Semi-popular cheerleader Cassidy is drugged and date raped when she sneaks out to a party while on a school ski trip. She tells no one. After isolating herself, she emerges from the safety of her bedroom to discover here two best friends aren't speaking to her, since they got in trouble for covering for her. In order to avoid her friends she signs up for AV (audio visual), which just happens to be run by gorgeous juvenile detention graduate Corey. But, is she damaged goods after losing her virginity to rape?I appreciate realistic YA fiction as an avenue to introduce teens to difficult subjects. I had high expectations for WHAT HAPPENS NEXT addressing the very real problem and threat of date rape after having a drink spiked with a drug. This novel fell far below my expectations. I can usually tell if I'm going to love a book in the first two or three pages, sometimes in the first paragraph. I knew I was going to be disappointed after the first chapter, but had some hope for improvement. WHAT HAPPENS NEXT had almost no tension, even when I knew she was about to be date raped. Cassidy's first person narration went from taking a drink to waking up the next morning not remembering what happened. I should have felt something, empathy for Cassidy, anger at the guy. I felt nothing. I never connected with Cassidy. I am a rape survivor and I've counseled a number of survivors. I felt an inauthenticity in Cassidy's reactions and response to her attack. What I read seemed more like writer Colleen Clayton did some research about the aftermath of date rape rather than talking to actual survivors. I didn't feel any heart, as if she had checked off some effects of rape and plucked them into the book. Everything was neatly packaged, predictable, too easy and too convenient.Clayton did a great job giving Cassidy a unique and interesting voice. The POV was the strongest component of the book.I'm rated WHAT HAPPENS NEXT a generous 2 of 5 stars, for voice and tackling an important topic. I might try another novel by Clayton, but I'd download a sample first. If a reader is looking for a book on the subject of date rape, I'd put this near the bottom of the list. I absolutely loved this book. This book brung the characters life. I encourage everyone to read this book. I read this book in two days, but i didn't feel like I was reading it. It felt like Sid (the main character) was sitting in my room telling this story. It has so much that a teenage girl can communicate with, how one guy taking interest in the one girl that never gets any attention and it could feel so damn good. BUT TURN OUT SO DAMN BAD! How teenage girl feel about them selfs and others. Social media can take a girl down to rock bottom. How starving yourself make you feel better, but doesn't help at all. How one guy if it's the right guy can change all the bad.Even though this book is so sad & disgusting. In the end it's makes so worth- while reading.
What do You think about What Happens Next (2012)?
it 's sooo educational n fun 2 read
—phina godson
i read this in 3 hours, i could not tear my eyes away. everyone needs a Corey
—Kai
Me encanta, lo amé y lo volveré a leer muchas veces más.
—Ruth
An amazing book with a powerful story I absolutely loved it
—amarisdolly
