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Unborn #1
Unborn
Kerry Thompson is not supposed to exist. Kerry Thompson was aborted nineteen years ago--and survived. Nineteen years later, Kerry contends with a myriad of health conditions and a heart full of hatred.
A stint in the hospital sees Kerry cross paths with Sahara, a quirky little girl living in the pediatric ward, and her day nurse, Daniel, whose heart is as big as his earring collection. Challenged by their offers of friendship, Kerry starts to reevaluate his outlook on life--his self-image--and just how well he understands his mother.
A stint in the hospital sees Kerry cross paths with Sahara, a quirky little girl living in the pediatric ward, and her day nurse, Daniel, whose heart is as big as his earring collection. Challenged by their offers of friendship, Kerry starts to reevaluate his outlook on life--his self-image--and just how well he understands his mother.
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First published February 11, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
April 16, 2015
*sigh*
Have I ever felt this emotional after reading a YA book? I don’t think so. I didn’t believe Suicide Watch could be beaten, because that made me very emotional throughout, (no, I didn’t cry, but I did feel very upset after I read it) but this has actually surpassed that on my list of most emotional YA books. It’s made a lasting impression with me. And the characters and their stories, will stay with me for a long time to come.
Unborn is Kerry’s very powerful story. He is a nineteen year old boy who survived his mother’s abortion, and was left with lifelong medical problems as well as both physical and emotional scars. His mother only seems to keep him because of his disability checks, and he knows that those are what they live off of, but he doesn’t attempt to move out. Over the years, he has become angry and bitter with the world, especially his mother. And he knows she hates him, too, he lives with the proof every day of his difficult life. I found him to be such an interesting character, and I really felt for him. Nobody should have to live the life he does in this book, and no child should grow up knowing they are unwanted, unloved.
Kerry’s life doesn’t improve overnight, but things start to look up a bit when he ends up in the hospital after collapsing. He meets Matty, Sahara, Ram, Tim, and Daniel in the hospital, and each of them begins to change his life just a little. But it’s Sahara and Daniel who seem to make the biggest impact on him in the book. They are the people he really opens his heart to, and in return, they open their hearts to him. It’s one of the sweeter sides of the book, and it makes it slightly less depressing. I was so happy that he finally had people in his life who really cared for him, because out of every character in the story, Kerry is the one who deserved it the most.
Daniel is the love interest in this book, and he’s also a huge support to Kerry. He isn’t in it as much as a few of the other characters, but his role is just as important, and in some sense, it shows you how powerful he and Kerry are together. They’re not really friends, but something develops between them and it grows, and they share things. Daniel opens up to Kerry about the issues in his family. And Kerry seems to lean on Daniel a bit. So when things start to turn romantic, it feels very natural and there’s a beauty to their relationship that made me root for them.
Then you have Sahara, the little girl who breaks into Kerry’s heart and the first person he ever really cares about. She’s only thirteen and she’s been through one of the most traumatic things a woman or girl can be put through, and not only that, but her life is left in danger because of it. But then she meets Kerry and she knows he’s someone she can trust, someone who will look after her. It’s like they become siblings, not just family.
One of the things I really adore about this book is the fact I did feel like I was with Kerry throughout his journey. You are there when he learns things and you feel a lot, sometimes more than he does, and that’s almost as heartbreaking as his past. The level of emotion in this is breathtaking and sometimes it’s overwhelming, but you get through it because you want him to overcome everything and finally find some level of happiness. You don’t want him to go back to the way his life was before the hospital, but you realize that is a possibility. I could feel myself holding my breath a few times, afraid something really bad would happen.
There is a scene at around 60%, with Kerry’s mother, that makes her seem more human. Life is complicated and people even more so, and Kerry’s mother is definitely one of those people. She’s a character I hated, and wanted to continue hating, but you have to feel a small level of sympathy for her, too. And I think that shows the talent Rose Christo has, because it takes a lot for me to feel sympathy for a very unlikable character. And that flows over into the ending, which is more hopeful than I would have thought. It’s not a HEA, with Kerry sailing off into the sunset, happy forever. But the ending is hopeful and it made me feel like I could finally breathe again.
My review can also be found on Greedy Bug Book Reviews.
