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Expecting
"A sweet―albeit twisted―little novel ... Hamilton excels at taking a heavy subject and spinning it into a humorous, descriptive, engaging read ."―Shelf Awareness for Readers The Worst Place Your Water Could
1. The Hollywood Bowl.
2. Southwest Flight 3464
3. In the Trader Joe's parking lot―when your husband isn't answering his phone and you're left at the mercy of your college-aged sperm donor Laurie and Alan are expecting, again. It's been an emotional journey, but Laurie cautiously optimistic―the fertility treatment worked, and things seem different this time around. But she doesn't yet know how different. Jack can't seem to catch a break―his parents are on his case about graduating from college, he's somehow dating two girls at once, and he has to find a way to pay back the money he borrowed from his fraternity's party fund. The only jobs he is qualified for barely pay enough for beer money, but an ad for the local sperm bank gives Jack an idea. When Laurie and Alan discover that Laurie was accidentally impregnated by a sperm donor―Donor 296―they will learn nothing should be expected when you're expecting.
1. The Hollywood Bowl.
2. Southwest Flight 3464
3. In the Trader Joe's parking lot―when your husband isn't answering his phone and you're left at the mercy of your college-aged sperm donor Laurie and Alan are expecting, again. It's been an emotional journey, but Laurie cautiously optimistic―the fertility treatment worked, and things seem different this time around. But she doesn't yet know how different. Jack can't seem to catch a break―his parents are on his case about graduating from college, he's somehow dating two girls at once, and he has to find a way to pay back the money he borrowed from his fraternity's party fund. The only jobs he is qualified for barely pay enough for beer money, but an ad for the local sperm bank gives Jack an idea. When Laurie and Alan discover that Laurie was accidentally impregnated by a sperm donor―Donor 296―they will learn nothing should be expected when you're expecting.
340 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
4 people are currently reading
784 people want to read
About the author
Ann Lewis Hamilton
3 books15 followersAnn Lewis Hamilton has written for film and television. Her first novel Expecting will be released in July 2014.
Ann Lewis Hamilton's television credits include Grey's Anatomy, Stephen King's Dead Zone, and thirtysomething, among others. She co-edits a small online literary magazine, Hot Valley Writers, and writes a blog, Book Club for One.
When she's not writing, she enjoys spending time as a amateur astronaut. (Not really, but she has seen Gravity three times and would consider being an astronaut if she got to meet George Clooney.)
Ann Lewis Hamilton's television credits include Grey's Anatomy, Stephen King's Dead Zone, and thirtysomething, among others. She co-edits a small online literary magazine, Hot Valley Writers, and writes a blog, Book Club for One.
When she's not writing, she enjoys spending time as a amateur astronaut. (Not really, but she has seen Gravity three times and would consider being an astronaut if she got to meet George Clooney.)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
October 28, 2014
Hop Over to My Blog to Read it!
Rita Rudner, an American comedian, writer and actress, has been quoted as saying:
"Life is tough enough without having someone kick you from the inside. "
Ann Lewis Hamilton, an American author, has penned down a life-changing story of a husband and a wife when they took the road to being parents for the first time in her debut novel, Expecting . This is a no extra-ordinary tale of a young couple's plight, but yet so deeply moving with a slight flicker of humor in the air!
I can't thank enough to the author, Ann Lewis Hamilton, for sending over me a copy of her novel, in return for an honest and unbiased review.
Laurie and Alan- a not so quite young couple, but have finally decided to become parents. In the beginning everything turned out to be beautiful and positive, even they decorated their baby's room. But suddenly, Laurie has a miscarriage and things overturn not only in their household but also between their marriage. The thin string of hope that held together Laurie and Alan's marriage started to fall apart, when Laurie has a miscarriage for the second time. When all the doors of expectations close upon their faces, Laurie and Alan choose to go for artificial insemination in a fertility treatment centre. And from their very first moment in that fertility clinic, things started to look positive for one more time. And Laurie and Alan's joys knew no bound, when Laurie finally became pregnant. But the news, of Laurie being inseminated by Donor #296's Sperm instead of Alan's, from her doctor shatters their dream and Alan falls more out of his marriage. Who is this Donor #296? Laurie's heart goes out for the baby conceived mistakenly, and eventually Alan started to feel more like a stranger in his own house and life. Read this book to uncover the mystery behind Donor #296's identity? And also what becomes of Laurie and Alan’s marriage?
As I said already that this tale is not something very unusual, instead we have read so many stories like this, but what makes this book stands out from the rest is the confusion that it creates between a loving couple's lives when they become pregnant for the first time. The book is hilariously written, with a quite fast pace, the book stands out to be a quick-read on your boring-no-plans-yet weekend. Some ROFL moments make the book funny and witty and thoroughly captivating read for those who want to enjoy the drama over conceiving a baby. The characters sounds real and interesting and the author have crafted them with enough depth in their characteristics. There is also another key character apart from Laurie and Alan, who makes a mark on your heart- Jack, a 21year old college student who is still on the verge of graduating and finding himself a job instead he is wasting away his time in earning money, stealing from fraternity, and dating two chicks at a time and is a quiet popular guy considering his exotic ethnicity! But what relation does he have with this couple is the real mystery to find out about in this book.
The mystery that made me crack up was brilliant unfolded by the author and the she developed the story quite skillfully from that moment. I feel in love with Hamilton's writing style- so articulate in nature and sometimes, it made me feel like the whole drama is unrolling right in front of my eyes. It's quite evident from the author's style of writing is that she has the power to enchant her readers. The only con of the book is that the readers would have love to see the bonding between the baby and Alan, who is seen to remain confused till the very end. The climax remains bit unclear and messy from Alan’s POV.
Do grab this book which is bound to turn your gloomy heart into a joyful one.
March 30, 2014
After reading the blurb, I HAD to read this book. I work in fertility and perform artificial inseminations, so this book is relevant to my life. I am obsessive about checking and verifying the sample before I do the procedure so that I don't make a mistake like this.
I loved the writing! This author was funny and it was so easy to read.
Loved the alternating POV. If you don't relate to Laurie, maybe you'll relate to Alan or Jack.
Very interesting read, especially for me.
Highly recommend.
I loved the writing! This author was funny and it was so easy to read.
Loved the alternating POV. If you don't relate to Laurie, maybe you'll relate to Alan or Jack.
Very interesting read, especially for me.
Highly recommend.
July 4, 2014
After two early term miscarriages, happily married couple Laurie and Alan seek fertility advice and agree to try Intrauterine Insemination (IUI). They are delighted, if somewhat wary, when they discover Laurie is expecting but as the pregnancy progresses past the point of their earlier losses, they allow themselves to dream of their future as a family. Until a phone call from the fertility clinic changes everything.
Told from the third person perspectives of Laurie, the expectant mother, Alan, her husband, and college student Jack, also known as Donor #296, Expecting, by Ann Hamilton, explores an unique situation where Laurie learns that the father of her baby is not her husband but instead Donor #296, thanks to the actions of a disgruntled clinic employee.
I felt for each of the protagonists in this story. As Alan struggles to accept the shocking news, Laurie has already formed a connection with the child growing within her, and feels compelled to find out more about Donor #296, leading her to contact Jack, whom she discovers is a college student of Asian Indian heritage.
