“After the Kiss” emerges as a compelling read for teenage girls navigating the complexities of love and relationships. This book, rich in drama, poetry, and romance, captivates with its exploration of young love and the inevitable entanglements that come with it. The allure of the book is immediately evident from its cover, perfectly capturing the trendy and appealing aesthetic that draws in young readers.
The story centers around Becca, who appears to have the quintessential “movie life” – a popular girl with a handsome, athletic boyfriend, Alec. Enter Camille, the new girl in town, a frequent mover accustomed to detaching from people and places. While the premise might seem predictable – the new girl arriving and shaking things up – the narrative delves into the emotional intricacies of teenage relationships. Camille, wary of forming attachments due to her transient life, finds herself in a new environment where connections are both desired and feared. Her recent heartbreak from a past relationship in Chicago adds layers to her character, making her longing for her old life palpable. This setup, while common in young adult fiction, sets the stage for the unfolding drama.
The initial conflict arises from the geographical divide: Becca attends public school, while Alec goes to private school, where Camille also enrolls. As seniors on the cusp of graduation, Becca and Alec seem poised to navigate their final year smoothly. However, Camille’s arrival at Alec’s school ignites a chain of events characterized by drama and mixed emotions. The pivotal moment, alluded to in the title “After the Kiss,” occurs when Alec unexpectedly kisses Camille. This event shatters Becca’s seemingly perfect world, as she learns the news from her best friend. Alec, who was Becca’s everything, inadvertently becomes the catalyst for her heartbreak.
Two notable aspects of the book stand out. Firstly, the narrative is interspersed with poetry and profound, sometimes elusive, thoughts, adding depth to the characters’ emotional landscapes. Secondly, the story unfolds through the alternating perspectives of Becca and Camille. This dual narrative, while initially challenging to follow, provides a rich understanding of both girls’ inner worlds. Becca’s perspective is portrayed in a diary-like, deeply introspective style, contrasting with Camille’s more conventional narrative voice. This stylistic choice, though potentially initially confusing, ultimately enhances the exploration of their distinct personalities and emotional responses to the unfolding “kissdrama”.
Ultimately, “After the Kiss” is a recommended read, particularly for young female readers seeking a relatable exploration of teenage romance and drama. The book resonates with the “everything happens for a reason” theme, illustrating how unexpected encounters can lead to significant friendships and life changes. Despite initial less-than-ideal impressions, Becca and Camille’s paths converge, leading them to become friends. While the storyline may tread familiar ground in its predictable love triangle trope, the book earns a solid four-star rating. The slight predictability prevents it from achieving a perfect score, echoing the common narrative arc of two girls and one boy where resolutions often lean towards either a deserving pairing or separate paths. Regardless, the book’s strength lies in its well-executed portrayal of teenage emotions and relationship dynamics, making it a worthwhile read for those who enjoy stories centered around “kissdrama” and young love.
The reviewer highlights specific writing choices, noting the use of “this book” at the beginning of sentences and occasional grammatical inconsistencies as minor drawbacks. However, these are overshadowed by the overall engaging nature of the review.
The review also includes two quotes, presumably from the book, which exemplify the poetic and introspective nature of the writing:
“Maybe she’s pretty in a different way,like a waterhouse painting or a modigliani.”
“This is the time–Freya knows–Someone can come by And i can do more Than wave at her like a drowned girl.”
These quotes offer a glimpse into the book’s descriptive language and emotional depth, further illustrating the “kissdrama” and romantic undertones present throughout the narrative.
