Q&A with Isabelle Semas on “The Aftermath”

Posted byAuthor Stacy A. PadulaPosted inUncategorizedTags:, , , ,
Isabelle Semas is in her junior year of high school, and has been homeschooled most of her life.  She looks forward to graduating next year and hopes to pursue a career in Early Childhood Education.  In her spare time, she sings in a christian band named NHB with her friends, is very involved in her church’s children’s ministry, and enjoys art.  She hopes to someday publish a book of her own.

Who do you think could benefit from reading this book and why?

I believe those in Jason’s position would benefit greatly from reading  “The Aftermath” by Stacy A. Padula—those who, like Jason, are so lost they can not see how dark their life truly is,  and those who struggle with drug abuse.  This book displays that anyone can be saved from addiction through surrendering themselves to A Higher Power.

What did you most enjoy about this story? 

“The Aftermath” has become one of my favorite books.  It is informative and truthful, condemning drug abuse—but it does not stop there.  It also provides a hope for deliverance from these things, which is salvation through Jesus. 

What message does this book send to readers?

This book shows how rapidly a kid can go from being an innocent middle-schooler to a highschool drug addict.  Jason is the perfect example.  He tries to save himself, but continues to drown in darkness.  “The Aftermath” warns readers against the highschool party scene and the sinful desires which the world promises will fulfill you.

What do you hope happens between Jason and Cathy in the future? 

I hope to see Cathy and Jason reconcile, and remain friends in books to come.  Cathy would benefit from Jason’s witness.  If Cathy changes, her friends might as well, which would set off a chain reaction throughout Montgomery Lake High.

At age fifteen, Jason appears to have it all: high grades, popular friends, a beautiful girlfriend, and 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: a rather quiet girl, who is the daughter of a local pastor. Jason cannot understand his sudden interest in her. How is it possible that she stands for everything his lifestyle opposes yet possesses the one thing he has been searching for all along?

Other Articles by Isabelle

Young Adult Novel “The Right Person” Recommended for Homeschooled Students

Honest Book Prepares Kids for Social Issues Faced in High School

This Y.A. Book is Full of Useful Messages for Teens

A Timely Novel for Young Adults: When Darkness Tries to Hide

Published by Author Stacy A. Padula

Stacy Padula has spent the last 14 years working daily with teenagers as a college counselor, mentor, and life coach. She was named "Top Inspirational Author of the Year" for 2022 by the International Association of Top Professionals (New York, NY). In 2021, she was broadcast on the famous Reuters Building in Times Square as "Empowered Woman of the Year." Her Gripped book series is currently being adapted for TV by Emmy-winning producer Mark Blutman. She is the founder and CEO of Briley & Baxter Publications: a publishing company that donates a portion of its proceeds to animal rescues each month. She has edited and published a variety of titles, including Boston Bruins Anthem Singer Todd Angilly and Rachel Goguen's The Adventures of Owen & the Anthem Singer, LaTonya Pinkard of Netflix's Last Chance U's Nate & His Magic Lion, and former NHL player Norm Beaudin's memoir The Original: Living Life Through Hockey. Stacy resides in Plymouth, Massachusetts with her husband Tim and two miniature dachshunds, Briley and Baxter.