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After Alex Died
“Don’t be someone who defines her life by someone else’s death.”
Dee Dee DeMarco’s brother, Alex, was funny, free-spirited and creative. He was also gay. Tormented by bullies, Alex killed himself on his 15th birthday.
Two years later, and now in college, Dee Dee believes getting a summer job working with a college-prep program for disadvantaged high school students is a stroke of luck, until she discovers that the guy assigned to co-lead her group is Cameron Connelly, a star basketball player and one of the bullies who tormented her brother to death. How can Dee Dee possibly spend the entire summer working so closely with one of the boys she blames for her brother’s death?
Author's Note: I think this is a little story with a lot of heart. I hope you think so, too!
Dee Dee DeMarco’s brother, Alex, was funny, free-spirited and creative. He was also gay. Tormented by bullies, Alex killed himself on his 15th birthday.
Two years later, and now in college, Dee Dee believes getting a summer job working with a college-prep program for disadvantaged high school students is a stroke of luck, until she discovers that the guy assigned to co-lead her group is Cameron Connelly, a star basketball player and one of the bullies who tormented her brother to death. How can Dee Dee possibly spend the entire summer working so closely with one of the boys she blames for her brother’s death?
Author's Note: I think this is a little story with a lot of heart. I hope you think so, too!
216 pages, Paperback
First published July 19, 2013
20 people are currently reading
323 people want to read
About the author
Dakota Madison
30 books318 followersUSA TODAY Bestselling author Dakota Madison is known for writing new adult, love in midlife, and contemporary romance with a little spice and lots of heart. Dakota is a winner of the prestigious RONE Award for Excellence in the Indie and Small Publishing Industry. When she's not at her computer creating spicy stories Dakota likes to spend time with her husband and their bloodhounds. Dakota also writes under the pen names SAVANNAH YOUNG, SIERRA AVALON and REN MONTERREY.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
December 31, 2013
3 Stars! GAAAAAAAHHH!!! Really?!?!
NO NO NO...I wanted to rip my hair out and throw my precious Kip across the room, but I didn't. There was perfectly good story here and I was so absorbed and impressed with how the author wrapped a romance around terrible circumstances, where a love story might otherwise not be possible. It was working, very well I might add, DeeDee and Cameron just needed to work figure it out, forgive, understand each other and then WHAM...at 87% she adds the extra, over-the-top unnecessary DRAMA!! WHY, WHY, WHY * in my best Nancy Kerrigan voice* WHY did she do this?!?! My eyes nearly rolled into the back of my head and stayed there. I was going to write a glowing review, because Dakota Madison takes chances with her story-lines, and while not all of them work perfectly, I think she has talent, and this one was bringing it home. I was disappointed with Community Service, for some of the same reasons and issues I had with After Alex Died. She seemed to have gotten it right in this book, but NO...she had to add one more dramatic event. When are these authors going to learn, that sometimes...less is more! I know drama is all the trend in NA, but I'm sorry Ms. Madison, you had something really good here, but you got carried away.
Nonetheless, there is a powerful message relayed in this book, and once again I applaud the author for addressing an issue and topic that is never easy to talk about, and writing a decent solid story around it...until she went off course...down Drama Road.
This was well on its way to a 5 star read, but I'm sad to say I'm only giving it 3. However, my issues might not be your issues, and even though I ranted, I still think it's worth giving After Alex Died a shot!
*On a final note, I don't know if the cover has actually been changed, but I don't like the one here on the GR book page. I like this one better. It has a 'haunting' look to it, and conveys what's on the inside better! Just my opinion.*
September 29, 2013
Review Originally Posted at: Book Freak
And how long are you going to be someone who defines her life by someone else's death?
The author is so right - After Alex Died is a short story with a whole lot of heart. Unexpectedly, the story had touched me - it made me sad, angry, hopeful, and inspired. This was not your ordinary love story, ladies and gentleman - before you know it, Dakota Madison will creep her way into your hearts, because this story will make you FEEL.
