Review of Like My Mother Before Me

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Shanesha Sammerson
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Review of Like My Mother Before Me

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[Following is a volunteer review of "Like My Mother Before Me" by Naley Gonzalez.]
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5 out of 5 stars
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"Like My Mother Before Me" by Naley Gonzalez is a compelling blend of mystery, supernatural elements, and teenage drama that captures the reader's attention with its intriguing premise. The story revolves around Alize and Ezra, two ordinary teenagers who live with their father after the tragic death of their mother in a car accident when they were young. Alize, who was too little to remember her mother, focuses on excelling in volleyball and maintaining good grades, while Ezra enjoys his popularity at school and his relationship with a popular girl.
 
The narrative takes a gripping turn when Alize encounters a ghostly figure of a woman standing by her father in his office. This apparition, followed by the sight of a dark figure, thrusts Alize into a bewildering and frightening situation. As the only one able to see these entities, she is left questioning her sanity and the reality of her experiences. The tension escalates as she delves deeper into the mystery, grappling with whether these visions are a symptom of a medical condition or something far more sinister.
 
Gonzalez excels at building suspense and crafting a story that keeps the reader on edge. The slow start is a minor drawback, but once the plot gains momentum, it becomes increasingly difficult to put the book down. The initial chapters lay a solid foundation, introducing the characters and setting the stage for the unfolding mystery. This build-up pays off as the story accelerates, pulling readers into Alize's world and her quest for answers.
 
The portrayal of Alize and Ezra is realistic and relatable, capturing the nuances of teenage life and the complexities of coping with loss. Their dynamic, both with each other and with their father, adds depth to the story, making the supernatural elements all the more impactful.
 
While the book exhibits a few minor errors indicative of professional editing, these do not significantly detract from the overall enjoyment of the story. The strength of Gonzalez's narrative lies in her ability to weave a tale that is both heartfelt and thrilling, maintaining a delicate balance between the ordinary and the extraordinary.
 
In conclusion, "Like My Mother Before Me" is a standout novel that deserves a solid 5 out of 5 stars. Its blend of suspense, emotional depth, and supernatural intrigue makes it a must-read for fans of young adult fiction. Gonzalez's storytelling promises a bright future, and readers will undoubtedly look forward to more of her works.

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Like My Mother Before Me
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