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Book Summary

Before is a companion novel to Anna Todds bestselling After series and offers a deeper look into Hardin Scotts troubled past and emotional struggles. The book revisits key events from the original story but is told largely from Hardins perspective, revealing what he thought, felt, and hid while falling in love with Tessa. It explores his broken family life, the pain that shaped him, and the reasons behind his anger, impulsive decisions, and destructive behavior. In addition, the novel includes the viewpoints of other characterssuch as Natalie, Molly, and Hardins parentsto show how Hardins actions affected those around him. Before ultimately paints a fuller, more vulnerable portrait of Hardin, portraying his transformation from a damaged young man to someone capable of change, love, and redemption.

About the Author

Anna Todd is an American author best known for her After series, which began as a popular story on Wattpad before becoming a global publishing success and a major film franchise. Born in 1989, Todds work is known for its emotionally intense relationships, character-driven plots, and themes of love, trauma, and personal growth. Her writing resonates strongly with young adult and new adult readers, and she has continued to publish novels, stories, and adaptations that explore complex romantic dynamics. Todds rise from online writer to international bestselling author is often cited as a modern publishing success story.