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Butterflies in May
"Ali Parker, a high school senior, is in love for the first time in her seventeen-year life. Her Mr. Perfect boyfriend, Matt Ryan, is a talented artist who hopes to attend Pratt Institute in New York, and Ali plans to major in journalism at a prestigious college. Both Ali and Matt are outstanding students. Their future possibilities seem endless.Then the inconceivable happens―Ali becomes pregnant. Suddenly, her entire world shifts. Everything she was sure of changes. What should she do about this baby… about Matt… about her life? Ali is faced with the dilemma of responsibility and choice. She’s supported by a fun, loyal best friend, Monica, but Ali knows that now, nothing will ever be the same again. She’s abruptly and unwillingly forced into the world of adulthood as she faces the crisis of being a pregnant, unwed teenager."""
201 pages
First published May 1, 2006
3 people are currently reading
148 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
July 19, 2014
I think it's bullshit, she should of taken responsibility for her baby. If she was old enough to have sex, she was old enough to raise her child. It was a cop out in my opinion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 10, 2020
I give this book 5 stars! LOVED it! Even though I knew Ali would become pregnant in this book (afterall, that's what the book is about), I found myself wishing it weren't true. Ali is such a straight-laced A student who's found love and you know that having a baby would change all that, so I was secretly hoping she wouldn't really be pregnant. But alas she was! I found it a remarkable story to follow Ali and her boyfriend Matt as they discover the truth and deal with it. These teens had some very tough decisions to make and the author had written these characters in such a way that you could really feel for them. In fact, this book actually made me cry! First time ever I've cried reading a book! Maybe it's because I'm a mom myself, I don't know, but it was a very touching and thoughtful story of these two teens. I think this is a must read for all teens!
October 12, 2022
Unnecessary insest
December 29, 2010
My summary:
Ali Parker is 17; she is a responsible high school student and the editor of the schools newspaper. This year she got a boyfriend, Matt, who is just wonderful, almost the perfect boyfriend. Ali and Matt are planning their future, they both want to go to college; he wants to study art and she wants to study journalism. Their biggest problem is which colleges to apply to.
One day Ali finds out that she is pregnant, a discovery that will change hers and Matt’s life forever no matter what she chooses. Ali is set on abortion and to carry on with her life as normal after the procedure. Is it really that easy? Ali has other options but she doesn't feel like even considering them.
My thoughts:
Butterflies in May were an excellent novel about becoming pregnant as a teenager. Even though this is fiction it is very informative, in a non boring way, and will give young adults a lot to think about. I would recommend this novel to be read by both genders, as I think this is a story all could benefit from reading. I also think this novel would be a nice read for parents. No one would like their seventeen year old to become a parent but if one is faced with the situation then it is important to try and look at the situation from ones daughter or sons point of view. Don’t forget that this is really hard on your kid and be supportive; trying to take the decision for your child is only going to push them away.
The characters in this novel felt so real and down to earth that it wasn’t hard to relate to their reactions. The author has managed something great her, even the smallest of the characters gives this novel extra depth and the story wouldn’t be the same if one removed any of them from the story. Some of the characters let me down, hard, but that’s because the author did such a great job creating them.
The main character, Ali, had such a difficult road to walk. Her decisions weren’t perfect but she tried to make the best out of her situation. It did lead her into some extra trouble along the way but she stood up for what she believed was right and didn’t let anyone force her into something she didn’t want to. Ali had wonderful support from her best friend, Monica, who I thought was a wonderful character and some of her family members as well.
Author Karen Hart doesn’t sugarcoat teenage pregnancy but neither does she paint it all black, the writing is realistic and it will go straight to your heart. The author doesn’t tell anyone what to do, she simply writes about the options regardless of people’s political point of view or religion.
The cover:
Looks like something from the 90’s and it feels out of date, it could really use a cover remake. Many of us judge a book by its cover, even if we know it’s not right to do so, and this is a wonderful and heartbreaking read that deserves to find lot’s of new readers regardless of the cover.
Ali Parker is 17; she is a responsible high school student and the editor of the schools newspaper. This year she got a boyfriend, Matt, who is just wonderful, almost the perfect boyfriend. Ali and Matt are planning their future, they both want to go to college; he wants to study art and she wants to study journalism. Their biggest problem is which colleges to apply to.
One day Ali finds out that she is pregnant, a discovery that will change hers and Matt’s life forever no matter what she chooses. Ali is set on abortion and to carry on with her life as normal after the procedure. Is it really that easy? Ali has other options but she doesn't feel like even considering them.