Have I ever felt this emotional after reading a YA book? I don’t think so. I didn’t believe Suicide Watch could be beaten, because that made me very emotional throughout, (no, I didn’t cry, but I did feel very upset after I read it) but this has actually surpassed that on my list of most emotional YA books. It’s made a lasting impression with me. And the characters and their stories, will stay with me for a long time to come.
Unborn is Kerry’s very powerful story. He is a nineteen year old boy who survived his mother’s abortion, and was left with lifelong medical problems as well as both physical and emotional scars. His mother only seems to keep him because of his disability checks, and he knows that those are what they live off of, but he doesn’t attempt to move out. Over the years, he has become angry and bitter with the world, especially his mother. And he knows she hates him, too, he lives with the proof every day of his difficult life. I found him to be such an interesting character, and I really felt for him. Nobody should have to live the life he does in this book, and no child should grow up knowing they are unwanted, unloved.
She didn't even have the decency to give me away. She delivered me, covered in burns, choking for scant breath. She didn't want me, but she couldn't be assed to give me to someone who might. So she kept me. She raised me.
Made me live with a broken body. Disgusting flesh.
That's how I know she hates me.
Kerry’s life doesn’t improve overnight, but things start to look up a bit when he ends up in the hospital after collapsing. He meets Matty, Sahara, Ram, Tim, and Daniel in the hospital, and each of them begins to change his life just a little. But it’s Sahara and Daniel who seem to make the biggest impact on him in the book. They are the people he really opens his heart to, and in return, they open their hearts to him. It’s one of the sweeter sides of the book, and it makes it slightly less depressing. I was so happy that he finally had people in his life who really cared for him, because out of every character in the story, Kerry is the one who deserved it the most.
Daniel is the love interest in this book, and he’s also a huge support to Kerry. He isn’t in it as much as a few of the other characters, but his role is just as important, and in some sense, it shows you how powerful he and Kerry are together. They’re not really friends, but something develops between them and it grows, and they share things. Daniel opens up to Kerry about the issues in his family. And Kerry seems to lean on Daniel a bit. So when things start to turn romantic, it feels very natural and there’s a beauty to their relationship that made me root for them.
Daniel grins. Sun written all over his face. Earring jangling next to his ear.
Darkness. Loneliness.
That's my name. But this is the sun.
His face lights up. It's enough to flood the entire night sky. He slides the keyring through one of the paperclips, laughing like he knows a secret, laughing like he can't believe himself.
I've had a headache for the past nineteen years of my life.
It's weird--but the headache's gone now.
Then you have Sahara, the little girl who breaks into Kerry’s heart and the first person he ever really cares about. She’s only thirteen and she’s been through one of the most traumatic things a woman or girl can be put through, and not only that, but her life is left in danger because of it. But then she meets Kerry and she knows he’s someone she can trust, someone who will look after her. It’s like they become siblings, not just family.
One of the things I really adore about this book is the fact I did feel like I was with Kerry throughout his journey. You are there when he learns things and you feel a lot, sometimes more than he does, and that’s almost as heartbreaking as his past. The level of emotion in this is breathtaking and sometimes it’s overwhelming, but you get through it because you want him to overcome everything and finally find some level of happiness. You don’t want him to go back to the way his life was before the hospital, but you realize that is a possibility. I could feel myself holding my breath a few times, afraid something really bad would happen.
There is a scene at around 60%, with Kerry’s mother, that makes her seem more human. Life is complicated and people even more so, and Kerry’s mother is definitely one of those people. She’s a character I hated, and wanted to continue hating, but you have to feel a small level of sympathy for her, too. And I think that shows the talent Rose Christo has, because it takes a lot for me to feel sympathy for a very unlikable character. And that flows over into the ending, which is more hopeful than I would have thought. It’s not a HEA, with Kerry sailing off into the sunset, happy forever. But the ending is hopeful and it made me feel like I could finally breathe again.
My review can also be found on Greedy Bug Book Reviews.
September 26, 2013
Do you ever finish a book and you really can't decide if you actually liked it or not? That's how I'm feeling at the moment.
This has to be one of the most depressing books I've read in a long time.
