The Astonishing Color Of After by Emily X.R. Pan

In this poignant and magical novel, a grieving teenager grapples with the sudden loss of her mother to suicide, believing her mother has returned as a bird. She embarks on a journey to Taiwan to meet her maternal grandparents for the first time, seeking connections to her mother's past and her own cultural heritage. Through a blend of reality and fantastical elements, she uncovers family secrets, explores her identity, and navigates the complexities of mental illness, love, and forgiveness. The narrative weaves a tapestry of emotion and color, as the protagonist seeks to understand her mother's life and find peace in the wake of tragedy.

The 9151st greatest book of all time


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Total Points: 102

Since this book was first published in 2018, there is a penalty of 70.4%. The age adjusted score is 30.19.

This is to prevent newer books from reaching super high on the ranked list of the greatest books of all time. The greatest books should also stand the test of time.