How can something short affect you like that?!
Dee Dee DeMarco wears nothing else but black.
"Black pants, black skirt, black shirts. Do you have anything that's not black?"
"My underwear."
Sofia glared at me. "That's the thing that should be black."
Two years ago, her beloved 15 year-old brother, Alex made news on national TV when he decided to kill himself. He was gay, constantly tormented by bullies at school. When he can no longer take it - he decided to end his suffering by taking his life. Dee Dee found him lifeless, after that night, her life was no longer the same again. She became recluse, withdrawn and depressed. She lost her boyfriend, her friends and her life. The only difference between her and Alex is that she was breathing.
The death of Alex also drove her family apart, finding herself homeless and dorm-less for the summer she decided to sign up for a job working with a college-prep program for disadvantaged high school students. She thought it was a stroke of luck until she found out whom she is working with - the high school star basketball player, Cameron Connelly, one of the boys who bullied her brother to death. Can she possibly work with him, much more stay in the same room with him for the whole summer knowing that he was the reason his brother died?
But Cameron was no longer the same c*cky, confident jock that he was in high school. Instead, he was almost the same as her - recluse, alone and guilt is eating him alive. His life was no longer the same after the incident. He had lost a lot, including his life, scholarship and his family. Meeting Dee Dee again had sprout hope in his heart - perhaps she can forgive him for all the pain that he had caused her, and then he can finally forgive himself.
Them, together was a lot of hard work. Fighting off her attraction to Cameron takes a lot of effort than guarding the soon-to-be-in-college kids. There was no way she's crushing on and much more falling in love with someone who is responsible for Alex's death. But as the days goes on, as they spend more and more time together, - Dee Dee gets to know him a little better each day. Dee Dee found herself healing, her heart opening to possibilities. Can she do it? Can she give Cameron her heart?
Grief has a way of affecting people. But indeed, how long will you allow someone's death to affect your life? I feel sad for Dee Dee for everything that she has been through. Being very close to Alex and losing him in a painful, unimaginable way can be very hard. Bullying is a growing concern in the school system everywhere in the world, it had drove a lot of kids not just out of school, but into ending their lives as well. Yes, Cameron might be an a**h**e, he might have stood there and even participated with his friends in tormenting Alex, but people change. It might have cost him a lot, and he was no longer the same person as he is before. He has regretted his actions and is ready to make amends. If it's only THAT easy.
This is a story about overcoming grief, second chances, and learning to forgive others as well as yourself. After Alex Died is a short, meaningful read that will touch your hearts, make you cry, fall in love.
*ARC Copy was given in exchange for an honest review.
And how long are you going to be someone who defines her life by someone else's death?
The author is so right - After Alex Died is a short story with a whole lot of heart. Unexpectedly, the story had touched me - it made me sad, angry, hopeful, and inspired. This was not your ordinary love story, ladies and gentleman - before you know it, Dakota Madison will creep her way into your hearts, because this story will make you FEEL.
How can something short affect you like that?!
Dee Dee DeMarco wears nothing else but black.
"Black pants, black skirt, black shirts. Do you have anything that's not black?"
"My underwear."
Sofia glared at me. "That's the thing that should be black."
Two years ago, her beloved 15 year-old brother, Alex made news on national TV when he decided to kill himself. He was gay, constantly tormented by bullies at school. When he can no longer take it - he decided to end his suffering by taking his life. Dee Dee found him lifeless, after that night, her life was no longer the same again. She became recluse, withdrawn and depressed. She lost her boyfriend, her friends and her life. The only difference between her and Alex is that she was breathing.
The death of Alex also drove her family apart, finding herself homeless and dorm-less for the summer she decided to sign up for a job working with a college-prep program for disadvantaged high school students. She thought it was a stroke of luck until she found out whom she is working with - the high school star basketball player, Cameron Connelly, one of the boys who bullied her brother to death. Can she possibly work with him, much more stay in the same room with him for the whole summer knowing that he was the reason his brother died?
