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What Happens Next

by Colleen Clayton (Goodreads Author)

4.06 of 5 stars 4.06 · rating details · 1,533 ratings · 283 reviews

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—in...more

Hardcover, 310 pages

Published October 9th 2012 by Poppy (Little Brown Books for Young Readers)

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Nov 07, 2012 Giselle rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc, own, contemporary

Rarely have I read a book about rape that was as beautiful as it was heartbreaking. What Happens Next will leave an impression in my heart for a long time. I feel like I went through this journey with Sid. Through her fears and worries from being a victim of an act that will forever leave a scar. I felt for her through every page. Every last one.

Even though the core of this book deals with rape and the mental as well as physical ramifications of it, the even bigger story here is getting through...more Rarely have I read a book about rape that was as beautiful as it was heartbreaking. What Happens Next will leave an impression in my heart for a long time. I feel like I went through this journey with Sid. Through her fears and worries from being a victim of an act that will forever leave a scar. I felt for her through every page. Every last one.

Even though the core of this book deals with rape and the mental as well as physical ramifications of it, the even bigger story here is getting through it. Not accepting it, as that never happens, nor forgetting it, which is impossible, but understanding that it does not define who you are, and as hard as it may sound, you will learn to move on. Sid gets thrown into this deep abyss, herself, and I genuinely admired her every step of the way; from the good choices to the bad, she really shows us how strong a person can be, even when they're completely falling apart.

Family, friendship, and love are the main themes of this novel. Luckily, Sid has a fantastic support system that, even though they aren't aware, are the reason she's staying afloat. From the new guy she's met, to her adorable little brother, to even the neighbor's--freakishly large--dog, these are the types of supporting characters that make an already great book into an exceptional read filled with emotional depth. Corey, especially, is a character that I wish we would see more of in YA literature. Too often we have love interests with revolting personalities that we're supposed to swoon over. Finally, we have an honest to goodness fantastic guy who is worth all of our times. Corey is caring, kind, loving, and I want every teenage girl to read this if only for them to know that THIS is what they should be pining for. He is the perfect love interest. And not because of him being perfect, as he's not; he's realistically flawed with his own secrets, his own family troubles, and plenty of insecurities. His personality is what makes him beautiful, inside and out. And with every shy moment, with every shared laugh, with every hesitant touch, we watch them fall in love. In the best way teenage love could be written, Colleen makes us fall in love with them!

What Happens Next is not an easy novel to read. It deals with very serious, very hard issues that can easily take over someone's body, soul, and mind. But in the end, this is not about the negatives of such a trauma, but rather about learning to trust again; it's about finding solace in your friends and family; it's about finding love in the most unexpected of times. For anyone who has been a victim of assault, I hope that this book finds you. I hope that it gives you the strength to see that this broken road, it may just lead you to something worth fighting for.

--
An advance copy was provided by the publisher for review.

For more of my reviews, visit my blog at Xpresso Reads

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45 likes · like · see review

Oct 17, 2012 Tough Critic Book Reviews rated it 4 of 5 stars

Do you trust me....

This book started out being one of thousands. A girl experiences a devastating life changing event. She suffers the effects by alienating her friends and becoming a shadow of her former self. A tragic story that portrays the harsh realities of high school. It was incredibly well written, but I kept thinking..."This has been done, what makes this book unique?"

Colleen Clayton answered my question by developing a story that invaded my thoughts, my emotions, and has me down on my...more

29 likes · like · see review

Nov 06, 2012 ♥Rachel♥ rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-debut-author-challenge

4.5 Stars

What Happens Next is a heartfelt and emotional story that felt real and honest. I’m not going to lie, I was a little nervous picking this up because of the subject matter, but I thought it was dealt with in tasteful and realistic way. I can’t believe this was Colleen Clayton’s debut novel, because the writing felt like it came from a pro. She had me entranced from the first pages.

Cassidy “Sid”Murphy is excited to go on her first school ski-trip with little supervision, imagining a moun...more

25 likes · like · see review

Oct 09, 2012 Rachel rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: holy-ka-pow-wow, favorites

Holy ka-pow-wow good. Punch-in-the-gut good. Corey Livingston is my new fictional boyfriend.
Review to come closer to publication date.

** Real review as of 10/08/2012

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT is one of those books that should be read alongside SPEAK by Laurie Halse Anderson. WHN is the story of Sid Murphy, a girl who has great friends and great family and even the attention of a great guy (a collegeiate she meets on a skiing trip).

