A parent might reach for this book when their teen is struggling with anxiety, PTSD, or the emotional fallout from a traumatic event. Aftershocks tells the story of Ruby, a girl who survives a major earthquake but finds herself trapped by debilitating fear and panic attacks in its aftermath. The book offers a raw and honest look at the nonlinear process of healing, emphasizing the importance of therapy, friendship, and self-compassion. For teens aged 14 and up, this novel is a powerful tool for normalization. It provides a mirror for those experiencing similar struggles and a window for others to build empathy, showing that recovery is possible, even when it feels overwhelming.
Main character is in a life-threatening natural disaster situation.
Romantic ContentMild
A sweet, supportive romantic subplot develops from a shared traumatic experience.
Substance ReferencesMild
Characters are trapped in a liquor store; setting involves alcohol but not consumption.
Sensitive Topics
The book deals directly and frankly with mental illness, specifically PTSD, anxiety disorders, and panic attacks. The approach is psychological and secular, portraying therapy as a vital tool for recovery. A secondary theme is chronic illness, as Ruby’s mother has Multiple Sclerosis. The resolution is hopeful but grounded in realism: healing is an ongoing journey with good days and bad days, not a simple fix. It is a story about learning to cope, not being 'cured'.
Ideal Reader
An older teen, 15-18, who is either personally navigating anxiety or PTSD, or trying to understand a friend's mental health struggles. This reader appreciates emotionally intense, character-driven fiction and is ready for a realistic portrayal of trauma recovery that doesn't offer easy answers but provides profound hope.
Parent Prep
Parents should be aware of the intense, detailed descriptions of being trapped in a collapsed building, which can be claustrophobic and triggering for some readers. The depictions of panic attacks are also very realistic. The book can be read without prior context, but it opens the door for important conversations about mental health and the validity of seeking professional help. A parent has noticed their teen has become withdrawn, fearful, or is experiencing panic attacks after a distressing event. The teen might be avoiding school or social situations, expressing feelings of being overwhelmed, or saying things like, 'You don't understand what it's like.'
Age Experience
A younger teen (14-15) might focus on the survival plot, the disaster elements, and the romance. They will understand Ruby's fear but may not fully grasp the clinical aspects of her PTSD. An older teen (16-18) will likely connect more deeply with the psychological nuances, the complexity of Ruby’s recovery, her strained family dynamics, and the book's message about the non-linear nature of healing.
What Makes It Special
While many YA novels feature disasters, Aftershocks is unique in its dedicated focus on the psychological aftermath. Its dual-timeline structure masterfully juxtaposes the acute, physical trauma of the event with the chronic, emotional trauma of recovery, providing a powerful and authentic exploration of what it truly means to survive.
Read plot summary
Ruby is at a farmer's market in Los Angeles when a catastrophic earthquake strikes, trapping her in a collapsed liquor store with a boy named Charlie. The narrative is split into two timelines: the harrowing hours she spends trapped, and the 'aftershocks' of her life following the rescue. The post-rescue story focuses on her developing PTSD, severe anxiety, and agoraphobia, which strain her relationships with her family and her best friend, Poppy. The central conflict is Ruby's internal battle to navigate her trauma and find a way back to herself, with the help of a therapist and the boy who shared her ordeal.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Ruby experiences survivor's guilt. Why do you think people feel guilty for surviving a trauma? How does her perception of her own bravery change by the end of the book?
2
The story is told in alternating timelines, 'Then' and 'Now'. How did this structure help you understand the connection between the earthquake and Ruby's anxiety later on?
3
Ruby's mom has MS, and Ruby often feels like she has to be the 'strong one'. How does her mom's illness affect the way Ruby deals with her own trauma?
4
Charlie and Ruby share a unique bond because of their experience. In what ways is their relationship a source of healing, and in what ways might it be complicated?
5
Ruby initially resists going to therapy. What was the turning point that made her start to accept help, and what does the book show about the process of finding the right support?
