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A review by engpunk77
Afterward by Jennifer Mathieu
4.0
As a rule, I don't read books that are about or contain child abuse, especially child molestation or rape. I've learned that the negative and long-lasting consequences on my mental health are not a reasonable cost for an otherwise good read. So I need disclaimers.
As a less strict self-imposed rule, I also don't read summaries on the back or inside covers or watch previews to movies. So all of my books are selected due to word-of-mouth, reviews by librarians, and...the proverbial cover by which I judge the book, shamelessly.
This was in a stack of books portraying autism, and I was drawn in by the cover immediately. The subject of the book (child abduction by a sick stranger) was a screaming red flag, yet, I couldn't put it down, all-the-while praying that the protagonist will have no graphic memories of his time in captivity. The experience was risky, and I couldn't explain why I was putting myself in a potentially traumatic situation. All I want to say about it is that this story is SO WELL DONE. My morbid curiosity obviously kept me turning pages, and thankfully I was able to experience the heartbreak and terror in such a way that did not destroy me. I am left with a new understanding, empathy, and hope. I recommend the book to high school students, and no disclaimer is needed.
I'm thankful for an important message delivered by this book: GET A THERAPIST. Yay! Would be an interesting book to pair with [b:Thirteen Reasons Why|29844228|Thirteen Reasons Why|Jay Asher|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1462990678s/29844228.jpg|2588213] for the ultimate discussion on healthy and unhealthy coping, although this is covered altogether by the two protagonists in Afterward.
As a less strict self-imposed rule, I also don't read summaries on the back or inside covers or watch previews to movies. So all of my books are selected due to word-of-mouth, reviews by librarians, and...the proverbial cover by which I judge the book, shamelessly.
This was in a stack of books portraying autism, and I was drawn in by the cover immediately. The subject of the book (child abduction by a sick stranger) was a screaming red flag, yet, I couldn't put it down, all-the-while praying that the protagonist will have no graphic memories of his time in captivity. The experience was risky, and I couldn't explain why I was putting myself in a potentially traumatic situation. All I want to say about it is that this story is SO WELL DONE. My morbid curiosity obviously kept me turning pages, and thankfully I was able to experience the heartbreak and terror in such a way that did not destroy me. I am left with a new understanding, empathy, and hope. I recommend the book to high school students, and no disclaimer is needed.
I'm thankful for an important message delivered by this book: GET A THERAPIST. Yay! Would be an interesting book to pair with [b:Thirteen Reasons Why|29844228|Thirteen Reasons Why|Jay Asher|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1462990678s/29844228.jpg|2588213] for the ultimate discussion on healthy and unhealthy coping, although this is covered altogether by the two protagonists in Afterward.