Lizzie's Story

The Decision #1

by Lucy V. Hay

What if... You could play out everything that *could* happen next in your life?

On the eve of her eighteenth birthday, Lizzie finds herself pregnant: she’s literally days away from her exam results and university beckons around the corner. The bright Lizzie has big plans, but can she have the life she wanted, with a baby in tow? What will her family and friends say? And what will the baby’s father choose to do: stay out of it, or stand by her?

Working on the notion some moments in time are destined or unchangeable, Lizzie will take a pregnancy test, then have to choose what to do next. She will be faced with ALL of the possible outcomes of her decision, such as abortion, miscarriage and single parenthood.

THE DECISION: LIZZIE’S STORY will appeal to readers of Sarah Dessen, Lauren Oliver and Judy Blume, as well as movies like JUNO, RUN LOLA RUN and SLIDING DOORS.

Genres: Young Adult

160 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 2, 2013

About the author

Lucy V. Hay script editor and blogger who helps writers via her Bang2write consultancy. She is the associate producer of Brit Thrillers DEVIATION (2012) and ASSASSIN (2015), both starring Danny Dyer. Lucy is also head reader for The London Screenwriters' Festival. Lucy is also an author, writing both screenwriting books and crime fiction. Check out her website.

Reviews

[Berit☀️✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 What If Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟

Lizzy is 18 and about to start University when she finds herself pregnant... such a tough life altering situation, that every girl has thought of... her decision will change the rest of her life....

Lizzie was very likable, relatable and real... I was captivated as she took us through the different scenarios, all the what ifs??? Very refreshing look at a tough subject.... would it be easier to make a decision if you knew how things would turn out? This book really made you think and I felt for Lizzie, her boyfriend Mike, and her parents....

While reading this book I was wondering... how in the world is this going to end? And I have to say the ending was perfection! Very well done Lucy V. Hay!

Recommend when you’re in the mood for a well-done thought provoking book...

*** thank you to the author and Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for my copy of this book ***

[Dash fan · Rating 5 out of 5]

5☆ A Poignant Thought Provoking Read

Proof Positive is a heart warming story of a young girls struggles to come to terms with being pregnant.

Lizzie is in her late teens and pregnant. She comes across as a little nieve to start with as she finds it difficult to comprehend how unprotected sex just once could lead to her being pregnant.

But what I did love was living the dilemmas alongside Lizzie as she comes to terms with being pregnant and the decisions and angst she faces.

I think Proof Positive will appeal to so many readers especially the younger generation.
It's a fabulous poignant read that many can relate too.
I loved that Lucy cleverly wrote several scenarios Lizzie faces as it really gets the reader thinking.

Proof Positive is a Poignant, thought provoking read that really draws you in from the start. It's hard hitting and the characters are believable and relatable.

I highly recommend this compelling book for all ages especially those who love YA.

Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

My Review is also on my Blog Website:-

https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2018/0...

[Tan Markovic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Participating in the first day of the blog tour!

booknerdtan.WordPress.com/2018/06/12b...

3.5/5 stars!

Proof positive is a refreshing yet heart wrenching story which delves into the possibilities that Lizzie is facing when she discovers that she is pregnant…and it definitely wasn’t planned.

The author takes us on a journey that explores how each person in Lizzie’s life could contribute to her final decision whether to keep or terminate the baby. The way the novel was written was highly engaging, thought provoking and full of deep emotions that you really felt along with the protagonist.

The nature of the story had every chance of ending up preaching for one side or the other however it didn’t once; it carefully identified all the options Lizzie and her boyfriend Mike were facing without suggesting pro-life/pro-choice was the only options that was right.

I will definitely be picking up the next book in the series and looking at reading further work by the author. It would be nice to see a lot more of Lizzie’s personality in the next book and more about how she has progressed with university and her career. A relatively short novel which you can inhale in a couple of days – highly recommended.

[Yvonne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lizzie finds she is pregnant just as she is due to turn 18 and go off to University, her future hangs in the balance as she has a decision to make. It is a decision that could change her life and plans, what will she decide?

This is a really interesting read and not quite what I was expecting. Told from from Lizzie’s perspective I was taken through various scenarios from when she learns the test is positive. It is almost like reading a series of short stories all with the same starting point. She is pregnant what are her options? Well there are various options that spring to mind and the author goes through each one and how it affects Lucy and her future. Some of the scenarios are straight forward and some caught me unawares with their outcomes.

During these scenarios you get to learn about Lucy, her family and her friends and also their actions or I should say reactions to Lizzie’s news. These scenarios are quite addictive and the author has provided quite a few interesting and thought-provoking scenes. The decisions that are put forward in this story are not about what is right or wrong, the decision to be made is for Lizzie and what is right for her.

