style of writing is what allowed it to be readable and so enjoyable.

The character development was spot-on. Again, Stinson carefully created layered characters who unraveled bit by bit along with the plot. Mysteries about the character felt true and were revealed in a way that feels like slowly opening up a package with multiple presents within one another. I fell in love with Rose and her relationship with her brother. I grew just as fond with the secondary characters, and I cared deeply with what would happen to them.

I tore through the last hundred pages and cried through the ending. What an incredible experience, reading this book. I have a feeling this book is going places. Thank you, Danielle for pouring your heart and soul and energy into this book. I can’t wait to see more books from you in the future.