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What Happens Next

Colleen Clayton (Goodreads Author)

3.97 · Rating details · 5,654 ratings · 657 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

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Hardcover, 310 pages

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

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Stand Alone Must Reads of 2012

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2012 Debut Authors (Young Adult & Middle Grade)

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3.97 ·

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· 5,654 ratings · 657 reviews

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Sep 28, 2012 Giselle rated it it was amazing

Shelves: arc, own

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 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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Dec 08, 2011 Colleen Clayton rated it it was amazing · (Review from the author) · review of another edition

I thought it was pretty terrific. Then again, I could be biased.

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Oct 12, 2012 Tough Critic Book Reviews rated it really liked it

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

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Aug 23, 2012 ♥Rachel♥ rated it it was amazing

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 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 mountain of hot guys and fun times with her two best friends, Kristen and Paige. When a dreamy older guy, Dax Windsor meets her in a ski lift line and glues himself to her for the rest of the day, she can hardly believe it. She’s a cheerleader, but the one always at the bottom of the pyramid. She’s curvier and stands out with curly red hair, not the typical girl guys dream about, in her opinion. He charms Sid into meeting him at a party and she sneaks out and goes alone. Unfortunately, for Sid, this is no party, it’s a nightmare she can’t remember the next day. Sneaking out on a school trip gets Sid in trouble along with her friends; her for doing it, and her friends for knowing and not telling. Her friends are beyond angry and their friendship takes a nosedive.

So Sid returns home with this awful thing hanging over her that she just wants to forget, and without her friends to confide in. Soon she’s is hanging out with the school “stoner” Corey, who’s in her A/V elective, and shoving away her former life and everything in it.

My heart went out to Sid. She paid dearly for the simple mistake of trusting the wrong person, and she paid dearly with the blame/shame game. She blames herself for being stupid and feels maybe she deserved what happened because of that. I’m so angry that there are really guys out there like Dax, who take advantage of girls with low self-esteem, and use it to further destroy them. Sid struggles with keeping this in, and what is does to her mentally and physically. I really connected with Sid, and even though I was frustrated by her not telling anyone, I can understand where she was coming from. I could easily put myself in her shoes.

There is a wonderful cast of secondary characters and first and foremost in my book is Corey. He is not what Sid expected at all. I think this is why she was able to get close to him in the first place, because there were no expectations. Corey was an all-around nice guy, no assumptions, no pushiness. He was not perfect, but he ended up perfect for her. Her best friends, Kristen and Paige were far from perfect, and the way they treated Sid in the beginning bugged me, but like with any long-time friends, you don’t always make the right decisions in the way you handle each other. Sid didn’t make things easy either.

I thought this was an amazing debut novel! I really enjoyed this heartfelt story, and would recommend it to fans of Hannah Harrington of Saving June and Speechless, and fans of Sarah Dessen. It had a really similar feel.

Favorite Scene/Quote:

“I have wanted to do that for so, so long.”
I cannot speak. I can only nod yes and hope he knows what I mean. He kisses me more….

“…for months and months…”
“…when you sprayed me with Dr. Pepper…”
“…at the bakery when you were holding that corned beef…”
“…and every single time I see you…”

I lean against the house and hold on to his wrists so I don’t dissolve into a puddle. And I kiss him back. Over and over, I kiss him back.

A copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!

You can find this review and more at The Readers Den. ...more

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Oct 22, 2012 Andrea rated it it was amazing

Shelves: contemporary-young-adult, read-in-2012

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 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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Sep 17, 2013 Ksenia rated it it was amazing

Shelves: young-adult, 2014, books-that-linger, contemporary, emotional-books, favorites, made-me-cry, sexual-abuse, awesome-hero, my-true-book-love

It’s really difficult for me to write a proper review on a book I’ve loved so much. I found myself at a loss for the words, drowning among emotions and thoughts. Though I'm sure I can’t do this amazing book any justice, I’ll try to write my thoughts.

What Happens Next is one of those books that lingers long after you turned the last page. I’ve read several books about rape, but it’s the first one dealing with date rape drugs. Sid couldn’t remember what happened that night. She remembers school sk It’s really difficult for me to write a proper review on a book I’ve loved so much. I found myself at a loss for the words, drowning among emotions and thoughts. Though I'm sure I can’t do this amazing book any justice, I’ll try to write my thoughts.