This is a relatively quick read at only 200 Kindle pages and I found that I moved through this quite quickly. There are various aspects I liked about this story and at times I found it to be enjoyable and also emotional and the odd moment that really pulled on the heartstrings. It is a book that looks at teen pregnancy and the dilemma that accompany decision and its effects on all involved. It is a book I would recommend to other readers.

[Louise Beech · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful, sensitively-written YA novel where Hay effortlessly captures the voice of eighteen-year-old Lizzie, who finds herself pregnant on the eve of her eighteenth birthday. Though aimed at young adults, I defy anyone of any age to read this and not be moved, not learn something, and not have their eyes opened a little wider. I loved the alternative futures in the narrative, so that there was no judgement or suggestion of what Lizzie should or shouldn't do. And the ending was perfect. A highly recommended read.

[Karen Cole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Proof Positive is compared to Sliding Doors but where Gwyneth Paltrow's character only lived through two alternate realities; as Lizzie weighs up her options following a positive pregnancy test, we see several different potential scenarios as a result of her decision. Her plans to leave her tired seaside town and head to university are thrown into disarray - should she still go to university with the baby, go through with the pregnancy but defer or even give up on her university dreams or should she decide that an abortion would the the best choice for her? The word 'paradox' is used several times in the novel and so it is that each decision could simultaneously result in either the best or worst outcome for her. Each choice is explored depending on who Lizzie tells first - one of her sisters, her Mum, Dad, best friend or boyfriend. Though the advice and support she is offered varies, there is still the sense that she is a leaf carried along by the wind rather than fully in charge of her decisions. Eventually of course, she must make her choice and it is though these different options being played out that she is able to gain the inner strength to finally decide for herself.
Each scenario is completely believable and it wasn't difficult to become engrossed in the varying narratives, each one would have resulted in a thoroughly enjoyable, albeit more straightforward novel. The real strength of the book lies in its superb characterisation, Lizzie herself is an engaging lead character. She is a bright and thoughtful young woman but isn't averse to making some decisions that are decidedly unwise, not least when it comes to her boyfriend, the far less likeable, Mike. Her family dynamics are rather unusual but as the book progresses and we learn more about them - particularly her parents - it becomes clear they are a warm and loving household despite their atypical set up and the not infrequent arguments and tears.
Lucy V. Hay's own experience of being a teen mother has meant she is the ideal person to write about the themes in Proof Positive. This is a refreshing portrayal of teen pregnancy, far away from those ridiculous tabloid headlines which accuse young mothers (never the fathers!) of a cynical decision to become pregnant for the benefits and a council house, tabloids. There's a justifiable sense of anger here as Lizzie reflects on the truth, that mums and babies instead end up in unsuitable B&B accommodation for years.
Proof Positive is a touching and honest book which will resonate with many teenagers, whether they have personal experience of a teen pregnancy, have supported a friend or just wondered what decision they would make if they had to. Meanwhile older readers will undoubtedly be able to relate to Lizzie's parents but also to the teenager they once were, for I'm sure many of us can remember the what if? scenarios playing through our heads at some point in our pasts. I really enjoyed Proof Positive, it's a fairly quick and very engaging read and I have recommended it to my own sixteen year old daughter - which I don't do with every YA book I review!

[Susan Hampson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the story of Lizzie, almost 18 and just found out she is pregnant. The author then shows how Lizzie's choices and the influences of other people in her life can send her down different paths. I thought the concept of the story was good but it did lack research in some places. Daisy, the baby in one senerio, was speaking 10 to15 words at nearly one year old. If she was she was quite exceptional as babies don't normally speak so many words until about 18 months. As I believe this book will be read by mainly teenagers who may have babies it could be worrying for them.
The other unbelievable part for me was the police search for her, at 18 (with the exception of one day) I am pretty sure that the family would have been told that someone not answering their phone for just 2 hours would not warrant a search. No -one even knew she was pregnant, so it wasn't like they would be concerned she would harm herself.
I do wish the author good luck for the future in writing books, just more research needed.

[LJ (ljwritesandreviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lizzie has always been the sensible one, the one that never rocks the boat but she finds herself at almost eighteen, pregnant and unsure what to do. This story follows the different paths that she could take and shows what the outcomes could be.

Now this book brought up a lot of emotions for me, as at eighteen on the verge of going to University much like Lizzie, I also found out I was pregnant with my son. It opened up a lot of issues I had at the time. Could I have had an abortion or given him up for adoption? The answer to that was no and I’ve no regrets (well going to University the year after he was born is one but we live and we learn) but would I have liked to know the different outcomes, hell yes!