For the most part I believed in the motivations and thoughts of the characters caught in such a complicated situation and I liked the way in which the author considered the issues from multiple perspectives.
I understood Laurie's refusal to consider a termination and her curiosity about the donor. I too would want to meet him, though I would probably be far more reluctant to embrace him in the way Laurie does. In several ways I think it is admirable, especially as it means 'Buddy' will be able to have a relationship with his/her biological parent and family, but Laurie doesn't really consider the impact on her husband, even though she professes too.
I was surprised at how much I sympathised with Alan's feelings of jealousy, anxiety and anger and his concerns about his ability to love a child, especially one that won't look like him, that is not his. His reaction, to distract himself with the fantasy of a relationship with his ex girlfriend, may have been inappropriate, but is somewhat understandable.
Jack is a fairly typical college student confronted by a decidedly atypical situation. Laid back and easy going he is just as indecisive about deciding what role he will play in the baby's life as he is in choosing a major, or a girlfriend.
Hamilton's tone is deceptively lighthearted, finding humour amongst the angst of the situation. The story is well paced with the shifts between perspectives, and short chapters, making it a quick and easy read.
I enjoyed Expecting, I found it to be both an entertaining and surprisingly thought provoking novel with an interesting perspective on an unusual issue. Ann Lewis Hamilton is a debut author with promise.
March 11, 2014
I loved this book. The writer has a unique voice and a very good sense of humor that comes through both in one-liners that can be laugh out loud, even though I'm not a laugh out loud reader, and in the situations the characters find themselves facing throughout.
Each of the main characters is engaging enough, and wrestling with enough in his or her life, that you will find yourself turning pages to see what happens next. The last fifty pages pick up the pace quickly enough that you think you have a Scandinavian mystery in your hands. But the book is always leavened with its good sense of humor and its fundamentally positive outlook on its characters and therefore on human nature.
If you are familiar with Los Angeles, you will appreciate the many references to local neighborhoods and landmarks, not to mention the protagonist's profession which involves getting to know the San Fernando Valley.
This looks like a "chick lit" book on its cover but there is something in it for every reader, from the good laughs to its two very well drawn and realistic leading men. I was reminded of some things about myself I have lost touch with by Jack, and scared by some things I recognized in Alan.
It's a great read and I highly recommend it for any time you need a book that will keep you reading, entertain you, and ultimately leave you with some characters you would like to hear from again. I finished it on a drizzly gray weekend but it would work as well on public transportation or an airplane, on vacation, or as an end of day respite.
Each of the main characters is engaging enough, and wrestling with enough in his or her life, that you will find yourself turning pages to see what happens next. The last fifty pages pick up the pace quickly enough that you think you have a Scandinavian mystery in your hands. But the book is always leavened with its good sense of humor and its fundamentally positive outlook on its characters and therefore on human nature.
If you are familiar with Los Angeles, you will appreciate the many references to local neighborhoods and landmarks, not to mention the protagonist's profession which involves getting to know the San Fernando Valley.
This looks like a "chick lit" book on its cover but there is something in it for every reader, from the good laughs to its two very well drawn and realistic leading men. I was reminded of some things about myself I have lost touch with by Jack, and scared by some things I recognized in Alan.
It's a great read and I highly recommend it for any time you need a book that will keep you reading, entertain you, and ultimately leave you with some characters you would like to hear from again. I finished it on a drizzly gray weekend but it would work as well on public transportation or an airplane, on vacation, or as an end of day respite.
June 20, 2014
I was very excited to have the opportunity to read and review EXPECTING by Ann Lewis Hamilton, but overall I was disappointed with the novel. It started very well, but I soon got lost in all the baby making talk. I can very much appreciate what Laurie and Alan go through, it's just not my kinda thing, as it's not something I have experience with.
I expected a somewhat light-hearted, entertaining read, but it wasn't that at all. I found the third-person, present-tense narrative jarring and the characters spent more time dreaming up scenarios than having actual scenarios play out on the pages. I also wasn't a massive fan of the quick, jarring paragraphs. The scenes in the novel should have been better presented, instead of the quick-fire rapid way which didn't really allow me to get into the scenes, as just as one scene started, it was over and we were onto the next "bit".
EXPECTING just wasn't my kind of novel. I won't be reviewing it on my blog, but I wanted to provide a little bit of feedback.
I expected a somewhat light-hearted, entertaining read, but it wasn't that at all. I found the third-person, present-tense narrative jarring and the characters spent more time dreaming up scenarios than having actual scenarios play out on the pages. I also wasn't a massive fan of the quick, jarring paragraphs. The scenes in the novel should have been better presented, instead of the quick-fire rapid way which didn't really allow me to get into the scenes, as just as one scene started, it was over and we were onto the next "bit".
EXPECTING just wasn't my kind of novel. I won't be reviewing it on my blog, but I wanted to provide a little bit of feedback.
April 3, 2014
So, this is definitely NOT my normal kind of read. I tend to avoid what is termed "chick-lit" just because I never seem to jive with the overall messages, or endings that the characters receive. And lots of times, the characters turn out to be 20, 30, or 40-something pretentious, upper-middle class assholes. This is basically a book that alternates between an aimless and slightly douchey college student, Jack, and a suburban married couple named Laurie and Alan. The couple are going through a problem with infertility and have already suffered two miscarriages. The college student sold some sperm to make extra money. Due to a disgruntled employee at the clinic, the college student is now the biological father of the married couple's baby! After that, Laurie and Alan's marriage starts to break apart and all Hell unleashes. By the end of the book, they still haven't told their families, the grip they have on their marriage is tenuous at best and Jack is firmly established as a factor in everything.
At its root, this is a book about difficult decsions. I can understand things from all three sides of this triangle. Laurie and Alan BOTH went through those miscarriages together, and lost their children. And now that Laurie is pregnant, they're both excited. Enter the shocking news and Alan feels like he's lost another child. Laurie feels disconnected from her husband, because the baby is still biologically hers. She can't stand the thought of abortion, because in the end its still her baby. Then there's Jack, who is brought in by Laurie's curiosity, when he thought he'd have 18 years before having to deal with this (if ever). Alan is already struggling with not being biologically related to the baby, wondering if it will look like him, how it will affect their relationship, etc. Then he is told by Laurie she wants to meet the donor. He is upset, angry and hurt. But none of these people act like adult human beings, which is what made this book the most difficult for me.
My biggest gripe was that instead of telling Laurie how he felt, or in any way trying to deal with the situation, Alan falls headlong into an online relationship with an old girlfriend. He almost turns it into a real-life cheating situation. Then there's Laurie, who feels the need to know where her baby comes from and who the other half of its DNA belongs to. Understandable, but she seems unable to draw the line between "Father" and biological parent. She keeps bringing Jack further and further into their lives, until he's practically a third party in their marriage. It's really a hurtful thing. But it doesn't excuse Alan's blind jealousy of a kid (almost young enough to be his son), who technically has NO legal rights to the baby. That is something Laurie seems to forget, that Jack willingly signed away his sperm and that her and Alan are the ones in emotional pain. Also, why the FUCK would you not sue the pants off of that place???!!! Not a quite normal reaction. The other issue was why did they not even tell any of their parents or friends what had happened? Especially once they realized the sperm came from someone of a different nationality? Did they really think they could say nothing and that no one would notice when the baby looked nothing like Alan, and possibly of a different ethnicity? The situation with Jack's parents and sister was a bit much as well. NO RIGHTS, PEOPLE. NONE. And yet here is Laurie, edging out her own husband in favor of the sperm donor. Not that Alan wasn't a complete jackass, but still. I honestly couldn't stand any of these people. Understand them yes, think they were smart enough to live, NO. Not recommended to read, unless you want to see red with complete rage.
