After by Amy Efaw is a compelling novel that delves into the tragic story of Devon Davenport, a talented fifteen-year-old soccer player and straight-A student who finds herself in denial about her unexpected pregnancy. The book follows Devon's journey as she gives birth and makes a fateful decision to dispose of the baby in a dumpster, leading to her arrest and trial for attempted murder. Through a mix of present and past narratives, the author, Amy Efaw, explores Devon's complex emotions, her strained relationship with her neglectful mother, and the psychological factors that contribute to such heartbreaking actions. The book provides a raw and honest portrayal of teen pregnancy, denial, and the consequences of one impulsive decision.

Characters:

The characters are well-developed, providing insight into the complexities of Devon's life, her denial, and the varying societal judgments surrounding her actions.

Writing/Prose:

The prose is clear and impactful, effectively illustrating the emotional struggles of the protagonist while maintaining a direct storytelling approach.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around a teenager, Devon, facing trial for abandoning her baby, exploring her cognitive dissonance about her pregnancy and the profound implications of her actions.

Setting:

The setting contrasts the sterile, confining nature of juvenile detention with the chaotic background of Devon's life leading up to the story.

Pacing:

The pacing is moderate, balancing character introspection with plot advancement, which enhances the emotional gravity of the story.

The TV’s on, some lame morning show. The reception’s lousy, and the sound’s off. But Devon isn’t really watching, anyway. More like staring blankly at the screen, the figures passing before her eyes i...

Notes:

The main character, Devon, is a straight-A student and a soccer star but ends up abandoning her newborn baby in a dumpster.

Devon claims she didn't know she was pregnant, leading to her confusing and traumatic situation.

The book is set primarily in a juvenile detention center where Devon navigates her denial and the legal system.

The narrative explores the psychological aspects of denial surrounding unexpected teen pregnancies.

Efaw skillfully portrays Devon's inner turmoil and slow realization of her actions as the story unfolds.

The story touches on themes of societal expectations and the complex nature of teenage motherhood.

The novel highlights the fact that, statistically, newborns are abandoned daily in the U.S., opening a conversation about the reality behind 'dumpster babies.'

Readers see Devon's growth as she comes to terms with her actions and confronts the consequences of her choices.

The author uses flashbacks to provide insight into Devon's past and how she reached such a desperate decision.

After has been compared to the works of Jodi Picoult due to its emotional depth and exploration of moral dilemmas.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Triggers may include themes of abandonment, mental health crises, and graphic descriptions of childbirth.

From The Publisher:

Who could do such a thing? Certainly not someone like Devon DavenportÑa 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 couldnÕt 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 toÑand afterÑDevonÕs crime, painting an unexpected picture of a truly empathetic character caught up in an unimaginable situation.

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About the Author:

Amy Efaw is a former Army officer and freelance journalist. She grew up in Chicago and attended the United States Military Academy at West Point. Her works include After and Battle Dress. Efaw lives with her family in Denver, Colorado.

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After

Amy Efaw