The book is quite short, around two hundred pages, then split into different sections, each starting with Lizzie receiving a phone call from a different person. First, her younger sister Sal, then her mum, then her boyfriend Mike, then her her best friend Shona. It was interesting to see each outcome changed slightly by whoever she told.

Lizzie is a likeable character, even though she is a little self involved, she’s very naive and easily led. She had quite a complicated relationship with her mum, wanting her to take change but feeling that she was overbearing at the same time.

In one of the sections, Lizzie has her baby and this really reminded me of when I first had my son. The author really captures the feelings tiredness, loneliness and isolation of being a young mum sometimes especially if you have no friends with kids. The only thing it was missing was the looks and snide comments that I used to get.

This book covers a very sensitive subject and the ending is a little ambiguous so it won’t be for everyone. But if you give it a try it will really tug on the old heart strings and you will root for Lizzie no matter what her decision is.

Overall an emotionally absorbing book that I think teenagers and parents alike should read.

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has been living on my kindle since October 2015 so I decided to bump it up, I'm now regretting leaving it so long. A really uplifting story about teenage pregancy and the decisions that go with that. It reminded me of Sliding Doors in that Lizzie discovers she is pregnant and then "transported" trhough varying outcomes dependant on her decision. I liked that Lizzie grew as a person after each transition (although she is unaware they have happened). It was interesting to see what her perceptions were and then the reality of how those close to her would react. Often they were the exact opposite of what she expected.

Highly recommend!

[Neil Jeffery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Writing a book on a topic such as teen pregnancy means that an author has to tread a fine line between being lackadaisical and preaching.

This book does neither - it follows Lizzie's life immediately after she finds out something that will change her life forever. It does not preach, yet it does not gloss over everything. The balance is spot on.

Excellent characterisation and descriptions that make the reader want to turn page after page mean this is an excellent book for the YA audience.

[Steph Warren · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received a free ARC of this book via Rachel’s Random Resources blog tour. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*

In Proof Positive we join Lizzie at a pivotal moment in her life and get to watch all of the different ways that her critical decisions (who to tell?, where to go?, what to do?) could pan out for her.

Interestingly, not one of the possible paths is ‘good’ or ‘bad’. Every consequence has pros and cons to it, which not only reflects the real world but gives the reader pause for thought…perhaps that long-regretted choice might actually have been the best option out of those available at the time, who knows?!

In Lizzie’s case the ringing phone (rather than ‘sliding’ Tube doors) doesn’t just herald different choices but seems to explore different aspects of her personality, and that of those around her. Sometimes she is decisive and confident, and other times submissive and helpless. Sometimes she turns to a loved one for their support and then next time she turns from them resentfully. Sometimes her loved ones are supportive and kind, and other times harsh and domineering. This also rings true to life, as every individual is made up of differing experiences and emotions, and whichever element of our complex psyche is in the driving seat at any one time can have a huge impact on our reactions and the choices we make.

One of my favourite aspects was the exploraition, in flashbacks and snippets, of the relationship between Lizzie’s parents and their family history. The book presents a thorough exploration of different elements of decisions and personal choice, but their story shone through each strand as a constant: a relationship that is imperfect and looks ‘wrong’ when judged externally, but actually works for the couple involved, the ones that count. ‘Whatever works’!

There was a part of me that felt frustrated by the ending. I wanted Lizzie to take the hard lessons learned throughout the pages and apply them (even if unknowingly) to come to the best decision for her. It is arguable that in that respect the ending is perfect and could not have happened any other way. Still, I was left wanting more, and more of a climax, or at least some closure to the emotional journey we took with her.

This book is great for teens and young adults: entertaining and really thought-provoking on the subject of who is in control of our choices and who we can turn to for support along the way.



I sat back down on the closed toilet seat. I knew that the moment I went outside, everything would rush in at me, become real. Everyone would be in my face. I’d have to deal with what others would throw at me. Accusations. Demands. Disappointments. So many people were going to judge me, people I cared about. And even those I didn’t care about were still going to talk about me and somehow that made me suddenly care about what they were going to say.

– Lucy V. Hay, Proof Positive

Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...