My thoughts:
Butterflies in May were an excellent novel about becoming pregnant as a teenager. Even though this is fiction it is very informative, in a non boring way, and will give young adults a lot to think about. I would recommend this novel to be read by both genders, as I think this is a story all could benefit from reading. I also think this novel would be a nice read for parents. No one would like their seventeen year old to become a parent but if one is faced with the situation then it is important to try and look at the situation from ones daughter or sons point of view. Don’t forget that this is really hard on your kid and be supportive; trying to take the decision for your child is only going to push them away.
The characters in this novel felt so real and down to earth that it wasn’t hard to relate to their reactions. The author has managed something great her, even the smallest of the characters gives this novel extra depth and the story wouldn’t be the same if one removed any of them from the story. Some of the characters let me down, hard, but that’s because the author did such a great job creating them.
The main character, Ali, had such a difficult road to walk. Her decisions weren’t perfect but she tried to make the best out of her situation. It did lead her into some extra trouble along the way but she stood up for what she believed was right and didn’t let anyone force her into something she didn’t want to. Ali had wonderful support from her best friend, Monica, who I thought was a wonderful character and some of her family members as well.
Author Karen Hart doesn’t sugarcoat teenage pregnancy but neither does she paint it all black, the writing is realistic and it will go straight to your heart. The author doesn’t tell anyone what to do, she simply writes about the options regardless of people’s political point of view or religion.
The cover:
Looks like something from the 90’s and it feels out of date, it could really use a cover remake. Many of us judge a book by its cover, even if we know it’s not right to do so, and this is a wonderful and heartbreaking read that deserves to find lot’s of new readers regardless of the cover.
November 8, 2010
Butterflies in May, along with Neal Shusterman's Unwind, should be required reading for all teenagers. I really thought that this was a YA book, but according to NetGalley it is adult fiction. I think that it would be appropriate for teens though.
I was drawn into the story from the beginning and I was hard pressed to put this book down! I really enjoyed Ali's voice. She stays true to herself and her feelings despite everyone else in her life urging her to make a different decision about her pregnancy. Ali does a lot of growing up and self-discovery throughout the story. She begins to reexamine her life decisions and her relationships as the book progresses.
The account of Ali's pregnancy was unvarnished and refreshing. She tells it like it is, which I could really relate to, being 18 weeks pregnant right now. I especially identified with Ali's weight gain early on, since I also exceeded the weight gain guidelines due to my only relief from constant nausea coming from high-fat, high-carbohydrate foods.
The events at the end of the book left me in tears. The ending was so sweet: filled with hope without being a traditional happily ever after. I would recommend this book to anyone!
Just One Gripe:
I wanted to pop Ali for putting up with some of Matt's ill treatment of her.
The Best Thing About This Book:
Ali's honest voice.
Appropriate for a younger audience:
Yes
Score:
Characters: 4/5
Plot: 4/5
Setting/Imagery: 4/5
Originality: 4/5
Ending: 5/5
Total Score: 21/25
I was drawn into the story from the beginning and I was hard pressed to put this book down! I really enjoyed Ali's voice. She stays true to herself and her feelings despite everyone else in her life urging her to make a different decision about her pregnancy. Ali does a lot of growing up and self-discovery throughout the story. She begins to reexamine her life decisions and her relationships as the book progresses.
The account of Ali's pregnancy was unvarnished and refreshing. She tells it like it is, which I could really relate to, being 18 weeks pregnant right now. I especially identified with Ali's weight gain early on, since I also exceeded the weight gain guidelines due to my only relief from constant nausea coming from high-fat, high-carbohydrate foods.
The events at the end of the book left me in tears. The ending was so sweet: filled with hope without being a traditional happily ever after. I would recommend this book to anyone!
Just One Gripe:
I wanted to pop Ali for putting up with some of Matt's ill treatment of her.
The Best Thing About This Book:
Ali's honest voice.
Appropriate for a younger audience:
Yes
Score:
Characters: 4/5
Plot: 4/5
Setting/Imagery: 4/5
Originality: 4/5
Ending: 5/5
Total Score: 21/25
November 27, 2010
WARNINGS: This is fantastic.
Wow. This book. Hart writes a book that is real. One little thing leads to Ali being pregnant. All it took was one time. Hart writes Ali's denial. Ali doesn't want to accept that this has happened to her. She thought she was invincible. Her and Matt both. They soon discover they aren't.
Everything spirals from there. Being pregnant while in high school means so many things. You have symptoms like morning sickness, cravings, and more. You have to face other students to gossip about you. You have to face your parents. You have to face reality of what having a baby means and Ali wasn't prepared at all.