But after an Event, she breaks down. She shuts out her family and frien...more

15 likes · like · see review

Apr 16, 2012 Rachele Alpine added it

I was lucky enough to get an ARC of WHAT HAPPENS NEXT as part of an interview I’ll do of Colleen and the book for The Lucky 13s Debut 2013 Author blog. I am so excited that I got to read this book now instead of waiting until October (but trust me, it’s worth the wait). It’s one of my favorite reads in a long time, and I read a lot as a high school English teacher. A real lot! I pretty much eat, sleep and breath YA literature. It takes a lot for a book not only to grab my attention but for me to...more I was lucky enough to get an ARC of WHAT HAPPENS NEXT as part of an interview I’ll do of Colleen and the book for The Lucky 13s Debut 2013 Author blog. I am so excited that I got to read this book now instead of waiting until October (but trust me, it’s worth the wait). It’s one of my favorite reads in a long time, and I read a lot as a high school English teacher. A real lot! I pretty much eat, sleep and breath YA literature. It takes a lot for a book not only to grab my attention but for me to want to flag it as a multiple order for my school and classroom library. This is one of those books. It’s a book that I’ll make a point of pushing it into the hands of as many of my students as I can. The book is powerful, the writing is beautiful and Sid is one of the best characters I’ve met in a long time. It is a story that is important for teenagers to read, and one that I think will speak to them.

One of my favorite things about this book is the character of Sid. Because the thing is, unlike a lot of characters facing tragic events in YA literature, Sid is broken by a rape she doesn’t remember, but she doesn’t let it break her. She’s such a strong character and you understand why she’s dealing with the rape the way she is (even though I wanted to shout at her many many times to tell someone, I understood why she didn’t…why she couldn’t). I also love love love that she comes from a family that loves her. Her mom is a part of her life, her little brother adores her and Sid feels the same way back toward the two of them. It’s good to see a book with a strong family relationship, because it shows readers that bad things can happen to anyone, and even if you come from a family who loves and supports you, it still isn’t always easy to tell the truth. The story also has a sweet love story, Colleen Clayton’s sense of place transports you right to this town, and the antagonists are real. Oh…the antagonists. I totally bought how Sid fell prey to her Dax and the cheerleaders in this book are so so awful. But again, it speaks so truthful to high school and I think it’s in that honesty that teens will relate and connect to Sid’s journey.

There are novels out there that as a teacher, I MUST get into the hands of students. This is one of those important books. (less)

8 likes · like · see review

Oct 29, 2012 Andrea rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary-young-adult, read-in-2012, all-time-favorite

Sometimes... we all come across a book that speaks to us, maybe a bit too loudly. A book that strikes a forgotten (or well-ignored) nerve. What Happens Next has unnerved me. As a teenager, I had a lot in common with Sid Murphy. I know what it is like to be fourteen years old and have grown men hitting on you. To feel uncomfortable in your own body. And though I didn't experience what Sid goes through in this story, I have been almost assaulted (if mildly assaulted exists). And it sucks. So needl...more Sometimes... we all come across a book that speaks to us, maybe a bit too loudly. A book that strikes a forgotten (or well-ignored) nerve. What Happens Next has unnerved me. As a teenager, I had a lot in common with Sid Murphy. I know what it is like to be fourteen years old and have grown men hitting on you. To feel uncomfortable in your own body. And though I didn't experience what Sid goes through in this story, I have been almost assaulted (if mildly assaulted exists). And it sucks. So needless to say, I am sitting here with a lot of overwhelming emotions, and not quite sure what to do with them. So I'm doing my best to compartmentalize my personal issues, keep them separate from the review. But I really don't think that is entirely possible.

Honestly? Remaining detached and objective is so, so difficult when you read a book like What Happens Next. Colleen Clayton did a phenomenal job of making her Sid into a character that is so real, so utterly, heartbreakingly alive. Tall, well-developed, looks years older than she is:

"The summer I turned eleven, I was attacked by mutant hormones. They invaded my body and sent all the baby fat in my belly, limbs, and face screaming directly into my boobs, hips, and ass. I filled out so fast, I actually got stretch marks. The boys my own age either dove for cover or sat around thinking of funny tit names to call me. But I'd get all kinds of lusty looks from older guys- teachers, coaches, neighbors, old farts in grocery stores."

Sid has been defined by her striking features her whole life. She doesn't feel safe or comfortable in her own body. When she is sexually assaulted, with no memory of the event, Sid withdraws. She loses her best friends, her cheerleading, her voice. The only bright spot is Corey Livingston, the school stoner, who slowly becomes Sid's only true friend. Hoping to not attract attention to her body, Sid determines to take control and change it by running, starving, purging. But no matter how hard she tries, the truth won't stay away forever.

Now at this point, some people begin to wonder: Why doesn't Sid ask for help? Why doesn't she tell someone what happened to her? I came across a few reviews that stated those questions and it is so upsetting, and condescending, to me, when I see that frustration stated in a review. The answer is staggeringly simple: Sid is a sixteen year old girl who got drugged and raped. She is scared. Scared of the questions, the accusations, the implications. She is scared of the pain in her mother's eyes, the pity on the faces of her friends, the scorn of those who think she was asking for it. Any of us, as adults, can sit back and pontificate on what the proper course of action would have been; it makes us feel wise, right? But when you are a sixteen year old girl and your body has been used as some asshole's blow-up doll, you're hours away from home, and you can't even give a proper explanation...well, excuse me, but that may call for some understanding, not judgment. It honestly terrifies and saddens me to think that someone may treat a person in their life the same way they treat the characters in books.

Maybe I've brought to much of my own thoughts to this review and I'm okay with that. Each person has their own life experiences that impact their reading experience. These are mine.