[Misfits farm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lizzie discovers she is pregnant after one fumbled event. How on earth could this happen

to her when she is so young? Should she keep it? Abort it? “It” she then realises could be

a baby. Not exactly what she wanted when she is about to start university. I don’t

normally do books about either teenagers or babies so why did this one get me when

it was so far outside of my comfort zone? I won it (thank you!) and the quality of

writing is exceptional. Maybe it is one of those stories that you think “there by the

grace of whatever you believe in”. You are drawn in from the start- and if I was,

based on the above, then I imagine others will be too. I won’t say too much more about

the story line as it took me by surprise- other than to say nicely done- very nicely done.

Lizzie is a strong character and although inexperienced at life, knows she has her

family behind her (5 sisters, a decisive , supportive- sometimes too much so,

mother and a father). For any teenager, for any parent… then again.. for anyone

with empathy. Stunningly written, compelling reading and a very cleverly

thought out plot. One to remember.

For more reviews please see my blog http://nickibookblog.blogspot.co.uk/


or follow me on Twitter @nickijmurphy1

[Misfits farm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lizzie discovers she is pregnant after one fumbled event. How on earth could this happen
to her when she is so young? Should she keep it? Abort it? “It” she then realises could be
a baby. Not exactly what she wanted when she is about to start university. I don’t
normally do books about either teenagers or babies so why did this one get me when
it was so far outside of my comfort zone? I won it (thank you!) and the quality of
writing is exceptional. Maybe it is one of those stories that you think “there by the
grace of whatever you believe in”. You are drawn in from the start- and if I was,
based on the above, then I imagine others will be too. I won’t say too much more about
the story line as it took me by surprise- other than to say nicely done- very nicely done.
Lizzie is a strong character and although inexperienced at life, knows she has her
family behind her (5 sisters, a decisive , supportive- sometimes too much so,
mother and a father). For any teenager, for any parent… then again.. for anyone
with empathy. Stunningly written, compelling reading and a very cleverly
thought out plot. One to remember.

[Erica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review originally posted at my blog: https://bookishpuffcorn.wordpress.com...

Proof Positive by Lucy V. Hay is the first book in the Intersection series. It’s about Lizzie’s pregnancy and how each decision would affect her life. The book was divided into different parts. Each part is a different outcome on how she’d get through her pregnancy.

The first parts show Lizzie’s dependency on other people. And that kind of irritated me but I guess it’s understandable since it may be scary to find out she’s pregnant in her age. Some of the characters are annoying especially her boyfriend and one of her sisters, Sal. Lizzie also shows how a teenager feels and reacts with this kind of news.

The book has a wonderful message in the end. The flow of the story is good and has a nice message. It’s a fast read and can be finished in just one sitting. It’s a great book to get readers out of a reading slump.

It seems so real because well, irl we would really go through all the options and decide. In the end, it would still be up to us and the book wonderfully told that in the end. It also shows how our family will always be there for us no matter what. It’s a very moving story.

I highly recommend this to teen readers! Overall, I rate Proof Positive by Lucy V. Hay, 3.5 out of 5 stars!

[Sue Ross · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars from me!
This was a very clever idea and it was an emotional read, Each chapter looking at a different scenario based on Lizzie finding out she is pregnant in a public toilet and the consequences. I liked Lizzie and felt for her almost immediately. Overall, it was well written and realistic. I can’t give 4 stars as I did tire of all of the scenarios about three quarters through the book. I felt a bit drained. The ending was a good one. It is a book that I will reread at some time as I feel that it may be even more satisfying then.

[Sarina · Rating 5 out of 5]

„Es ist beängstigend, schwanger zu werden, bevor man dazu bereit ist, aber dies ist eine der seltenen Situationen, in denen das Herz über den Verstand zu bestimmen hat“(S.155)

Zum Buchinhalt

Die 17-jährige Lizzie hat gerade frisch ihr Abitur gemacht und freut sich schon bald ihr Elternhaus verlassen zu können. Doch ausgerechnet jetzt, wo sie an die Uni gehen will, wird Lizzie ungewollt schwanger. Klar, sie hatte da so einen Verdacht, schließlich hatte sie wenige Wochen zuvor unverhüteten Sex mit ihrem Freund, aber bei dem einen Mal…Nun steht Lizzie vor einer schwierigen Entscheidung: Soll sie das Kind bekommen? Aber was wird dann aus ihre Zukunftspläne? Kann man mit einem Kind trotzdem studieren? Oder sollte sie sich lieber für eine Abtreibung entscheiden? Und wie werden ihre Familie, ihre Freunde und vor allem ihr Freund darauf reagieren? In 6 unterschiedlichen Kapiteln geht Lizzie all diesen Fragen auf den Grund.

Zum Schreibstil

Lucy Hays Schreibstil ist locker und einfach gehalten, wodurch sich die Geschichte äußerst flüssig lesen und leicht verstehen lässt. Unterstützt wird das Ganze noch durch die Sprache, die sehr an uns junge Leute angepasst. Vermutlich da sie insbesondere diese Gruppe mit ihrem Buch ansprechen möchte. Darüber hinaus ist mir beim Lesen eine ganz besondere Feinfühligkeit der Autorin aufgefallen, die vor allem darauf bedacht war, die Gedanken, Ängste und Sorgen von Lizzie authentisch herüber zu bringen und für den Leser noch besser nachvollziehbar zu machen. Dieser Kniff hat mir sehr gut gefallen :)

Meine Meinung

Ich wollte schon seit längerem ein Jugendbuch zu diesem Thema lesen, schließlich ist es kein großes Geheimnis, dass heutzutage sehr viele junge Mädchen schwanger werden. Und spätestens nachdem ich den Film Juno gesehen hatte, war meine Neugier endgültig geweckt. Wie geht es einem Mädchen in meinem Alter, das plötzlich ein Kind bekommt und von einem auf den anderen Tag lernen muss, Verantwortung zu übernehmen? Ach ja und davor ist auch erst einmal zu entscheiden: Möchte ich das Baby behalten oder soll ich lieber abtreiben.

Genau diesen Gewissenskonflikt hat Lucy Hay in „Bauchentscheidung“ zum Kernpunkt ihrer Geschichte gemacht. Allerdings gibt es keine Handlung, die sich durch das ganze Buch zieht, sondern einzelne Prologe, die jeweils anders enden und in denen immer eine andere Person Lizzie in ihrer Entscheidung begleitet. Dabei werden alle Möglichkeiten durchgespielt, von Abtreibung, Kind behalten bis hin zu Fehlgeburt und Adoption. Wie ich finde eine geniale Idee, denn nach jedem Prolog wendet sich das Blatt und der Leser kann eine Fortsetzung in seiner eigenen Fantasie weiterspinnen. Die Autorin schreibt sehr tiefgründig und regt zum Nachdenken an, lässt aber auch immer genügend Freiraum für die eigenen Gedanken. Mir ging es jedenfalls so, dass ich fast automatisch überlegt habe, was ich in Lizzies Situation tun würde.

Apropos…Lizzie mochte ich wirklich sehr gerne und sie war mir auch von Anfang an sympathisch. Das liegt nicht allein daran, dass die Geschichte aus ihrer Sicht erzählt wird, sondern größtenteils daran, dass ihre Gefühle und Gedanken so authentisch geschildert wurden. Man kommt gar nicht drum herum eine Verbindung zu ihr aufzubauen. Außerdem tat sie mir auch ein wenig Leid. Ihre Familienverhältnisse sind nicht gerade die besten. Ihre Mutter und ihr Vater führen eine „On/Off-Beziehung“, das Geld ist knap naja und mit ihren kleinen Schwestern versteht sie sich leider auch nicht wirklich. Kein Wunder also, dass Lizzie sich anfangs sehr hilflos fühlt und allein fühlt. Im Laufe, mit Fortschreiten der Kapitel, macht sie eine schöne Entwicklung durch und gewinnt an Stärke, was vor allem der unerwarteten Unterstützung ihrer Eltern zu verdanken ist.

Von ihrem Freund Mike kann sie nämlich nicht allzu viel erwarten, da dieser selber total überfordert und viel zu unreif ist, um vernünftig und besonnen mit der Situation umzugehen. Man lernt ihn nur ein wenig näher kennen, doch mir hat es völlig ausgereicht. Meine Meinung nach ist Mike ist totaler Vollidiot. In den ersten Kapiteln hatte ich noch Mitleid mit ihm, schließlich ist so eine Nachricht auch für ihn nicht leicht. Wenig später war dieses Mitgefühl jedoch schnell verpufft, er hat sich einfach nur noch widerlich verhalten. Ohne ihn ist Lizzie definitiv besser dran.

Abschließend habe ich noch einen winzigen Kritikpunkt: Das sehr offene Ende… Einerseits passt es natürlich zum Rest der Geschichte, die ja ebenfalls offen gehalten wird, andererseits hätte ich zu gerne erfahren, ob sich Lizzie nun für oder gegen das Kind entschieden hat. Es wird nichts explizit gesagt, sondern nur erwähnt, dass Lizzie mit sich im reinen ist und glaubt die richtige Wahl getroffen zu haben –was immer das auch heißen mag.