What Happens Next is one of those books that lingers long after you turned the last page. I’ve read several books about rape, but it’s the first one dealing with date rape drugs. Sid couldn’t remember what happened that night. She remembers school ski-trip, how she met Dax Windsor and spent an entire day with him. He is older, handsome and seems to like Sid. She remembers him inviting her to the party and how she sneaked out to go there. But when she went to his house there is no party, just him. She remembers him inviting into the house. But after – nothing. And in some ways it is worse than remember.

Back at home Sid tries to cope with what happened with her. There is her eating disorder; her obsessive running and her insomnia, how she feels uncomfortable in her body and fears men’s attention. Sid pushes away her friends, she can’t confide in her mother, she is surrounded by school rumors about her rebellious sexy ski-trip and she is completely alone. Then she is paired with the school “stoner” Corey and slowly they form an unlikely friendship.

Romance is slow-build and very sweet. I also appreciate that Corey wasn’t the main reason that Sid was able to move on. He supported her, as well as her family and friends helped her, but in the end it was Sid herself who find her strength.

Corey is a wonderful love interest. Among all those jerks in YA he really stands out. Corey is such a nice guy, he is caring, kind. He is not perfect and he has his own family problems, but he is there for Sid, supporting, not pushing her if she is not ready.

There are also great second characters in this book: Sid’s best friends Kristen and Paige, her mother and little brother. They all are so real and I like how close she was to these people.

What Happens Next is a heartbreaking and powerful book. Though it deals with such tough topic as rape at a core What Happens Next is a very moving and filled with hope story. It’s not one of those gut-wrenching, painful and filled with raw emotions books. Yes, I cried; yes, I felt for Sid; it was like I went through her dealing with the rape with her; but at the end this book wasn’t about desperation, it was about moving on. All in all I think it’s my favorite book that deals with the rape. I highly recommend it.

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Jun 13, 2012 Keertana rated it really liked it

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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Sep 29, 2012 caren rated it liked it

Shelves: galley-arc, netgalley

It's been two days, and I'm still angry. For all the build up, why couldn't the entire book have been like the last five or so chapters? I felt like the resolution wasn't nearly enough for all the work Clayton put into building it. I have far, far too many questions.

Did Sid go get help for her eating disorder?
Did doucheface Dax/Tom Rapity-dude go to jail?
Did Corey get into the culinary institute?
Did they move to New York together?

Come on, Colleen, I NEED TO KNOW THESE THINGS! You can't give me ...more

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Jul 25, 2014 Laura rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorite-reads-of-2014

”I don’t know what to do with it, this lack of peace, this need to know. I want it to go away but it won’t.”

Body and soul go hand in hand. When we fall in love, our bodies glow and souls soar. When we hurt—when someone hurts us—our bodies and soul cry out in distress. As much as we would like to tuck the pain and anger away and ignore it--somehow, someway our bodies will not allow that. The truth always comes slamming back into full-color reality when you least expect it. Our hearts and minds re
”I don’t know what to do with it, this lack of peace, this need to know. I want it to go away but it won’t.”

Body and soul go hand in hand. When we fall in love, our bodies glow and souls soar. When we hurt—when someone hurts us—our bodies and soul cry out in distress. As much as we would like to tuck the pain and anger away and ignore it--somehow, someway our bodies will not allow that. The truth always comes slamming back into full-color reality when you least expect it. Our hearts and minds remind us again & again that pain cannot be ignored. We need support and help. We need to talk and heal.

Colleen Clayton’s What Happens Next tells one girl’s story--Sid Murphy’s story and struggle with self-respect, control, and anger after being raped. This book deals with the aftermath of rape. I’ve never come across a more realistic portrayal of a young woman trying so hard to face the terror, shame and ugliness of rape on her own before. A rape she cannot remember. Cannot talk about. But will never forget.

Right out of the gate here, I have to say how much I love Sid. She is sassy, strong, ballsy, and beautiful! Every move she made from the heartbreaking unfortunate decisions to the heart happy ones felt so real to me. After the night she was drugged and raped, Sid’s shock turns to silence. How do you say something so unbelievably horrible out loud for the first time? How do you find the words? Especially when you can’t remember it? Sid takes her anger and fear out on herself. Her self-image, friends, and life at school and home all change so fast. The dangers and pressure Sid puts on her body and mind build and build. She tries taking control by running until it hurts or goes numb. Starving, binging, and purging become weapons in her fight to change her body. To change what HE saw and took and touched. How Sid saw her body, talked about her body broke my heart. But what happens when she can no longer recognize herself? Can Sid move on without losing herself completely?

“You know I'd give you everything I've got
For a little peace of mind”
---I’m So Tired by The Beatles

Sid does find some comfort and peace with her music (John, Paul, George, & Ringo!) and family. Liam, her little brother, is a ray of light and innocence. Pure cuteness and joy! Peace also pops up in one of the most unexpected places. The AV room with one of the biggest stoners in school. Meet Corey Livingston! A tall, solid wall of sweetness that arrives in Sid’s life just when she needed a friend. Corey and Sid’s slow building friendship hits the page with hilarious jabs, silences, and yummy surprises. Their connection felt so perfect and real. The way Sid and Corey share themselves and help each other will touch your heart. Btw…I blame Corey for my cookie cravings doubling in size since reading this book. Pizzelles and Greek wedding cookies are all I want now! Corey may be known as a “stoner”, but he’s so many other wonderful things on top of that. Both Sid and Corey show readers that we are so much more than the boxes people put us in. I adore this sweet, powdered sugar dusted boy and wish on every star above that there is a real Corey Livingston out there for a girl to swoop up and love.

Ms. Clayton excels at capturing the banter, attitude, and twists and turns in a conversation. I loved how Sid and Corey took their time to trust and open up. It was fun and awkward and romantic. Corey’s voice was perfect—such a guy! He slurped soda off the table, called Sid by her last name, and had no idea what to say at times. Haha…I loved him! You will feel how much he cares though. It was beautiful to see. To see and feel such tenderness and trust after experiencing such ugliness must have given Sid peace. I know it touched and healed my heart.

A powerful read. One not to be missed.

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Feb 25, 2012 Huntley Fitzpatrick rated it it was amazing

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT is an amazing story. You immediately connect with the narrator, Sid. What happens to her is heartbreaking, real and beautifully conveyed in slow pieces by the author. Sid has a heart of steel, a great family, and a terrible piece of history to get beyond. The way she does it, and her connection to her friends and her boyfriend, will leave you in tears. A great book.

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Mar 08, 2012 Leona rated it it was amazing

Shelves: arc, 2012-release, 2012-debut-authors, made-me-cry

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

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Aug 15, 2012 Jen (The Starry-Eyed Revue) rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2012, contemporary, 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 you know what? It did...it really, really did.

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

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Apr 11, 2012 Nina rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: ya-realistic, abuse-rape-torture, 5-star, read-in-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 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. ...more

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Jan 10, 2012 Zemira (Kylo Ren fangirl) Warner rated it really liked it

Shelves: contemporary

What Happens Next has been on my wishlist since January 2012. I knew I would enjoy the heck of it. And I knew I was right. I'm just not sure why I didn't read it the moment it was released.

I've mentioned this a couple of times- YA contemporary is my favorite genre. I never get tired of reading about real life situations and how different people deal with them. What Happens Next deals with two very hard to talk about topics-rape and bulimia.

A guy rapes Sid on her skiing trip she went with her f ...more

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Mar 18, 2012 Hollie rated it it was amazing

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

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Jan 14, 2018 Tandie rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: contemporary, difficult-subjects, young-adult, x-jen-says, trauma, book-boyfriends, school-daze, romance-clean, favorites, good-feels

This book. I had all the feels.
Sid was so real, it hurt. Especially how she tried to tell herself a different story and the struggle she went through with her body and control. I totally got why she didn't tell anyone, she didn't want it to be real.

Corey was the sweetest boy I've read in a while. I want him to be real! You'll swoon over him too. Great family relationships and friendships. For a book about the aftermath of rape, it sure has a lot of good feels. Highly recommended.

This was a clean ...more

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Oct 25, 2011 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 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. ...more

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Aug 14, 2012 Maida»-(¯`v´¯)-» rated it it was amazing

Shelves: book-boyfriends, books-of-2015, contemporary-romance, fave-books-of-2015, favorites, my-heart-and-soul, paperback-or-hb-i-own, romance-and-life, young-adult

RATING: 4.75 EMOTIONAL & BEAUTIFUL HEARTS

No status updates...no nothing. I read this in one sitting and finished it at 4:25 am today. It was just that good. Heartfelt, emotional, beautifully written, fantastic character development and above all realistic. That is a killer combination for any book. I simply loved this.

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Jun 08, 2016 Zainab rated it it was amazing

Shelves: all-time-favourites, cute-ya

Reread for the gazillionth time.
No matter how many YA novels I read I always come back to this one. It's just so real and the story is just so beautiful that I'm always emotional by the time I get to the ending no matter how many times I read this.

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Oct 21, 2012 Emily (Obsessed Reader) rated it it was amazing

Shelves: mental-health-books

4.5 stars

I felt so connected to the characters, and in sad now that I have to live without them. Video review coming on my channel soon!

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Oct 14, 2012 YA Reads Book Reviews rated it really liked it

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 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. ...more

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May 22, 2012 Andi (Andi's ABCs) rated it it was amazing

Shelves: own, favorites, would-recommend, amazon-review, rereads

Confession time: When I read the description of What Happens Next my mind never connected the situation Sid got into on the ski trip with sexual assault. Honestly my mind went to some weird mystical thing because of the missing lock of hair. I have no idea why, but it did. And man was I wrong. There is nothing mystical about it. What Happens Next is real, very very real.

Like every girl at 16, Sid Murphy is anything but comfortable in her own skin. With an above average chest and curves she could Confession time: When I read the description of What Happens Next my mind never connected the situation Sid got into on the ski trip with sexual assault. Honestly my mind went to some weird mystical thing because of the missing lock of hair. I have no idea why, but it did. And man was I wrong. There is nothing mystical about it. What Happens Next is real, very very real.

Like every girl at 16, Sid Murphy is anything but comfortable in her own skin. With an above average chest and curves she could do without, she has spent her whole life getting negative attention from men and boys. The first thing they ever seems to notice is her chest or derriere and after they do there is always some snide comment that follows. She has gotten used to it. Hates it, but used to it. So when on a school sponsored ski trip a charming college guy seems to like her for more then her body and invites her to a party, she is sold. Going against her friends advice Sid goes alone to meet Dax. From that moment on everything is different. Sid doesn’t remember what happened that night exactly, but she knows it wasn’t good and she is now no longer the same girl she was before. Now instead of cheerleading and hanging out with her friends Sid runs and hangs in the AV room with Corey Livingston, the resident pot head. All she wants to do is get of her own head and running and being with Corey lets her do just that. And as their friendship blossoms Sid begins to spiral out of control with only Corey to keep her together. She wants to talk but she can’t. The past is just too big and she scared it will swallow her whole.

The thing I liked most about this story besides the AMAZING Corey Livingston(he’s my new book boyfriend and I’ll gush about him in a bit) was the relatablity of Sid. I have luckily never been in a situation like Sid was in, but I could understand why she made all the choices she made including going to that party alone. Did I agree with them, definitely no, but I got the motivation behind it. After years of ‘negative’ attention Sid felt special from the complements Dax gave her. She was naïve and just wanted to feel pretty for something other then her body. And I also completely understood where she was coming from when she started to run and not take care of herself properly. She lost a part of herself that night in the mountains and was desperate to have some semblance of control over her life. Running gave her that control and so did deciding what to eat and not eat and when to eat and not eat. And she was obsessed with her body image. In her head all boys saw was boobs and butt and by binge dieting and running she was able to change her appearance and make herself less noticeable and less likely to end up a victim ever again. It kind of broke my heart how low she got on herself and how easily she was able to hide it. Her self-esteem was horrible and I honestly think Corey was the only one that noticed.

Corey, Corey, Corey! I am completely head over heels in love with Corey Livingston. I can honestly say there was not one thing I didn’t like about him. He wasn’t what he appeared to be from the surface. There was something deeper to him. He was labeled and judged and yet he didn’t let it get him down. His relationship/friendship with Sid was beautifully written. The way he talked to her and treated her was amazing and he didn’t even know what happened on the ski trip. He was kind and loving and exactly what Sid needed at a really hard time in her life. Have I mentioned that I’m in love with him?! HA.