What Happens Next is a book that should be handed out to every single teenager everywhere. Boys can learn what it is like to be a girl, objectified every day by careless comments. They can also learn to be a "Corey", seriously one of the best book boys ever. Every girl should read through Sid's experience and learn that it is okay to be scared, but it is also okay to tell. They can learn empathy for other girls, and most importantly: No matter what or how it happenes, being violated is never, ever your fault.

What Happens Next is a life-changing book. The emotional impact was so honest, so overwhelming, that I almost couldn't bear it, at times. It is a book that can prompt discussion, teach, open doors. I am so completely grateful that I had the opportunity to read it. I appreciate Poppy who brought it to the readers. I thank, from the very bottom of my heart, author Colleen Clayton for writing such a remarkable story of a girl who can change lives.
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16 likes · like · see review

Oct 17, 2012 YA Reads Book Reviews rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: kiona

Originally posted on www.yareads.com, reviewed by Kiona.

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 i...more Originally posted on www.yareads.com, reviewed by Kiona.

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.
Cassidy “Sid” Murphy isn’t exactly popular, despite being a cheerleader, and she’s never really received positive attention from guys. So when a local college guy takes an interest in her during a school ski trip, Sid can’t resist going off to meet him alone. Unfortunately, the last thing she remembers is talking with him in his kitchen before waking up alone in his bed and dealing with the ramifications of having sneaked out. It’s clear to Sid what her mystery guy has taken from her: her virginity, along with a lock of her springy red curls. But she can’t tell anyone and so she develops a reputation: some classmates see her as a rebellious hero, while others label her a slut. Her inability to confide in anyone causes her to lose her true friends. In an effort to distance herself even further, she signs up for A/V, where she spends an entire period with only Corey “the Living Stoner” Livingston for company. Slowly, Sid finds out that there’s more to Corey than meets the eye; he’s surprisingly easy to get along with and he doesn’t seem to judge Sid. The two start spending more time together, but Sid’s not sure how far their relationship can go without Corey realizing Sid’s hiding a major secret.

I was tentative about starting What Happens Next. Rape is a big, intense subject and it’s easy for authors to deal with it badly or unrealistically. That being said, I thoroughly enjoyed What Happens Next. It’s a book about rape, without being a book about rape, if that makes sense. The title probably comes closest to explaining what I mean; this is a book about what happens after a traumatic event. And by that I don’t mean the police investigations and broken family situations. Sid chooses to keep her secret and try to move on with her life, a decidedly atypical reaction that makes her a fascinating character to read about. Sid makes a lot of irrational choices, all the while understanding that her choices are irrational and that she’s probably doing the wrong thing, without being able to stop herself. But still, the point of this book is joining Sid on her journey as she tries to get back control of her life. We watch as she transforms into a different person and root for her to show her attacker that while he may have taken something precious from her, he can’t take her life away.

So what sets this book apart? As soon as Sid first makes the decision to lie instead of telling the truth, we essentially stop hearing about “the event.” Instead, we focus on Sid’s inner thoughts and psychological dissection of herself. I love Sid. I can’t stress enough how utterly stupid a lot of female characters in YA are and Sid is the exact opposite of that. She’s so, so smart. Her thoughts are so real that they mirror the thoughts of the reader as you’re reading. Throughout the book, Sid struggles with obsessive thoughts and bulimia. She questions why she’s forcing herself to purge, only to remember, “Well, I know why I’m doing it. I just don’t know how to stop.” One of my absolute favorite things about Sid is how self-aware she is. She watches herself to terrible things and she questions those things, but she is so broken that she’s unable to stop herself. This is possibly the most real depiction of coping with a traumatic event that I’ve seen in YA literature and though, hopefully, many of us can’t claim to relate to Sid’s situation directly, her feelings of self-doubt and helplessness are definitely relatable, which make the story that much more powerful.

Of course, this book is also a love-story, though there are definitely two love-stories at play; we have Sid’s relationship with Corey, and then Sid’s relationship with herself. Sid and Corey’s relationship simmers slowly and boils into something incredibly sweet. Corey is not at all what I expected and a thousand times better. He is so very real, the guy that every girl wants but forgets to give a chance. And he’s a baker! What more could you ask for? Oh, I know, a revelatory transformation on the part of our main character. Because, in essence, Sid learns to love herself, which turns out to be the most satisfying journey of the entire novel.

The only problem with What Happens Next is that the conclusion leaves the book feeling a bit unresolved. Not that I need or want some big, dramatic confrontation with Sid and her attacker — I much prefer the emotional poignancy of the confrontation between Sid and Corey, which is beautifully, believably done. I get that this story is all about characterization, which I love. The ending just doesn’t feel like a complete ending for me, though it’s clear that it is. But that’s the only reason I’m knocking off half a heart, rating-wise. Otherwise, What Happens Next is a beautiful and moving story of a traumatized girl overcoming the most awful of circumstances and finding her inner strength.(less)

7 likes · like · see review

May 07, 2013 Nina rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: ya-realistic, abuse-rape, 5-star, read-05-2013

I waited a lot to read this, since based on the first couple pages it seemed a quite happy and girly kind of read, despite the topic, and I'm not often in the mood for that. It has no logic, I know.
I should not have.