Mein Fazit

Mit „Bauchentscheidung“ hat Lucy Hay eine schöne Geschichte erzählt, die ich in einem Rutsch durchgelesen habe. Obwohl das Buch nur wenige Seite hat, ist es doch sehr tiefgründig geschrieben. Vor allem die Gefühle und die Gedanken der Protagonistin kommen nicht zu kurz. Man kann sich sehr gut in Lizzie hineinversetzen und ihr nachempfinden, wie hilflos und verzweifelt sie mit ihrer Schwangerschaft ist. Lucy Hays Stil gefällt mir auch richtig gut. Die Handlung nicht als fortlaufenden Text, sondern in einzelne Prologe einzuteilen, ist wirklich eine tolle Idee. Ich kann dieses Buch jedem nur empfehlen!

[Daniel Tuck · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a firmly pro-choice book, without ever being preachy about any side of the argument - it really is all about a CHOICE. The characters are all interesting and highly believable, and choices the main character has to make are left for her to make, despite everyone around her trying to make those choices for her. It's a clever novel that deals with some difficult issues without ever being condescending, and manages to be entertaining throughout.

[Andrew Zinnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

JUNO meets SLIDING DOORS (or RUN LOLA RUN.) A very thorough, thoughtful and realistic look at the choices one can make when the plus sign shows on a pregnancy test. Hay's writing is very good, too. Her characters leap off the page, especially the lead, whose stream of consciousness makes the story (and the pages) fly by. Definitely give it a go!

[Rebecca Denton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Proof Positive is a powerful and utterly absorbing YA book from author Lucy V Hay, which deals with teen pregnancy in a sensitive and thought-provoking way. This is unexpected, and creative storytelling from someone who is expert at plot and pacing. I read the book in one sitting (!) and was gripped from the first page. FIVE STARS

[Morwenna Blackwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the unusual structure of this novel - a brilliant way of discussing the issues around teen pregnancy. Raw, compelling and thought-provoking, with a satisfying ending.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keen to read more YA novels for research purposes, I was particularly intrigued by this one which has a really unique approach. It's described as being of interest to those who like the movie 'Sliding Doors' - in which the protagonist's day plays out in different ways using a split screen - and in this respect doesn't disappoint. Lizzie, the main character, plays out the same scenario - in which she discovers she is pregnant and has to decide what to do - multiple times, in different ways.

A mobile phone is the 'teleportation' device. When Lizzie's phone rings at the end of a scenario, she and the reader are thrust back to the same opening. Only Lizzie can't remember what came before. It's like the movie Groundhog Day for Lizzie, only in this instance it's the reader who is learning from the scenarios, which are steered by influences such as pressure, expectations and fear.

What makes this approach so thrilling is the fact that each outcome is so different. At first, you wonder how the scenarios could possibly work together as a whole to influence Lizzie's final decision if she can't remember each one she has been through. But as you progress through the novel, you come to realise that this isn't the point at all.

Each chapter/scenario subtlety reinforces the notion that you can't rely on anyone else but yourself to make such a big and personal decision. We empathise with Lizzie's feelings when she makes decisions - such as having an abortion or staying with an uninterested and abusive boyfriend - based on fear, uncertainty, pressure and expectations... But we also despair that she isn't able to take the time to cast these thoughts aside and really think about what SHE wants regardless of any future limitations.

I felt it was a shame that the adoption route wasn't explored in more of a positive light as an option, given that the other options such as abortion and taking on the pregnancy were explored from both angles. But Lizzie does make a good argument towards it and, at the end of the day, it is Lizzie that is the focus of this particular story. Lizzie herself, deep down, wants the baby. So this is the underlying question mark that is haunting her, the answer to which is merely obscured by those fears and expectations and prejudices standing in her way.

A particular line stays with me, where Lizzie's mum says that she's a clever girl; she knows the options and only she can decide. This is the key message that comes through really quite powerfully by the end of the book. It doesn't matter what Lizzie's choice is in the end; only that it is right for HER.

With this in mind, the novel is also a bit like the choose your own adventure books for the reader, but in a format that allows you to see every adventure one after the other and to choose at the end which route you would have chosen "if it was you".

Lizzie's story is personal to her, but the experiences she goes through are useful for everyone, particularly the young readers at which the novel is aimed.

For me, an 'older' (28) adult-ish reader, the novel isn't the type I would usually go for. Regarding the topic, I am already aware of the options and "if it were me" my circumstances would be different on account of age and personal situation.

However, I was still able to empathise with the confusing and conflicting emotions Lizzie was feeling and the structure of the novel - with the phone teleportation and curiousness over how Lizzie copes in each scenario - kept up my interest.