OK I wasn't expecting a hearts and flowers read, this is in no way a romance. But I guess I wasn't expecting it to be so dark either.
This is a look at a group of people all suffering in some way, (understatement) and they way they bond over time.
I think a lot of people will see this as full of hope, that no matter how bad things get friendship and love will help you through, and maybe it tries to show us that not everything is as black and white as we think (Kerry's mum). But being a somewhat pessimist, I couldn't get away from how sad it all was.
So how do I rate a book that both kept me reading and made me want to stop at the same time? I guess I'm going to meet in the middle and give it a 3. I'm also going to have to read the follow on stories just to see what happened after Kerry leaves the hospital.
I'm not posting any of my niggles because having never stayed in hospital I have no real idea if this was actually a realistic hospital or not, although I do wonder about a 7 year old that seems to live there because his dad is a doctor.
This has to be one of the most depressing books I've read in a long time.
OK I wasn't expecting a hearts and flowers read, this is in no way a romance. But I guess I wasn't expecting it to be so dark either.
This is a look at a group of people all suffering in some way, (understatement) and they way they bond over time.
I think a lot of people will see this as full of hope, that no matter how bad things get friendship and love will help you through, and maybe it tries to show us that not everything is as black and white as we think (Kerry's mum). But being a somewhat pessimist, I couldn't get away from how sad it all was.
So how do I rate a book that both kept me reading and made me want to stop at the same time? I guess I'm going to meet in the middle and give it a 3. I'm also going to have to read the follow on stories just to see what happened after Kerry leaves the hospital.
I'm not posting any of my niggles because having never stayed in hospital I have no real idea if this was actually a realistic hospital or not, although I do wonder about a 7 year old that seems to live there because his dad is a doctor.
May 26, 2013
Started reading this when I was halfway through Blind Faith and it was sort of a balancing act going between the two stories. Blind Faith was a total comfort read, it made me snuggle up in my sofa or my bed and just enjoy it-the slow progress of Carter and Isaac's relationship was sweet, Isaac's acceptance of Brady was heartwarming (though Isaac's short temper deserved a noogie or two), and the whole awesomeness that was Brady himself-he deserves an unlimited supply of treats. Definitely a good time to be had reading this one.
On the other hand, Unborn is just heartrending. This story is painful and raw, and at times just filled me with sorrow, for kids like Kerry and Sahara. But it also made me hope and smile for the people that surrounded them, protected them, and taught them that they were worthy of being loved.
Kerry is so full of anger that is almost palpable each time you 'hear' his voice as this story unfolds. At 19yrs. old, he is living with the physical and emotional scars of being an unwanted child. Burdened with a long list of maladies brought on by a botched abortion, he spends his days isolated from people until out on an errand he collapses and wakes up in the hospital.
It's there where Kerry finally learns the meaning of home and family. The first to reach out is Ram-a 16yr. old teen that lives in Kerry's apartment complex-and suddenly shows up to visit him. He offers kindness, company, and brings him home cooked meals.
Then it's Matty, his doctor's son, for whom Kerry is his idea of Indestructo Man-his favorite superhero. Matty-an 8yr. old who spends his time in the hospital because his dad is always busy, and his mother left him; whose a total troublemaker and has plans to marry Agatha Flannery, a sick little girl who shares a room with Sahara.
There's Tim, his roommate-a university student who has carcinoid tumors. Who is serious, spends most of his time reading, and takes none of Kerry's attitude-but shows his solidarity and loyalty when it counts (totally unrelated, but he reminded me of Legal Drug's Rikuo. >.<).
Another is Daniel the 24yr. old hospital nurse, who is so utterly devoted to his job that he spends almost all of his free time in the hospital as a volunteer. Who has an infinite collection of earrings and in Kerry's eyes, has a smile that resembles the sun.
And finally Sahara, a 13yr. old who lost her innocence at the hands of the people who were supposed to protect her. Who knew just by looking at Kerry that he would protect her; a little girl who stole Kerry's heart and who just had an abortion.
This group of kids amazed me with their strength and their resilience. How they banded together and where there for each other as they went through surgeries and complications, losses and heartbreak. It was beautiful for me how Kerry just opened up and flourished with all his growing ties with his friends but particularly his love for Sahara and Daniel. Completely and thoroughly fell in love with all these characters.
