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Ghost Story, Medical Examiner and a Bottle
Before We Move On follows a 14-year-old boy who struggles with losing the people he cares about and facing his own mistakes. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
This novel developed from a short story competition; the prompts were: ghost story, a medical examiner and a bottle. Being a public school teacher for over 20 years, I had seen my share of bullying. For some reason, the opening scene came to me as a “what-if,” and I followed where it took me. Later, I read The Sweet Hereafter by Wally Lamb, and decided to go with multiple perspectives.
In a lot of contemporary coming-of-age fiction novels, authors often add their own life experiences to the story. Are there any bits of you in this story?
I moved to the Catksills in upstate NY in 2019 and learned about how the water is periodically released from dams, so I decided to set my story in my new environs. As a teen, I always felt like I lived on the fringes of popularity, liked and respected, but not a cool kid. I think I put some of that into both Kiki and Jesse. Finally, I was the drama coach for my middle school and saw how important drama was for some of the kids, so I included quite a bit of that in my story. In some ways, drama played a big part in Jesse’s healing.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I didn’t realize how many themes would evolve in the book beyond bullying, which was the original impetus. It turns out the importance of friendship and community in overcoming grief and self-forgiveness took over as major themes. It’s all about mental health. I am a strong advocate for people seeking help from a professional when they’re experiencing emotional pain, the same as they would for a physical ailment. There is no shame in doing so, and I wish the stigma our society puts on mental health would change.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I didn’t think I would write a second book, truth be told. But, an idea that originated in real life plopped itself into my lap and said, “Write me.” Here’s the premise: You’re about to graduate college when your grandmother dies. After her funeral, your uncle gives you a box of family artifacts because you’re interested in ancestry. In the box, you discover a family secret that throws everything you’ve known about your family into question. What do you do about it?
I can only hope I write and revise it quicker than Before We Move On, which took two years to write and another three to revise and edit. I have most of it planned out and am working on character sketches now. My goal is to have a first draft by summer of 2025.
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Kiki doesn’t realize she’s dead until she sees herself at her own funeral. As a ghost, she struggles to communicate with her mother and searches for the key to crossing over. In her desperation, she turns to Jesse for help, sending his life into a new tailspin. Can their two disparate worlds reconnect? Together, will they uncover the secret to moving on?
Before We Move On weaves a narrative from multiple perspectives, delving into how love and friendship possess the strength to conquer grief. This heartfelt tale effortlessly draws readers in, offering a down-to-earth exploration of life after death and instilling hope in what lies beyond.
Before We Move On
In 1998, fourteen-year-old Jesse Newsome finds his world turned upside down after his parents’ tragic death in a car crash two years earlier. Now living with a guardian in upstate New York, Jesse begins to adjust to his new life. However, a fateful prank ends in disaster, claiming the life of Kiki Lewis, the girl who brought a smile to his face. While life seemingly returns to normal for everyone else, Jesse is haunted by the memory of Kiki. Unaware of her own death until her funeral, Kiki’s spirit struggles to communicate as she searches for the key to cross over.
Before We Move On by Sally Reiser Simon masterfully explores how a single day can irrevocably change lives. The novel delves into Jesse’s journey of facing his mistakes and accepting his destiny, capturing readers’ attention from the very first page. Simon excels in character development, presenting Jesse as a boy shaped by loss and pain. We accompany him on his path to acceptance while also witnessing Kiki’s struggle to come to terms with her own death. The portrayal of Ralphie, the quintessential high school bully, as the villain is particularly commendable. Simon’s writing style is poetic yet accessible, making the book both profound and easy to read. The exploration of Jesse’s past is so intriguing that it leaves readers eager for more depth and detail in that area. The emotional depth she brings to Jesse’s struggles and Kiki’s ethereal journey ensures that readers are invested in their stories from beginning to end. The author’s ability to intertwine the lives of her characters creates a narrative that is both heart-wrenching and thought-provoking.
Simon’s writing is a testament to her skill in balancing poetic prose with accessibility, making this novel a compelling read for a wide audience. The nuanced depiction of grief, loss, and the quest for closure resonates on multiple levels, prompting readers to reflect on their own experiences and the fleeting nature of life. The authenticity of the characters, the intensity of the plot, and the emotional journey make Before We Move On a memorable and impactful read.
Pages: 281 | ASIN : B0D4JRVLZX
LITERARY TITAN 