After by Amy Efaw

Synopsis:
An infant left in the trash to die. A teenage mother who never knew she was pregnant . . .
Before That Morning, these were the words most often used to describe straight-A student and star soccer player Devon Davenport: responsible, hardworking, mature. But all that changes when the police find Devon home sick from school as they investigate the case of an abandoned baby. Soon the connection is made—Devon has just given birth; the baby in the trash is hers. After That Morning, there’s only one way to define Devon: attempted murderer.

And yet gifted author Amy Efaw does the impossible— she turns Devon into an empathetic character, a girl who was in such deep denial that she refused to believe she was pregnant. Through airtight writing and fast-paced, gripping storytelling, Ms. Efaw takes the reader on Devon’s unforgettable journey toward clarity, acceptance, and redemption.

_______________________________________

Efaw is an amazing writer who tells the story of a struggling teen.  This book was nothing at all what I had expected.  I borrowed this from a friend and did not read the back cover before beginning.  My initial thought was this was going to be about a teenagers life after an abortion, but I was definitely surprised.

 Devon is a smart 15 year old who is finding her way after an unthinkable situation.  Devon doesn't remember much about THAT NIGHT, but it is coming back to her through a court hearing.  She hears statements from witnesses and finds herself remembering what happened to IT.  Efaw writes a story that draws you to Devon.  You feel for the situation she is going through and hope it all works out for the better.  I was proud of the decision Devon made in the end, although it was slightly surprising.  Devon is a responsible young woman who made the wrong choice in the beginning, but the right choice when it counted.  Devon was refusing to believe she was pregnant with a child, and when that child was born she still didn't believe it.  It took the pictures and statements of those around her before realizing what she did and what it was she intended.

A gripping story that will keep you reading until the end.  I couldn't put this book down because slowly details emerged that made you feel for Devon and wonder how she would cope. Devon is an amazing young woman that represents many teenagers in this world who have gone through similar experiences.  This book opens your eyes to a world you may not have wanted to believe before.  A truly great read.