This novel both educates about options that might not be known to teens, but also explores the important notion of self respect and independence of choice regardless of any barriers that are perceived or forcefully thrown upon them. This is emphasised throughout the novel, building more powerfully towards the end.

Furthermore, the "hindsight" insights, such as how best friends don't always remain so, illuminate further the need to trust your own judgement and not to be swayed by anything or anyone else. A valuable lesson for anyone of any age.

A must read for teens and parents, as well as anyone else who appreciates a meaningful tale presented in a unique way.

[Robin Chambers · Rating 5 out of 5]

An essential criterion for any good book – as it is for any good poem – is that it should say something important about the human condition in a powerful way.

Lizzie’s Story does that from the beginning. I have rarely read an opening chapter so powerful and profound. Lucy Hay has a sharp eye for telling detail and an almost pathological awareness of the discrepancy between human potential and actual achievement within the constricting contexts of family and social class. It hurts like 'Hamlet', and Alan Bennett’s 'Talking Heads'.

The action is intimately observed, each character scrupulously and minutely drawn. Lizzie tells this story in all its manifestations, and each time you are convinced it must be largely autobiographical with the kind of descriptive detail one associates with someone’s personal reality – e.g. “I could see all five of my sisters, their eyes wide, at least one of them delighted I had fallen from grace with such a bump.” I could quote a hundred more examples.

For all those reasons I was SO not ready for what happened 22% into the story. I won’t give it away, but it is extraordinarily effective. I saw that technique employed in a film once, but I don’t recall having come across it in a book. I think it works spectacularly well.

This is an important book about the human condition. It doesn’t run along the tramlines of a predictable genre, preferring instead to follow the urgings of Lucy Hay’s heart, her scrupulous and endearing honesty, her superb eye and very sharp ear. How many Lizzie’s can there be? Well one, of course, but layered, deep, analytical and sensitive to the nth degree.

“Lizzie’s Decision” should be required reading for all teens (Michael Gove take note!). It’s a very thought-provoking and deeply enjoyable read.

[Robin Chambers · Rating 5 out of 5]

An essential criterion for any good book – as it is for any good poem – is that it should say something important about the human condition in a powerful way. 'Proof Positive' does that from the beginning. I have rarely read an opening chapter so powerful and profound.

Lucy Hay has a sharp eye for telling detail and an almost pathological awareness of the discrepancy between human potential and actual achievement within the constricting contexts of family and social class. It hurts like ‘Hamlet’, and Alan Bennett’s ‘Talking Heads’.

The action is intimately observed, each character scrupulously and minutely drawn. Lizzie tells this story in all its manifestations, and each time you are convinced it must be largely autobiographical with the kind of descriptive detail one associates with someone’s personal reality – e.g. “I could see all five of my sisters, their eyes wide, at least one of them delighted I had fallen from grace with such a bump.” I could quote a hundred more examples.

For all those reasons I was SO not ready for what happened 22% into the story. I won’t give it away, but it is extraordinarily effective. I saw that technique employed in a film once, but I don’t recall having come across it in a book. I think it works spectacularly well.

This is an important book about the human condition. It doesn’t run along the tramlines of a predictable genre, preferring instead to follow the urgings of Lucy Hay’s heart, her scrupulous and endearing honesty, her superb eye and very sharp ear. How many Lizzie’s can there be? Well one, of course, but layered, deep, analytical and sensitive to the nth degree.

'Proof Positive' should be required reading for all teens (Education Secretaries take note!). It’s a very thought-provoking and deeply enjoyable read.

[Kim Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I honestly didn't know if I would like this book when I read the blurb. But I am so so glad I read it! The way it switches between every scenario! Any way you look at it, Lizzie is pregnant. She is 18 in a week and due to go to university in a few weeks time. She knows Mike, (the father) will be useless but tries so hard to get him involved.
Lizzie looks at all the options open to her (although she doesn't know it). There were a few different scenarios in which she kept the baby. There was also abortion, miscarriage and an ectopic pregnancy. I personally have never experienced any of these, but this book is written so that you can experience them all from a teenage girls perspective.
Lizzie really tore at my heart strings and I was really invested in what path she would choose. You got to see her grow as a person and also become her own person and have her own mind. Whereas right at the start she was kind of bossed around and let everyone else steer her in a direction, whether she wanted to or not.
I'm giving this book a 4/5 rating. It tells a crucial story that, I believe, all young girls who have found themselves pregnant should read. This book could help them to come to a decision on who to tell first and the different scenarios of the whether to keep the baby or not.

