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Gianna: Aborted...and Lived to Tell About It
At the tender age of 17, Tina was frightened and pregnant. Feeling abandoned and desperate, she stepped into the clinic to have an abortion. But in the midst of it, something unexpected happened . . . something wonderful. Instead of snuffing out the growing life within, the procedure failed. And with defiance and courage, a baby girl made her way into the world. Gianna is the incredible true story of one girl's remarkable journey from abortion survivor to steadfast defender and lover of life. This book isn't about issues ―it's about a young woman's determination to make the most of her God-given opportunities.
270 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1995
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
May 2, 2011
The girl's story itself was interesting but the majority of the book was insulting to people who are Pro-Choice. Pro-Choice people were made out to be horrible people and the Pro-Lifers innocent and better than everyone else. Yes, this is a controversial issue, but I think the author spent more time talking about how Pro-Choice people were bad, even calling them pro-abortionists, than telling the girl's story.
February 14, 2010
I won't spoil the book for those in my book club that have not read it, but I didn't like the book. It drove me crazy with the horrible writing and random bits of information that had nothing to do with the story. I didn't know that there were abortion survivors, and I am glad there are. But I did not like the way this author wrote the story. Could have been a million times better.
July 27, 2011
I kept seeing this book at the grocery store checkout and I must say that it intrigued me but I never bought it until I saw it at a garage sale over the summer. It's been on my shelf to read for a while, but I'm so glad I finally did! Gianna's testimony is very inspiring. I have never agreed with abortion, and have never - EVER - thought that a baby in the womb is just a blob. We are human beings and had to start somewhere. Gianna shows not only that you can overcome obstacles in life, but that you can do so while being HAPPY at the same time! After reading this book I am more sure now than ever that there is such a thing as God. God has helped Gianna spread a very powerful message not only about how abortion is bad, but how a Christian can forgive even under the most terrible circumstances.
March 19, 2010
This was the Book Club selection for the month. I was a bit sceptical when the blurb said it wasn't about the issues, and I was right. I managed to get about half way (quite easy to read) but I wasn't getting anything out of it, and the language disturbed me (i.e. calling pro-choice people, pro-aborts). I wouldn't recommend this - even to someone who is pro-life.
January 29, 2019
Thank you Natalie for recommending this! It was an enjoyable quick read. The first time I saw and heard Gianna was the first I knew of anyone surviving an abortion. Of course I suppose I could have considered it was possible, but it did not cross my mind. Her testimony was so powerful.
In her book, Gianna writes of those who refuse to believe her, heckle her when she speaks, call her out and claim she is being used. In her travels, she met others like her, survivors of botched abortions and tells of a convention when they all met. She writes of her surgeries necessary to gain control over limbs stiffened due to cerebral palsy, due to the saline abortion. She helped other women who had had abortions know they were forgiven. In fact, she came to see that as her purpose for surviving. Gianna freely forgave her own birth mother for the abortion, but chose not to include her in her life. Through it all, she is joyful, song-filled, up-beat, and beautiful.
An excellent book. Highly recommended. Hope she does an update as this is 20 years old!
In her book, Gianna writes of those who refuse to believe her, heckle her when she speaks, call her out and claim she is being used. In her travels, she met others like her, survivors of botched abortions and tells of a convention when they all met. She writes of her surgeries necessary to gain control over limbs stiffened due to cerebral palsy, due to the saline abortion. She helped other women who had had abortions know they were forgiven. In fact, she came to see that as her purpose for surviving. Gianna freely forgave her own birth mother for the abortion, but chose not to include her in her life. Through it all, she is joyful, song-filled, up-beat, and beautiful.
An excellent book. Highly recommended. Hope she does an update as this is 20 years old!
January 12, 2009
I had not read a book since high school when I picked this up. I was volunteering in a daycare my little one was going to 4 years ago, the women who ran it read when the kids napped so supply of books all around. I picked it up out of boardom and was hooked in seconds could not figure out why I had not read in so many years. I loved her story what a brave person to do the things she did. Now I am an addicted reader.
January 23, 2008
Gianna explained that people who are pro-choice do not feel that a fetus is a human. Gianna says if she was just her mother's tissue than why wasn't she born an organ. No, she was born a child, a baby girl with toes and fingers.
Complete review: http://scrink.com/blog/bookclub/2007/...
Complete review: http://scrink.com/blog/bookclub/2007/...
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January 22, 2016author shoves prolife down your throat...while I would never have an abortion, I strongly feel each women should have the right to choose for themselves...
April 12, 2013
Words cannot describe! This book was phenomenal in every way. I truly believe this book has already had an impact on my life.
Giana Jessen was aborted by her mother, Tina, when she was only seventeen. Tina understood it was the best thing to do in the case of an unexpected pregnancy. When the time came for Tina to deliver a dead baby (in which they called Fetal tissue), she was in utter shock and amazement to find out that this so called Fetal tissue she was supposed to deliver was not tissue, but indeed a beautiful, God destined baby girl. Giana was soon adopted my her loving mother, Diana. This is not only the story of Giana's incredible entrance into this world, it is what she made out of her life. Because of the abortion she suffered from cerebral palsy; however, that made no obstacle for Giana. The doctor said she would never be able to walk or even talk, but to much surprise she conquered the odds and stood up for what she believed in! She started when she was very young speaking to crowds of people to persuade people that from your very conception, you are indeed a child of God; to abort a baby is to murder. Still today she is speaking all over the world portraying her powerful message.
This book has helped me in so many ways. It has taught me to look at he glass half full; to cherish the precious life that God has given us, and use it for his glory; and to look at life with a different perspective. Giana forgave and forgot, but didn't forget what she was here to do! I loved every word of this book, and I sincerely hope you enjoy in like I did!!!
Giana Jessen was aborted by her mother, Tina, when she was only seventeen. Tina understood it was the best thing to do in the case of an unexpected pregnancy. When the time came for Tina to deliver a dead baby (in which they called Fetal tissue), she was in utter shock and amazement to find out that this so called Fetal tissue she was supposed to deliver was not tissue, but indeed a beautiful, God destined baby girl. Giana was soon adopted my her loving mother, Diana. This is not only the story of Giana's incredible entrance into this world, it is what she made out of her life. Because of the abortion she suffered from cerebral palsy; however, that made no obstacle for Giana. The doctor said she would never be able to walk or even talk, but to much surprise she conquered the odds and stood up for what she believed in! She started when she was very young speaking to crowds of people to persuade people that from your very conception, you are indeed a child of God; to abort a baby is to murder. Still today she is speaking all over the world portraying her powerful message.
This book has helped me in so many ways. It has taught me to look at he glass half full; to cherish the precious life that God has given us, and use it for his glory; and to look at life with a different perspective. Giana forgave and forgot, but didn't forget what she was here to do! I loved every word of this book, and I sincerely hope you enjoy in like I did!!!
September 1, 2009
This story has touched me on a heart level. I've always been against abortion. Then this book caught my eye and I had to read it: "Aborted...and Lived to Tell About It". I never knew these children ever lived through this murderous procedure. I cried throughout this book... sad and happy tears.
Though this book was a heartfelt story, it could have been written better. The author bounced around a lot and I had to try to figure out where I was many times. There were no breaks where there should have been some. Overall... it is worth reading in the long run.
Though this book was a heartfelt story, it could have been written better. The author bounced around a lot and I had to try to figure out where I was many times. There were no breaks where there should have been some. Overall... it is worth reading in the long run.
March 3, 2018
Interesting point of view, tho' I am not sure I buy all of this as factural.
April 6, 2019
This book is extremely powerful! It was amazing to learn about Gianna Jessen, a survivor of a saline abortion. She is truly a beautiful person and inspiration!
June 24, 2012
I'm not going to lie: I picked up this book thinking, "Wow...THIS looks hilarious!" It actually turned out to be okay--I enjoyed the enthusiasm of the book ("With God and with hope, ANYTHING'S possible!"), and it's also a quick & easy read (I read it in approximately half a day). I found some portions of the book to be...scientifically questionable...at best, though. This book makes me want to research more into the areas I was not entirely sure about though, to see what the truth is (which I find to be a plus--if you read a book and want to learn more about points in it without having to actually do so for work or school, it has had some impact upon you, right?), such as what actually causes Cerebral Palsy, abortion laws/women's rights, and of course, whether or not someone could actually live through an abortion, to what degree of "life" would be expected, and the what the percentages of that actually being able to happen are.
August 23, 2011
Gianna is a miracle. Her mother went in to abort her when she was in her last trimester and instead of hitting her heart with the saline solution, he hit her brain. She was born alive and by the grace of God, she was snatched up by a nurse and rushed to a hospital. She has cerebal palsy as a result of the injection into her brain, but she is alive and is a remarkable woman. She came to speak at our church and when she went up on stage, the first thing she started out with was a praise song that was absolutely beautiful. She is an amazing person. This is the story of her birth and her stand against abortions in this country, but it is more than that, it is a testimony of her love for Jesus Christ. I highly encourage you to read this book.
June 28, 2018
Gianna's story is enthralling all the way through, and I was touched to see how she learned to cope with the trauma surrounding her abortion. However, in terms of writing, the book has a heavy conservative bias. I thought it was a bit disrespectful to people who align with Pro-Choice, referring to the movement as "Pro-Abortion". You can think someone's morals are wrong, without acting like you are above them. Pro-Life can be just as violent as its opponents, and could easily be renamed Anti-Choice. This book is a look into a section of the far right.
October 21, 2012
I read this a couple of years ago. I am glad she gave the children that are aborted a voice. I'm sickened by the people who try to negate her. I hope she can always stay positive because she has just as much a right to be alive than anyone else.
November 1, 2020
This biography didn't feel very personal. Perhaps it would have been more impactful had Gianna written her own memoir at an older age. The writing itself is not exactly riveting. The author's background seems to be in newspapers, and that style comes through.
There are some details about how saline abortions work that I think would be good for many people to learn.
The author has a strange view that an abortion is an abortion whether the baby survives or dies, rather than viewing it as unsuccessful (or "attempted") vs successful.
Honestly, most of the book just details various events where Gianna sang and spoke as a part of her ministry.
It also detailed a couple of "rescue operations" where teens and children blocked the entrances of an abortion clinic and harassed (my view) their clients. I do believe abortion is wrong and needs to be stopped, but I don't think this is the way to go about it. If the tables were turned and pro-choice advocates were blocking access to a pregnancy resource center, I can just imagine the indignation the pro-life side would exhibit.
This book is rather old, and I think if one is looking for a book on this subject, a great one to read would be Unplanned: The Dramatic True Story of a Former Planned Parenthood Leader's Eye-Opening Journey Across the Life Line by Abby Johnson.
There are some details about how saline abortions work that I think would be good for many people to learn.
The author has a strange view that an abortion is an abortion whether the baby survives or dies, rather than viewing it as unsuccessful (or "attempted") vs successful.
Honestly, most of the book just details various events where Gianna sang and spoke as a part of her ministry.
It also detailed a couple of "rescue operations" where teens and children blocked the entrances of an abortion clinic and harassed (my view) their clients. I do believe abortion is wrong and needs to be stopped, but I don't think this is the way to go about it. If the tables were turned and pro-choice advocates were blocking access to a pregnancy resource center, I can just imagine the indignation the pro-life side would exhibit.
This book is rather old, and I think if one is looking for a book on this subject, a great one to read would be Unplanned: The Dramatic True Story of a Former Planned Parenthood Leader's Eye-Opening Journey Across the Life Line by Abby Johnson.
August 17, 2019
Perhaps the first memoire written by an abortion survivor. If this was the only abortion-survivor book available, I would be very grateful for it. But, fortunately, there are others. And Melissa Ohden's "You Carried Me: A Daughter's Memoir" is much better.
This was disappointingly written in the third person by a reporter. I was expecting a memoir filled with Gianna's own thoughts and words. Instead, we get a third person report glowing with praise but not offering a very intimate or insightful look.
Lots of rough edges in this book. The format and printing felt old and dated. Gianna often appears like a bratty & attention seeking teen. She wholeheartedly embraces the speaking circuit and appears on daytime tv, seemingly inviting controversy and clashes. Her adoptive mother was a huge pro-life advocate and raised Gianna in that culture. Opponents charge that Gianna was raised and exploited by the pro-life movement. Gianna participates in Operation Recuse. I don't fault her for these things but they would instantly turn off the opposition. This is not a book that will effectively win hearts and minds. However, if will be interesting to those already in the pro-life camp.
I think, in many ways, Gianna was a trailblazer. She was one of the first abortion-survivors to be publicly known. So it makes sense that things are a bit more rough with her. Melissa Ohden reports seeing Gianna on tv as a pivotal moment in her own life and identity. Others, like Melissa, were able to observe Gianna and build their own (smoother) private & public lives as abortion survivors.
This was disappointingly written in the third person by a reporter. I was expecting a memoir filled with Gianna's own thoughts and words. Instead, we get a third person report glowing with praise but not offering a very intimate or insightful look.
Lots of rough edges in this book. The format and printing felt old and dated. Gianna often appears like a bratty & attention seeking teen. She wholeheartedly embraces the speaking circuit and appears on daytime tv, seemingly inviting controversy and clashes. Her adoptive mother was a huge pro-life advocate and raised Gianna in that culture. Opponents charge that Gianna was raised and exploited by the pro-life movement. Gianna participates in Operation Recuse. I don't fault her for these things but they would instantly turn off the opposition. This is not a book that will effectively win hearts and minds. However, if will be interesting to those already in the pro-life camp.
I think, in many ways, Gianna was a trailblazer. She was one of the first abortion-survivors to be publicly known. So it makes sense that things are a bit more rough with her. Melissa Ohden reports seeing Gianna on tv as a pivotal moment in her own life and identity. Others, like Melissa, were able to observe Gianna and build their own (smoother) private & public lives as abortion survivors.
June 16, 2009
I don't usually write a review (I confess that this is this the first one). When I took this book to let my sister read it my 15 yr old nephew talking about it, he said heard Gianna being interviewed on Way of the Master, which is on online Radio Station. He has been pushing me to understand and agree that there is a lot the current US President that is really bad and wrong. And it's not just the abortion issue, it goes so much deeper. Now I agree with him, and of course all tat Gianna has said and written about. I didn't vote the current US president in or out because I'm Australian & living in Oz. It's the young people now who need to stand up for what's right and say just because it'r legal does'nt make it right and we need to stand up and be heard. It's something Gianna is doing, and doing it so well.
October 21, 2019
Well, this was awful. It tried to be an inspiration book but read like a self-published, incredibly preachy book. It was filled with emotional disjointed statements that offended my rational mind, as someone who grew up entirely anti-abortion and was entirely so until recently (I now consider myself simultaneously pro-choice and pro-life, while still generally anti-abortion) and even to me this book was just filled with drivel.
I have no idea how this book has a general rating as high as it does, the only thing I can think is that the general readership is a brainwashed bunch, and the author was preaching to the brainwashed choir.
The book's one positive factor is that it gives voice to a person with a disability without entirely infantilizing them. But that isn't enough to earn it a second star. The book was not "ok" even at a stretch.
I have no idea how this book has a general rating as high as it does, the only thing I can think is that the general readership is a brainwashed bunch, and the author was preaching to the brainwashed choir.
The book's one positive factor is that it gives voice to a person with a disability without entirely infantilizing them. But that isn't enough to earn it a second star. The book was not "ok" even at a stretch.
January 29, 2013
I read about Gianna back in the 1990's when she was written about in a Focus on the Family Magazine for teens called Brio. Her story is an amazing one of how she was aborted and survived. It is very much her testimony, her biological mother's, and her adopted mother's. It is a conversational style given that Gianna was a teen when this book was written, but it clearly tells her story and her passion for life and love of others.
February 5, 2011
It was amazing to see the perspective Gianna had on life. Reading even slight details of the horror of abortion is disturbing and makes it even harder to conceive the passion with which people fight for it. Still deciding if I'm reading it to the kids, she'll be speaking locally in a few months, so I may read them parts of her story.
March 31, 2016
3.5
I enjoyed the story, and it remains with me pretty vividly, even all these years later. This book was one of the souvenirs we selected from a trip to the Focus on the Family headquarters in Colorado Springs. The writing is choppy at times and meanders at others, but I still found Gianna's personality to be vivid despite that.
I enjoyed the story, and it remains with me pretty vividly, even all these years later. This book was one of the souvenirs we selected from a trip to the Focus on the Family headquarters in Colorado Springs. The writing is choppy at times and meanders at others, but I still found Gianna's personality to be vivid despite that.
March 9, 2008
THIS BOOK IS A MUST READ!!! I THINK THIS BOOK SHOULD BE REQUIRED READING FOR EVERYONE.This book is very good book. I think is should be required reading for everyone. I could go on and on about abortion, but anyway, seriously, I thought this book was worth reading. The title speaks for itself.
June 3, 2009
I LOVED this book. Reading it could get a bit emotional at some points, but it was an excellent book. It's about a girl who was born after surviving an abortion procedure that her biological mother had tried to have. I would highly recommend this book.
October 19, 2010
Amazing true story of a girl who was aborted using a saline solution...but lived. Her personal story is fascinating and gives an interesting look into how attitude makes a huge difference in life. Very interesting. If you aren't pro-life you just might be after reading this...
December 4, 2011
This book tells the true story of Gianna Jessen. She was aborted at 7 months and lived. The beginning of the book is very interesting, reading about the facts surrounding her birth, how she found out she was aborted, and dealing with crebral palsy caused by the abortion.
July 11, 2012
I love this book!! I have recommended it to all my friends. It is not just a book about abortion-it's a story of forgiveness, God's healing Power and Love. If you haven't read this...you are missing out!!
August 15, 2019
Amazing story that I could not put down.
October 17, 2019
Wow. What to say? I am definitely pro-life, and I should think this book would be enough to move the most set pro-choicer. An amazing story! A must-read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews