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4.12 AVERAGE
4.12 AVERAGE
This is such a difficult rating to decide. The plot focuses on a really important topic but drags for large sections of the book. The road trip really added nothing to the story except for Ivy picking up pregnancy and termination stories from women along the way. And while this was edifying for Ivy, it really felt like too much, heck even Ivy was like I guess I’m going to hear another woman’s story now at some points. And speaking of Ivy, and in fact most of the characters, didn’t really work for me. There was something very young and sheltered about all the teens, except for Mason who was world weary at 13. Also, for a contemporary, usually a quick easy read, this book really skimped me.
I do think this book speaks to the issue of abortion and the repercussions in a nice introductory way.
I do think this book speaks to the issue of abortion and the repercussions in a nice introductory way.
Ok, let me start by saying I love Deb Caletti and I love the premise of this book. A high school teen finds herself pregnant in the great state of Texas where abortion is illegal and ultimately has to leave the state to get one. The fallout from her conservative hometown is just horrendous. So what did I like about this book? Firstly, I love Lorenzo! Swoon. He is a top-notch book boyfriend. In every way, he is the best. I love the road trip they went on. I hate why they had to go, but I love making lemons out of lemonade spin they do to get where they need to be. I liked the music references. I like all the strong women in Ivy's life that support her. I like the ending. What I didn't like is how preachy/teachy/forced the book felt at certain times. Even though I totally agree with everything that was said/included in the book including the my body, my CHOICE sentiments. It just sometimes felt like the stats and pro-choice info was too didactic and unfortunately it just detracted from the story and felt preachy to me. I also really hated the way Ivy became pregnant. This also felt like a forced teachable moment. It took me a bit to get into this one, but once I did, I am glad I stuck with it.
Spoiler
Like, look kids you CAN get pregnant without actual penetration. Even due to a sexual assault.
I vacillated between a 4 and a 5. I wish Goodreads had 1/2 stars!! I ended on a 4 because it would have been good to have a bit more of the ‘other side’ perspective. Although I don’t agree with the other side- I still think it would have been good to include a bit more.
That being said, I think this book should be required reading for all middle school/high school students.
It is such a relevant topic- especially with all of state by state abortion bans being voted on.
That being said, I think this book should be required reading for all middle school/high school students.
It is such a relevant topic- especially with all of state by state abortion bans being voted on.
I loved this book. It was thought provoking and I thought she handled a sensitive situation that has turned extremely political in a very good way. I loved the characters.
This book was so good that I'm going to take a minute to write a few lines about it.
Ivy is a hero and likely represents the feelings and experiences of so many teens today. I'm proud not to live in a state with laws like these. I thought the book was just as long as it needed to be, and didn't force happiness when things got hard. It was interesting to me that the abortion itself took up barely a single paragraph in this 400 page book, but it made sense that the before and after were the focus. I loved this book and hope it finds its way into the hands of many readers.
Ivy is a hero and likely represents the feelings and experiences of so many teens today. I'm proud not to live in a state with laws like these. I thought the book was just as long as it needed to be, and didn't force happiness when things got hard. It was interesting to me that the abortion itself took up barely a single paragraph in this 400 page book, but it made sense that the before and after were the focus. I loved this book and hope it finds its way into the hands of many readers.
Ivy is pregnant. She knows how it happened, but she didn’t have sex! She planned to work this summer and spend time with her boyfriend; now she is planning a road trip to her grandmother’s house where abortions are still legal. Lorenzo has planned their road trip to hit small towns along the way … from Paris, Texas to Rome, Oregon. As Ivy meets people, she learns there are many stories and many feelings about what she plans to do.
Plan A is a stand-alone realistic story that covers a very tough issue but definitely has an agenda. Caletti takes a controversial topic and breaks it down for young readers to contemplate. I will admit that I do not agree with many ideas that were expressed in the pages, but I can also see people in the United States having these views and opinions. An OK read, just know that this book does have an agenda and it is not hidden.
Plan A is a stand-alone realistic story that covers a very tough issue but definitely has an agenda. Caletti takes a controversial topic and breaks it down for young readers to contemplate. I will admit that I do not agree with many ideas that were expressed in the pages, but I can also see people in the United States having these views and opinions. An OK read, just know that this book does have an agenda and it is not hidden.
A coming-of-age story about a Florida teenager that gets pregnant and embarks on a roadtrip with her boyfriend in order to get an abortion. Showcases why “my body my choice” is so important and yet so endangered in some parts of the US.
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
such an important story everyone should read. only docked a half star because i didn’t love how the narrator would go on off topic tangents about the specific goings-on of her small town
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abortion