Awards: Abraham Lincoln Nominee 2009

Approximate Interest Level: High School

After narrowly escaping a tragic car wreck that claimed the life of her beloved mother, 15-year-old Jenna is left grappling with a complex web of emotions. The loss of her mother weighs heavily on her heart, and she is consumed by guilt for having survived when her mother did not. Blaming herself for the accident only intensifies her pain.

To make matters worse, Jenna must now start over again within a new family and school environment. The unfamiliarity and the need to adapt add yet another layer of stress to her already burdened life.

In a misguided attempt at coping with this overwhelming emotional turmoil, Jenna finds herself drawn to painkillers. Once used to dull the physical pain she endured after the car accident, she now turns to them in a desperate bid to numb the emotional pain that is threatening to consume her.

However, Jenna soon discovers that relying on painkillers is not a sustainable solution and that she must find a healthier way to come to terms with her loss and move forward with her life.

\\"See, people come into your life for a reason. They might not know it themselves, why. You might not know it. But there's a reason. There has to be.\\" (p. 136)

Although this is a youth adult novel, I found myself thoroughly enjoying it. It was given to me by a kindred soul, and it resonated with me on two levels. Firstly, I could identify with the pain and anguish that one experiences after an accident. I myself was hit by a car at the age of 12 and had to stay in the hospital for 9 weeks. The description of the physical and emotional turmoil in the novel brought back those memories vividly.

Secondly, the loss of a mother is a profound experience that can shake one's entire world and force them to redefine themselves, regardless of age. The way Joyce Carol Oates portrays this in the novel is both sensitive and powerful. She manages to capture the complex emotions of a teenage girl with remarkable ease. The writing is so流畅 that you don't even notice that you've finished the novel until it's over.

Overall, I would highly recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys a well-written story that explores the depths of human emotion.

Reviewed by Sally Kruger, aka "Readingjunky" for TeensReadToo.com

Joyce Carol Oates's new book for teens has an interesting and rather long title. In fact, it does seem to give away a hint of the ending. However, perhaps the ending isn't the most crucial aspect. Instead, it's the entire journey with all its unexpected twists and turns that truly matter.

Jenna experiences a tragic accident with her mother on the Tappan Zee Bridge. The outcome is devastating as her mother and the driver of the other car lose their lives, leaving Jenna as the sole survivor. But at what price? The circumstances surrounding the accident remain unclear. What Jenna does recall makes her suspect that she might have been at fault.

As Jenna tries to recover from her injuries, she exists in a drug-induced fog. Her father, who remarried years ago, now has a new family. Jenna definitely doesn't feel a sense of belonging in his home. So, she is informed that she will be living with an aunt and uncle. Her mother's house is sold, and her new home comes with two cousins, a new school, and the sometimes intrusive concern of a small town.

Jenna's attempts to cope with her new surroundings and the loss of her mother send her emotions into a tailspin. She makes new friends, but gravitates towards those who offer her an escape through pills and alcohol. An accidental overdose leads to Jenna being rushed to the emergency room and placed under the care of a therapist. Despite the efforts and concern of those looking after her, her life continues to spiral out of control.

Finally, there is the appearance of Crow, with his dark and mysterious side. Jenna discovers that she can confide in Crow about things she can't share with anyone else. But does he truly care about her? Does he hold the answers that can help her get her life back on track?

"AFTER THE WRECK, I PICKED MYSELF UP, SPREAD MY WINGS, AND FLEW AWAY" captivated me from the very beginning. Jenna's struggle felt genuine and real. I was deeply touched by her pain and empathetic towards her efforts to move forward, only to find herself drifting back into confusion. Oates has truly outdone herself with this remarkable work.

This is a rather sad book indeed.

After her mother's death, the protagonist experiences an overwhelming amount of grief. She withdraws into herself and refuses to engage with anyone or anything, despite the numerous efforts of those around her to offer help.

The ending is somewhat redeeming, but this is not a book one should pick up if they're seeking to boost their spirits.

The summary tells us that Jenna Abbott, a 15-year-old, is grappling with the trauma of a car accident that claimed her mother's life and almost took her own. Once athletic and intelligent, she now finds it impossible to concentrate or communicate. Broken both physically and emotionally, she yearns to escape into the "blue," a reference to the drug-induced state she was in right after the accident.

Not desiring any connection with her father and his new family in California, she relocates to New Hampshire to live with her aunt and uncle, all the while actively searching for means of escape.

This story seems to be a poignant exploration of grief, loss, and the struggle to find oneself again in the aftermath of a tragic event.

This is my favorite book.

I read it during a time when I was grappling with every aspect of what was happening in my life as a teenager.

The impact of this book was truly profound. As you start reading it, you might not initially think that you'll be able to relate to the story or the characters. However, as you progress through the pages, it has this uncanny way of reaching out to you and touching your heart.

It manages to speak to the universal experiences and emotions that we all go through during our teenage years, even if on the surface, the story might seem different from our own lives.

This book has become a source of inspiration and comfort for me, and I will always cherish it for the way it has helped me through those difficult times.

Jenna Abbott's life can be clearly demarcated into two distinct parts: before the wreck and after the wreck.

Before the fateful event, she was living a relatively happy life with her mom. They shared a special bond, wearing matching sailor caps, which was a symbol of their closeness. Jenna was also actively involved in school activities, even running for the school's track team. It seemed like life was on an upward trajectory for them.

However, everything changed in an instant with the wreck. After that, Jenna was left not only physically but also mentally broken. The injuries she sustained were so severe that she became addicted to painkillers just to cope with the constant agony. To make matters worse, she lost her beloved mother in the crash, which was a devastating blow to her.

Now, living with her aunt's family, Jenna is faced with the daunting task of starting anew. A new town, a new school, and new friends could potentially derail her already fragile state. But this plucky fifteen-year-old has an inner strength and spirit that may just be enough to help her recover.

This novel is a well-paced and beautifully written piece for young adults. Oates does an excellent job of covering a wide range of complex themes such as loss, recovery, drug addiction, divorce, and peer pressure. It offers a realistic and poignant portrayal of the challenges that many young people face in today's world.

11/17/07

One of the most beautiful and touching novels I have ever read is truly a masterpiece. The moment I started reading it, I felt as if I was transported into the world of "Jenna". I was completely immersed, going through the exact same experiences as her, sharing her feelings, and sympathizing with her on a deep level. This remarkable connection is all thanks to the author's professional and poignant description, as well as the genius narration.

The story unfolds in a way that keeps you on the edge of your seat, yet also tugs at your heartstrings. It takes you on a journey through a range of emotions, from joy to sadness, from excitement to contemplation.

I would highly recommend reading this novel for anybody who has a passion for literature and would like to soar in the blue sky of imagination, go through special feelings, and develop a whole new perspective on life. It is a book that will leave a lasting impression and change the way you look at the world around you.

Though there is no denying her important place in American writing, I have never been a fan of Ms. Oates.

I must admit that I liked her venture into the realm of YA more than I enjoy her fiction. However, I still found it mostly unremarkable.

After the Wreck reminds me of the YA I read in the 90s. At times, it does so in a good way, as it brings back memories of the kind of stories that were popular during that era.

Yet, at other times, it reminds me in a bad way. The plot may seem a bit clichéd or the characters not fully developed.

I didn't exactly dislike the book, but I also wouldn't recommend it without hesitation. It's an average read that might appeal to some, but it didn't really stand out for me.

Maybe those who are fans of YA from the 90s or who have a particular interest in Ms. Oates' work will find more to enjoy in After the Wreck. But for me, it was just another book that didn't quite make an impact.

I absolutely adored this book. It was so captivating that I simply could not put it down for a single moment.

What I truly appreciate is the way Ms Oates has the remarkable ability to deeply delve into a character. She explores their thoughts, emotions, and motives with such precision and detail.

This is truly a great book. The author seems to have an innate understanding of teens and young adults. She is able to capture their essence, their struggles, and their joys in a way that is both relatable and engaging.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a thought-provoking and entertaining read. It is a must-read for fans of character-driven novels.

Jenna is haunted by the memory of the wreck that took her mother's life. She can't recall the exact cause, but a nagging suspicion plagues her that it might have been her fault. During her initial recovery, the pain medicine allowed her to easily drift away and forget, but now that the doctors have cut her off, she finds herself in New Hampshire.

She is living with her aunt and uncle and attending a new school. Constantly, she yearns to regain that ability to drift away "into the blue", a phrase she repeats ad nauseam, along with "before the wreck" and "after the wreck".

Jenna's narration is presented in an angry, dramatic stream-of-consciousness style. I didn't particularly warm to it as everything seemed so depressing and devoid of humor. Moreover, the second traumatic situation towards the end of the story felt over the top. While I can understand the purpose of the book and was eager to see how it would conclude, I probably wouldn't showcase it at work or recommend it widely.

Spoiler Alert

"After the Wreck" is a captivating young adult book. It tells the story of Jenna, a teenage girl who experiences a tragic accident where her mother is killed. Jenna suspects, although she isn't certain, that she might be at fault.

Her life quickly spirals out of control "after the wreck." Overwhelmed by loneliness and guilt, she makes dangerous choices, including abusing drugs and alcohol.

What's refreshing is that Jenna doesn't shift the blame onto others. It's clear she feels powerless to get her life back on track. However, when she decides to help someone else, she also takes control of her own life.

Enter Crow, a tall, dark, and handsome motorcycle rider. His name isn't a coincidence as bird images are integrated with Jenna's desire to fly away. At first, I was disappointed with Crow's appearance, fearing he'd be a typical YA novel hero. But JCO surprises us.

Crow helps Jenna, but he doesn't "save" her. He has his own issues, which he admits to Jenna. Even when Jenna realizes he's not perfect, she still wants a romantic relationship. Thankfully, JCO doesn't let them develop an obsessive love. Instead, they remain friends and follow their own paths.

"After the Wreck" is a novel with substance, sharing an important message with kids. It's different from those that only aim to entertain. While teenagers should have access to all types of YA fiction, this book offers something more. I'm looking forward to reading JCO's other YA books, like "Freaky Green Eyes," "Sexy," and "Big Mouth, Ugly Girl." The pile of good reads is growing higher.

I was a little disappointed with my second encounter with Joyce Carol Oates' work.

The story initially began in a great way, captivating my attention and making me eager to see what would unfold. However, as it progressed, it seemed to take a downward turn.

The plot started to lose its momentum and became less engaging. And then, suddenly, it was resolved in a rather dull and uninteresting manner.

There was so much excitement at the beginning and in the middle, but unfortunately, the climax and the ending failed to live up to the expectations set earlier.

It felt as if the story didn't reach its full potential and left me with a sense of dissatisfaction.

Perhaps my expectations were too high, but I had hoped for a more thrilling and fulfilling conclusion.

Nonetheless, I still appreciate Joyce Carol Oates' writing style and will likely give her other works a try in the future.