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3.59 AVERAGE
3.59 AVERAGE
As always, beautiful writing and character development. Great way to show multiple perspectives. However, it felt like a lot of lead up for what actually happened (and didn't quite deliver on the jacket copy). But, life is sometimes a series of events that make us who we are, and that is the story.
3.5 stars. I didn't love this as much as Jennifer haigh's other books, but still a great story!
Five stars until the end, which was anticlimactic and lacked the tying up of loose ends. Overall an incredible book.
Couldn’t finish. Subject matter hits too close to home. I’m sure it’s worth reading for most.
This is a novel for 21st century America. Author introduces us to a shut in Catholic injured in a construction accident, a women’s health center counselor, a weed dealer with an exit plan, and a radicalized antiabortion activist—and weaves their stories together with great intrigue.
The closing paragraphs lost the fifth star. I am surprised that Claudia would leave the reader with thoughts looking backwards—about her neglectful mother Deb, and not towards her future.
The closing paragraphs lost the fifth star. I am surprised that Claudia would leave the reader with thoughts looking backwards—about her neglectful mother Deb, and not towards her future.
Theme is, loosely, my karma ran over my dogma; beautiful writing, humor, and a generous attitude toward the characters. Looking forward to reading more by her.
I feel like the whole time I was reading this book from start to finish, I was confused. I was expecting a fictional setting mostly in an abortion clinic. I’m not sure what this was but it wasn’t that.
Also, “white” is capitalized throughout the book. I’m not sure if it was done stylistically and on purpose, but it was distracting and clearly problematic.
Also, “white” is capitalized throughout the book. I’m not sure if it was done stylistically and on purpose, but it was distracting and clearly problematic.
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
2.5 stars.
For a book centering on a women’s health clinic that provides abortion services, I was surprised and disappointed that 3 of the 4 points of view were from men. Claudia, Timmy, Anthony, & Victor tell a compelling story. I would’ve liked the POV from a patient. We were introduced to several but didn’t follow any.
It almost feels like the author wanted to include
as many controversial or emotion-evoking topics
as possible: abortion, generational poverty, gun shows, domestic terrorism, cancer, poverty, overt
racism, misogyny, teen pregnancy, child
abuse…
Though it’s well-written in the sense of being immersive and telling a cohesive story, I wouldn't say it's an enjoyable read. I don’t require all sunshine and rainbows, but I do like to glimpse the sun on occasion. It does provide various reasons why someone might seek an abortion as well as why someone might oppose the act.
I do have to say, there’s one misleading piece of medical advice Claudia gives a patient: insertion of an IUD will not prevent implantation like emergency contraception. An IUD is great to prevent future implantation — but not if fertilization has already occurred prior to placement of the IUD or in the first few days after insertion. Pregnancy tests are performed to ensure there is not a pregnancy prior to insertion, but like at-home tests, they can’t tell immediately.
I waffled between 2 and 3 stars. I can’t say I’d blindly recommend it, but if you’re seeking a realistic (and depressing) contemporary novel to get your book club talking, this would be a good pick.
For a book centering on a women’s health clinic that provides abortion services, I was surprised and disappointed that 3 of the 4 points of view were from men. Claudia, Timmy, Anthony, & Victor tell a compelling story. I would’ve liked the POV from a patient. We were introduced to several but didn’t follow any.
It almost feels like the author wanted to include
as many controversial or emotion-evoking topics
as possible: abortion, generational poverty, gun shows, domestic terrorism, cancer, poverty, overt
racism, misogyny, teen pregnancy, child
abuse…
Though it’s well-written in the sense of being immersive and telling a cohesive story, I wouldn't say it's an enjoyable read. I don’t require all sunshine and rainbows, but I do like to glimpse the sun on occasion. It does provide various reasons why someone might seek an abortion as well as why someone might oppose the act.
I do have to say, there’s one misleading piece of medical advice Claudia gives a patient: insertion of an IUD will not prevent implantation like emergency contraception. An IUD is great to prevent future implantation — but not if fertilization has already occurred prior to placement of the IUD or in the first few days after insertion. Pregnancy tests are performed to ensure there is not a pregnancy prior to insertion, but like at-home tests, they can’t tell immediately.
I waffled between 2 and 3 stars. I can’t say I’d blindly recommend it, but if you’re seeking a realistic (and depressing) contemporary novel to get your book club talking, this would be a good pick.
Have you read Jennifer Haigh? If not, you should! She's a criminally underrated, fiercely brave novelist who tangles with the toughest of tough topics in her books. In Faith, she took on the Catholic priest sexual abuse scandal, in Heat and Light she explores how fracking destroys small rust belt towns, and in this novel, she tackles abortion.
Characters from both sides of the culture wars collide in this story about how and why abortion has become such an incredibly divisive issue.
This is a really good, sobering read.
Characters from both sides of the culture wars collide in this story about how and why abortion has become such an incredibly divisive issue.
This is a really good, sobering read.