Q&A with Timmy Weiss on “The Aftermath”

An interview with Timmy Weiss on “The Aftermath” by Stacy Padula—Weston, Massachusetts

1. Who do you think could benefit from reading this book and why? I think that middle schoolers and high schoolers would benefit greatly from reading this book.  The book is most beneficial to this group because it describes how difficult the battle with drugs is and just how it is to step away from addiction.  Teaching these kids to stay away from drugs at a young age is critical.  I’d also say this book should be recommended to those seeking God since it shows us how God can be such a critical part of our lives and how he can help us so much.

2. What did you most enjoy about this story?  I most enjoyed Jason’s transformation in this story.  Jason has always been a popular kid who gets the hottest girls, parties hard, and is feared by everyone.  However, during this book Jason has a realization that he needs to stop doing drugs and he needs to break up with his long time girlfriend, even though he can’;t exactly explain why at first.  This is where God does the rest of the work and through characters like Jessie, Pastor Mark, Chantal, and Chris, Jason becomes a follower of God.  As a result Jason becomes a brand new person, being kind, caring, and finally sober, with this new instilled hope.
3. What message does this book send to readers?  The most important message this book teachers its readers is that God works everything out for the good or that everything happens for a reason.  The main example in this book is Andy being in a Coma.  When Andy is put in a Coma seemingly not waking up, the first reaction is to be confused and mad, saying why should this happen?  However, because of this event it leads to Jason seeing he has a problem, which leads to him finding God.  It leads to Chantal’s deeper faith connection.  It leads to Chantal and Jon becoming friends again and Chantal and Alyssa becoming friends again.  So many good things from something that seemed horrible at first.  Faith in God and prayer has a truly special impact when used properly.
4. What do you hope happens between Jason and Cathy in the future? Honestly, as of now I hope they don’t get back together, even though after reading one of the Gripped books I said I’d be open to them getting back together.  Cathy in her current state is a wrecking ball for Jason’s faith life.  Since Jason’s faith life is just starting it’s very fragile so someone like Cathy could easily destroy it.  With that being said, I am aware of how kind and caring of a person Cathy used to be, so if she was ever able to find herself using her faith which she once had, I would be okay with them getting back together, but only if Jason has developed a strong relationship with God.  If Jason hasn’t developed a strong relationship with God he is likely to idolize Cathy instead of God which could easily lead him down the wrong path.

About Timmy Weiss

Timmy is a recent graduate of St. Sebastian’s High School. He was a varsity tennis and varsity soccer player, as well as a part of MPA (men with positive attitudes), the newspaper named The Walrus, and the peer mentoring club. He enjoys traveling, spending time with family and friends, volunteering, and going to sports games. He plans to study communications within the renowned SI Newhouse School at Syracuse University.