But Cameron was no longer the same c*cky, confident jock that he was in high school. Instead, he was almost the same as her - recluse, alone and guilt is eating him alive. His life was no longer the same after the incident. He had lost a lot, including his life, scholarship and his family. Meeting Dee Dee again had sprout hope in his heart - perhaps she can forgive him for all the pain that he had caused her, and then he can finally forgive himself.
Them, together was a lot of hard work. Fighting off her attraction to Cameron takes a lot of effort than guarding the soon-to-be-in-college kids. There was no way she's crushing on and much more falling in love with someone who is responsible for Alex's death. But as the days goes on, as they spend more and more time together, - Dee Dee gets to know him a little better each day. Dee Dee found herself healing, her heart opening to possibilities. Can she do it? Can she give Cameron her heart?
Grief has a way of affecting people. But indeed, how long will you allow someone's death to affect your life? I feel sad for Dee Dee for everything that she has been through. Being very close to Alex and losing him in a painful, unimaginable way can be very hard. Bullying is a growing concern in the school system everywhere in the world, it had drove a lot of kids not just out of school, but into ending their lives as well. Yes, Cameron might be an a**h**e, he might have stood there and even participated with his friends in tormenting Alex, but people change. It might have cost him a lot, and he was no longer the same person as he is before. He has regretted his actions and is ready to make amends. If it's only THAT easy.
This is a story about overcoming grief, second chances, and learning to forgive others as well as yourself. After Alex Died is a short, meaningful read that will touch your hearts, make you cry, fall in love.
*ARC Copy was given in exchange for an honest review.
September 28, 2013
After Alex Died by Dakota Madison
Dakota Madison has written a story around a topic that we are all quite aware of in today’s society. Bullying!
Now the story is fiction so of course there are some things that may have happened a little too fast around the romance part of the story. But in saying that I think the situation warrant’s itself to get some major points across to the reader.
Deedee DeMarco is a young woman who just completed her first year of college and is pretty much broken. Her brother Alex committed suicide and Deedee is still grieving the loss of her brother and is struggling to move forward. Dealing with so many different issues herself. Besides losing her brother it appears she has lost herself, parents and friends. Truly feeling alone in the world.
Now this story shows so many sides to how bullying affects everyone to Alex, Deedee, parents, friends and even the bully at times.
I have to give Dakota Madison high praise for writing this story as she brings up so many issues facing so many young people today. Being gay, lonely, grief, suicide and living your life after the loss of a family member and moving forward.
I have rated After Alex a 4 star rating and want to say that anyone reading this review should defiantly buy this book.
I received After Alex free in exchange for an honest review.
Dakota Madison has written a story around a topic that we are all quite aware of in today’s society. Bullying!
Now the story is fiction so of course there are some things that may have happened a little too fast around the romance part of the story. But in saying that I think the situation warrant’s itself to get some major points across to the reader.
Deedee DeMarco is a young woman who just completed her first year of college and is pretty much broken. Her brother Alex committed suicide and Deedee is still grieving the loss of her brother and is struggling to move forward. Dealing with so many different issues herself. Besides losing her brother it appears she has lost herself, parents and friends. Truly feeling alone in the world.
Now this story shows so many sides to how bullying affects everyone to Alex, Deedee, parents, friends and even the bully at times.
I have to give Dakota Madison high praise for writing this story as she brings up so many issues facing so many young people today. Being gay, lonely, grief, suicide and living your life after the loss of a family member and moving forward.
I have rated After Alex a 4 star rating and want to say that anyone reading this review should defiantly buy this book.
I received After Alex free in exchange for an honest review.
