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Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite
After Alex Died by Dakota Madison is a story about how bullying can actually affect someone so badly that he decides to take his own life. Alex was a jovial and happy fifteen-year-old who was gay. He was also Dee Dee DeMarco's brother. Being harassed and taunted by bullies, Alex ends his life on his fifteenth birthday. Two years later, Dee Dee takes up a summer job of working with disadvantaged high school students. The guy assigned to co-lead the group is Cameron Connelly. Will Dee Dee be able to work with him as she knows he is one of the bullies she holds responsible for her brother's death.
The book strikes a chord within you because bullying can prove to be detrimental to one's psyche as in this story. Children indulge in bullying many times due to peer pressure, without realizing the consequences of their actions. There is a lot of grief, remorse, and regret happening in the story. The character of Dee Dee is powerfully presented. Hers is an emotional character of anger, grief, and forgiveness. The innumerable shades in her characterization is very effective. Cameron's remorse and guilt touches your heart.
The theme of the book is plausible and it works well in current times. The book ends on a positive note of healing and forgiveness. The writing is concise and neat. The author has done an excellent job in addressing an issue that is happening around us and is relevant in today's society.
