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Surviving Southside
Plan B
Is this happily ever after? Lucy has her life planned she'll graduate and then join her boyfriend, Luke, at college in Austin. She'll become a Spanish teacher and of course they'll get married. So there's no reason to wait, right? They try to be careful. But then Lucy gets pregnant. Now, none of Lucy's options are part of her picture-perfect plan. Together, she and Luke will have to make the most difficult decision of their lives.
108 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2010
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363 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
March 2, 2011
Well this was an extremely short read and even with taking that into account I can't say that I liked it. It felt like a really bad after school special. Simon didn't bring anything new to the whole pregnant girl in high school. The story was very typical, guy and girl have only been going out for 6 months, have some alcohol, and then have sex. She gets pregnant and and has to decide what to do. Her mom even had her at seventeen so that added to the whole cliche. I am not by any means saying that this is not a serious problem and I did feel very sorry for the main character I just wish the author would have brought something at least somewhat different to the typical storyline. I was glad that Luke stuck by Lucy at least as far as going with her to her first doctor appointment. After that we are left with a huge cliffhanger that I don't understand. That is where the real conflict should have happened. Does Lucy keep the baby? Does she give the baby up for adoption? I was left completely unsatisfied with the ending. I can't say that I will read anything else from this author.
March 21, 2011
Lucy has a pretty great life: she’s a talented dancer with a super-cute boyfriend, she has a supportive mom and a good group of friends. She plans to graduate high school and go on to bigger and better things. When she and Luke start having sex, everything seems to be perfect–until she winds up pregnant. They didn’t use a condom the first time, and that was all it took. Now Lucy’s faced with one of the biggest decisions of her life, and she’s completely torn about what feels right and what others want her to do.
According to author Simon’s bio, she’s written over 100 books for young readers. If most of the books are about this length, I can understand how that’s possible, because this book is short. It’s actually more of a novella, and the formatting of it is so reminiscent of a choose-your-own-adventure book that I kept expecting chapters to end with a “NOW YOU DECIDE” in bold lettering. Alas, alack, that did not happen, and the book ends with a cliff-hanger of sorts that is going to leave many readers scratching their heads and wondering what just happened.
To her credit, Simon does a nice job of setting the stage for a situation like the ones that Lucy and Luke find themselves in. There are several interactions between the teens that are particularly well-done (Lucy’s friend describes fooling around with a boy in a way that is both funny and true), and Luke’s initial reaction to Lucy’s news seemed natural. It’s clear that Simon has had experience with teenagers and that she’s paid at least a little attention to how they are. Lucy’s struggle to figure out what exactly she wants to do was also realistic.
However, these moments of truth are few and far between in a story that’s sparse and lacking any actual character development. Apart from the pregnancy, readers are treated to very little actual action or plot development. In 100 pages, I kept waiting for something to happen, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that Simon was pushing around paper dolls on the pages and hadn’t quite come up with an actual story for them. The characters are flat and their actions were predictable and trite.
Also problematic was that the issue in this Issue Book wasn’t really dealt with. Lucy considers her options very briefly, but there’s no time or space given to fully exploring any of them. Abortion is mentioned but ruled out immediately. Lucy then proceeds to waffle between adoption and keeping the baby without ever expanding on the pros and cons of each of these options. The ending of the story won’t provide satisfaction for any reader, because Lucy and Luke don’t make a decision, nor do they act decisively in any way. Where is the meat of this story? Why does the entire thing feel like a half-baked cake, collapsing in the middle when you try to frost it? Is it really unfinished, or was the whole point to leave everything open-ended?
Gentle Readers, this was a hard review to write, because I don’t think I quite understand what I read. That being said, I suppose it could open up a dialogue for some teens about the consequences of unprotected sex. I guess.
According to author Simon’s bio, she’s written over 100 books for young readers. If most of the books are about this length, I can understand how that’s possible, because this book is short. It’s actually more of a novella, and the formatting of it is so reminiscent of a choose-your-own-adventure book that I kept expecting chapters to end with a “NOW YOU DECIDE” in bold lettering. Alas, alack, that did not happen, and the book ends with a cliff-hanger of sorts that is going to leave many readers scratching their heads and wondering what just happened.
To her credit, Simon does a nice job of setting the stage for a situation like the ones that Lucy and Luke find themselves in. There are several interactions between the teens that are particularly well-done (Lucy’s friend describes fooling around with a boy in a way that is both funny and true), and Luke’s initial reaction to Lucy’s news seemed natural. It’s clear that Simon has had experience with teenagers and that she’s paid at least a little attention to how they are. Lucy’s struggle to figure out what exactly she wants to do was also realistic.
However, these moments of truth are few and far between in a story that’s sparse and lacking any actual character development. Apart from the pregnancy, readers are treated to very little actual action or plot development. In 100 pages, I kept waiting for something to happen, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that Simon was pushing around paper dolls on the pages and hadn’t quite come up with an actual story for them. The characters are flat and their actions were predictable and trite.
Also problematic was that the issue in this Issue Book wasn’t really dealt with. Lucy considers her options very briefly, but there’s no time or space given to fully exploring any of them. Abortion is mentioned but ruled out immediately. Lucy then proceeds to waffle between adoption and keeping the baby without ever expanding on the pros and cons of each of these options. The ending of the story won’t provide satisfaction for any reader, because Lucy and Luke don’t make a decision, nor do they act decisively in any way. Where is the meat of this story? Why does the entire thing feel like a half-baked cake, collapsing in the middle when you try to frost it? Is it really unfinished, or was the whole point to leave everything open-ended?
Gentle Readers, this was a hard review to write, because I don’t think I quite understand what I read. That being said, I suppose it could open up a dialogue for some teens about the consequences of unprotected sex. I guess.
April 22, 2014
This book is about a seventeen year old girl named Lucy; who is a dancer. Her mother had her, the same age Lucy is currently. Her father left her and her mother when Lucy was six weeks old. He couldn't handle the pressure; he wasn't ready to be a father. Moving toward, Lucy gets a boyfriend, named Luke, who's a ball-player. He gets a scholarship for college. Lucy starts planning her life. When, all of a sudden, they start taking things to the next level...and they weren't protective or safe! Lucy gets pregnant. Together, Luke and Lucy have to make some challenging and unpleasant decisions. How will they keep their picture-perfect-plan? Will they be capable to handle the all the difficult work?
I would really recommend this book to someone who enjoys dramatic books because it shows a lot of it. This book was really entertaining, it told an interesting story. Also, in the end, i wanted to read more, and find out things. The theme of this book is that, you should always listen to your mother because her mother warned her, she didn't want Lucy to got through what she had to go through at such a youthful age. My favorite part, is when she finds out she's pregnant.
Favorite quote: "My pregnant pee was plenty strong right now. I didn't even have to wait the full five minutes before the little strop flashed "pregnant." (Page 57)
Want to know more about it? Try reading the book!
I would really recommend this book to someone who enjoys dramatic books because it shows a lot of it. This book was really entertaining, it told an interesting story. Also, in the end, i wanted to read more, and find out things. The theme of this book is that, you should always listen to your mother because her mother warned her, she didn't want Lucy to got through what she had to go through at such a youthful age. My favorite part, is when she finds out she's pregnant.
Favorite quote: "My pregnant pee was plenty strong right now. I didn't even have to wait the full five minutes before the little strop flashed "pregnant." (Page 57)
Want to know more about it? Try reading the book!
October 23, 2013
I liked "Plan B" By Charnan Simon, because it deals with teen pregnancy. Teen pregnancy hits close to home for me. In this book Lucy is a good student and loves to dance. She struggles to make time for her boyfriend Luke, who is on the varsity baseball team. Luke is being recruited for a full scholarship to the University in Austin. Lucy has sex with Luke, because she doesn't want him to forget about her while he's in Austin. Both Lucy and Luke's parents were upset when they found out Lucy was pregnant. Luke's parents pushed him to still go to Austin. Lucy and Luke don't know what decision to choose for the baby. In the end, Luke chooses to not go to Austin and stay to help Lucy raise the baby.
The book is told through the first person point of view of Lucy. Her character is faced with a major life changing event and many decisions she doesn't know how to make. Lucy's character is very close with her mom and hardworking. School, dance, and work take up most of her time. Lucy confines in her mother for help when she finds out she's pregnant.
"Plan B" takes place in South Side during modern times. The setting is important, because her school is big and takes a lot of work to get a full scholarship. It defends some of the problems Luke had with giving up his college dream and his full scholarship he earned. The time period is important, because teen pregnancy is an issue many of today's teens can relate to.
The main theme of "Plan B" is teen pregnancy. Lucy struggles with finding out she's pregnant and making the right decision for not only her and Luke, but the baby as well.
I would recommend this book to young adults and adults. "Plan B" does not have graphic details about her conceiving the baby like most teen pregnancy books. I think males and females would like this book even though its about teen pregnancy.
The book is told through the first person point of view of Lucy. Her character is faced with a major life changing event and many decisions she doesn't know how to make. Lucy's character is very close with her mom and hardworking. School, dance, and work take up most of her time. Lucy confines in her mother for help when she finds out she's pregnant.