February 8, 2016
A 4 star review that should have been a 5 if author had left well enough alone with original drama of bullying leading to suicide and its lasting effects on all involved, including the bullies. a story of love, hate, anger, forgiveness, despair and all emotions in between. it really highlights just how huge a problem bullying is and how easy it is to miss the signs in our own loved ones because they are embarrassed or afraid to speak of it. We as a society need to understand teasing is normal but when it becomes over the top or constant, it passes onto level of bullying and even if we are not the bully by sitting back and doing nothing when we see it, we are just as culpable for the end result. if this book teaches you anything,it's that we all need to take a stand whenever or wherever we see bullying happen and let those being bullied know they aren't alone. As adults we often feel a child complaint about teasing in this . or that area isn't a big deal. Maybe not to us but if they are saying it out loud, please take them seriously. it's not worth the feelings of inadequacy or of being unloved or ignored, that might lead them to point of self destruction. Let's stop bullying in all forms.
October 23, 2014
I give this 3.5-4 stars. I think the relationship that ensues happens pretty quickly. Not sure if people can get past things like that. The story made me want to keep reading.
March 26, 2018
This is a quick read about a girl whose life falls apart after her brother, Alex, commits suicide. Her parents divorce, her mom decides to sell the house and get a 1 bedroom condo with no room for Dee Dee and her Dad remarries.
She gets a summer job that includes room and board, since she has no place to live over the summer break. The first day there she comes face to face with one of the jocks who tormented her brother for being gay. His name is Cameron and she tries to avoid him at all costs. Of course, the leader pairs them up to work with the high school kids.
Dee Dee soon finds out that Cameron is not at all the guy she thought he was a genuinely seems to regret what happened. She wants to be with him, but can't let go of her anger. Soon she finds out Cameron has an even better understanding of her brother than she can imagine.
She has to let go of the past in order to move forward.
I enjoyed this book, but I do think some things could have been explored a little further if the book was a bit longer. Things were wrapped up a bit quickly, but otherwise, a decent read.
She gets a summer job that includes room and board, since she has no place to live over the summer break. The first day there she comes face to face with one of the jocks who tormented her brother for being gay. His name is Cameron and she tries to avoid him at all costs. Of course, the leader pairs them up to work with the high school kids.
Dee Dee soon finds out that Cameron is not at all the guy she thought he was a genuinely seems to regret what happened. She wants to be with him, but can't let go of her anger. Soon she finds out Cameron has an even better understanding of her brother than she can imagine.
She has to let go of the past in order to move forward.
I enjoyed this book, but I do think some things could have been explored a little further if the book was a bit longer. Things were wrapped up a bit quickly, but otherwise, a decent read.
November 5, 2018
In case you forgot the title...
Let's start off by saying that the book was ok. I just think that there were so many holes in the story. The two main characters got attached so quickly, and then boom - drama! It felt like the author could have gone further with the story without rushing it. And as for my headline... "after Alex died" was repeated so much I was thinking to myself "we all know that Alex has died!" Please refrain from saying it so much! Geez!
Let's start off by saying that the book was ok. I just think that there were so many holes in the story. The two main characters got attached so quickly, and then boom - drama! It felt like the author could have gone further with the story without rushing it. And as for my headline... "after Alex died" was repeated so much I was thinking to myself "we all know that Alex has died!" Please refrain from saying it so much! Geez!
February 13, 2024
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 sad stars
I wish I could rate this book more than 5 stars.
This book will have you crying right from the first page.
Dee Dee and cameron are drawn together through circumstances terrible ones.
Warning this book contain suicide and self harm. But also love of two broken souls.
Please have tissue when reading this book
#bksbloggingandreviews
I wish I could rate this book more than 5 stars.
This book will have you crying right from the first page.
Dee Dee and cameron are drawn together through circumstances terrible ones.
Warning this book contain suicide and self harm. But also love of two broken souls.
Please have tissue when reading this book
#bksbloggingandreviews
September 30, 2013
Find this review and more on my blog...
The Goodreads page for this book has an author's note that says she thinks After Alex Died is a little story with a lot of heart. She hit the nail on the head. It touched on a the incredibly tough topic of bullying and the tragedies that occur when someone is pushed to their breaking point. While it dealt with difficult topics, it did so in a way that wasn't hard to read. There were some scenes that were harder to handle than others, but it was an easy read overall.