VERDICT: 1.5/5 Stars
*I received this book from Sourcebooks Landmark, on NetGalley. No favors or money were exchanged for this review. This book's expected publication is July 1st, 2014.*
At its root, this is a book about difficult decsions. I can understand things from all three sides of this triangle. Laurie and Alan BOTH went through those miscarriages together, and lost their children. And now that Laurie is pregnant, they're both excited. Enter the shocking news and Alan feels like he's lost another child. Laurie feels disconnected from her husband, because the baby is still biologically hers. She can't stand the thought of abortion, because in the end its still her baby. Then there's Jack, who is brought in by Laurie's curiosity, when he thought he'd have 18 years before having to deal with this (if ever). Alan is already struggling with not being biologically related to the baby, wondering if it will look like him, how it will affect their relationship, etc. Then he is told by Laurie she wants to meet the donor. He is upset, angry and hurt. But none of these people act like adult human beings, which is what made this book the most difficult for me.
My biggest gripe was that instead of telling Laurie how he felt, or in any way trying to deal with the situation, Alan falls headlong into an online relationship with an old girlfriend. He almost turns it into a real-life cheating situation. Then there's Laurie, who feels the need to know where her baby comes from and who the other half of its DNA belongs to. Understandable, but she seems unable to draw the line between "Father" and biological parent. She keeps bringing Jack further and further into their lives, until he's practically a third party in their marriage. It's really a hurtful thing. But it doesn't excuse Alan's blind jealousy of a kid (almost young enough to be his son), who technically has NO legal rights to the baby. That is something Laurie seems to forget, that Jack willingly signed away his sperm and that her and Alan are the ones in emotional pain. Also, why the FUCK would you not sue the pants off of that place???!!! Not a quite normal reaction. The other issue was why did they not even tell any of their parents or friends what had happened? Especially once they realized the sperm came from someone of a different nationality? Did they really think they could say nothing and that no one would notice when the baby looked nothing like Alan, and possibly of a different ethnicity? The situation with Jack's parents and sister was a bit much as well. NO RIGHTS, PEOPLE. NONE. And yet here is Laurie, edging out her own husband in favor of the sperm donor. Not that Alan wasn't a complete jackass, but still. I honestly couldn't stand any of these people. Understand them yes, think they were smart enough to live, NO. Not recommended to read, unless you want to see red with complete rage.
VERDICT: 1.5/5 Stars
*I received this book from Sourcebooks Landmark, on NetGalley. No favors or money were exchanged for this review. This book's expected publication is July 1st, 2014.*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 5, 2014
I was bound to love this book, as my sister-in-law wrote it, and every page made me smile as it was alive with her energy and wry sense of humor. Familial disclosure notwithstanding, this is a wonderful book with characters who feel like friends. Laurie does, at least, for the whole book, and though I was furious at both male main characters at times throughout the novel, that anger fueled my interest as well. The plot is one that will both resonate with and shock anyone who has contemplated having a child - after two miscarriages, Laurie and Alan successfully conceive a child with the help of a fertility clinic. Their elation changes quickly to a morass of mixed emotions when they find that a technician's mistake means that Laurie is carrying a child conceived with another man's sperm. One of the many appealing things about this story is that it approaches this impossible - but completely plausible - situation from the perspectives of all three main characters. Just as I thought I couldn't be more grumpy with Alan, along would come a chapter that would unravel some of his mess of feelings and make me understand what was going on with him. No spoilers, but I will say that at one point I was sure I knew where this hurtling freight train was headed, and I was wrong.
October 23, 2017
why I'm sure Alan's POV is valid and has points, I still think it's stupid.
July 1, 2014
Laurie and Alan can't wait to be parents, but when two of her pregnancies end in miscarriage they turn to a fertility doctor for assistance. It isn't long until Laurie finds herself pregnant again and they are overjoyed when the pregnancy takes, but their joy quickly turns to confusion and heartbreak when the clinic calls to let them know that Laurie has accidentally been impregnated with another man's sperm. Who is Donor 296, and what will Laurie and Alan's future child be like?
Jack's parents doubt that he will ever graduate college. He's smart but indecisive, always changing his major to something new. That indecisiveness is especially evident as he juggles two very different girlfriends and changes his minor once again. When his parents cut off his cash flow in order to encourage him to finish school Jack finds himself searching the want ads for a way to make some easy money. When he stumbles across an ad seeking men to donate sperm he sees that he's found the easiest solution- getting paid for something that he would do for free!
Jack is shocked when he receives a phone call from a woman he's never met claiming to be carrying his child and he is even more surprised when he discovers that he actually likes this woman. Jack finds himself becoming a part of this emerging family in a way that he never anticipated.
It surprised me how much I enjoyed Expecting! I was expecting to like it, of course, based solely on the book description, but this is Ann Hamilton's debut novel so it was a pleasant surprise to discover how much I enjoyed her writing style and her prose. I found it difficult to put Expecting down! I was always eager to find out what would happen next. The story flowed from one scene to the next and I found myself sympathizing with all of the characters regardless of their individual situations. I found the plot especially interesting as well. Imagine thinking that you are pregnant with your husband's baby, only to discover that you are pregnant with another man's child! I would think that that would bring a whole mess of emotions and confusion to the surface, and these are precisely the things that Ann Hamilton explores.
(Spoiler alert) I did find that a few things about the book were far-fetched. I was surprised that it was so easy for Laurie to track down Jack, and I was especially surprised that Jack becomes so involved in Laurie and Alan's lives. I would expect a college- aged male who donates sperm to not want to have anything to do with the baby that is the result of his sperm donation, especially when you are young and have enough going on as it is. On one hand I can see that discovering that there is a baby about to be born that will be carrying your DNA may change your outlook on life, but on another I can imagine Jack wanting to wash his hands of the whole thing. I was also surprised that Laurie and Alan welcomed Jack's family so easily into their fold, I would think that they would be more protective of the new life that they created and their family of three. I'll be honest and say that even though I did find these aspects of the book far-fetched it wasn't really until after I was done the book that I thought that. While reading it those aspects just seemed to work for me as a whole, and it didn't seem all that unusual until after I was done reading.
I enjoyed Expecting - the thoughtful plot, interesting characters and skilled writing drew me into the story. If you're looking for a book that is interesting but still light enough for the beach I definitely recommend this book to you. My thanks to Netgalley and Sourcebooks for providing me with this review copy.
Jack's parents doubt that he will ever graduate college. He's smart but indecisive, always changing his major to something new. That indecisiveness is especially evident as he juggles two very different girlfriends and changes his minor once again. When his parents cut off his cash flow in order to encourage him to finish school Jack finds himself searching the want ads for a way to make some easy money. When he stumbles across an ad seeking men to donate sperm he sees that he's found the easiest solution- getting paid for something that he would do for free!
Jack is shocked when he receives a phone call from a woman he's never met claiming to be carrying his child and he is even more surprised when he discovers that he actually likes this woman. Jack finds himself becoming a part of this emerging family in a way that he never anticipated.
It surprised me how much I enjoyed Expecting! I was expecting to like it, of course, based solely on the book description, but this is Ann Hamilton's debut novel so it was a pleasant surprise to discover how much I enjoyed her writing style and her prose. I found it difficult to put Expecting down! I was always eager to find out what would happen next. The story flowed from one scene to the next and I found myself sympathizing with all of the characters regardless of their individual situations. I found the plot especially interesting as well. Imagine thinking that you are pregnant with your husband's baby, only to discover that you are pregnant with another man's child! I would think that that would bring a whole mess of emotions and confusion to the surface, and these are precisely the things that Ann Hamilton explores.
(Spoiler alert) I did find that a few things about the book were far-fetched. I was surprised that it was so easy for Laurie to track down Jack, and I was especially surprised that Jack becomes so involved in Laurie and Alan's lives. I would expect a college- aged male who donates sperm to not want to have anything to do with the baby that is the result of his sperm donation, especially when you are young and have enough going on as it is. On one hand I can see that discovering that there is a baby about to be born that will be carrying your DNA may change your outlook on life, but on another I can imagine Jack wanting to wash his hands of the whole thing. I was also surprised that Laurie and Alan welcomed Jack's family so easily into their fold, I would think that they would be more protective of the new life that they created and their family of three. I'll be honest and say that even though I did find these aspects of the book far-fetched it wasn't really until after I was done the book that I thought that. While reading it those aspects just seemed to work for me as a whole, and it didn't seem all that unusual until after I was done reading.
I enjoyed Expecting - the thoughtful plot, interesting characters and skilled writing drew me into the story. If you're looking for a book that is interesting but still light enough for the beach I definitely recommend this book to you. My thanks to Netgalley and Sourcebooks for providing me with this review copy.
July 10, 2014
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We meet Laurie as she’s going into labor. She knocks on her spare bedroom door to ask Jack to take her to the hospital because her husband is not answering his phone. So Jack’s not the husband or baby’s father, this is awkward! Who is this dude?
We then flash back to Laurie’s first conception and her first doctor’s appointment. Laurie is a blissful and naive state of pregnancy that is short lived due to an early miscarriage. Having lived through that moment of waiting with your doctor to hear a heartbeat and then not finding it, I can tell you that Lewis tells an excellent story. I really appreciated that we flashed between Laurie and Alan’s feelings and experiences of the miscarriage. I think the story that men could tell of pregnancy loss is much more emotional than most people would expect.
“It was the worst thing I’ve ever experienced. Watching the person I love more than anything in the world have the remains of what was supposed to be our baby scraped out of her.”
That’s brutal and its honest. So we watch Alan not only deal with the grief of the child they lose but also how does he support his wife through her loss? I found myself really emotional reading this part of the book on their behalf. Poor Laurie gets pregnant again and miscarries again, this all leads eventually to a diagnosis of unexplained infertility. Alan and Laurie decide to try fertility treatments and she gets pregnant yet again. From here on this felt like a totally different book to me-not in a bad way and maybe its just because I was less emotionally involved with my own memories.
Interspersed with the chapters from Alan and Laurie we begin to meet Jack. Jack is a screw up. He’s “borrowed” against his fraternity funds and turns to sperm donation to pay the money back. I’m glad we met Jack, but for me it was a bit harsh to have his chapters thrown in with Laurie and Alan’s early story. I think I would have flowed better for me if we’d met Jack after Laurie and Alan actually turn to IUI.
But anyway, Laurie and Alan learn that she’s not actually pregnant with Alan’s biological child, but Jack’s. Alan and Laurie have very different ways of handling the news-which is not surprising, but that didn’t keep me from getting really frustrated with Alan! I wanted to reach into the book and shake him at times. Laurie wants to get to know Jack, but Alan feels Jack is an intruder in their lives and really transfers that onto the unborn baby. Poor baby! Jack was definitely a bit of a mess, but he turned out to be a pretty likeable mess for me.
The second half of the book felt much less real to me, but I still enjoyed it. I was totally wrapped up in the end waiting for this baby to be born! Expecting definitely made me think more than I expected (ha!) to about this kind of situation. How would it feel to carry a baby that was not your husband’s on accident? How would a marriage survive it?
4 stars!
All quotes were taken from an uncorrected galley proof subject to change in the final edition
Thank you Sourcebooks Landmark for this advanced read copy in exchange for an honest review.
We meet Laurie as she’s going into labor. She knocks on her spare bedroom door to ask Jack to take her to the hospital because her husband is not answering his phone. So Jack’s not the husband or baby’s father, this is awkward! Who is this dude?
We then flash back to Laurie’s first conception and her first doctor’s appointment. Laurie is a blissful and naive state of pregnancy that is short lived due to an early miscarriage. Having lived through that moment of waiting with your doctor to hear a heartbeat and then not finding it, I can tell you that Lewis tells an excellent story. I really appreciated that we flashed between Laurie and Alan’s feelings and experiences of the miscarriage. I think the story that men could tell of pregnancy loss is much more emotional than most people would expect.
“It was the worst thing I’ve ever experienced. Watching the person I love more than anything in the world have the remains of what was supposed to be our baby scraped out of her.”
That’s brutal and its honest. So we watch Alan not only deal with the grief of the child they lose but also how does he support his wife through her loss? I found myself really emotional reading this part of the book on their behalf. Poor Laurie gets pregnant again and miscarries again, this all leads eventually to a diagnosis of unexplained infertility. Alan and Laurie decide to try fertility treatments and she gets pregnant yet again. From here on this felt like a totally different book to me-not in a bad way and maybe its just because I was less emotionally involved with my own memories.
Interspersed with the chapters from Alan and Laurie we begin to meet Jack. Jack is a screw up. He’s “borrowed” against his fraternity funds and turns to sperm donation to pay the money back. I’m glad we met Jack, but for me it was a bit harsh to have his chapters thrown in with Laurie and Alan’s early story. I think I would have flowed better for me if we’d met Jack after Laurie and Alan actually turn to IUI.
But anyway, Laurie and Alan learn that she’s not actually pregnant with Alan’s biological child, but Jack’s. Alan and Laurie have very different ways of handling the news-which is not surprising, but that didn’t keep me from getting really frustrated with Alan! I wanted to reach into the book and shake him at times. Laurie wants to get to know Jack, but Alan feels Jack is an intruder in their lives and really transfers that onto the unborn baby. Poor baby! Jack was definitely a bit of a mess, but he turned out to be a pretty likeable mess for me.
The second half of the book felt much less real to me, but I still enjoyed it. I was totally wrapped up in the end waiting for this baby to be born! Expecting definitely made me think more than I expected (ha!) to about this kind of situation. How would it feel to carry a baby that was not your husband’s on accident? How would a marriage survive it?
4 stars!
All quotes were taken from an uncorrected galley proof subject to change in the final edition
Thank you Sourcebooks Landmark for this advanced read copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 1, 2014
Expecting by Ann Lewis Hamilton is an interesting novel about one couple's struggle with infertility. After Laurie's two pregnancies end in early miscarriages, she and her husband Alan undergo intrauterine insemination to improve their chances at pregnancy. They are thrilled when the procedure works but they are stunned to learn Laurie was impregnated with another man's sperm.
Expecting is written in third person from the alternating perspectives of the three main characters: Laurie, Alan and Jack, the biological father of Laurie's baby. Each of the shift changes are clearly marked so it is easy to keep up with which character is currently narrating the story.
Laurie and Alan have a solid marriage and while they are both devastated by the miscarriages, they do not give up on their dream of having a baby. Laurie is more open to adoption while Alan is a little more hesitant. So it really does not come as a huge surprise that Alan has a more difficult time with the news about the mix-up at the fertility clinic. Instead of discussing his doubts with Laurie, he becomes very introspective as he tries to come to terms with his uncertainties and eventually makes a decision that puts their marriage at risk.
Laurie is pragmatic about the news and while she is not happy that Alan is not the baby's father, she never considers ending her pregnancy. She is compelled to learn as much as she can about the sperm donor, and when she inadvertently discovers his identity, she does not hesitate to contact him. Laurie tries to pressure Alan into meeting Jack and her continued involvement with Jack contributes to the growing distance between her and Alan.
In the beginning of Expecting, Jack is immature and rather directionless. A typical frat boy, he is more interested in drinking and getting laid than graduating from college. Once Laurie tracks him down, they quickly become friends and Jack's life finally gets on track, but his role (if any) in the baby's life remains uncertain.
While Expecting is a well-written character driven novel, some of the passages are rambling with the characters dreaming up ridiculous "what if" scenarios that really have no bearing on the unfolding story. The pacing is a bit slow and uneven but after the first quarter, it becomes a little faster paced.
Entertaining and engrossing, Ann Lewis Hamilton's Expecting is refreshingly unique novel with strong character development and an unpredictable storyline that keeps readers guessing the story's final outcome.
Expecting is written in third person from the alternating perspectives of the three main characters: Laurie, Alan and Jack, the biological father of Laurie's baby. Each of the shift changes are clearly marked so it is easy to keep up with which character is currently narrating the story.
Laurie and Alan have a solid marriage and while they are both devastated by the miscarriages, they do not give up on their dream of having a baby. Laurie is more open to adoption while Alan is a little more hesitant. So it really does not come as a huge surprise that Alan has a more difficult time with the news about the mix-up at the fertility clinic. Instead of discussing his doubts with Laurie, he becomes very introspective as he tries to come to terms with his uncertainties and eventually makes a decision that puts their marriage at risk.
Laurie is pragmatic about the news and while she is not happy that Alan is not the baby's father, she never considers ending her pregnancy. She is compelled to learn as much as she can about the sperm donor, and when she inadvertently discovers his identity, she does not hesitate to contact him. Laurie tries to pressure Alan into meeting Jack and her continued involvement with Jack contributes to the growing distance between her and Alan.
In the beginning of Expecting, Jack is immature and rather directionless. A typical frat boy, he is more interested in drinking and getting laid than graduating from college. Once Laurie tracks him down, they quickly become friends and Jack's life finally gets on track, but his role (if any) in the baby's life remains uncertain.
While Expecting is a well-written character driven novel, some of the passages are rambling with the characters dreaming up ridiculous "what if" scenarios that really have no bearing on the unfolding story. The pacing is a bit slow and uneven but after the first quarter, it becomes a little faster paced.
Entertaining and engrossing, Ann Lewis Hamilton's Expecting is refreshingly unique novel with strong character development and an unpredictable storyline that keeps readers guessing the story's final outcome.
September 13, 2014
Five-stars for Ann Lewis Hamilton. Expectations is a bright, wonderful spark of smart writing; a book I thoroughly enjoyed, highly-recommend and miss already, now that the final page is turned.
One of the greatest joys of reading is when you find, almost, dare I say, unexpectedly, that you are fully and pleasurably immersed into the story, rooting for the characters, worrying for the characters, caring for their emotional rides. Ann Lewis Hamilton’s tremendous debut novel, Expecting, had me from “hello,” and left me wanting a Bringing Up Baby, book two, as I did not want to be done with these characters, their stories and their lives.
Expecting, the jacket copy will tell you, is about: A mom, a dad, a baby…and another dad. After two miscarriages and a little fertility treatment help, Laure and Alan are finally pregnant. There’s a twist here, which I won’t spoil by revealing, but the complication is the father is not her husband, Alan. What does this mean for Laurie and Alan, what does it mean for Donor 296 and most importantly, what does it mean for the baby?
On the surface, this is what the story of Expecting is about. It’s a personal story of how three people deal with a twist of fate that none wanted, that none would choose, but that nonetheless has come their way and they must find a way to make the best of it – and how by making the best of it, they make something better than they ever expected.
With her spare, wry and deceptively simple style of writing (not quite Hemingway-spare, but devoid of all the silly, empty adjectives many first-time writers sprinkle across their pages), Ann Lewis Hamilton skillfully weaves a rich and deep, multi-layered story that touches on the mysteries of love, coupling, complications and carrying on--lingeringly subtle, you can’t help but feel for the characters and you will find yourself asking: What would I do if this happened to me? This thought will haunt you (in a good way) as you move through the pages of Laurie and Alan’s story.
On a deeper level, the book seems to speak about life in a larger sense. We all have expectations of one sort or another and without fail, life seems to throw in a curve we never see coming. How we deal with that curve, how one handles the vagaries of our lives, the strange reactions our spouses might have, etc. – this is what makes our lives work. Or not. How the curves are handled is the secret of our joys and our sorrows. Where Ann Lewis Hamilton shines as a writer is how she shows us a way, one way, but a way, to check our expectations and to take what comes and love and find joy in that gift, as it is, for what it is.
One of the greatest joys of reading is when you find, almost, dare I say, unexpectedly, that you are fully and pleasurably immersed into the story, rooting for the characters, worrying for the characters, caring for their emotional rides. Ann Lewis Hamilton’s tremendous debut novel, Expecting, had me from “hello,” and left me wanting a Bringing Up Baby, book two, as I did not want to be done with these characters, their stories and their lives.
Expecting, the jacket copy will tell you, is about: A mom, a dad, a baby…and another dad. After two miscarriages and a little fertility treatment help, Laure and Alan are finally pregnant. There’s a twist here, which I won’t spoil by revealing, but the complication is the father is not her husband, Alan. What does this mean for Laurie and Alan, what does it mean for Donor 296 and most importantly, what does it mean for the baby?
On the surface, this is what the story of Expecting is about. It’s a personal story of how three people deal with a twist of fate that none wanted, that none would choose, but that nonetheless has come their way and they must find a way to make the best of it – and how by making the best of it, they make something better than they ever expected.
With her spare, wry and deceptively simple style of writing (not quite Hemingway-spare, but devoid of all the silly, empty adjectives many first-time writers sprinkle across their pages), Ann Lewis Hamilton skillfully weaves a rich and deep, multi-layered story that touches on the mysteries of love, coupling, complications and carrying on--lingeringly subtle, you can’t help but feel for the characters and you will find yourself asking: What would I do if this happened to me? This thought will haunt you (in a good way) as you move through the pages of Laurie and Alan’s story.
On a deeper level, the book seems to speak about life in a larger sense. We all have expectations of one sort or another and without fail, life seems to throw in a curve we never see coming. How we deal with that curve, how one handles the vagaries of our lives, the strange reactions our spouses might have, etc. – this is what makes our lives work. Or not. How the curves are handled is the secret of our joys and our sorrows. Where Ann Lewis Hamilton shines as a writer is how she shows us a way, one way, but a way, to check our expectations and to take what comes and love and find joy in that gift, as it is, for what it is.
February 11, 2014
Not sure what to rate this. I'll have to sleep on it. I liked a lot and hated the end.
Honestly, I don't think the wrapping up of the male perspective (Alan's) in the end was honest enough. I don't like how I didn't get to see how their friends and family react to the news of their "situation". I don't understand what family this would happen to who would not pursue legal actions against the clinic and medical professionals who are responsible for the fuck up.
I think I sympathize most with Alan, and if I were him, I don't think I'd be able to handle it in the end---at least not with the way the dynamic of their family seems to headed. It would be bad enough that my baby isn't genetically mine, when that was the intention and understanding, and then the sperm donor now has to be in my face as frequently as Jack seems to be in Alan's-- his space. Come on. If it were the other way around, I wouldn't want to see the woman having my husband's baby either. And I think the glossing over that real life conflict of the end game, hurts the novel. At least for me and the kinds of contemporary fiction I like to read. I also wonder what happens in the future if Laurie and Alan conceive again, this time without the switched sperm and miscarriage. What would that relationship mean for him and Lee? Would he treat the new kid differently, and would his love for it show?
The reason I think the ending of this story doesn't work for me is because it was never answered whether Laurie and Alan could actually have their own baby, even through the help of IUI. It's like, a normal couple go through steps of trying to have their own kid, an resign themselves to alternative means when it is an obvious next step. Alan has to suffer skipping those steps, and so I don't feel he's come to terms with the loss of feeling like having his own biological child is not possible, so he has to settle with this alternative route. THAT human experience and the psychological changes/aspects behind it what I am most disappointed about Hamilton not exploring. That is what would interest me most about a story like this. Some of it is touched on, but not enough to leave me satisfied and meet my expectations as a reader.
Honestly, I don't think the wrapping up of the male perspective (Alan's) in the end was honest enough. I don't like how I didn't get to see how their friends and family react to the news of their "situation". I don't understand what family this would happen to who would not pursue legal actions against the clinic and medical professionals who are responsible for the fuck up.
I think I sympathize most with Alan, and if I were him, I don't think I'd be able to handle it in the end---at least not with the way the dynamic of their family seems to headed. It would be bad enough that my baby isn't genetically mine, when that was the intention and understanding, and then the sperm donor now has to be in my face as frequently as Jack seems to be in Alan's-- his space. Come on. If it were the other way around, I wouldn't want to see the woman having my husband's baby either. And I think the glossing over that real life conflict of the end game, hurts the novel. At least for me and the kinds of contemporary fiction I like to read. I also wonder what happens in the future if Laurie and Alan conceive again, this time without the switched sperm and miscarriage. What would that relationship mean for him and Lee? Would he treat the new kid differently, and would his love for it show?
The reason I think the ending of this story doesn't work for me is because it was never answered whether Laurie and Alan could actually have their own baby, even through the help of IUI. It's like, a normal couple go through steps of trying to have their own kid, an resign themselves to alternative means when it is an obvious next step. Alan has to suffer skipping those steps, and so I don't feel he's come to terms with the loss of feeling like having his own biological child is not possible, so he has to settle with this alternative route. THAT human experience and the psychological changes/aspects behind it what I am most disappointed about Hamilton not exploring. That is what would interest me most about a story like this. Some of it is touched on, but not enough to leave me satisfied and meet my expectations as a reader.
July 26, 2016
Laurie and Alan are happily married. Although their marriage is steady and full of love the one thing that could make it that much better is a child of their own. After a few miscarriages their hopes are starting to fade until they decide upon insemination.
Jack was a college student with little to no direction in his life when a woman older than him walks into it to tell him he's going to be a father.
"Why are the lights so hot? And why does Jack have two faces? With four eyes and two noses? Is this another sign? Will the baby born like that? Everything is supposed to happen for a reason, that's what people say. What people? Who would come up with a stupid saying like that?"
In this humorous life tale about loss, love and making the best of awkward situations, there is something for everyone.
Expecting makes you want to cry, laugh, and wish you had a glass of wine in hand. The dialogue is hilarious and the characters are all so unique.
Witty and sarcastic with real emotions and life situations, Expecting is a feel good book that will lighten your mood and keep you laughing.
Grace hands Laurie a gift bag wrapped with a gauzy ribbon. "It's really more of a present for after the baby." Laurie pills out a pair of neon colored margarita glasses. "They're cute, thanks," Laurie says. "But how am I going to survive nine months without margaritas?"
"I'm not kidding about morning sickness. Even if it were medically safe to drink when you're pregnant, you won't want to. The thought of tequila will make you vomit."
Laurie wipes the bottom of the bowl with her bread to get the last bits of pesto. She's not worried. Grace exaggerates everything.
I hope to see more from Ann Hamilton Lewis!
*A complimentary copy of Expecting by Ann Lewis Hamilton was received via Netgalley by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Jack was a college student with little to no direction in his life when a woman older than him walks into it to tell him he's going to be a father.
"Why are the lights so hot? And why does Jack have two faces? With four eyes and two noses? Is this another sign? Will the baby born like that? Everything is supposed to happen for a reason, that's what people say. What people? Who would come up with a stupid saying like that?"
In this humorous life tale about loss, love and making the best of awkward situations, there is something for everyone.
Expecting makes you want to cry, laugh, and wish you had a glass of wine in hand. The dialogue is hilarious and the characters are all so unique.
Witty and sarcastic with real emotions and life situations, Expecting is a feel good book that will lighten your mood and keep you laughing.
Grace hands Laurie a gift bag wrapped with a gauzy ribbon. "It's really more of a present for after the baby." Laurie pills out a pair of neon colored margarita glasses. "They're cute, thanks," Laurie says. "But how am I going to survive nine months without margaritas?"
"I'm not kidding about morning sickness. Even if it were medically safe to drink when you're pregnant, you won't want to. The thought of tequila will make you vomit."
Laurie wipes the bottom of the bowl with her bread to get the last bits of pesto. She's not worried. Grace exaggerates everything.
I hope to see more from Ann Hamilton Lewis!
*A complimentary copy of Expecting by Ann Lewis Hamilton was received via Netgalley by the author in exchange for an honest review.
July 28, 2020
Laurie and her husband Alan go through a couple of miscarriages before deciding to try IUI. After success they find out that due to an employee error Laurie has been inseminated with another sperm sample and Alan’s sperm has been destroyed. Laurie decides to keep her pregnancy and meets and involves the sperm donor- a young college kid- into their lives. Her husband Alan struggles with the situation and pulls away emotionally before physically leaving. Alan comes back right before Laurie gives birth.
OMG I was soooo sick of Alan wanting a child but ONLY the traditional way. He has to shit talk fertility treatments and then shit talk adoption 🙄 And his fear of meth addicted birth mothers? He seems super judgey and uptight. I get that overall he’s afraid he can’t love a child that’s not biologically his, but it’s like he doesn’t even want to try.
And then he starts to obsessively think about his ex gf and her family and how she was in bed and what sex is like between her and her husband?! Alan, you’re creepy af. A complete Facebook stalker. Nancy F Campbell delete him! He literally plans where he’s going to meet and have an affair with this woman- looking up motels at the halfway point between them. I get that he’s trying to not think about the situation he’s in with Laurie, but there are other outlets for that....
When his wife Laurie finds the messages he is sending on Facebook? He says she is overreacting and calls her CRAZY.
The book would have been better if Laurie divorced him in the end and her and her daughter lived a life without that toxicity. I’d worry about his insane jealousy and resentment making a reappearance.
I don’t even have anything else to say about the book because Alan is such a huge dark cloud over the entire thing.
OMG I was soooo sick of Alan wanting a child but ONLY the traditional way. He has to shit talk fertility treatments and then shit talk adoption 🙄 And his fear of meth addicted birth mothers? He seems super judgey and uptight. I get that overall he’s afraid he can’t love a child that’s not biologically his, but it’s like he doesn’t even want to try.
And then he starts to obsessively think about his ex gf and her family and how she was in bed and what sex is like between her and her husband?! Alan, you’re creepy af. A complete Facebook stalker. Nancy F Campbell delete him! He literally plans where he’s going to meet and have an affair with this woman- looking up motels at the halfway point between them. I get that he’s trying to not think about the situation he’s in with Laurie, but there are other outlets for that....
When his wife Laurie finds the messages he is sending on Facebook? He says she is overreacting and calls her CRAZY.
The book would have been better if Laurie divorced him in the end and her and her daughter lived a life without that toxicity. I’d worry about his insane jealousy and resentment making a reappearance.
I don’t even have anything else to say about the book because Alan is such a huge dark cloud over the entire thing.
April 6, 2014
The idea behind this book is solid, I just found it poorly executed. Having had both miscarriages and two children (and experienced these things with a husband), I had a unique outlook on the author's handling of all these situations. But Hamilton dives into much more than the norm--in Expecting, the main character Laurie and her husband Alan try artificial insemination (IUI) to raise their chances of having a baby. Unfortunately, a vengeful nurse switches Alan's sperm with a stranger's. Of course, Laurie becomes pregnant--with a stranger's baby. What should be a very interesting story kind of slogs.
Hamilton chooses to give each of the main characters (Laurie, Alan, and the mystery dad) rotating chapters from their own POVs. Unfortunately, each character is written as insufferably introspective. Especially Alan, unlike any man I've ever met, who is deeply insecure and anxious. Alan second-guesses everything and allows the sperm mix-up to cast doubt on his identity, his marriage, and his relationships. It was hard to read his viewpoint because I honestly didn't think it was that realistic and it was very repetitive. Some other details seemed manufactured as well: I deeply related to Laurie and Alan's miscarriage history, but doubt seriously whether anyone, even first-time parents, buys and builds a crib within the first eight weeks. I also floated this whole scenario past my own husband--he drew the line at involving the mystery dad's family in the child's life. Truly, the 'happy family' at the end is a bit hard to swallow. Ultimately, I was excited to read this book (as a pre-pub from NetGalley), but I was disappointed.
Hamilton chooses to give each of the main characters (Laurie, Alan, and the mystery dad) rotating chapters from their own POVs. Unfortunately, each character is written as insufferably introspective. Especially Alan, unlike any man I've ever met, who is deeply insecure and anxious. Alan second-guesses everything and allows the sperm mix-up to cast doubt on his identity, his marriage, and his relationships. It was hard to read his viewpoint because I honestly didn't think it was that realistic and it was very repetitive. Some other details seemed manufactured as well: I deeply related to Laurie and Alan's miscarriage history, but doubt seriously whether anyone, even first-time parents, buys and builds a crib within the first eight weeks. I also floated this whole scenario past my own husband--he drew the line at involving the mystery dad's family in the child's life. Truly, the 'happy family' at the end is a bit hard to swallow. Ultimately, I was excited to read this book (as a pre-pub from NetGalley), but I was disappointed.
July 15, 2014
I have no idea where the time flew when I was reading this book! My e-reader said 355 pages (the ARC version; not sure what the final copy computes to, but it should be around the same ballpark) but I gobbled this book in two sittings and it was over before I knew it.
What can I say about this story? Real, heartfelt, poignant.... The author delves into issues like fertility and miscarriages but walks a very fine line of keeping it all raw but at the same time, not overwhelming to the reader. You feel Laurie and Alan's pain; it's right there for you to see and grasp, but it does not take over the story and become the crux of the conflict.
Instead, Ms. Hamilton brings the focus onto the very human relationships that are at the heart of this book. How do you reconcile yourself with having a third wheel thrown in, especially when it is nobody involved's fault? How do you deal with that kind of twist of Fate?
I thought this was a very well-handled book. The writing somewhat threw me - it's mainly in present tense, and that feels rather weird, at first. But then you get immersed into the character's POV and it's like being in the deepest 1st person mindset; you become the character, never mind the strange verb tenses (I only realised after reading the book that the author wrote screenplays before...hence the knack for present tense, I suppose).
Gotta say I fell in love with Jack in this story. Such a sweet lad. His struggles with Megan and Normandie were epic, and then how he handles the whole situation thrown upon him... Hats off!
Definitely a very good read! You won't want to leave this book once you get into it!
What can I say about this story? Real, heartfelt, poignant.... The author delves into issues like fertility and miscarriages but walks a very fine line of keeping it all raw but at the same time, not overwhelming to the reader. You feel Laurie and Alan's pain; it's right there for you to see and grasp, but it does not take over the story and become the crux of the conflict.
Instead, Ms. Hamilton brings the focus onto the very human relationships that are at the heart of this book. How do you reconcile yourself with having a third wheel thrown in, especially when it is nobody involved's fault? How do you deal with that kind of twist of Fate?
I thought this was a very well-handled book. The writing somewhat threw me - it's mainly in present tense, and that feels rather weird, at first. But then you get immersed into the character's POV and it's like being in the deepest 1st person mindset; you become the character, never mind the strange verb tenses (I only realised after reading the book that the author wrote screenplays before...hence the knack for present tense, I suppose).
Gotta say I fell in love with Jack in this story. Such a sweet lad. His struggles with Megan and Normandie were epic, and then how he handles the whole situation thrown upon him... Hats off!
Definitely a very good read! You won't want to leave this book once you get into it!
July 20, 2014
"Expecting" is the story of Laurie and Alan. All they want is to have a baby and it does not seem like it's going to come easy. After rounds of infertility treatment, the couple has a whole other issue when they realize that Laurie was impregnated by Jack, a sort of slacker, whose sperm gets mixed up with Alan's. This book explores what it means to be a family and how you deal with the unexpected.
The book took a little while to hit its pace. It unfolds as we see everything that Laurie and Alan have been through with their struggle to become parents through flashbacks. At first I did not really connect with Laurie or Alan, which made it really hard to get into the book. Once things started happening with Laurie getting pregnant by the donor, the book really started picking up speed.
I really liked how the book focused on different characters. You get to see Laurie's feelings about finally being pregnant (even if it is not by her husband). You see Alan's struggles to understand what it means that he's not the biological father of the baby. We even get to see Jack's feelings once he gets involved with Laurie and Alan. Watching the characters confront their feelings is definitely the most interesting part of the book. Overall, this book would be a good pick for those who like to think a little bit about all of the what-if's that there are in life!
The book took a little while to hit its pace. It unfolds as we see everything that Laurie and Alan have been through with their struggle to become parents through flashbacks. At first I did not really connect with Laurie or Alan, which made it really hard to get into the book. Once things started happening with Laurie getting pregnant by the donor, the book really started picking up speed.
I really liked how the book focused on different characters. You get to see Laurie's feelings about finally being pregnant (even if it is not by her husband). You see Alan's struggles to understand what it means that he's not the biological father of the baby. We even get to see Jack's feelings once he gets involved with Laurie and Alan. Watching the characters confront their feelings is definitely the most interesting part of the book. Overall, this book would be a good pick for those who like to think a little bit about all of the what-if's that there are in life!
July 16, 2014
This is an interesting story about a couple's struggle with infertility. The book begins with Laurie and her husband Alan each telling parts as they struggle through two miscarriages. Then, they go to a fertility doctor and after she is pregnant, they learn that an irate nurse tampered with things and the child is not Alan's. As Alan struggles to deal with his wife carrying another man's child and Laurie searches for the donor they grow apart. We also hear from Jack, aka the sperm donor, a college student with money problems who saw sperm donation as an easy way to get money. The story is interesting and explores the issues of miscarriage and infertility and the effects that can have on a couple and on their marriage. There were some issues in the book that just seemed "off" to me - like I cannot imagine anyone assembling a crib when they are only 8 weeks pregnant and I am not sure why artificial insemination was chosen as a treatment since Laurie was able to get pregnant the normal way - her problem was that she could not carry a pregnancy. The book has discussion questions at the end. I received this book free to review from Netgalley.
July 13, 2014
Ann Lewis Hamilton’s Expecting is a great read that manages to tackle heavy issues like fertility problems and a sperm donor mix-up with both grace and humor.
The story is told from three shifting perspectives (the wife’s, the husband’s, and the sperm donor’s), and it works wonderfully. Hamilton’s background as a screenwriter shines as she delivers a well-developed plot with equally well-developed characters.
This is a fast, fun book thanks to Hamilton’s concise writing and clever turns of phrase. When I was pregnant, I didn’t find many novels that featured a pregnant protagonist, so I was happy to come across this one.
I highly recommend it to anyone about to have a child or considering it — or to anyone in the mood for an engaging, fast-moving book about what might seem to be an absurd situation but that could easily happen (and surely does) in real life as well.
The story is told from three shifting perspectives (the wife’s, the husband’s, and the sperm donor’s), and it works wonderfully. Hamilton’s background as a screenwriter shines as she delivers a well-developed plot with equally well-developed characters.
This is a fast, fun book thanks to Hamilton’s concise writing and clever turns of phrase. When I was pregnant, I didn’t find many novels that featured a pregnant protagonist, so I was happy to come across this one.
I highly recommend it to anyone about to have a child or considering it — or to anyone in the mood for an engaging, fast-moving book about what might seem to be an absurd situation but that could easily happen (and surely does) in real life as well.
September 14, 2014
What a great, easy read! I usually stick to YA literature, but the story of Expecting immediately pulled me in. Hamilton brings to life the three main characters of the book by allowing the reader to see the story through each of their lives. Expecting read very similar to a movie, where the reader is able to really connect with each of the characters which made it an even better read.
Hamilton takes the reader through a wild ride that at first seems impossible, but everything is well explained, painting a beautiful picture for the reader. This book is for any adult who is searching for a good, well-told story. This is not a “chick lit” novel; don’t let the cover full you. Men and women alike will fall in love with Expecting.
I can’t wait to read whatever Hamilton releases next!
Hamilton takes the reader through a wild ride that at first seems impossible, but everything is well explained, painting a beautiful picture for the reader. This book is for any adult who is searching for a good, well-told story. This is not a “chick lit” novel; don’t let the cover full you. Men and women alike will fall in love with Expecting.
I can’t wait to read whatever Hamilton releases next!
January 12, 2015
So I won this book from the Giveaways in exchange for a review and I would LOVE to give this book a review, but sadly, about a year later, I am still waiting for my copy. I know that it says that it can take anywhere from 4-8 weeks, but I think this is a little excessive. Even if I was chosen but then reconsidered, that's OK but a heads up or an email would have been nice. I am still very interested in reading this book as I can relate to the characters on a very deep level so I would be soo grateful and glad to finally get the copy that I won...better late than never, right! I just felt I had to say something as I didn't want it to seem that I got this book but just decided to not review it.
July 13, 2015
This was 3.5
This was an intriguing and well written story and i could tell that the author had done her research. I loved the cover as it drew me in and made me wonder what the story was inside.
Laurie was my favorite character as she seemed to want to help everyone around her and showed real empathy for others. Although Alan was in a bad situation, I found him to be very selfish. I’m a bit on the fence about Jack, part of me liked him, but part of me didn’t. I felt various emotions throughout this book. Laughter, sadness and also anger.
I’m already looking forward to more writing from Ann Lewis Hamilton.
Thanks goes to the publishers and Net galley for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
This was an intriguing and well written story and i could tell that the author had done her research. I loved the cover as it drew me in and made me wonder what the story was inside.
Laurie was my favorite character as she seemed to want to help everyone around her and showed real empathy for others. Although Alan was in a bad situation, I found him to be very selfish. I’m a bit on the fence about Jack, part of me liked him, but part of me didn’t. I felt various emotions throughout this book. Laughter, sadness and also anger.
I’m already looking forward to more writing from Ann Lewis Hamilton.
Thanks goes to the publishers and Net galley for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 17, 2014
EXPECTING was everything I "expected." It was very well written and the characters were true to life. As a nurse for 25+ years I have met many individuals that have and would give anything for a child to call their own. What happens in the pages between this book is interesting and truly a page turner. It's nice to see the author add a bit of humor to a very difficult topic. Let's face it... isn't laughter the best medicine? I was given an ARC of EXPECTING from the publisher via Netgalley. No compensation was received. I highly recommend this book...
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August 14, 2014The preppy-pink cover and the back-cover description might make you think this is a fluffy summer read, but "Expecting" is more than that. It's a wonderful coming-of-age story, masterfully told. I enjoyed the references to Los Angeles landmarks big (Hollywood Bowl) and small (Trader Joe's in Sherman Oaks). But most of all, I enjoyed the author's deft portrayal of Jack, a young man who goes from frat-boy cad to fully fledged man via a most unexpected push into adulthood. A delightful read, delightfully deeper than it looks at first glance.
September 2, 2014
Simultaneously laugh-out-loud funny and honestly emotional. For someone who has never wanted children, this novel gave me a window of empathy and understanding into the hearts of those who do. Telling the story from the three distinct perspectives of the main characters kept the book fresh and engaging. Well done!
November 23, 2014
Excellent and thought-provoking, as well as conversation-starting (at least in our home). There are too few books that talk about the complexities of parenting, and of marriage between expecting parents, as honestly as this one does. Oh, and I would be remiss not to include the word "bittersweet" in my review: how else to describe a funny book about miscarriages?
November 3, 2014
This book is perfect for curling up on a wet, windy day and getting lost in. It's light writing style makes it easy to read, yet the questions it poses are deep, making me wonder what if? What would I do? Recommended for a light read.
September 8, 2014
Cheesy, but moderately entertaining
January 30, 2022
I’m not really used to reading books in 3rd person so it was kind of weird. I did like this book tho and enjoyed how it wasn’t one of those books where people fall in love because they were having a baby together. I also like how it showed a different family dynamic where the baby was going to have two dads and a mom.
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