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Proof Positive was a book that had me instantly hooked! Within the first few pages, the main character Lizzie finds out she is pregnant whilst in the public toilets, reeling from the shock of it and unsure of who to turn to next. The story that develops from here is handled so carefully by Lucy V Hay, who conveys every possible emotion or experience a teenage girl may feel in this situation. As Lucy V Hay was also a teenage mother, she is the perfect person to capture such a story and she certainly does that!

Lizzie's story is told through various scenarios depending on who she tells her news too first, which i thought was a very clever and unique take. It definitely gave me Sliding Doors vibes which I think is a great parallel, as teenagers are always being told or reminded their at a crossroads and the importance of making decisions that may influence their future - and here is a story that literally explores that concept. I was very invested in the characters, and Lizzie's story in Proof Positive is certainly one that will stay with me, without giving away any spoilers - the ending was very moving to me and really finished as strong as it started. Another great book from Lucy V Hay!

[Eve L-A Witherington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lizzie faces a huge decision, finding out she's pregnant, taking the test in a market block's toilets, she faces a decision of who to tell first, will they be mad, helpful etc? Lizzie is a wreck.

We see a few perspectives of each way conversations could go with either, her sister Sal, boyfriend Mike, her mum, best friend Shona and then what she truly wants herself.

Lizzie comes from a large family as it is with her being the eldest of the girls, her younger sisters and her mum live with her and she worries where a baby would fit in their house even. Her dad lives where he works at a hotel restaurant and her boyfriend alike her or her before the pregnancy, is going away to university.

She faces huge choices which will effect her long term either way baby, no baby, university, or not and so on. It also brought up topics within of complications, carrying the baby, having the baby and the aftermath as well as abusive relationships. This book was a great read, if not at first due to being confusing in set up only the story was a necessary and cautionary tale about the way choices have consequences forever.

[Othniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

A novel aimed at young adults, telling the story of Lizzie, an A-level student from a small town and an unconventional family set-up, who finds herself staring in panic at a pregnancy-test stick. From this starting point, a number of scenarios play out, in a clever, "parallel universe" structure.

The dilemmas which Lizzie faces are readily relatable, and her family, friends and non-friends are believably drawn; one is constantly engaged.

On the negative side, there are a few peculiar typos, and there is a tendency to ramble; perhaps understandably, given that people facing problems tend to think in circles. More jarringly, despite the story being told in the first person, the authorial voice is obviously that of an older, more worldly person than the heroine.

Nevertheless, this is a warm, sympathetic read, providing intelligent, heartfelt insights into an all-too-common predicament.

[Stevie Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lizzie is in her late teens and is set to go off to University when to her horror she discovers that she is pregnant. At first she is stunned and has no idea what to do about it. Her boyfriend doesn’t seem to want to know, her mother had a teenage pregnancy herself, and her father flits in and out of her life and evades responsibility.

A teenage pregnancy is a situation Lucy V Hay has been in herself in the past, and she writes with true feeling of the emotions and thoughts that her character Lizzie undergoes on first finding out she is having a baby.

Lucy V Hay cleverly writes five different scenarios which blend in seamlessly with each other, and all help to lead Lizzie to her eventual decision. Each one gives a different outcome on the problem which many teenage girls unfortunately find themselves in. In fact I would definitely say that any young girl newly pregnant would do well to read this book in order for her to make an informed decision about her future.

[Rosie Claverton · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thoughtful exploration of the dilemmas facing any woman with an unexpected pregnancy, particularly through the eyes of the much-stigmatised teenager. What I particularly liked about this book was the many different decisions that shaped Lizzie's paths: How is my partner involved? What support do I want or need from my family? How does my best friend fit into this? What about university/work/money?

The pregnancy options weren't explored with equal weight, but I think that is reflective of real life. Women come to a pregnancy with pre-conceptions and beliefs and Lizzie is no different.

Despite Lizzie and her network being very vocal in their opinions, the book isn't preachy. The characters are flawed and their world views flawed along with them, which is refreshing.

Lizzie's Story is immersed in Lizzie's world and the real-life consequences of her many possible decisions.

[Donna Maguire · Rating 5 out of 5]

https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/...

This is a very well written, though provoking book that I found to be highly addictive!

There is a clear passion from the author in the story and it is a genuinely heartful book and for that I loved it, the author has brought the story to life using her own personal experiences and feelings. We go though all the emotions with Lizzie and I really enjoyed following her story as it progressed through the book.

It has well developed, genuine characters and I loved Lizzie right from the beginning- I cannot imagine having to make a decision like that. Whilst this is aimed as a YA I thoroughly enjoyed it and I certainly don’t class myself as that anymore so I’d say it is a read for YA and above!

Five stars from me – it is an excellent story!