She struggles. She fights with Matt who seems to be going farther and farther away. She has her mom trying to push her to make decisions but at the same time she is trying to cope and help Ali. Ali has to make hard decisions and we see her struggle with it.
I teared up reading this book and following Ali's story. It's something I have a hard time describing. It's something you simply have to read for yourself. Butterflies in May is amazingly touching and it shows the story of a girl who got pregnant, made a decision, and has to heal while moving on with her life and the changes that decision made.
Addict's Last Words: The ending was the best for me. I loved everything about it and the rest of the book. Read this book.
To Buy or To Borrow: Buy! You won't regret it.
Wow. This book. Hart writes a book that is real. One little thing leads to Ali being pregnant. All it took was one time. Hart writes Ali's denial. Ali doesn't want to accept that this has happened to her. She thought she was invincible. Her and Matt both. They soon discover they aren't.
Everything spirals from there. Being pregnant while in high school means so many things. You have symptoms like morning sickness, cravings, and more. You have to face other students to gossip about you. You have to face your parents. You have to face reality of what having a baby means and Ali wasn't prepared at all.
She struggles. She fights with Matt who seems to be going farther and farther away. She has her mom trying to push her to make decisions but at the same time she is trying to cope and help Ali. Ali has to make hard decisions and we see her struggle with it.
I teared up reading this book and following Ali's story. It's something I have a hard time describing. It's something you simply have to read for yourself. Butterflies in May is amazingly touching and it shows the story of a girl who got pregnant, made a decision, and has to heal while moving on with her life and the changes that decision made.
Addict's Last Words: The ending was the best for me. I loved everything about it and the rest of the book. Read this book.
To Buy or To Borrow: Buy! You won't regret it.
October 3, 2010
I have not read a lot of books about teen pregnancy, but enjoying watching MTV show teen mom makes me want to read about this topic more. Butterflies in May is a great story that gave me an insightful look in a young girls live who has to deal with teenage pregnancy.
Ali Parker is a 17 year old girl who had a perfect live, before she got pregnant.
She is scared, confused and she has a lot of courage. When she finds out she is pregnant she handles the situation just how I imagined I would have if I would find out I was pregnant at that age. I love that she listened to her inner voice and not to her boyfriend Matt or to her mother. She stayed strong and I loved that about her.
Matt was also a great character. Even though I did not like his actions and his decision, I did understand them. Though he could have been nicer.
I enjoyed the plot a lot. As I said it’s very insightful and it shows us the difficult choice Ali has to make. It’s serious and informative. I also liked that Ali gets help from a teacher at school and gets advice from different people with different opinions.
Butterflies in May is a wonderful story about a 17 year old girl who has to deal with the consequences of teenage pregnancy while coming of age into a young woman.
Ali Parker is a 17 year old girl who had a perfect live, before she got pregnant.
She is scared, confused and she has a lot of courage. When she finds out she is pregnant she handles the situation just how I imagined I would have if I would find out I was pregnant at that age. I love that she listened to her inner voice and not to her boyfriend Matt or to her mother. She stayed strong and I loved that about her.
Matt was also a great character. Even though I did not like his actions and his decision, I did understand them. Though he could have been nicer.
I enjoyed the plot a lot. As I said it’s very insightful and it shows us the difficult choice Ali has to make. It’s serious and informative. I also liked that Ali gets help from a teacher at school and gets advice from different people with different opinions.
Butterflies in May is a wonderful story about a 17 year old girl who has to deal with the consequences of teenage pregnancy while coming of age into a young woman.
October 5, 2010
Butterflies in May is a beautifully written novel. It is very emotional and it made me challenge my thought processes and how I viewed issues without really knowing all sides. Ali is faced with a problem- a teenage pregnancy- she fell victim to the 'it can't happen to me' syndrome, and got pregnant the one time her and her boyfriend didn't use protection. She struggles with all of the choices in front of her, abortion, adoption, keeping the baby, college, marriage, and all of these huge life decisions thrust upon her.
It is a very real situation, and I think that Ali's reactions, responses, and thoughts are all valid and realistic. Her boyfriend also acts in a manner that could be straight from real life. Hart has a wonderful gift for taking these issues that are hard to talk and think about and present options, the positives and negatives, in a non-judgmental way.
I love how Ali's parents are really involved and that even though they are not perfect, they try to be there for her and support her the best they know how. She also has a great support system in her best friend, her aunt Laura, and the guidance counselor at school.
I would recommend this to anyone who likes books about tough issues, teen pregnancy, or coming of age stories.
