Read Your Heart Out: After

First, let me state that I am not someone who reads fanfiction and I am not and never really have been a One Direction fan.  

However, the “After” series by Anna Todd, which was originally a One Direction fanfiction piece, is extremely compelling and attention grabbing throughout every chapter.   

“After” is about two college students, Hardin Scott and Tessa Young, who come from completely different backgrounds. We get to follow them on their rocky road to love.  

Hardin Scott is a very dislikable character. I won’t spoil anything for you, but Todd’s incredible writing makes it easy to hate Hardin. She makes him easily seem like the world’s biggest tool. No matter how hard I tried to like him, I just couldn’t.  

Tessa, on the other hand, is made to seem like the down-home angel that hasn’t had much life experience at all. She’s a virgin who’s been with the same guy for years and hasn’t had a drop of alcohol, let alone gone to a party. She’s your typical boring college girl.   

The book also has supporting characters that do nothing but help bring the story to life. Landon, Tessa’s best friend (and Hardin’s stepbrother) shows nothing but support for Tessa throughout the book. Tessa’s mom reminds me all too much of my own mother. They make the story all the better.  

I’d give “After” four out of five stars.  

I would highly recommend the series if you’re looking for the next book to eat up your time.