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As a travel writer who’s spent countless hours on dusty roads and in bustling markets, I’ve learned that stories are the heartbeat of every place and person. ‘Before,’ the fifth installment in Anna Todd’s After series, is a story that unfolds like a well-worn map, revealing hidden paths in the turbulent romance of Hardin Scott and Tessa Young. This audiobook, available through Simon & Schuster Audio, pulled me in with its raw emotion and messy, beautiful love – elements of contemporary romance and new adult fiction that resonate deeply with anyone who’s ever been caught in the storm of first love.
I first stumbled into the world of audiobooks during a long, solitary drive through the Atacama Desert in Chile, where the surreal landscape seemed to echo the magical realism of García Márquez. That experience taught me how a narrator’s voice can transform a story into something almost tangible. Listening to ‘Before,’ narrated by Shane East, reminded me of those moments. There’s an intimacy in the audiobook experience that mirrors the way a local storyteller might share a legend over a flickering fire. Shane East’s performance captures that same personal quality I remember from evenings in Oaxaca, where a grandmother’s voice wove tales with perfect timing and silences that spoke volumes. East brings Hardin’s brooding intensity and vulnerability to life with a gravelly depth that you can almost feel in your chest, while his softer tones for Tessa hint at her inner strength beneath the fragility. The audio quality is crisp, immersing you fully in the emotional landscape of this new adult romance, making it a listening experience that rivals the best live storytelling.
‘Before’ isn’t just a retelling of Hardin and Tessa’s #Hessa saga from the original After novels; it’s a deeper exploration of Hardin’s life before Tessa, a glimpse into the aftermath of their story, and a chorus of voices from those pulled into their vortex. The story reveals Hardin as a raging storm before he met Tessa, a young man whose life depended on keeping her close once their paths crossed. Todd’s writing, born from her Wattpad fanfiction roots with over a billion reads, carries the messy power of true love that Cosmopolitan dubbed her ‘the biggest literary phenom of her generation.’ It’s a contemporary romance that doesn’t shy away from the chaos of young adulthood, painting a picture of love that’s as gritty as a backroad in the Andes and as tender as a shared meal in a stranger’s home.
What struck me most was how ‘Before’ mirrors the personal transformations I’ve witnessed – and experienced – on my travels. I remember a young couple I met in a small village in Portugal, their love fraught with misunderstandings and unspoken pain, yet unbreakable in its intensity. Listening to Hardin’s perspective, his flaws laid bare, reminded me of that couple’s struggle to navigate their own storm. Todd excels at capturing the push and pull of romance in the new adult genre, where every decision feels like it could shatter or save a life. The additional voices – friends, family, bystanders – add layers to the narrative, showing how love’s ripples affect everyone around it. It’s a storytelling technique that feels like sitting in a crowded marketplace, hearing fragments of lives intertwine.
Shane East’s narration elevates this audiobook experience to something truly special. His ability to switch between characters, giving each a distinct emotional tone, is masterful. Hardin’s internal monologues are raw and jagged, like the sharp edges of volcanic rock I’ve walked over in Hawaii, while Tessa’s moments are softer, almost like the gentle lapping of waves on a quiet shore. The pacing is spot-on, allowing the tension and tenderness of this romance audiobook to breathe. I found myself lost in the story during long drives, the audio quality so immersive that it felt like the characters were in the passenger seat, whispering their secrets. For anyone seeking a free audiobook or an audiobook free trial, this is one worth exploring if platforms like Audiobooks.com offer it as part of their promotions.
That said, ‘Before’ isn’t without its rough patches. As someone who’s trekked through uncharted territories, I appreciate a story that doesn’t smooth over its edges, but some listeners might find the nonlinear structure a bit disorienting, jumping between before, during, and after moments of Hardin and Tessa’s relationship. It’s a bit like navigating a new city without a map – thrilling, but occasionally frustrating. Additionally, while Todd’s emotional depth is undeniable, the dialogue can sometimes veer into melodrama, which might not resonate with those who prefer a more understated romance. Still, these are minor quibbles in a narrative that dares to dive headfirst into the chaos of love.
For fans of contemporary romance and new adult fiction, ‘Before’ stands alongside works like Colleen Hoover’s ‘It Ends with Us,’ where love is portrayed with all its scars and beauty. Both stories tackle the complexities of relationships with a raw honesty that’s become a hallmark of the genre. If you’ve enjoyed Hoover’s audiobooks or other romance listens, this one will likely captivate you with its intense emotional pull.
I’d recommend this audiobook to anyone who’s ever felt the ache of a love that both breaks and builds you. It’s perfect for long road trips, quiet evenings, or moments when you need a story to remind you of the power of human connection. Whether you’re new to the After series or a longtime #Hessa fan, the listening experience of ‘Before’ offers fresh insights into a romance that’s as unpredictable as a sudden desert rain.
Reflecting on this story, I’m reminded of why I travel and why I write – to uncover the hidden histories and personal transformations that shape us. ‘Before’ captures that same spirit, peeling back the layers of Hardin and Tessa’s love to reveal something universal. It’s a reminder that even in our stormiest moments, there’s a chance for redemption and understanding, much like the unexpected kindness I’ve found in the farthest corners of the world.
Until our paths cross again, amigos, keep seeking stories that stir your soul. It’s Marcus Rivera, signing off with a heart full of wanderlust and a mind buzzing with the echoes of ‘Before.’ Grab your headphones, dive into this audiobook experience, and let me know where it takes you. Safe travels and happy listening!