It is a very real situation, and I think that Ali's reactions, responses, and thoughts are all valid and realistic. Her boyfriend also acts in a manner that could be straight from real life. Hart has a wonderful gift for taking these issues that are hard to talk and think about and present options, the positives and negatives, in a non-judgmental way.
I love how Ali's parents are really involved and that even though they are not perfect, they try to be there for her and support her the best they know how. She also has a great support system in her best friend, her aunt Laura, and the guidance counselor at school.
I would recommend this to anyone who likes books about tough issues, teen pregnancy, or coming of age stories.
October 14, 2012
I absolutely loved this book. So many emotions swirled around me.
I should not be surprised Matt turned out to be so disappointing. Ali was so real to me I felt I could reach out and touch her. I was so in touch with every emotion she had. I guess most boys Matt's age would be like this. I thought he was really in love with her but throughout the story I felt maybe he never was. I also loved the fun and crazy best friend.
I was a teen mother. I was pregnant at 16 a mother at 17. I know all the thoughts and actions she did. I never would have an abortion but my boyfriend at the time was all for it. The conflict of your future never being what it could be or should be. All the timing of something you want but not yet.
When she had the dream at the end I was already in tears knowing what she was going to decide. I felt my heart rip in two as her and her parents said good-bye to Jonah. I loved the adoptive parents and also felt their hope and joy.
A very beautifully written book. So emotionally breathtaking story I could not start a new book the rest of the day. I could still feel the emotions long after the story was finished. I hope to read more from this author in the future.
I should not be surprised Matt turned out to be so disappointing. Ali was so real to me I felt I could reach out and touch her. I was so in touch with every emotion she had. I guess most boys Matt's age would be like this. I thought he was really in love with her but throughout the story I felt maybe he never was. I also loved the fun and crazy best friend.
I was a teen mother. I was pregnant at 16 a mother at 17. I know all the thoughts and actions she did. I never would have an abortion but my boyfriend at the time was all for it. The conflict of your future never being what it could be or should be. All the timing of something you want but not yet.
When she had the dream at the end I was already in tears knowing what she was going to decide. I felt my heart rip in two as her and her parents said good-bye to Jonah. I loved the adoptive parents and also felt their hope and joy.
A very beautifully written book. So emotionally breathtaking story I could not start a new book the rest of the day. I could still feel the emotions long after the story was finished. I hope to read more from this author in the future.
September 11, 2015
The book Butterflies in May by Karen Hart was an emotional, yet brilliant book, highlighting the struggles of unplanned teen pregnancies. The realistic fiction novel showed the life of teenager Ali, who dreamt of going to college and starting a life with her boyfriend Matt someday. All of those dreams were put to jeopardy after Ali discovered she had gotten pregnant. The book shows the struggles she must face and the choices she must make regarding abortion, adoption, or keeping her baby. Although I can't relate with Ali on the teen pregnancy level, I could, however, relate to the conflicts with her friendships and relationships.
I really enjoyed the plot and felt a relationship with the characters. Although some parts were expected, there were many plot twists that kept the story interesting. This novel would be a good read for any teenager that is currently struggling with or has struggled with a teen pregnancy, but also for any teenager, because it shows the toll teen pregnancy can take on a person and how their life will change, which could influence teenagers to be safer and make smarter decisions. (less)
I really enjoyed the plot and felt a relationship with the characters. Although some parts were expected, there were many plot twists that kept the story interesting. This novel would be a good read for any teenager that is currently struggling with or has struggled with a teen pregnancy, but also for any teenager, because it shows the toll teen pregnancy can take on a person and how their life will change, which could influence teenagers to be safer and make smarter decisions. (less)
February 12, 2009
Things in life never go as planned as this senior learns. Her life was perfect, with a great boyfriend and planning to go to Northwestern. But then, she was late. She started remembering that one time that she and him weren't protected. How could that one time make them so vulnerable. Now she has a decision to make to keep this baby and go through the pregnancy or to have an abortion. After choosing not being able to go through killing this life within her, her life falls more apart as her mom goes crazy for a day or two and tells her to at least give up the baby for adoption. Along with this, the baby's father, her boyfriend doesn't seem to support her at all. Now she must hang onto her self, what she has from her best friend and the school psychologist to get through this huge period of transition from mere high schooler to mother to be.
January 3, 2011
Ali has a bright future. She's a good student and is essentially a lock to get into Northwestern, where she plans to study journalism. She and her boyfriend Matt are in love and things couldn't be better.
Until she learns she's pregnant. Now all of a sudden she has a lot of decisions to make.
I really liked this story. Yes, it's a little rushed (a lot happens in these 202 pages) and the characters aren't really fleshed out but it's an interesting, compelling read. I liked Ali, and I spent a lot of energy while reading, hoping things would work out for her.
A Goodreads review compared it to a Lifetime movie and I can absolutely see that. But there's nothing wrong with that every so often.
Until she learns she's pregnant. Now all of a sudden she has a lot of decisions to make.
I really liked this story. Yes, it's a little rushed (a lot happens in these 202 pages) and the characters aren't really fleshed out but it's an interesting, compelling read. I liked Ali, and I spent a lot of energy while reading, hoping things would work out for her.
A Goodreads review compared it to a Lifetime movie and I can absolutely see that. But there's nothing wrong with that every so often.
February 14, 2014
This is book one of the best book EVER!! It talks about the struggles of a teen mom. But, this isn't just your typical pregnancy/teen mom book. This book is about a teen called Ali who has the perfect straight A life who also has a very bright future. She has supportive parents who love her so dearly, she has a cute, ambitiousness boyfriend, and a bright future filled with many successful choices. But all of that comes crumbling down when she misses her period and finds out that she is pregnant. She becomes single, she finds deep, dark secrets that her mom kept from her, but worse something happens to her baby. This book is so inspiring and tells us readers to ever give up on anything, even if the circumstances seem really bad. This book is definitely a MUST READ!!
September 25, 2010
A simple yet heart-stirring book about a difficult decision. When she finds herself pregnant at seventeen, Ali Parker has to come to terms with the fact that everything about her life and her future is about to change.
One of the things I liked most about this story was that Ali's parents did play a major role in her life. I've read so many books where the parents of the central character are notably absent. Tough things happen to people regardless of their backgrounds, and it's not just the kids whose parents are not in the picture who get into trouble. I would love to know what happens to Ali after the end of this book.
One of the things I liked most about this story was that Ali's parents did play a major role in her life. I've read so many books where the parents of the central character are notably absent. Tough things happen to people regardless of their backgrounds, and it's not just the kids whose parents are not in the picture who get into trouble. I would love to know what happens to Ali after the end of this book.
December 25, 2009
This book is a touching and heart-felt story about a young girl who gets pregnant in high school. It touches on all of the things that a young monther must think about and all of the difficulties that an unplanned pregnancy presents. This would be a good book for both parents and teenagers to read.
Started: 12/23/09
Finished: 12/25/09
201pps
Started: 12/23/09
Finished: 12/25/09
201pps
July 31, 2011
Butterflies in May is an addictive read that embroils you in the journey of a young pregnant teenager and the decisions she is faced with. So bare, honest and true you feel as though you are reading Ali's private diary.
A must read for any young teenage lady who is experiencing her first love. And any adult who has been in love.
A must read for any young teenage lady who is experiencing her first love. And any adult who has been in love.
January 18, 2014
This is the kind of book I would have loved as a teen, but it is predictable and uses obvious foreshadowing pivot points to move the main character's thought process along. This novel is for teen girls who are interested in straightforward human interest stories about people like them in realistic (this COULD happen to me) circumstances.
October 4, 2009
the author made this book awesome to read. even though the topic was a too emotional and not very interesting the struggles of love, and faith were super good. i definitely think the book was great all together.
April 29, 2013
I loved this book and could not put it Down! It is something some women or girls could relate to. I liked it so much because this stuff happens everyday and is not far fetched. I almost cried reading the two letters at the end.
October 10, 2012
Cute, easy read, but the end was very disappointing and generic.
Read
February 13, 2013I really liked this book. It was an easy and interesting read.
Read
May 10, 2013I thought it was really good and it would probs be good for someone in that situation. but for me I didn't like it cause it just made me feel what girls can really be like
May 2, 2014
This should be a must read for all teenage girls. Almost reads like a memoir. Makes me wonder if the author is speaking from experience. If not she has a gift.
February 4, 2017
This was a very bittersweet book with many challenges, and heart. Its a very real teen book that really opens your eyes to what could happen to anyone.
February 24, 2017
Ali Parker was a seventeen year old girl who had her whole life planned out. She was in love until something drastically changes her life. She becomes pregnant and has an extremely tough decision to make for herself in the future. Butterflies in May was a page turner and inspiring. It definitely made you keep wanting to find out what she wants to do with her life and how her decision will affect her as she moves along. I originally was assigned to read a book around teen pregnancy for another class and I’m really glad I decided to pick this one. It really taught me that the hardest decisions always seem to be the best ones and not everything that happens always comes out as planned. I wish they would have shown more of how her life was in the future. They showed her 5 months after, but I was hoping for more. Butterflies in May was a wonderful book about teen pregnancy.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews