After by Amy Efaw

Released: December 7th, 2010

Publisher: Penguin Young Reader Group

Pages: 368

Rating: 5/5

Who could do such a thing? Certainly not someone like Devon Davenport - a straight-A student-athlete with everything going for her. But in a moment of denial, desperation, and sheer panic, she did something that most people couldn't even imagine. And now Devon is being charged with attempted murder. In a skillfully crafted story, Amy Efaw takes readers through the days leading up to - and after - Devon's crime, painting an unexpected picture of a truly empathetic character caught up in an unimaginable situation.


I liked this book, really liked it. I read a review earlier this evening where someone did not like this book, and although I can understand her reasons why she didn't like it, I don't think they were what made the book. Efaw wrote a story that captivated the attention and had you wanting to know more. I finished this book in a mere two days; I needed to know what was happening and what was going to happen, not knowing was not an option. 

The content of this book is pretty heavy and it was often hard to be sympathetic to the protagonist Devon. She did something terrible-unforgivable, but as the story unfolds and you learn more about Devon and her situation. You start to understand more what she was going through, and what she was thinking. Devon was an interesting character because I would often find myself wanting to scream at her-to say something, acknowledge what she'd done. But at the same time, I was rooting for her because I can only imagine what she was then going through.

There were a few things I thought were missing from this story such as the relationship between Devon and Connor. It's mentioned briefly but never explored in much detail. I feel like it should have been. Also the way it ended. I thought it was good, however I think that there needs to be a sequel. There is a lot of questions left unanswered, and I want answers.

It's hard to talk about this book without giving to much away. I liked this book and I would recommend it to everyone.