The After series by Anna Todd has captivated millions of readers around the world, especially young adults who crave intense, emotionally charged love stories. But when it comes to After We Collided—the second book in the series—it’s natural for parents and young teens to pause and ask: Is this really okay for a 14-year-old to read?
Let’s be honest. We live in a world where teenagers are exposed to more than ever before—through music, social media, and even school hallways. But books hold a different kind of power. They let us live inside someone else’s head, feel their emotions, and experience their relationships in vivid detail. That’s why asking whether After We Collided is appropriate isn’t just about page count or genre—it’s about the emotional and psychological content that readers are invited to engage with.
A Deeper Dive Into the Story
After We Collided picks up right where the first book, After, left off. Tessa Young and Hardin Scott’s love story continues—but this isn’t your light-hearted high school romance. It’s messy, passionate, toxic at times, and incredibly intense. The emotional stakes are high, and their relationship is filled with push-and-pull drama.
Hardin and Tessa fight. A lot. They say things that hurt. They make impulsive decisions. They break up, get back together, and then do it all over again. Some readers find it relatable. Others find it overwhelming. But there’s one thing no one can deny: this story is emotionally charged from start to finish.
What Makes It Potentially Inappropriate for Younger Teens?
There are several factors that raise concerns when it comes to recommending this book to 14-year-olds:
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Explicit Sexual Content
One of the most notable aspects of After We Collided is the presence of graphic sexual scenes. These aren’t hinted at—they’re described in detail. For many readers over the age of 17, this level of intimacy might feel appropriate or even expected. But for younger teens, especially those just starting to understand their own feelings about love and relationships, this content can be jarring and potentially confusing. -
Toxic Relationship Dynamics
Hardin and Tessa’s relationship isn’t what you’d call healthy. There’s possessiveness, jealousy, manipulation, and emotional volatility. While the story doesn’t necessarily glorify these behaviors, it does present them in a way that’s immersive. For readers who are still developing their understanding of boundaries and self-worth, this portrayal could send mixed messages about what love is supposed to look like. -
Alcohol and Substance Use
The book includes scenes where characters drink alcohol—sometimes excessively—and make poor decisions as a result. While this is not uncommon in YA fiction, it’s another layer that parents or guardians may want to consider. -
Emotional Intensity and Mental Health
After We Collided doesn’t shy away from themes of emotional pain, abandonment, and trauma. These are important topics, but they are heavy. For a 14-year-old, especially one who is sensitive or currently dealing with personal issues, this kind of emotional weight can hit hard.
If your teen is interested in After We Collided, the best thing you can do is talk with them—not just about the book itself, but about what’s going on inside the pages. Ask them what they think of Hardin and Tessa’s relationship. Ask if they see red flags. Ask how it makes them feel. Conversations like these are more powerful than censorship.
You might also consider reading the book yourself, or at least skimming key chapters. That way, you’re not just making a judgment based on what others say—you’re forming your own opinion and showing your teen that you respect their interests enough to engage with them.
So, Is It a Yes or a No?
Here’s the honest answer: After We Collided is likely too mature for most 14-year-olds. Between the explicit sex scenes, emotionally toxic dynamics, and intense subject matter, it’s more suitable for older teens—around 16 and up—or readers who are emotionally mature and ready to process difficult themes.But every reader is different. Some 14-year-olds may be more equipped to handle this content than others. It depends on their emotional maturity, life experience, and how well they can separate fiction from reality.Books like After We Collided reflect the messiness of real relationships. They’re not perfect. They don’t offer ideal role models. But they do offer conversation starters—and opportunities to grow.If you’re 14 and thinking about reading this book, or you’re a parent wondering if it’s okay, ask yourself this: Am I ready to engage with this story thoughtfully? Am I prepared for the highs, the lows, and the messy in-betweens?
