brandinh 's review for:

Girls on the Verge by Sharon Biggs Waller

5.0

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Important, timely, and eye-opening - Camille’s story is one that is desperately needed. After making the decision to be sexually active (and safely, BTW, they used a condom), Camille finds herself seventeen and pregnant with no desire to become a mother and derail her life and future. Unfortunately because of recently passed legislation in Texas (the story is set in 2014) Camille hits one road block after another when attempting to have a legal abortion. When a trip across the border to buy “abortion pills” in Mexico is unsuccessful, Camille discovers that New Mexico does not have the same restrictions as Texas and is finally able to exercise her rights and abort her pregnancy. Camille’s experiences are enraging, such as when the local “clinic” suggests she move into their dorms and carry her pregnancy to term since obviously she won’t want to show her face and attend school while pregnant. However, this story is about more than abortion rights. It’s also a story about true friendship and the power of sisterhood. While Camille’s best friend, Bea, is a Christian and has a less than stellar initial reaction to Camille’s decision, she puts aside her preconceived notions and finds a way to support Camille through the process. Outspoken Annabelle is the kind of girl anyone would want in their squad - willing to steal a pregnancy test and skip out on her crappy job when the pharmacist refuses to sell a test to Camille, and never one to back down from a fight (unless it’s the smart thing to do). Ultimately, this is a powerful book that belongs in every library. It will make readers want to fight the patriarchy - pair it with Moxie for a double-punch of feminism!