What Happens Next by Colleen Clayton

What Happens Next by Colleen Clayton
Release Date: October 9, 2012
Publisher: Poppy
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 320

Summary: How can you talk about something you can’t remember?

Before the ski trip, sixteen-year-old Cassidy “Sid” Murphy was a cheerleader (at the bottom of the pyramid, but still...), a straight-A student, and a member of a solid trio of best friends. When she ends up on a ski lift next to handsome local college boy, Dax Windsor, she’s thrilled; but Dax takes everything from Sid—including a lock of her perfect red curls—and she can’t remember any of it.

Back home and unable to relate to her old friends, Sid drops her college prep classes and takes up residence in the A/V room with only Corey “The Living Stoner” Livingston for company. But as she gets to know Corey (slacker, baker, total dreamboat), Sid finds someone who truly makes her happy. Now, if she can just shake the nightmares and those few extra pounds, everything will be perfect... or so she thinks.

Witty and poignant, Colleen Clayton’s stunning debut is a story about moving on after the unthinkable happens.

My Thoughts: It was probably a bad idea reading this one back to back with another rape (sexual abuse) book but I didn't know what it was about when I started it. I just knew I wanted to read it.

We are introduced to Sid who is a hefty girl. She is also a cheerleader and has bright red hair. She has two best friends and is a good student. She has her life together for the most part. The only thing missing is a boyfriend. A real life boy who wants to be with her.

Until she meets him on a school ski trip. He’s everything. He’s cute and older. He’s sweet. His name is Dax. He invites her to a party and she jumps at the chance. She goes to the party, to realize its just him and her and she gets more than she bargains for. The next day she wakes up and is surprised. She’s at a loss for words.

Time goes on, and she loses everything that is important to her. She also develops another unhealthy habit. Oh gosh.

She also meets a boy in AV. His name is Corey. He’s everything she doesn't want in a guy, or so she thinks at first. He’s a slacker, pothead, and has been in juvie. However, Corey isn't what he seems either. He has his own set of problems, and things to deal with.

What Happens Next was a great book. I honestly liked it a lot despite the negative things that had to go on. I wasn't thrilled with seeing Sid hurt. I didn't want her to have to go through this crap. Her best friends bailed on her, everything just sucked.

I also liked the dog in the story. Man, that was so cute! I just fell in love with that doggy!

Corey and Sid are an unlikely pair, but it just fits. I really liked them together, and I loved learning more about Corey and his home life.  I also was very happy with the way things ended.

What Happens Next is a wonderful debut, and if you're like me and like contemps, please add this to your reading list now.

Overall: I really enjoyed this one. I didn't give it 5 cupcakes because there were a few parts I could have done without,  like the puking part. Didn't she have enough on her plate already? But, it was a great book and I’m glad to see how much the characters grew, and how right Sid and Corey were right for one another. Great story, Clayton!

Cover: Love it! It just fits somehow, and I love the colors and the way this one looks!

What I'd Give It: