rgz Seattle HOST: Amy Efaw!

Hey, Readergirlz!

Who's read After? *----Link has awesome video giving the whole story behind After, and how the book came about for author Amy Efaw. It's not an easy book to read, because it deals with a very tough issue. But it's well-done and definitely worthwhile!

I got to go hear Amy read and meet her last Thursday. Holly Cupala and Jackie Parker joined me, as did the awesome librarian Rachel McDonald, and we all had a blast talking to Kari Yadro, the bookseller who hosted the event. There's a photo of all of us with Amy somewhere, but my own camera was out of batteries . . .so just use your imaginations! Two authors, two librarians, a bookseller, and a guest-of-honor author. My idea of a great group!



After deals with a teen who has to come to terms with her own denial and admit that she's hidden a pregnancy (even from herself) and given birth. After the baby's born? She puts it in a dumpster.

Holly took a video of Amy reading from the first chapter!



I was amazed when Amy said that this same thing happens once a day in our country, and that most of the women who throw away babies are good students, achievers, people with resources. They're in extreme denial for deeply emotional reasons.

Amy did tons of research and has actually become one of the most knowledgeable people to talk to about this phenomenon. The statistics are hard to keep, because a lot of cases are never found out. Reading After is a great place to start if you're interested in the psychology behind a decision that seems so irrational and unbelievable.

I'm so impressed with Amy for tackling such a difficult subject. It was great to hear her read and to learn more about this problem. You can learn lots about it, too, at her web site!

I did manage to get my classic Liz-with-Author photo!:



See you next time!

rgz Salon: After by Amy Efaw, reviewed by René Kirkpatrick

René Kirkpatrick has been a bookseller and book buyer, specializing in children's and teen literature, for many years. She has a degree in elementary education and reads widely across all genres. She is currently a buyer at Third Place Books.

We're honored to have her here as part of the rgz SALON, a feature where four of the top kidlit experts clue us in to the best YA novels they've read recently. Here's René, reviewing After by Amy Efaw.

Devon Davenport is an exemplary student, a responsible babysitter and an award winning soccer player. How can she not know she's pregnant? When Devon wakes up ill one morning, cramping and puking, she is horrified when she finds herself actually giving birth. Unable to deal with what has happened, she puts the baby in a garbage bag and puts that in the garbage can in the alleyway. Hours later, now home sick from school, she is confronted by the police who have found the package and are sure she is the mother.

After follows Devon's life as she is arrested and put in Remann Hall, a juvenile facility in Tacoma, WA. We are with her as she begins to remember how all of this came to be and as she begins to realize how dire the repercussions will be. Based on real stories from the media, After is one of those books that has will keep you enthralled until the very end. If you liked Wintergirls, by Laurie Halse Anderson, you will like After.

Ages 13 and up. Viking Books. Hardcover, $17.99.