On the other hand, Unborn is just heartrending. This story is painful and raw, and at times just filled me with sorrow, for kids like Kerry and Sahara. But it also made me hope and smile for the people that surrounded them, protected them, and taught them that they were worthy of being loved.
Kerry is so full of anger that is almost palpable each time you 'hear' his voice as this story unfolds. At 19yrs. old, he is living with the physical and emotional scars of being an unwanted child. Burdened with a long list of maladies brought on by a botched abortion, he spends his days isolated from people until out on an errand he collapses and wakes up in the hospital.
It's there where Kerry finally learns the meaning of home and family. The first to reach out is Ram-a 16yr. old teen that lives in Kerry's apartment complex-and suddenly shows up to visit him. He offers kindness, company, and brings him home cooked meals.
Then it's Matty, his doctor's son, for whom Kerry is his idea of Indestructo Man-his favorite superhero. Matty-an 8yr. old who spends his time in the hospital because his dad is always busy, and his mother left him; whose a total troublemaker and has plans to marry Agatha Flannery, a sick little girl who shares a room with Sahara.
There's Tim, his roommate-a university student who has carcinoid tumors. Who is serious, spends most of his time reading, and takes none of Kerry's attitude-but shows his solidarity and loyalty when it counts (totally unrelated, but he reminded me of Legal Drug's Rikuo. >.<).
Another is Daniel the 24yr. old hospital nurse, who is so utterly devoted to his job that he spends almost all of his free time in the hospital as a volunteer. Who has an infinite collection of earrings and in Kerry's eyes, has a smile that resembles the sun.
And finally Sahara, a 13yr. old who lost her innocence at the hands of the people who were supposed to protect her. Who knew just by looking at Kerry that he would protect her; a little girl who stole Kerry's heart and who just had an abortion.
This group of kids amazed me with their strength and their resilience. How they banded together and where there for each other as they went through surgeries and complications, losses and heartbreak. It was beautiful for me how Kerry just opened up and flourished with all his growing ties with his friends but particularly his love for Sahara and Daniel. Completely and thoroughly fell in love with all these characters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 3, 2013
4.5 stars.
Heartbreaking but so damn good!
Would love to read more about Kerry, Daniel, Sahara and their friends!
Heartbreaking but so damn good!
Would love to read more about Kerry, Daniel, Sahara and their friends!
February 15, 2013
I really love this writer's style and will buy anything she writes, however while based on the blurb I did not expect the light and fluffy read, I did not expect that level of grim and depressing either. Opinions on that may differ, it is just the action pretty much happens in the hospital and the main characters are very sick kids - not just main character. Of course there is also light and hope and even love in progress being developed for main character, but this is not an escapist book, really beware before buying it.
One thing I expected to be confronted with is the issue of abortion - the author did not wrote an anti or proabortion pamflet, obviously - she wrote a fiction which may or may not have certain messages depending on the reader, but I thought it was very clear where she stood, again beware if you want to avoid reading about it.
If what I wrote above does not scare you, you will love the story of wonderful teenager who had gotten a very rough deal in life and I totally understood why his heart was full of hatred, but as blurb tells you this is the story of him opening his heart to friendships and love. Simple, really but so very beautiful IMO.
One thing I expected to be confronted with is the issue of abortion - the author did not wrote an anti or proabortion pamflet, obviously - she wrote a fiction which may or may not have certain messages depending on the reader, but I thought it was very clear where she stood, again beware if you want to avoid reading about it.
If what I wrote above does not scare you, you will love the story of wonderful teenager who had gotten a very rough deal in life and I totally understood why his heart was full of hatred, but as blurb tells you this is the story of him opening his heart to friendships and love. Simple, really but so very beautiful IMO.
April 22, 2014
I've never cried so much. Seriously.
This book is perfect. If you're happy, go read it - it will make you sad. If you're already sad, it will make you sadder than ever.
But there's some comforth in being sad.
This book is perfect. If you're happy, go read it - it will make you sad. If you're already sad, it will make you sadder than ever.
But there's some comforth in being sad.