"Plan B" takes place in South Side during modern times. The setting is important, because her school is big and takes a lot of work to get a full scholarship. It defends some of the problems Luke had with giving up his college dream and his full scholarship he earned. The time period is important, because teen pregnancy is an issue many of today's teens can relate to.
The main theme of "Plan B" is teen pregnancy. Lucy struggles with finding out she's pregnant and making the right decision for not only her and Luke, but the baby as well.
I would recommend this book to young adults and adults. "Plan B" does not have graphic details about her conceiving the baby like most teen pregnancy books. I think males and females would like this book even though its about teen pregnancy.
February 14, 2011
I want to preface my review by saying that I really wanted to like this book. I went into it with high hopes. Actually, after finishing it, I thought that this might be a first novel for the author and was astonished to see that Charnan Simon had published 100 books.
Now to get on to the particulars of my problem with this book. First and foremost, there was very little to no character development in this novel. I don't even think there were even descriptions of what the characters looked like. To me, this book read like a short prewrite with room continue and fill in the holes. I actually checked to see if I had received the whole novel because it did not read like a complete story. It read like a children's book with young adult topics.
And then there was the ending. I totally did not know what to make of it because it was so incomplete. I felt like it could have used another hundred pages at least. Like I said, I really wanted to like this book, but it just had too many problems for me to really get into it.
I have it a 2/5 and that might just be because I wanted to like it so much.
Now to get on to the particulars of my problem with this book. First and foremost, there was very little to no character development in this novel. I don't even think there were even descriptions of what the characters looked like. To me, this book read like a short prewrite with room continue and fill in the holes. I actually checked to see if I had received the whole novel because it did not read like a complete story. It read like a children's book with young adult topics.
And then there was the ending. I totally did not know what to make of it because it was so incomplete. I felt like it could have used another hundred pages at least. Like I said, I really wanted to like this book, but it just had too many problems for me to really get into it.
I have it a 2/5 and that might just be because I wanted to like it so much.
January 14, 2011
Plan B by Charnan Simon is a nice short read about teen pregnancy. The story is about Lucy, a seventeen year-old who becomes pregnant by her boyfriend--a senior baseball player. The two teens must face the consequences of their actions as her boyfriend Luke is preparing for college and a baseball scholarship.
Overall, I read this story pretty fast. The writing is done well and I felt for Lucy when she learned she was pregnant and had to go through the tough decisions to decide what to do. The only problem I had with the story was the ending. I wanted to know what Lucy's decision would be. What did the young couple decide to do? Other than that, I'd recommend this book.
Overall, I read this story pretty fast. The writing is done well and I felt for Lucy when she learned she was pregnant and had to go through the tough decisions to decide what to do. The only problem I had with the story was the ending. I wanted to know what Lucy's decision would be. What did the young couple decide to do? Other than that, I'd recommend this book.
February 16, 2015
A good book for high interest low reading level readers. I just got this book as part of a grant collection focused on this reading group. The thing I enjoy most is the many aspects Lucy deals with during the time that she finds out she is pregnant. She looks at all the options before making her decision.
These books are clean of language. There is only one instance of alcohol use and obviously the hint that sex has occurred. A fine series for a high school.
These books are clean of language. There is only one instance of alcohol use and obviously the hint that sex has occurred. A fine series for a high school.
January 7, 2015
The book was pretty interesting but it was missing something.
December 10, 2024
Plan B by Charnan Simon is a rather realistic book, illustrating how teen pregnancies impact people’s lives. The book takes on a realistic view on how teen pregnancies happen and how they’re dealt with, in a very short amount of pages (about 104). The main character, Lucy, and her boyfriend, Luke, have sex for the first time, but Lucy comes to the realization she’s pregnant. They already have made plans for college, but now they have to figure out what they’ll do with a baby on the way.
My opinion on this book is that it is very realistic, and highlights important questions that must be answered during these pregnancies, such as should they keep it? Abort it? Will they be able to go to college? Who can support them and the baby?
The characters were absolutely interesting, and I like this book since teen pregnancy is usually shunned and is seen and extremely irresponsible. While the characters in this book could have been irresponsible, its refreshing to see a different light shed onto this situation.
If you’re the kind of person who likes more realistic stories and things that are definitely more difficult topics, I’d recommend reading this book. Its quick, but it is a pretty good read.
Id definitely recommend this book to most people, and I’d give it a solid ⅘ stars. I only wish it was longer.
My opinion on this book is that it is very realistic, and highlights important questions that must be answered during these pregnancies, such as should they keep it? Abort it? Will they be able to go to college? Who can support them and the baby?
