Review: Heart-breaking . . . .
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 10 3, 2013
After Alex Died is a story which resonated with me immediately, my 9 year old son having been the victim of bullies at his mainstream school because of his learning difficulties, to the extent to which he self-harmed.Although Dakota Madison is obviously communicating emotions through Dee Dee, our fictional main character, the book still ends up being a very true and honest account of those left behind after a family member commits suicide. Dakota Madison ensures that the reader can identify with Dee Dee in some way and sympathise with her fully, meaning that feelings always have some impact.I liked the way the author included Cameron in the plot, as this introduces elements of forgiveness, guilt, romance and enables the reader to experience the story from the bully's point of view. However, in trying to justify Cameron's part in Alex's death I did feel that Dakota Madison took Cameron's plot-line too far; not all bullies can be excused for their behaviour this easily, it is generally peer pressure and gang mentality.After Alex Died still has the maximum of hearts from me because this is a book which the author has obviously sat down and thought about before writing. She has thought about young people who are 'different'; how they are treated by those who refuse to understand and the damage this can cause to them; how suicide can sometimes look like a person's only option but for those left behind the damage and pain this causes every day and how rebuilding a life when grieving and depressed is impossible without the support of friends.During After Alex Died Dakota Madison broke my heart, built it and broke it again. I cried, laughed and cried. Although I know I will read more of her books I know this one will always hold a special place in my heart and I thank her for writing it.A definite recommendation.This was given to me as a review copy, but this has had no influence on my opinion.