After

I don’t know why, but I actually enjoyed After. Although it wasn’t enough for me to run to the book as soon as I got home, it was enjoyable enough. When I read it during the free periods that I had during school, I was constantly intrigued, reading at least 50 pages per sitting. After captured the confusion and distress of Devon amazingly, and I was totally feeling everything that Devon was feeling, there! Seriously. Only a few flaws were screaming in my face. And my face is so delicate, you see.

The names were SO STUPID. Devon Davenport. Come on. No one likes a name with alliteration. And Dom? DOM!? What person would call them DOM? Really, now. It’s a weird name that isn’t pretty, like a weird name like Sapphire or something. Actually, no, I don’t really like that name, either. And the worst part? DR BACON. Who the heck would have the last name Bacon? I would totally think that if your surname is Bacon then you’re the awesomest person like, ever, but in a book? No way. That’s weird. I get witty last names, but not random last names. My vision- Amy Efaw, at the kitchen table, nomming on her bacon. “Hey, I’ll name the doctor Dr Bacon! What a splendid idea!” Is that a cruel joke? Bacon is yummy goodness in a crispy strip, not a doctor. Just saying.

Capitalization of certain words was a little weird. It bothered me. I get that Efaw was trying to emphasis on the words, but it was just… meh. That’s a good word. I really don’t like that writing technique unless it’s a proper noun. I’ve used it, I admit. But it was in a completely different way- it was a group. I didn’t like it, either, but I lack creativity in names. I’m probably naming my child Reginald, whether it’s a girl or a boy. Or like, Naomi. Anyways. I like it when it’s an actual proper noun, not just That Night. :\ I feel completely hypocritical here, but it’s just so frigging annoying at times.

But on the other hand…

The characters were so real. As I said before, Efaw really portrayed Devon’s desperation and confusion well. I could really feel all the conflicting emotions even though Devon is just a character. Also, Karma was a really unique yet believable character. I know people that cut, and Karma was just another one of them- confused and hurt with conflicting emotions all raging in her head. It’s all really just a different way of expressing it.

The use of poetry was really amazing. Emotion was all jumbled up into those half page pieces, wrapped together by words. I really loved all the poems, and though I used to love poetry, it usually doesn’t affect me as much as writing does.

After was the exception.

Devon finally “freeing herself” was, I must admit, corny, but it showed character growth. At first, she was lying to herself about what was happening: pregnancy, jail, the lawsuit, but in the end, Devon really knew what was happening and I, for one, was surprised. I thought it would end like any other YA novel: she’s home free and meets her new, better, and sexier Prince Charming! Uh, no thanks! I want that to happen to me, not them. Not to be selfish or anything. But it’s so cliché. And I already got T-Swizzles. Thanks, though.

So yeah. I would recommend to any girl (or guy… o_o) who is a fan of YA. After is a book I soon will not forget. Or however it goes.

My rating: 4 stars