What makes this book a five star read for me: it is one of the best portrayals of the aftermath of rape I have ever read. It handles heavy topics, including but not exclusively rape, in a way that is serious, but not tragic or heavy-handed. These are hard things, but we get over them...more I waited a lot to read this, since based on the first couple pages it seemed a quite happy and girly kind of read, despite the topic, and I'm not often in the mood for that. It has no logic, I know.
I should not have.

What makes this book a five star read for me: it is one of the best portrayals of the aftermath of rape I have ever read. It handles heavy topics, including but not exclusively rape, in a way that is serious, but not tragic or heavy-handed. These are hard things, but we get over them; in my view, that was the point the author was trying to make.
Sid does not, as the blurb hints, completely delete the night of the rape from her memory; what happens is a much more complex, deep and lasting process and it allows us see how this kind of thing can affect people in ways that I myself would not have imagined.

On a lighter note, it was interesting, for once, to be in the head of the girl with big boobs... I know, I'm so superficial. But really, that's a serious thrill for me. [Yay for self-deprecation that is actually being a complaining bitch.]
Sid is a different girl - people, for real this time. She's not the petite athletic brunette or the swan-like blonde ballerina or the geek - she is a girl that is different because each of us is unique. She does not have any special abilities, she's not a genius and she's not the most beautiful girl on the planet without realizing it. She's curvaceous, a curly redhead and a smart girl, remarkably self aware and confident, despite having some issues with her appearance. During the book she grows and changes, and I felt like she was so real that I grew right along with her.

The writing is mostly the “unnoticeable” kind – the one that pulls you into the story so much that you don't even notice it anymore – but there are some beautiful turns of phrase and similes.
There is a relatively small cast of characters, but these are developed realistically and in depth, despite the fact that the story is narrated in first person by Sid.

Now for the sixth star: Corey Livingston. I literally have no words to describe the perfection. Let's take a dip in the cliché pond: Corey Livingston is perfect because he's imperfect. Wait, wait! Don't bitchslap me now. He's not imperfect in that he's had a hard life (well, that, too) or that his beautifully sculpted features and marble abs bear war scars; he's imperfect because he's been in jail for something he has actually done, because he has love handles “just waiting to happen”, because he's not the brightest bulb in the chandelier, because he lashes out when he's angry. But he's perfect because he's romantic, has long lashes, is a baker, listens, holds, forgives and is there for Sid – every single time she wants him, and even when she doesn't.
Um, turns out I did have words.

I have talked more about Corey than about the main topic of the book, but that's because I know that if I get started on that and on how much it affected me I probably won't stop writing until I fill a book all of my own.
Suffice to say that I loved this with all of my heart and I cannot wait to read more by Colleen Clayton, because she is a truly gifted storyteller and a deft hand at analysing emotions and their physical repercussions.

Now honestly, after such an accomplishment of a novel, who cares if the ending was a bit rushed? It still left me hopeful, raw and completely satisfied.(less)

6 likes · like · see review

May 10, 2012 Leona rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc, 2012-release, 2012-debut-authors

What Happens Next is an interesting look into the side of life that I have not come across in any books that I have read. It follows the story of Cassidy 'Sid' Murphy and how she deals with an event that happens to her early on in the book. It was interesting to see how she dealt with the events of the ski trip and how she creates a fairytale story of what happened. At points I felt like shouting at her to tell but then I realised that she is doing what so many people do and that is keeping it q...more

10 likes · like · see review

Dec 14, 2012 Kaylin Miura rated it 4 of 5 stars

“What Happens Next” by Coleen Clayton, may have been one of the better written novels I’ve read about trust and friendship and how these values can affect your life. This book talks about a sixteen - year old named Cassidy “Sid” Murphy whose life came crashing down after making a bad decision on a school ski trip.
On this ski trip, Sid met a friendly guy who invited her to his party one night. She didn’t know that this night would change her life forever.
“I look around, disoriented. I’m in someo...more

2 likes · like · see review

Feb 12, 2013 Chloe rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013-favorites, 2013, young-adult, icky-stuff

Yay my first favorite of the year!

Later I'll do a proper review but for now I'll say, it was beautiful and I loved it.

Edit:
Okay, I think I'm finally ready to sit down and write my review. To say I loved it might be a little bit of an understatement. Basically, I ran around for the last week telling anyone who so much as mentioned a book in my presence that they simply HAVE TO READ IT RIGHT NOW. That applies to anyone reading this review right now, DONT EVEN READ ANY FURTHER JUST GO OUT, PICK UP...more Yay my first favorite of the year!

Later I'll do a proper review but for now I'll say, it was beautiful and I loved it.

Edit:
Okay, I think I'm finally ready to sit down and write my review. To say I loved it might be a little bit of an understatement. Basically, I ran around for the last week telling anyone who so much as mentioned a book in my presence that they simply HAVE TO READ IT RIGHT NOW. That applies to anyone reading this review right now, DONT EVEN READ ANY FURTHER JUST GO OUT, PICK UP THIS BOOK, AND READ IT. RIGHT MEOW!
Now that that's out of my system let's talk about it's merits.

1) Sid is possibly one of the best "flawed" heroines I've read in a while. She isn't the type that's super beautiful but apparently is the only one who doesn't know it. She isn't extremely talented at something. She isn't super popular. She isn't wealthy. And that, rings a lot truer than many of your typical ya heroines.
1b) Sid is a redhead. I mean, I basically went through the whole book picturing her as Merida with an American accent and a Beyonce body. Whatevs.
2) All the other characters. Even the annoying popular girl who I would probably punch in the throat if I met her in real life.
3) Colleen Clayton's background as a social worker made this novel that deals with several very touchy subjects in a way that felt very, very real.
4) The romance. I'm not going to lie, it doesn't matter what a book's about the romance is my favorite part and Colleen did a magnificent job of writing a realistic, swoon inducing, NATURALLY DEVELOPING romance that had me going, "GOOD GOD WILL YOU TWO FIGURE IT OUT ALREADY?!" more than once.
4b) The fact that Corey didn't fix Sid. He helped Sid fix herself. I know, I know, you're sitting there going "Is there a difference?" You bet your bottom dollar there is. I don't think there's anything more annoying than a character who is "saved/fixed/whatever" by love. Thankfully that isn't the case here.
5) Now I have never been sexually assaulted, I can't even begin to fathom what a person who's been through a sexual assault feels like. But, I have felt ostracized and bullied and ugly because of my appearance. I have felt like "maybe if I was thinner", "maybe if I showed less cleavage" and so I really really related to a lot of the self image issues Sid suffers with after her encounter with Dax.

Basically, I just can't say enough good things about this book. It was poignant and heartbreaking. It made me laugh out loud and I'm not ashamed to say I cried... twice.
This is a book I will recommend to everyone and anyone.
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Nov 02, 2012 Courtney rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: flipping-amazing-reads, for-kayla, mackenzie, score

Oh. My. God.I loved this book. Definitely will be re-reading.

I have a few key points to touch on in this review.

1. Corey!
Okay so i am seriously in love with this kid. He is just so real! I mean Colleen captured his personality perfectly. He could easily jump right out of the page and be a real guy. He has his secrets, his faults, and his layers(of clothes and armor.) But once you get under those layers you see his love for Sid, his hesitance in anything referring to his mom, his kindness, and hi...more

1 like · like · see review

Nov 13, 2012 Natalie rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites, swoon-worthy-boys, reviewed

This review was originally posted on my blog, Natalie Reads Books.

It's not often that you come across a book that handles a subject like rape so well, but that is exactly what Colleen Clayton does with What Happens Next. She takes our main character, Sid, through this awful experience, and then she doesn't gloss it over, or make it easy. She makes Sid deal with it. As a result, we as readers get a beautiful novel about a girl who has suffered a tragedy and now has to figure out a simple question...more This review was originally posted on my blog, Natalie Reads Books.

It's not often that you come across a book that handles a subject like rape so well, but that is exactly what Colleen Clayton does with What Happens Next. She takes our main character, Sid, through this awful experience, and then she doesn't gloss it over, or make it easy. She makes Sid deal with it. As a result, we as readers get a beautiful novel about a girl who has suffered a tragedy and now has to figure out a simple question: what happens next?

Sid's journey felt very real to me. As someone on the outside, it was frustrating that she didn't just tell her mom in the beginning, but it also felt exactly right. I feel like that happens a lot in cases of sexual assault or rape--women feel embarrassed, like it's because of something they did or said that this happened to them--and I was glad that Clayton was willing to go there. It also fit with the small glimpse of Sid's character that we get in the beginning. She clearly is not comfortable with herself or her looks. She makes comments about being curvy and being stuck at the bottom of the pyramid in cheerleading, and compares herself unfavorably to her friends, who are smaller and more petite than she is. As sad as it is that Sid views herself this way, it's not uncommon, and so it makes sense that someone like Sid wouldn't come forward and tell what happened to her right away, because her skewed vision of herself makes her think that in some way she is to blame. It also makes sense that her fear and self-loathing would translate in the way they did with her attempts to control her weight.

I could talk about the eating disorder more, but for me the star of this book was the relationship that Sid develops with Corey. I'm pretty picky about relationships in fiction. I hate instalove. In almost all circumstances, I think the love triangle is stupid and unnecessary. And it drives me crazy when characters have this big, dramatic kissing/get together scene, only to break up a few chapters later so that the reunion in the end is that much more sweet. So, as you can imagine, I was delighted to find that in this book, not only do we get a nice get to know you period before anything happens with Sid and Corey, we also get a real relationship, consisting of actual dates and dating. Are there fights? Yes. But do they break up? No.

Sorry if that's a spoiler; I don't care. Because it is just so refreshing to see a relationship that is free of unnecessary drama and instead has the normal kinds, especially in a book that deals with such a sensitive issue up front. We actually get to see Sid and Corey being together, dealing with the things that come up when you're a teenager: college plans, the sex talk, merging groups of friends. And Corey doesn't fail to notice when things are going on with Sid, and, gasp, he actually encourages her to talk about them. They have a real relationship, and because of this their relationship doesn't overshadow Sid's problems. Does Corey help Sid see how she is wrong about herself? Yes. But does he swoop in on his white horse and save the day? No. And I can't tell you how happy that makes me.

Does this book have flaws? Sure. I would've liked to see a little more of the ending. Sid's reunion with her friends halfway through didn't quite cut it for me--I wanted her to stay mad longer. There are other, small things I'm sure, but I can't remember them now. But overall? Clayton handles a sensitive topic well and with dignity. She gives us a relationship that is real and normal and very sweet. The cast of supporting characters is fun and engaging. This book is wonderful, and I am so glad that I read it.(less)

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Oct 15, 2012 Liana rated it 5 of 5 stars

I thought this was a beautiful book. Sid is a character who really stuck with me. She had a great voice and an even greater struggle. This book could have been a cliche but I thought it rose above the expected because how Sid struggled every step of the way even when things should have been easy. She's a cheerleader, but she's not like the other ones. She wants to hang out with her best friends but she doesn't know how to ski. She's longed for a boy to love her but no one has ever looked at her...more

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May 21, 2013 Tala rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: best-book-boyfriends, 5-stars, contemporary, heavy-romance, favourites, rape-abuse-bullying-etc

i read this book a really long time ago (probably in 2012) and only thought to review it now, so i will.

this book is one of my faves ever. it's really nice, because it's different from other teen fiction novels that have rape in them.

and it also deals with the aftermath and the emotional and physical pain she goes through everyday because of the consequences of what she let dax do.

it was a truly heartbreaking novel to read, and it dealt with so many issues. and even though the book started out w...more

1 like · like · see review

Jul 29, 2012 Kayla Eklund rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc, reviews-completed

What Happens Next was an earth-shattering book. The emotions in it were very raw. I cried several times while reading the book. What happens to Sid is always a tough topic to deal with. I think the author did a fantastic job conveying the emotion of what a victim goes through. The whole book had me captivated from the beginning to end. There wasn't a boring moment. The ending of the book was great. I was sad when it ended. I wanted to know more about the characters and what happens in the future...more

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Mar 18, 2012 Hollie rated it 5 of 5 stars

When I react to a character by speaking to her (yes, out loud and in my head), I know I've found a book with power and soul. Colleen Clayton brings to life Sid Murphy - a fighter you champion as she deals with this generation's timely issues - but takes you back to your own if you are of another. With a strength you admire (and a music playlist that truly rocks!), meet Sid Murphy. What Happens Next? That's a question I have for the author...when a debut novel packs this much authority, I can't w...more

8 likes · like · see review

Mar 16, 2013 Renae M. rated it 1 of 5 stars

Recommended to Renae by: Tabitha

Shelves: read-in-2013, contemporary-or-realistic-fiction, debut-2012, published-2012, viewers-choice

I am honestly upset by this book. Before reading, I heard good things. The blurb caught my attention and I added it to my wishlist. I did my homework on the author and read a lot of reviews. When I started reading, I thought there was no way I could possibly dislike What Happens Next—this book was mine. It was written for me. My name was all over it.

But I did not like this book. In fact, I’m kind of mad about it. Colleen Clayton tried too hard in this, didn’t portray rape or eating disorders acc...more

1 like · like · see review

Oct 09, 2012 Heather rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: october-2012, arc-tour

Read all my reviews at http://www.flyleafreview.com

4.5/5 Stars

Guys, I am not ashamed to admit that I like "issue" books. I know that many readers don't particularly care for them, I think many worry it will be just too much: too heavy, too depressing, too preachy. And I'm sure there are books out there fall under that category. What Happens Next does deal with some very dark, heavy issues. But it never felt once felt preachy, in fact, What Happens Next, really opened my eyes to the many differen...more

4 likes · like · see review

Nov 02, 2012 Jen (The Starry-Eyed Revue) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, 2012-dac, contemporary-ya, arc-tours, tough-subject

What Happens Next is a poignant, raw, and intensely heartbreaking story. And sososo brutally honest, yet it still manages to bring the lulz and even coerced a smile out of me a time or two (or ten). I remember reading that synopsis for the first time and thinking to myself, This is going to be a sad book. But I am going to give it a chance because I just have this feeling that it's going to surprise me. And youknow what? It did...it really, really did.

I've never been in Sid's situation; I've nev...more

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Oct 12, 2012 Natalia Belikov rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, young-adult, received-won

Read more of my reviews at Dazzling Reads

I love reading contemporary novels because they are a window to different realities. In this case, What Happens Next tells the story of Sid, a girl who is drugged and raped during the school's ski trip. Yet, she can barely remember a guy with caramel eyes and then... nothing, nothing but the knowledge that those caramel eyes took something from her on that horrible night.

What Happens Next is a novel about a very shocking subject, rape. But even though i...more
Read more of my reviews at Dazzling Reads

I love reading contemporary novels because they are a window to different realities. In this case, What Happens Next tells the story of Sid, a girl who is drugged and raped during the school's ski trip. Yet, she can barely remember a guy with caramel eyes and then... nothing, nothing but the knowledge that those caramel eyes took something from her on that horrible night.

What Happens Next is a novel about a very shocking subject, rape. But even though is a book about rape, it never felt uncomfortable to read. Miss Clayton, with delicacy and respect, referred to this subject in a way that is appropriate for young readers. In addition, I think Miss Clayton portrayed Sid in a very convincing and realistic way. At the same time, I can't even fathom that something like what happened to Sid does happen to people in real life. The way Sid deals with this terrible event is easy to understand but very hard to accept. I understand her denial and her confused feelings to the point that I wished to be there to help her myself. Her struggles, denial and confusion felt like letting yourself drown knowing that there is a life vest right in font of you, yet still beyond your reach. Furthermore, What Happens Next makes you see below the surface of a bullied, shy girl. It opens your eyes to the countless of reasons there may be for someone to go through such radical change in less than a year, whether it is in a physical or psychological way.

In what concerns the characters, I think they were perfect! Their relationship was slowly built, increasing my excitement for the so awaited declaration of love. Sid and Corey are multi-layered characters and hard to figure out. I think their complexity portrays them very well as teenagers that deal with unfortunate and terrible life circumstances. At times, I could relate to Sid and Corey, but sometimes their life seemed very alien to me yet so understandable. Miss Clayton shaped these complex characters with knowledge, respect and empathy, and there is nothing more rewarding after reading a novel than to realize that the characters were carefully created with a big, big amount of love.

I said that I love contemporary novels because they open our eyes to different realities and even though most of them are works of fiction, they reflect the world we live in with its brightest and darkest sides. What Happens Next delivers one of those dark sides that we will never want to see ourselves into it. But it delivers it with brightness, and after reading this book, you will actually feel good to have done so. Highly recommended!(less)

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Sep 27, 2012 Keertana rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc-galley-and-first-reads, debut-author-2012

What Happens Next is one of those novels that, quite honestly, you feel guilty for saying anything bad about. It’s powerful, it’s moving, it’s thought-provoking…but it also has its flaws. While this wasn’t my favorite novel that tackled on the tough topic of rape – that honor is reserved for Kirsty Eagar’s Raw Blue, - it was a story which surprised me by its unique expression of this scarring event. If anything, I am left in gaping awe of Colleen Clayton’s talent for capturing the human soul wit...more

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Oct 11, 2012 Isamlq rated it 3 of 5 stars

I just want to say that Corey Livingston has won my heart. But to the book, despite my complaints (and I did have some,) this one has won me over. The unexpected consequences of unplanned actions pushed forward by her wanting something else puts holes in her memory. And while she can’t remember, oddly enough she can’t forget either. So we watch her life spiral beyond what she’s familiar with: from one of a trio, college bound and comfortable with who she is, Sid morphs into this haunted girl who...more I just want to say that Corey Livingston has won my heart. But to the book, despite my complaints (and I did have some,) this one has won me over. The unexpected consequences of unplanned actions pushed forward by her wanting something else puts holes in her memory. And while she can’t remember, oddly enough she can’t forget either. So we watch her life spiral beyond what she’s familiar with: from one of a trio, college bound and comfortable with who she is, Sid morphs into this haunted girl who sees herself in a different light.

There are a lot of threads to follow, starting with her insecurity over her body… it’s always been there for her, except this insecurity moves towards something else altogether after. Then add this, memories not dealt with, and later on an isolation that she doesn’t choose so one might think WHAT HAPPENS NEXT has the makings of a too-heavy a read, it does and it doesn’t, because while those things are happening, there were also some positives too.

To start she’s a girl who knows who her family is and how they work; they’re a unit. A moment in it has her choosing to tell or not to, “Horror or anger- the choice is mine.” Needless to say, the choice she made after everything else that had happened had me paying even more attention to her. Then there’s the boy who smelled of cinnamon and soap. I love that he’s described like Shaggy because it put him in a different category of cute altogether. But not just cute, I enjoyed the little mysterious thing he had going fro him. His reputation is not quite stellar but as stories like these go one ought not ever judge someone on others say so… because he proved time and again that he is so much more. His is an aspect you now where things were headed, but I appreciated it nonetheless… because theirs were sweet moments.

I could say that WHAT HAPPENS NEXT runs along typically enough:

~Girl meets trouble.
~Girl withdraws.
~Girl makes newfound companion(s) coupled with then burning of bridges (sort of)
~And the girl opens herself to other things
(…both the good and the bad).

Except this one’s got heart… and as said it’s won me over.

3.5/5
(less)

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Oct 17, 2012 Linda rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc, reviewed

I was given this book by the author in exchange for my honest review. This book is about Cassidy "Sid" Murphy and dealing with a life changing event that happens,on a ski trip with her school, quite early in this book. In trying to keep what that night to herself she loses her two best friends and decides to switch out of one of her classes, that's where she meets Core.

There were times when reading this that I wanted to jump into the book and shake/yell at Sid, to make her realize what she was...more

1 like · like · see review

Dec 11, 2012 Jesselle rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book is amazing. It's very realistic and moving. The author captured the main character's emotions very well. Sid's voice is very strong and that was what drew me into the story. With every turn of the page, I got to know Sid better--her struggles, her pains, her weaknesses, and her strengths. The story's well-paced and I never got bored while reading it. What I got from reading What Happens Next is the realization that love is the best weapon in conquering life's battles. And that love com...more

1 like · like · see review

Oct 19, 2012 Farah rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: can-t-get-you-off-my-mind, swoon-worthy-male-characters, disturb-me-and-die, ninjas-punching-my-tear-ducts, i-am-in-love, oh-das-deep, debut-by-author

When I began to read this book, I never imagined that it would mean so much to me. But it did.
It was a journey, it was amazing. Not what happened in the book, but the book as a whole.
It also transformed my eyes into a waterfall.
(EDIT)
This was a debut novel by Colleen Clayton?!
I am SO looking forward to reading her other books when they come out!

1 like · like · see review

Oct 25, 2012 Chrystle rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: emotional-read, blew-me-away-awesome, unputdownable, ya-romance

Rocked my world. There are tears streaming down my face right now. Review to come.

1 like · like · see review

Nov 18, 2012 Emma rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favourites-2012

Unexpectedly brilliant!

1 like · like · see review

Feb 21, 2013 Cindy Hudson rated it 5 of 5 stars

Sid feels like a freak among her fellow high school students. She’s tall, she has red hair that refuses to be tamed, and she’s got a large bust and a bubble butt that bring her attention she doesn’t want. So when she meets a guy who seems really into her as a person while on a school ski trip, she ignores her usual good sense and sneaks out to a party he’s invited her to. Turns out Sid’s the only one there, and when she wakes up the next morning in the guy’s bed, she can’t remember what happened...more Sid feels like a freak among her fellow high school students. She’s tall, she has red hair that refuses to be tamed, and she’s got a large bust and a bubble butt that bring her attention she doesn’t want. So when she meets a guy who seems really into her as a person while on a school ski trip, she ignores her usual good sense and sneaks out to a party he’s invited her to. Turns out Sid’s the only one there, and when she wakes up the next morning in the guy’s bed, she can’t remember what happened the night before.

Afraid to tell anyway that she thinks she was raped, Sid blames herself. To push past the pain, she decides to lose weight and get rid of the parts of her that stick out. But she finds out that exercising to the extreme, and bingeing and then purging on food won’t help her forget what happened that night.

What Happens Next by Colleen Clayton is a painful look at how teens can blame themselves for bad things that happen in their lives and the negative consequences that blame brings. Sid’s been teased about her looks for years, so she was particularly vulnerable to a sexual predator who showed her positive attention.

Also, like a lot of girls she doesn’t want to cause trouble for her friends or her mom, so she doesn’t speak up about what happened to her. Instead she withdraws into her own world where she believes she has control. She knows the bingeing and purging is bad for her, but she feels powerless to stop it. It’s not until she learns to trust a boy in her school who is also an outcast and experiences a normal relationship that she begins to slowly build up to where she can trust again.

Mother-daughter book clubs with girls aged 14 and up will find a lot to discuss in What Happens Next. They can talk about how girls can keep themselves safe when going to parties or meeting new people that they don’t know anything about. They can talk about the concerns that keep girls from telling others when bad things happen to them and how those concerns may be addressed. They can also talk about how parents may be able to help when they notice something is different about their teens. I highly recommend it.

The publisher provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion in this review.
(less)

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May 05, 2013 Karlee rated it 4 of 5 stars

This books is a real page turner, it may also have you yelling at the main character thinking she'd hear you and do as you have said. Colleen Clayton takes on a serious subject matter in a very real, emotional way. As I was reading I couldn't help but remember the DeGrassi: The Next Generation episode when Paige got raped and didn't do anything about it until someone shook it out of her. While Cassidy doesn't really spiral out of control like Paige does, she distances herself from her friends an...more

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About Colleen Clayton

MFA from the Northeast Ohio Consortium. Before I became a writer, I was a social worker for teens in a residential treatment center and also Program Director for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mahoning Valley. When I am not writing or teaching at Youngstown State University, I am spending time with my wonderful husband, daughter, and son. My debut WHAT HAPPENS NEXT will be out in October 2012 through...more

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Quotes from What Happens Next

“You're beautiful, Sid,' he says, pushing my hair out of my face. 'And I never said it at first because it seemed so obvious to me, so easy. I didn't say it because I never wanted you to think the things I say to you are just things. Empty compliments to get in your pants. I wanted the things I say to you to be extraordinary, because that's what you are to me. Extraordinary. And I'm so sorry I didn't say it sooner, because I think you need to hear it. You were beautiful a year ago and you're beautiful now.” — 19 people liked it

“Then I look over at Corey, who is watching me with a tenderness that makes me want to crawl inside his heart, pitch a tent, and set up camp forever.” — 18 people liked it

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