Emma is tired of being good. Always the dutiful daughter to an overprotective father, she is the antithesis of her mother — whose name her dad won’t even say out loud. That’s why meeting Siobhan is the best thing that ever happened to her…and the most dangerous. Because Siobhan is fun and alluring and experienced and lives on the edge. In other words, she’s everything Emma is not.
And it may be more than Emma can handle.
Because as intoxicating as her secret life may be, when Emma begins to make her own decisions, Siobhan starts to unravel. It’s more than just Dylan, the boy who comes between them. Their high-stakes pacts are spinning out of control. Elaborate lies become second nature. Loyalties and boundaries are blurred. And it all comes to a head at the infamous Afterparty, where debauchery rages and an intense, inescapable confrontation ends in a plummet from the rooftop…
This explosive, sexy, and harrowing follow-up to Ann Redisch Stampler’s spectacular teen debut, Where It Began, reveals how those who know us best can hurt us most.
You can purchase Afterparty at the following Retailers:
The book opens at the end, and what an opening it is...
"Good girls don't usually kill their best friend."
Then Emma goes back and tells the story. The story of a lethal friendship with Siobhan and an explosive relationship with Dylan. Emma is the naïve 'good girl' to Siobhan's 'bad girl'. But what happens when those lines are blurred and innocence and deviance both seem grey areas? A friendship under stress is further strained by Emma's new boyfriend, Dylan. Emma grows a backbone, Siobhan is slightly psychotic and poor Dylan.
As I said the synopsis and that opening monologue grabbed me, but as the story progressed, my interest waned. The writing was disjointed and sometimes distracting. Certain events that happened at the start of the book that made me sit up a little straighter, seemed to be just repeated throughout. So I'm torn on my final thoughts for this book. There were parts of it that were so fantastic, I'd have to stop reading and couldn't stop thinking about what I'd just read, couldn't wait to get back to the book. And then it would falter two paragraphs later.
Not the perfect read, but there was enough intrigue peppered throughout to keep me coming back to finish the story. If you enjoyed the movie Thirteen, then you'll love this book. I was reminded of that movie a lot while reading Afterparty. Drama, revenge, crazy best friends and a little bit of Pretty Little Liars left this one at 3 stars for me.
Where it Began marks the YA debut of Ann Redisch Stampler. She is the author of several picture books, including The Rooster Prince of Breslov. Her books have been an Aesop Accolade winner, Sydney Taylor notable books and an honor book, a National Jewish Book Awards finalist and winner, and Bank Street Best Books of the Year. Ann has two adult children and lives in Los Angeles, California with her husband.
3 Winners will receive a Copy of Afterparty by Ann Redisch Stampler.
1 Winner will receive a Complete Afterparty Swag pictured above!
1.) Emma’s Bob Marley tee shirt that her dad doesn’t approve of.
2.) Dylan’s Curt Cobain tee shirt that Emma’s dad would approve of even less if he knew where it ended up — and when…
3.) Siobhan’s gold nail polish — with a couple of other colors thrown in.
4.) Mara’s bakelite bracelets.
5.) Emma’s Roman Holiday movie poster
6.) The mother-of-pearl barrette that Siobhan takes out of Emma’s hair
7.) Emma’s Chicago snow globe
8.) Emma’s entire stash of Stila makeup
5 Winners will receive a Surprise ART Bookmark by James Vallesteros.
1.) Emma’s Bob Marley tee shirt that her dad doesn’t approve of.
2.) Dylan’s Curt Cobain tee shirt that Emma’s dad would approve of even less if he knew where it ended up — and when…
3.) Siobhan’s gold nail polish — with a couple of other colors thrown in.
4.) Mara’s bakelite bracelets.
5.) Emma’s Roman Holiday movie poster
6.) The mother-of-pearl barrette that Siobhan takes out of Emma’s hair
7.) Emma’s Chicago snow globe
8.) Emma’s entire stash of Stila makeup
5 Winners will receive a Surprise ART Bookmark by James Vallesteros.
Must be 13+ to Enter
International Giveaway
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