Written by Jennifer O’Sullivan of Dover-Sherborn Regional High School
The Aftermath by Stacy Padula is a book that I would recommend to anyone who is lost or struggling and needs some inspiration. This book follows the journey of high school freshman Jason Davids, who is struggling to overcome his drug dependency and steer his life onto a better path. This book documents the many trials and tribulations that Jason faces along the way and shows that even though sometimes Jason felt weak, he could rely on the strength of God to help him. This book is definitely inspirational for anyone who feels like his or her life is empty or unfulfilling, because this book documents the many ways in which God helped people give meaning to their lives when they let Him in. I also think that this book would be very useful for people who feel like they may not have their priorities in place, because The Aftermath conveys the message that with prideful and frivolous values and a lack of faith, a person’s life cannot be fulfilling.
The Aftermath sends a great message of hope to any reader, regardless of whether or not he or she can relate to the content of this story. Any person who read this story would be inspired by Jason’s will to keep fighting to find a purpose in his life. Jason and his friend Chris were seemingly both on a quick path to destruction and the people around them in their lives had begun to lose hope. Despite being at odds with becoming straightedge, Chris and Jason relied on friends and family and found a meaning through faith. This new meaning allowed for the boys to have hope that their future would be different from their dismal past. There is always a way to better yourself and find meaning, which is a message in The Aftermath that inspires hope in readers.
MONTGOMERY LAKE HIGH #3: THE AFTERMATH
At age fifteen, Jason Davids appears to have nearly any worldly thing that promises enjoyment at his disposal. Despite this, there is a persistent emptiness inside his heart. After failing to fill the void with achievements, relationships, and illicit substances, Jason finds himself intrigued by Jessie Robins: the daughter of a local pastor. How is it possible that she stands for everything his lifestyle opposes yet possesses the one thing he has been searching for all along?
About JENNIFER O’SULLIVAN, DOVER, MA
Jennifer O’Sullivan, a rising senior at Dover Sherborn High School, enjoys reading, playing the piano, spending time with friends and doing volunteer work. Jennifer leads her school’s community service club, runs on her school’s cross country and track teams and loves to travel, especially to Ireland where she spends time with friends and family.
Other Articles by Jennifer
Why “The Right Person” is a Perfect Book for Teens
“The Right Person” by Stacy Padula Shows How Faith Can Benefit Teenagers
Jennifer O’Sullivan of Dover-Sherborn High School on “When Darkness Tries to Hide” by Stacy Padula
Books by Stacy A. Padula 
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