Dee Dee is dealing with the tragic loss of her brother Alex. Alex committed suicide on his 15th birthday after having been tormented by bullies because he was gay. After two years, Dee Dee still hasn't moved on from the loss. She misses him every day. She gets a summer job working with disadvantaged high school students and is finally excited about something. Until, that is, she discovers she will be working very closely with Cameron Connelly, one of her brother's tormenters.
As she begins working with Cameron, she realizes there just may be more there than meets the eye. They begin to get closer and the guilt Dee Dee feels for befriending and ultimately having feelings for one of the guys she blames for her brother's suicide is enormous. When she finds out what has happened in Cameron's life as a result of the bullying, she begins to feel perhaps she underestimated him. This doesn't make her feelings any less confusing though.
Dee Dee and Cameron have both dealt with an incredible amount of pain at their young age. Their confusion and guilt leaps off the pages, as does the chemistry they have with each other. They were both easily-relatable characters. For a novel as short as this was, they were both well-developed and complex. The storyline kept me guessing and made me teary-eyed a couple times. I thought this was a wonderful book about how bullying and suicide affects those left behind.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The Goodreads page for this book has an author's note that says she thinks After Alex Died is a little story with a lot of heart. She hit the nail on the head. It touched on a the incredibly tough topic of bullying and the tragedies that occur when someone is pushed to their breaking point. While it dealt with difficult topics, it did so in a way that wasn't hard to read. There were some scenes that were harder to handle than others, but it was an easy read overall.
“Don’t be someone who defines her life by someone else’s death.”
Dee Dee is dealing with the tragic loss of her brother Alex. Alex committed suicide on his 15th birthday after having been tormented by bullies because he was gay. After two years, Dee Dee still hasn't moved on from the loss. She misses him every day. She gets a summer job working with disadvantaged high school students and is finally excited about something. Until, that is, she discovers she will be working very closely with Cameron Connelly, one of her brother's tormenters.
As she begins working with Cameron, she realizes there just may be more there than meets the eye. They begin to get closer and the guilt Dee Dee feels for befriending and ultimately having feelings for one of the guys she blames for her brother's suicide is enormous. When she finds out what has happened in Cameron's life as a result of the bullying, she begins to feel perhaps she underestimated him. This doesn't make her feelings any less confusing though.
Dee Dee and Cameron have both dealt with an incredible amount of pain at their young age. Their confusion and guilt leaps off the pages, as does the chemistry they have with each other. They were both easily-relatable characters. For a novel as short as this was, they were both well-developed and complex. The storyline kept me guessing and made me teary-eyed a couple times. I thought this was a wonderful book about how bullying and suicide affects those left behind.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
October 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.
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.
September 22, 2013
There is a very natural, mellow flow to this story that makes a shocking counterpoint to the intense and deep subject matter of the novel. They combine to create an enjoyable yet thought provoking read that will keep you captivated. Madison approaches a very difficult and at times controversial subject with tact and class to provide a platform for conversation and understanding. This novel is intense in a hard hitting, real life way.
Madison lays all of the background information out for you in a logical manner while keeping you in the present day and allowing you to immerse yourself in this world. All of the plays on words that the author works into this novel really draw your attention to certain aspects of the novel and the characters without stopping the flow of the novel.
Madison makes very good use of writing in the 1st person to draw you in and let you get to know the more intimate parts of the main character. The number of intense situations worked into the lives of this cast is astounding. They all seem realistic too. Nothing is forced or over the top, just heart wrenching. Also, the unique yet straightforward and natural character names make everyone stand out.
Overall this was a quick and enjoyable read even if the subject matter is quite tough at times. There are a lot of life lessons wrapped up in a captivating package. This is a heart wrenching novel that will take you through the ringer but that will also let you see the hope and joy in life.
Please note that I received this novel free of charge from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Madison lays all of the background information out for you in a logical manner while keeping you in the present day and allowing you to immerse yourself in this world. All of the plays on words that the author works into this novel really draw your attention to certain aspects of the novel and the characters without stopping the flow of the novel.
Madison makes very good use of writing in the 1st person to draw you in and let you get to know the more intimate parts of the main character. The number of intense situations worked into the lives of this cast is astounding. They all seem realistic too. Nothing is forced or over the top, just heart wrenching. Also, the unique yet straightforward and natural character names make everyone stand out.
Overall this was a quick and enjoyable read even if the subject matter is quite tough at times. There are a lot of life lessons wrapped up in a captivating package. This is a heart wrenching novel that will take you through the ringer but that will also let you see the hope and joy in life.
Please note that I received this novel free of charge from the author in exchange for an honest review.
October 4, 2013
This book really hit home with me. Being someone who was tormented by bullies all throughout High School. I identified with some of what Alex went through, as no bullying experience is the same for anyone I know I didn’t go through things to the extent that he did but I was looking for the same end result as he did. Thankfully I had the support group I needed and I wasn’t afraid to talk about it. This story takes you through the Journey of Dee Dee as she learns to cope with life after her brother’s death.
Dee Dee is still tormented with the images of her brother at his death and with the thoughts of what brought him to that point. She is incased and hidden inside her shell of despair and pain to keep people from getting close. She hasn’t truly faced her demons or learned to cope with what she saw and lived through.
Cameron is going through the motions of living. He can’t get what he caused off of his mind. Nor what he lost, Everything. He had such a bright future but peer pressure and the need to fit in ruined it all. Now he is trying to get some semblance of his former self back. When he gets put to work with the girl he irrevocably hurt he doesn’t know what to do. Trying to come back from the edge is so difficult. Could he do it?
This book addressed how bullying not only effects the person being tormented, but also family, friends, the bully themselves, the community and sometimes even the Nation. One wrong choice can change everything……for everyone.
Dee Dee is still tormented with the images of her brother at his death and with the thoughts of what brought him to that point. She is incased and hidden inside her shell of despair and pain to keep people from getting close. She hasn’t truly faced her demons or learned to cope with what she saw and lived through.
Cameron is going through the motions of living. He can’t get what he caused off of his mind. Nor what he lost, Everything. He had such a bright future but peer pressure and the need to fit in ruined it all. Now he is trying to get some semblance of his former self back. When he gets put to work with the girl he irrevocably hurt he doesn’t know what to do. Trying to come back from the edge is so difficult. Could he do it?
This book addressed how bullying not only effects the person being tormented, but also family, friends, the bully themselves, the community and sometimes even the Nation. One wrong choice can change everything……for everyone.
December 27, 2014
Given To Me For An Honest Review
After Alex Died by Dakota Madison is a HAVE to read. This book will grab you from the beginning and will not let you go until the very end. Before you know it, you'll see the pages turn and turn and turn some more. The main characters are Dee Dee, Alex and Cameron. Alex was 15 and he was gay. Cameron and his friends along with others harassed him and bullied him immensely and one day Dee Dee walked into his room and found him dead. He had hung himself because he couldn't take it anymore. Both Dee Dee and Cameron are still suffering from the suicide of Alex, in different ways but still suffering. This book is a great book to read if you have ever experienced depression or thought about suicide or know of anyone who has. It doesn't only affect the person who dies but it affects so many others. I read this book in one afternoon, it's that good. I gave this book 5 stars but it deserves more than 10+ stars because it's that good. I highly recommend this book to everyone. This would be a great addition to anyone's bookshelf. I look for more by Dakota Madison.
After Alex Died by Dakota Madison is a HAVE to read. This book will grab you from the beginning and will not let you go until the very end. Before you know it, you'll see the pages turn and turn and turn some more. The main characters are Dee Dee, Alex and Cameron. Alex was 15 and he was gay. Cameron and his friends along with others harassed him and bullied him immensely and one day Dee Dee walked into his room and found him dead. He had hung himself because he couldn't take it anymore. Both Dee Dee and Cameron are still suffering from the suicide of Alex, in different ways but still suffering. This book is a great book to read if you have ever experienced depression or thought about suicide or know of anyone who has. It doesn't only affect the person who dies but it affects so many others. I read this book in one afternoon, it's that good. I gave this book 5 stars but it deserves more than 10+ stars because it's that good. I highly recommend this book to everyone. This would be a great addition to anyone's bookshelf. I look for more by Dakota Madison.
August 17, 2013
New Adult is a brand new genre that's being embraced by book lovers everywhere. It's age appropriate for readers seventeen and over because of its mature language and subject matter, but it packs a lot of heart, and passion. This story may hit home for many readers because it's modern, and involves issues surrounding the death of a gay, young man. Sadly, we hear about bullying stories like these on the news, or from a friend, and they are horrific to listen to each and every time. But, Madison approaches the topic gingerly, yet with enough force to catch our attention. The characters who occupy this thought-provoking tale are well-developed and likeable, and become animated with each flip of the page. And, the storyline isn't rushed, which gives us plenty of time to digest this story which focuses on family, forgiveness and love. The ending seemed to leave room for a sequel, and many will hope to expect more creations from this gifted author.
October 3, 2013
Received a copy from the goodreads giveaway.
I greatly enjoyed reading this book. It touches on a subject that too often people overlook, what the effects of a suicide due to bullying are on the people still alive. Most people's entire focus is on how horrible the circumstances were that led to the suicide and how tragic it is that that young person will never get to experience so much of life. But what about the feelings of those who knew the person, loved the person? What about the bullies themselves, who have to live with knowing what their actions have led to? I feel the author did a good job bringing a look into what can happen to those people in the wake of such a tragedy, and really achieved making about those people and how they learn to move on rather then all about the tragedy itself. This is a book about life and love rather then about suicide and death.
I greatly enjoyed reading this book. It touches on a subject that too often people overlook, what the effects of a suicide due to bullying are on the people still alive. Most people's entire focus is on how horrible the circumstances were that led to the suicide and how tragic it is that that young person will never get to experience so much of life. But what about the feelings of those who knew the person, loved the person? What about the bullies themselves, who have to live with knowing what their actions have led to? I feel the author did a good job bringing a look into what can happen to those people in the wake of such a tragedy, and really achieved making about those people and how they learn to move on rather then all about the tragedy itself. This is a book about life and love rather then about suicide and death.
September 22, 2013
The storyline of this book was not overly believable, but it worked for the story. I like how Dakota Madison portrayed the character of Dee Dee throughout the book and how she shows the gradual change as Dee Dee begins to let go of her past in order to live her future.
The biggest problem with this story, and the reason I couldn’t give it five stars, was the constant grammar and typing errors. It was as if this was a first draft, certainly not ready for the public to read. The errors were distracting.
When I agreed to read this book I wasn’t sure whether it would go into graphic detail about Alex’s death and I’m glad to say that it didn’t. Overall it’s a pleasant read.
Would I recommend this book? Yes.
I received my copy of "After Alex Died" from the author for my honest review.
The biggest problem with this story, and the reason I couldn’t give it five stars, was the constant grammar and typing errors. It was as if this was a first draft, certainly not ready for the public to read. The errors were distracting.
When I agreed to read this book I wasn’t sure whether it would go into graphic detail about Alex’s death and I’m glad to say that it didn’t. Overall it’s a pleasant read.
Would I recommend this book? Yes.
I received my copy of "After Alex Died" from the author for my honest review.
September 27, 2013
Disclaimer: I downloaded a free copy of the book from storycartel.com in exchange for an honest review.
After Alex Died deals with important issues of intolerance, false perceptions, bullying, suicide, and forgiveness to name but a few. Despite all the heavy subjects, the writing was well done and the book was a quick read.
Told through the voice of Deedee de Marco, the sister of a young suicide, the characters are all well developed. It is easy to sympathize with the characters in the book as we see them grow and develop. While Deedee's falling for one of the people who bullied her brother may seem unbelievable, Ms Madison makes it work.
This book would have easily been rated a 5 if not for the typos and grammatical eras which impinged on my enjoyment of the book.
After Alex Died deals with important issues of intolerance, false perceptions, bullying, suicide, and forgiveness to name but a few. Despite all the heavy subjects, the writing was well done and the book was a quick read.
Told through the voice of Deedee de Marco, the sister of a young suicide, the characters are all well developed. It is easy to sympathize with the characters in the book as we see them grow and develop. While Deedee's falling for one of the people who bullied her brother may seem unbelievable, Ms Madison makes it work.
This book would have easily been rated a 5 if not for the typos and grammatical eras which impinged on my enjoyment of the book.
April 24, 2016
When I was first done reading I initially gave it just 1 star added the 2nd star because of the subject matter is awesome. And to be honest if reviewing this was solely based off of subject alone it's a 5 all the way. I should have been able to feel every single emotions for Dee Dee and Carmen but it was the opposite. I never felt anything for the relationship that they decided to start. And I really wanted to feel then fall in love. The situation with both sets of parents needs to really be looked at. Both characters need some sort of real closure before they can have a healthy relationship. There needs to be some sort of follow up on these 2. It just can't end with a letter. I'm will to read another story with these 2.
August 8, 2013
This is a very powerful book. I wasn't expecting much more than a depressed girl trying to find solace after her brother's death. This was so much more! It's about forgiveness and finding oneself again after being so lost and alone. Fully recommend the book.
*does have language and sexual content-be warned
*does have language and sexual content-be warned
May 25, 2015
this book left me a little confused. It dealt with heavy topic and most part it was good. It was handling bretty good the not so pleasant topics of bullying and suicide which are part of todays school world. It is also book about forgivness and second chances. I also partly understand the hard drama just before the end but I think the story would have been better without it.
September 4, 2013
very well written, very emotional throughout the whole story! A story ripped right from the headlines today about bullying, Suicide, ans forgiveness. Leaves you feeling everyone of characters and their stories. A deep insight to young people. I really enjoyed it!!
September 24, 2014
A beautifully written story of loss, love and forgiveness. I think it sends the right message.
I only have one thing more I would have liked in the book. It has to do with Cameron towards the end and what he did. I felt that part needed to be a delved into more.
I only have one thing more I would have liked in the book. It has to do with Cameron towards the end and what he did. I felt that part needed to be a delved into more.
October 15, 2014
Great book
very absorbing and exciting.Although it was a story about young adults, it was really well written and totally engrossing. I'd recommend it to older teens up to 70-maybe even 80.
very absorbing and exciting.Although it was a story about young adults, it was really well written and totally engrossing. I'd recommend it to older teens up to 70-maybe even 80.
August 17, 2016
Quick read
I loved how the author was able to incorporate two very important topics in today's world. It was a little predictable in my point of view where the story lead however I still enjoyed the read.
I loved how the author was able to incorporate two very important topics in today's world. It was a little predictable in my point of view where the story lead however I still enjoyed the read.
November 5, 2013
I was scared to read it, afraid of the emotions it might bring, but i am glad i did it. It is an amazing story.
December 13, 2013
This story will make you angry, it will make you cry and it will make you believe in second chances...
Well done, Dakota!
Well done, Dakota!
October 15, 2014
Great story on a serious,subject
good read on a serious subject hits home ...
she captures the feelings of suicide survivors ..Seems like she had first hand knowledge
good read on a serious subject hits home ...
she captures the feelings of suicide survivors ..Seems like she had first hand knowledge
January 10, 2015
Good Book
I really liked this book. I thought it was a classic cheesy romance novel. That said, it was interesting enough to keep me coming back for more.
I really liked this book. I thought it was a classic cheesy romance novel. That said, it was interesting enough to keep me coming back for more.
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