After the Moment
By Kate Pavao,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Honest look at how crazy first love can be; teens only.
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What you will—and won't—find in this book.
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What's the Story?
After moving to Washington D.C. to be closer to his step-sister, Leigh meets troubled Maia, and the two begin an intense romance. But after Maia is raped, Leigh struggles with how to cope. His eventual act of violence leaves him wondering if he really loved Maia, or just loved protecting her.
Is It Any Good?
This book provides a real, rare look at a teen romance. Readers will connect with nearly all of the damaged characters, who are trying so hard to do the right thing and be happy despite all their problems.
There is some major drama, but mature readers should be able to handle even the most intense material. The author shows great restraint in the telling; readers will have to follow the conversations and plotting carefully to understand all the dynamics involved.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can use this book to talk about first love. What other books or movies can you think of that have portrayed first love well? Think, too, about media where someone falls in love with a mentally ill or critically ill person. What is so appealing about that dynamic?
Book Details
- Author: Garret Freymann-Weyr
- Genre: Coming of Age
- Book type: Fiction
- Publication date: May 1, 2009
- Number of pages: 336
- Last updated: July 6, 2015
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