September 17, 2017
I don't cry in books. I just can't. I don't know why. But in this book I was almost crying. Specially in the beginning of the book. All this abortion, cancer, and hospital stuff was making me very depressed.
When I thought the protagonist was getting better... BAM! He's getting worst. When I thought this couldn't get sadder... BAM! It gets more sad. Still, I loved this book a lot. Even though it IS very sad, it has something that gets you to keep reading: HOPE.
I liked this quote very much:
"I'm not sick," Sahara mumbles. "Because it's a hospital, you dork," I say. "Don't think of it that way," Ram says gently. " 'Everyone here is sick.' Instead, you should think of it as, 'Everyone here is getting better.' "
I decided to pick this book because I read the "Gives Light" series (haven't finished it yet), but this is not as happy as Skylar and Rafael's story, it is more dark and depressing (well, it is expected, it takes place mainly in a hospital).
I can't express my love for this book. I loved the characters, the writing style, the plot. Maybe it is not the best book I have ever read, but it is one of those books that stick with you for a really long time.
In conclusion: Just read it. It is a beautiful (and at the same time sad)book.
^_^
P.S That romance was just. Cute. (Fangirling like there's no tomorrow)
When I thought the protagonist was getting better... BAM! He's getting worst. When I thought this couldn't get sadder... BAM! It gets more sad. Still, I loved this book a lot. Even though it IS very sad, it has something that gets you to keep reading: HOPE.
I liked this quote very much:
"I'm not sick," Sahara mumbles. "Because it's a hospital, you dork," I say. "Don't think of it that way," Ram says gently. " 'Everyone here is sick.' Instead, you should think of it as, 'Everyone here is getting better.' "
I decided to pick this book because I read the "Gives Light" series (haven't finished it yet), but this is not as happy as Skylar and Rafael's story, it is more dark and depressing (well, it is expected, it takes place mainly in a hospital).
I can't express my love for this book. I loved the characters, the writing style, the plot. Maybe it is not the best book I have ever read, but it is one of those books that stick with you for a really long time.
In conclusion: Just read it. It is a beautiful (and at the same time sad)book.
^_^
P.S That romance was just. Cute. (Fangirling like there's no tomorrow)
February 2, 2019
I love the cast in this book, all of them a little weird, a little broken, but coming together beautifully.
April 19, 2016
This book left me with a lot of thoughts. While it’s not an easy topic to discuss in a book, the author did a very good job. First of all, because the book doesn’t preach; the author doesn’t try to impose her own opinions about abortion, though you can probably tell what her opinion on the matter is, she just presents different situations about particular characters, without saying that this person was right in doing that or wrong for doing this other thing.
Also, while the book has a sort of depressing atmosphere at the beginning, it slowly steers to a more hopeful tone as the chapters go by, allowing the reader to experience Kerry’s change along with him.
At the beginning I was a bit wary about so many kids/young teenagers having so much on page time, but I have to say they were great additions to the story, as a matter of fact, the story couldn’t have been written without them.
Again, I commend the author for managing to present the topic without being judgmental. So, I really enjoyed it, and totally recommend it.
Also, while the book has a sort of depressing atmosphere at the beginning, it slowly steers to a more hopeful tone as the chapters go by, allowing the reader to experience Kerry’s change along with him.
At the beginning I was a bit wary about so many kids/young teenagers having so much on page time, but I have to say they were great additions to the story, as a matter of fact, the story couldn’t have been written without them.
Again, I commend the author for managing to present the topic without being judgmental. So, I really enjoyed it, and totally recommend it.
February 18, 2013
Tugged at my heart and drew me in; didn't let go until the very end.
May 14, 2013
im quickly falling in love with this author, her writing style and her characters. They are so lovable!!
May 28, 2013
Wow.... unbelievably dark. Very good story, but... ugh. Harsh.
probably-not
January 5, 2018NTS: uhhh lmao yeah so the whole weird dealio with the author and certain other stuff......had me feeling really not great about the author as a person 8)...........like some of it was down to phrasing, what the heck was "infiltrate," what did they think was going to happen..
anyway thanks to that I guess I maybe won't be reading a book by this author again 8)
anyway thanks to that I guess I maybe won't be reading a book by this author again 8)
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews