Raising Women

by Shannon Waite

Girls are taxes.
Women are city limits.

You are on the precipice of womanhood and have become obsessed with an ex-convict, Roman. She introduces you to the dangerous and honest side of life that no one else has been able to. As she unapologetically places you in scandalous situations, you begin making self-destructive decisions. Depending on which decisions you choose, you may taste Roman’s blood, get branded with a searing screw driver, or date a married man – all while each choice challenges what it means to be a woman, real, or both.

In this interactive novel, readers have twenty-four possible pathways with four unique endings to explore the wild that is growing up girl.

Genres: Fiction

192 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 11, 2024

About the author

Award-winning writer and educator Shannon Waite writes stories about norms, characters who break norms, and society's wounds. They're always contemporary, often transgressive. Her debut novel, Raising Women, is an interactive novel in which readers make self-destructive decisions that explore the wild that is growing up girl.

Her short fiction has been published in PANK, Hobart, and elsewhere. She has two bachelor’s degrees in English and Creative Writing from Oakland University and an MA in Teaching and Curriculum from Michigan State University. Shannon lives in Michigan with her hamster.

Reviews

[Mia Conway · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded to 4 for Goodreads ratings ⭐️

I actually enjoyed this. I read it in one sitting, and the interactive part of it was quite fun even though there wasn’t many choices. I really connected with the narrator and this is the kind of character driven literary fiction that I love. I love reading about girlhood and its grime. My critique is its length. I genuinely was disappointed it ended so quickly. I could’ve easily read another 200 pages about this network of characters. I wanted more explanation, more context more world building more everything. Sometimes less is more but not in this circumstance.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a review copy, all thoughts are my own.

[Lindsay Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interactive book?!?!? INSANE.

There are 4 endings and a mixture of ways to get to those endings. The layout and flow of this book is amazing. So far I’ve read through 2 of the storylines and have experienced two of the final endings.

The beauty of this book is that you can finish it, but you’re not even done yet. You can read all the storylines back to back or come back to it a couple weeks later. Getting multiple plots out of one book is unheard of and to me, it just screams sustainable storytelling. You get more than one book in one binding. I applaud the author for this. Amazing.

Don’t go into this book wondering if you’ll like one ending over another. That’s not the point of it. It’s not about liking one ending better than another. This book is literally the collection of “what if moments” people have in their lives. What if I chose this? “Well go back to page 48 and find out girrrrrl” lol

The character development is brief but with a layout like this, it works. You’re reading in the moment. No background given because you’re IN IT. It’s incredibly well done.

Shannon, the author is also releasing an expansion back so you’ll have even more journeys to experience. Keep an eye out on her social media accounts!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨

[Randie Dillon · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I saw that this book was an interactive novel I was so intrigued, but the synopsis definitely sold me. This story follows you (my first ever second person narrative book) and Roman, an older ex-convict that you can’t help but being enamored by. I don’t want to give away too much of any of the plots, but I read through two different outcomes of this story and felt totally different emotions for both. I felt a sort of sadness but understanding at the end of my first read, and was unsettled by my second.
The novel is an unapologetic deep dive into the complexities of girlhood and womanhood, all while giving you the power to shape the story’s outcome. The narrative does a fantastic job of capturing the confusion, rebellion, and desire for belonging that defines coming of age, especially as a young woman. Every choice you make feels weighty, with 24 different paths and 4 endings, giving the novel a sense of replayability that I didn’t expect in traditional fiction.
This book was truly unique, and it made me relive many of the thoughts I had as a teenager—wanting so desperately to fit in and earn others’ approval, even if it meant making some questionable decisions. I recommend going into it knowing as little as possible and just letting your instincts guide you through. I’m excited to revisit it and explore a completely different outcome, as it’s definitely the kind of book you can return to and experience a whole new story each time!

[Samantha Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

An adult interactive novel is cool enough as it is. That alone could have sold me. Nothing could have prepared me for how much I loved and resonated in some way with every storyline I read through. I have yet to read all 24 paths, but I also have yet to read one that didn't fascinate me. Capturing the magic and madness of girlhood within each little novella, Raising Women has a story for everyone.
My literal only critique was that l'd want more character development, even though that is basically impossible in this format. BUT DO NOT WORRY, Waite is a genius and recently announced there will be an "expansion pack" released in the near future with stories focusing on each character as individuals.
I referred to this as a choose your own adventure for the unhinged girlies and I stand by that. I've already harassed many of you to check this out, but if I haven't yet... this is your sign.

[nineinchnovels · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you remember those choose your own adventure books you loved as a kid? All the different pathways you could take and different endings that would come from it?

That is what’s so special about Raising Women - but this is for the literary it girls.

Have you ever wondered what it would have been like if you stayed at a party and not left early? Or what would happen if you had a peculiar friend who made odd choices? All the little decisions that could be made in the book impact the several endings you can end up with in this book!

Written in the second person, you’re put in the seat of questionable life choices that ultimately celebrate what it means to be a girl. Messy, infuriating, inspiring, and hopeful.

I can’t wait to see what else Shannon Waite comes out with in the future.

[Maia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raw, relatable, and terrifyingly real.

I was expecting a Choose Your Own Adventure type of story, filled with tropes and cliches. I have never been more glad to be wrong. The narrative is so true to the experience of growing up as a teenage girl in the Midwest that I found myself entirely transported back to that time of my life. I’m now heavily doubting all the times I’ve shunned the use of second-person narrative because this was incredible!

Digital Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

[kennedy parrish]

this sounds fun

[Claudia]

I've finished reading this once but I'm going to go back to get another ending before reviewing it.

If you didn't know, this is a choose your adventure book. Except the adventure is navigating life as a young woman.

[Annie Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 rounded to a 4

This was intense and made me want to keep reading but also very nervous to make a choice. It's a unique story about girlhood, grooming, love, friendship, and what it means to become a woman. Definitely would recommend to anyone who wants to know what it's like to be a 16 year old girl in the midwest.

[Mikey · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐
"For lovers of the unconventional form, Raising Women provides a destructive adventure of your own doing."
------------------------
As a writer, unconventionality is something that I deeply admire in novels. The form itself allows for the reader to emerge themself into the writing and it makes for an even faster read. I read through two of the possible twenty-four pathways and landed on endings that I think were quite ambiguous. I don't know if the ambiguity is due to there being four endings and, therefore, they can't be overly specific or if that's intentional. I don't mind the vagueness, except that it was quite underwhelming on my first pathway, because it ended abruptly and the ending didn't make sense to me. However, my second pathway had a lot more detail in it.

There were some things that I didn't like, which is mostly the age gap between "you" and Roman when more sexualized elements are presented. I liked the more ramble type of writing style. I think it works better for the themes and also for the format since it is easier to get a lot of characterization without having to read an abundance of pages. This is definitely a book I would recommend if you enjoy unconventional formats, don't mind learning a lot of information/characterization in a short period of time, and also want a quicker read.

Thank you for NetGalley and Victory Editing for providing this Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for my honest review!

[Xavier Iriarte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raising Women is a poignant, sobering, and most of all earnest representation of teenage girlhood. The story follows a protagonist who is struggling to create an identity as a woman amidst an infinity of mixed signals and potential dangers. The interactive format and second person narration come together to create an experience that is so immersive that you feel the weight of your decisions as you choose which path to take. With dozens of possible paths, the rereading experience only adds to the closeness that you feel for “You”, quickly making reading about her feel like hearing back from an old friend. As a man, Raising Women was eye opening to a degree that I hadn't experienced before, and as a reader, I found it deeply moving and incredibly sophisticated. Raising Women is what happens when “choose your own adventure” meets elevated literary fiction, a combination that is so well realized that you would think Waite has done it a million times before.

[Devin Mainville · Rating 2 out of 5]

Raising Women by Shannon Waite is an interactive novel that lets you shape the protagonist’s journey through a series of life choices, starting at age 16. In theory, everyone’s story will be different, depending on the decisions they make. I tried two paths: one based on choices I think I would’ve made as a teen, and another deliberately making the worst decisions possible... but I didn’t enjoy either trajectory.

Interactive novels usually thrive on being plot-driven, but this character-driven take doesn’t work as well with the format. The story lacked the excitement and unpredictability you expect from this type of book, and there were too many moments where I wasn’t given any real choice—just clicking through to the same outcome. The concept is intriguing, but the execution didn’t quite land for me.

[Ted and her books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raising Women by Shannon Waite is an interactive novel about being a teenager and growing up into adulthood. I’ve never read an interactive novel, and I’m happily surprised by how much I loved it !A unnamed teenager is faced with some really hard and adult problems, and you choose how she will continue the story.

First of all, I tried saying no to all the decisions, no she doesn’t want to do this, and no she shouldn’t do this. I was thinking with my adult brain. The fun thing is, you can go back, and change your decisions and you’ll have an different story !

Thank you to the author and Netgalley for the ARC.
Raising Women will be published on the 11th of October !

[RecycledWords · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed my first read of Raising Women which took me around an hour in total. There's still plenty more paths to read through so I'll definitely be returning to this but want to savour it a little before coming back.

The second-person narration really helped to keep the story engaging as I recognised many of the teenage thoughts and experiences. It was fun to feel that age again whilst also having the knowledge and experience of age on my side to be able to laugh at some of the trivialities that felt so important in my teens.

I would love to see more novels like this in the future and am hotly awaiting the "expansion pack" soon to be published.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok this was a fun book. I loved the interactiveness, I’ve never read a book like this before. You feel for the main character that she wants to belong and just have friends - although Roman really isn’t the best option. I actually knew someone similar to Roman when I was in high school so I get her lure. The writing is pretty jumpy but made me just think of a high schoolers brain or Roman’s drug brain. The different options were fun and I found they just all circled around to each vs it being new which is the reason for the 4 stars.

[Jeannette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full Disclosure: I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of Raising Women by Shannon Waite from the author via NetGalley. This book should be available to the public starting October 11, 2024.

When I read the description for Raising Women by Shannon Waite, I knew I needed to read it. It is described as an interactive novel about growing into womanhood. I LOVE LOVE LOVE a choose-your-own-adventure book, game, movie, whatever so this was a no-brainer. I've also made it into womanhood successfully by many definitions, so how bad could I get it wrong? Hint: I got it really wrong. The good news is I could go back and try again. Reading it on Kindle made it fairly easy to jump to the right section. Going back was less easy. This is not a sweet coming-of-age book. You are a teenage girl, but you have to deal with very adult situations and sometimes uncomfortable situations. Keep that in mind if you decide to gift this book! I still had a lot of fun ruining my life.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book. It was way different from my usual reading and I am SO here for it. I actually was sad to finish it, but love the fact that I can re-read it for a unique twist. I really enjoyed Waite's writing style, and it kept me hooked throughout.

I definitely knew some girls growing up who reminded me of bits and pieces of the characters in the book, which really resonated with me. I plan on doing a re-read and look forward to the expansion excerpts!

[Neda Aria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raising Women is an innovative interactive novel that immerses you in the journey of adolescence and self-discovery. The narrative centers on an unnamed protagonist which is you who becomes captivated by Roman, an ex-convict who is rebellious with a raw authenticity. Through this relationship, you are confronted with a series of choices leading to various self-destructive paths, each challenging societal norms and personal identity.

I love this story because of the perspective. It's rare to see a 'choose your adventure' type of story these days and specially for adults. But it's not just a game book. I find Waite's storytelling to be both candid and compelling and I was fascinated how she could write twenty-four distinct pathways and four unique endings. The interactive format allows for multiple readings, each providing new insights into the characters and themes.

I got it with sticker pack and a polaroid photo which is awesome to use as a bookmark.

[Courtney M · Rating 3 out of 5]

thank you net galley and the publisher for an advanced readers copy of this interactive novel! following a teenage girl along tough relationships and situations, this deals with tough topics, the concept was pretty cool but overall the pathway I chose ended very abruptly, I’m not sure if the other paths would enlighten me or just disturb me… either way I’m not dying to find out

[B. Benford · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an inventive, thought-provoking journey Waite sends us on with learning how "you" navigate becoming a woman! It grabbed me and didn't let me go- all paths held the same intrigue. Well done!

[Jp Horgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an adventure. The different possible directions one could take while reading this book make it fun, original, and unique (every time). Bravo!

[Lindee · Rating 5 out of 5]

The cover made me want to read this book! Adding this to my TBR and Pre-ordering right away.