Who could benefit from reading this book and why?
This book is mainly directed toward teens and the challenges that they encounter in high school, socially and spiritually, but it could certainly be beneficial to any young adult. While teens face these issues in high school, young adults might face the same difficulties as they enter college and a new environment and try to find their place in that new world.
How has your opinion of Jason changed since reading the first MLH book?
Jason has gone from being somewhat of an awful person to someone inspirational. He was not only involved in taking drugs and heavy drinking, but was somewhat of a bully. Jason had no hesitation before making rude comments or making people feel badly. In The Aftermath we see a whole different side of Jason emerging. By the end of the book, he is almost unrecognizable against who he was in The Right Person.
What message does this book send to readers?
The Aftermath has many valuable and relevant messages for teens and anyone struggling to find themselves. One of the most important messages is to stay true to yourself and listen to what your heart is telling you. Jason struggles between trying to be the person he wants to be and also trying to look cool in front of his brothers and other classmates. This pressure to live up to his reputation of being the “bad boy” almost costs him his life when he attends a party and mixes drugs and alcohol. Another significant message that The Aftermath sends to its readers is that it is never too late to turn your life around. Several of the characters in the book are able to escape the dark life of drugs and drinking by leaning on their faith and using prayer. The Aftermath is also helpful in demonstrating how powerful our actions are, both good and bad.
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?
JOANNA DAKOYANNIS, DOVER, MA
Joanna Dakoyannis is a rising senior at Dover-Sherborn High School. She enjoys creative writing, traveling, going to the gym, running track for her high school team and loves cheering on her team at school sporting events. She plans to be a science major in college and hopes to eventually attend dental school.
MORE ARTICLES BY JOANNA
An Exceptional Book I Recommend to Teens & Preteens
Q&A with Joanna Dakoyannis on “The Right Person” by Stacy Padula
May’s Q&A with Joanna Dakoyannis of Dover Sherborn High School
Joanna Dakoyannis Reviews “When Darkness Tries to Hide” by Stacy Padula
Books by Stacy A. Padula 
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