Really What Happens Next is an amazing story about a girl that made a bad choice that leads to her life spiraling out of control while she tries to maintain in control. It’s true and honest and heartfelt and heart breaking all at the same time. Clayton gives you a real look at a hard subject but does it way that isn’t depressing but hopefully. By far, hands down, one of the best books I have read ever and I can’t wait for more from this amazing author. Run don’t walk to the nearest book store and pick up this one ASAP. I can almost guarantee you won’t be disappointed. ...more

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Jan 16, 2016 Cassandra (Thebookishcrypt) rated it it was amazing

Shelves: over-5-stars

*TRIGGER WARNING: ABUSE*

Oh, man. This is the first book I have read from Colleen and I know that it will NOT be my last. This woman completely caught me by surprise. I definite punch to my face. This book gripped my heart so hard, I felt myself suffocating as I read. It hit so close to home that I considered not finishing it. But, I powered through and I now have a favorite book because of it.
This book follows a 16 year old girl, Sid. Her pain was palpable through the pages and it rattled me to *TRIGGER WARNING: ABUSE*

Oh, man. This is the first book I have read from Colleen and I know that it will NOT be my last. This woman completely caught me by surprise. I definite punch to my face. This book gripped my heart so hard, I felt myself suffocating as I read. It hit so close to home that I considered not finishing it. But, I powered through and I now have a favorite book because of it.
This book follows a 16 year old girl, Sid. Her pain was palpable through the pages and it rattled me to my core. She has some of the BEST people anybody could have in their life and it broke my heart to see it when she couldn't. She goes through things nobody should ever even come close to experiencing and the way she deals with the situations are incredibly realistic. I found myself struggling alongside with her and sometimes I was pissed at her. I wasn't proud of some of the things she did but that's what made her so incredibly human. But other than those bumps in the road, she is a strong character and it was obvious from the way she carried herself. She wasn't difficult to relate to at all.
The way that Colleen wrote this story was unbelievable. I found myself completely forgetting it was a novel. The words hit me like I were being attacked and I felt like Sid herself was writing me a letter. I could hear her voice as if she were right next to me. It felt as if she was my best friend who was confiding something to me that she couldn't do in person. Sid struggles with self-image and it was difficult to see her not loving herself when I could see what an amazing person she really is.
I was also introduced to a new favorite character: COREY!!!! That guys is absolutely hilarious, I couldn't stop laughing whenever he came up. My first impression of him was amazing and one of the best I've stumble upon!! It's safe to say it was love at first sight. He was a crucial part to the story and I am so glad he was apart of it. His actions and words (Oh, lord his words!!) and his overall personality were my ultimate addiction. He made me cry from happiness and from pain. Only bad thing I have to say about him is that my expectations in guys are now even more high.
I was so invested in their relationship that whenever it wasn't all flowers and rainbows, I was sobbing. I wanted the best for them but sometimes bad things happen and I had to deal with it.
This book brought out so many emotions from me, it was ridiculous. I cried, I laughed, I was scared, I was giddy and I was heart-broken. I was completely shut off from real life and read this in one sitting. I don't think I have ever laughed as hard I laughed over this book. (In the appropriate moments, of course.) I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop throughout it all and when it did, I couldn't stop sobbing my eyes out. This book was brutal. It broke my heart and I definitely needed a fluffy read right after. ...more

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Oct 14, 2013 haley rated it really liked it

Shelves: realistic-fiction, young-adult, amazing, melted-my-heart-of-ice

Content warnings for this book : sexual assault

This book is beautiful and haunting. It shows the strength of the human spirit and the beauty of love, true love.

I admired Cassidy. She was strong-willed and spirited. She made mistakes, but this made her a realistic and relatable character. I felt for her the entire novel. Corey was so good to Cassidy and he was so sweet and kind.

I really liked What Happens Next. Four stars.

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Feb 20, 2012 Kelly rated it it was ok

Shelves: ya-fiction, read-in-2012

2.5.

If the rest of the book had felt like the last four chapters did, this would have been a knock-out debut, rather than a book that didn't really stand above others tackling similar issues.

Sid is on a school-sponsored ski trip when she decides to go to a party by herself with a guy named Dax. He'd charmed her immediately, and she was taken with him because no guy at school had ever paid her any attention. She's insecure in who she is and what she looks like -- she has breasts and an ass and a 2.5.

If the rest of the book had felt like the last four chapters did, this would have been a knock-out debut, rather than a book that didn't really stand above others tackling similar issues.

Sid is on a school-sponsored ski trip when she decides to go to a party by herself with a guy named Dax. He'd charmed her immediately, and she was taken with him because no guy at school had ever paid her any attention. She's insecure in who she is and what she looks like -- she has breasts and an ass and a shape which make her uncomfortable -- and so Dax's attention to her as a person allows her to feel safe with him. Except, of course, he's not a good guy. When she wakes up the morning after the party and discovers she's not in her condo with her friends, many questions arise in her mind.

Over the rest of the book, Sid struggles with an eating disorder as a means of coping with the truth of what happened that night. In the midst of the eating disorder (which I didn't find authentic but rather forced and convenient), Sid has to navigate shifting friendships and being labeled as the girl who got in trouble on the ski trip.

But then there is Corey. Loser, former arrestee Corey. Who happens to be way into Sid and cares about her so deeply. When their relationship blossoms, it's here where Sid learns a lot about herself -- through Corey's pushing -- and comes to terms with what really happened that night and how she's handled herself in the meantime.

The book takes on a little too much at times, and I found the writing bordered on trying too hard. There's a clear change in Sid through the story and a real arc to her character (and the writing itself follows through with this too -- it feels much more natural and believable near the end) but it still didn't quite make up for the rough start and middle. Usually I'm not a fan of when the guy-saves-the-girl trope, but it works here because Corey honestly and faithfully cares about Sid and her well-being, and she never once buys into it. He was, hands down, one of my favorite male characters in a book. My only reservation was that the romance felt a bit contrived when it seemed like their relationship was a lot better when it read like a close friendship vs an intimate "something more." In other words, I didn't need pages of making out because it was boring. I found the moments when Corey pushed Sid to her emotional and mental limits, engaging her in honest conversation about herself and her situation, were where I learned a heck of a lot about both of these characters.

This reminded me of a mix of Kody Keplinger and Daisy Whitney in terms of writing and story. I think it could have been even more comparable, an entry in between the two of them, if that eating disorder subplot hadn't been there. Paring it down would have made this so much stronger.

Longer review to come. ...more

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Jun 21, 2012 Ceitidh rated it it was amazing

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
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! ...more

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Jan 17, 2013 Rashika (is tired) rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: guys-one-cannot-help-falling-for, good-romances, read-2013, realistic-contemporary, ya, books-that-changed-me

I’ve had this book since last year and I kept on putting it off because I kept on finding other books. I think I own an apology to this book.

Dear Book,
I am so sorry for putting you off, I will accept whatever punishment you have in store for me.
Lots of love,
Rashika

Now that that’s done, I should probably talk about the book.

So I think you’ve figured out that I loved this book. The characters were great, the relationships were great, the plot was great. WHAT WASN’T GREAT?

This book is about a girl ...more

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Apr 06, 2012 Miranda Kenneally rated it it was amazing

Just the kind of book I love to read.

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Aug 15, 2012 Heather rated it really liked it

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

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Sep 18, 2017 Jenn Sadai rated it it was amazing

This was a believable and compelling story that tackles rape and the emotional turmoil of being rape with sensitivity. It felt real and left me wiping away tears. This book earned every star.

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YA Buddy Readers'...: What Happens Next by Colleen Clayton --> Restarting March 25th 2016	11	65	Mar 17, 2016 11:16PM
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About Colleen Clayton

Colleen Clayton

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Before she became a writer, Colleen was a social worker for teens in a residential treatment center. She holds an MFA from the NEOMFA and her Kirkus-starred young adult novel WHAT HAPPENS NEXT was a finalist for the Ohioana Book Award. Her latest novel is titled DOLL HEARTS and releases on April 24th, 2018.

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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.” — 41 likes

“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.” — 39 likes

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