After Tuesday (These Days #1), Renee Ericson (4.5 stars)

About After Tuesday

(from GoodReads)

Family really is a pain…especially when your father is an addict.

For the last two years, high school senior Ruby has been her own rock and solace. She has learned to depend only on herself and hides her family's issues by keeping herself somewhat unnoticeable. Despite her isolation, Ruby has intrigued the affections of someone unexpected. Finding herself loving life once again as his persistence sparks a romance awakening a well-protected heart.

While Ruby’s relationship with her father is constantly teetering, her new-found affection continues to blossom into something more than she ever thought possible. Soon, Ruby comes to realize that opening up your heart means being susceptible to love and disappointment.

YA-M: This book contains mature content including profanity, drug/alcohol use, and sexual situations/language.

Review

Ruby, or Tuesday as her dad calls her, is a teenager with dreams of leaving home and embracing life. Growing up with an alcoholic father and without a mom has aged her beyond her years. No seventeen-year-old should have to pick up their drunk father from a bar, nor should they have to sleep in a tent outside their home to avoid the pain of watching a father’s decline.

Ruby goes through the motions of each day, knowing college is just around the corner. But then Brent comes into her life. A boy who never noticed her before suddenly becomes very aware. Their relationship heats up fast, and Ruby finds herself enjoying the present for a change. Even her father seems to be starting to clean things up.

But addiction is a cruel beast that doesn’t let go of its prey easily, and Ruby’s bliss is short-lived. Can young love survive? Will Ruby lose her father?

After Tuesday is a beautiful coming-of-age story with well-developed and heartbreaking characters. Ruby is torn between her childlike wishes and her need to escape; she’s a teenager who seals her heart from the pain of hoping her dad might get better, while also being supportive when he makes countless promises to do just that. It’s understandable that Ruby seems wise beyond her age, because she’s had to grow up too fast. Yet, I could also sympathize with her father—a man drowning in loss and struggling to find a way out from the alcohol that helps ease his pain.

Although the romance is sweet and I loved Ruby’s friend, Lexi, this story goes much deeper than a simple YA romance. Your heart will soar with the romance and break with Ruby’s family life, and the author does an excellent job balancing the two emotions.

If you love to connect with characters who will find a place in your heart, pick up a copy of After Tuesday.

Rating: 4.5 stars

About Renee Ericson
(from Amazon)

Renee loves to wear of hoodies, is fluent in Yoda speak, and likes to make videos with Lego figures. She is a long time insomniac, but doesn't have the energy to start an underground Fight Club so she settles for writing stories about the characters who plague her mind. She grew up in the Midwest and currently resides in the Boston area, but sounds nothing like Ben Affleck or Matt Damon.

Connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and her website. 


Book Trailer

Note: I received a complimentary copy for review purposes. A positive review was not requested or guaranteed; the opinions expressed are my own.