The characters were absolutely interesting, and I like this book since teen pregnancy is usually shunned and is seen and extremely irresponsible. While the characters in this book could have been irresponsible, its refreshing to see a different light shed onto this situation.
If you’re the kind of person who likes more realistic stories and things that are definitely more difficult topics, I’d recommend reading this book. Its quick, but it is a pretty good read.
Id definitely recommend this book to most people, and I’d give it a solid ⅘ stars. I only wish it was longer.
May 20, 2019
Genesis Chevez
Per 7-8
Plan B is a story full of surprises especially for Lucy and her boyfriend.The reason why I liked this story because there events that will happen to teens in real life.Throughout the book I felt like I was experiencing this event with the main charter Lucy.Lucy has to find another plan since her first plan got ruined.She has to find ways on how to tell everyone around her what she has discovered.All the pressure she has with this problem is explained and put into details so well.I didn't wanna stop reading and neither would you because you want to see the reactions the people she loves will have.Also all the other obstacles Lucy and her boyfriends will be facing.This story gives us all type of emotions.You also can see that no matter what happens you will always receive love and support from the people you love.I do recommend this book to anybody but especially to teen girls.
Per 7-8
Plan B is a story full of surprises especially for Lucy and her boyfriend.The reason why I liked this story because there events that will happen to teens in real life.Throughout the book I felt like I was experiencing this event with the main charter Lucy.Lucy has to find another plan since her first plan got ruined.She has to find ways on how to tell everyone around her what she has discovered.All the pressure she has with this problem is explained and put into details so well.I didn't wanna stop reading and neither would you because you want to see the reactions the people she loves will have.Also all the other obstacles Lucy and her boyfriends will be facing.This story gives us all type of emotions.You also can see that no matter what happens you will always receive love and support from the people you love.I do recommend this book to anybody but especially to teen girls.
October 16, 2025
I read it because it was an interesting book to read
The part that was the most interesting is when Lucy finally finds out that Luke like her and all of sudden they started a relationship,but Lucy's mom thought that Luke was a friend.
When Lucy finds out that she was pregnant because she were sexually active because her friends told her in order for her to spend time with Luke it could be having him sneaking to her house when her mom is taking classes. When Lucy finds out she was pregnant she were scared and she was nervous to do that by herself because outta nowhere when she told Luke she were pregnant Luke started to act differently by ignoring her and never texting her. But my favorite part was when Lucy told her mom and her mom could support her and Luke's parents agrees and they could find a way to support Luke and Lucy.
The part that was the most interesting is when Lucy finally finds out that Luke like her and all of sudden they started a relationship,but Lucy's mom thought that Luke was a friend.
When Lucy finds out that she was pregnant because she were sexually active because her friends told her in order for her to spend time with Luke it could be having him sneaking to her house when her mom is taking classes. When Lucy finds out she was pregnant she were scared and she was nervous to do that by herself because outta nowhere when she told Luke she were pregnant Luke started to act differently by ignoring her and never texting her. But my favorite part was when Lucy told her mom and her mom could support her and Luke's parents agrees and they could find a way to support Luke and Lucy.
May 14, 2018
This book was a good book. The thing I like about this book is that her mom supported her even though she was mad and she said that she’ll be there for her every step of the way no matter what decision she made, because her mom got pregnant at 16 too. What I did not like about this book is the fact that when she told her boyfriend he stopped talking to her a little bit and it kinda left a me confused because I didn’t know where his head was at. But then at the end he was like I’ll be there for you but I still didn’t like the ending because I wanted to know like what was their next step with the baby and how their relationship was gonna be like at the end. But the book was still good and it was very detailed and interesting.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 6, 2018
This book was really short. I felt that the book had no climax, there was no plot twist, there was nothing. The title says it all. The book ends at a "seriously" note that made me think reading the book was a waste of time. Just read the last sentence of the book, I promise, you won't miss anything.
Ever read a book that makes you question if you want to continue reading?
Yup, this is that book.
Ever read a book that makes you question if you want to continue reading?
Yup, this is that book.
September 13, 2019
After reading this book I liked it but I didn't like that is was left in a cliffhanger. It leaves me wondering what will happen to the teenager and her baby. I think there should be a second book to let me and other readers know what happens. What I did like was that It approaches the struggles of being a teenager and pregnant. It shows how when the girl gets pregnant she has a few options to consider but in the end it doesn't tell us, readers, what she decides to do.
July 23, 2017
Lucy has her whole future planned. Her boyfriend Luke is going to college on a baseball scholarship, then she'll follow and get a degree in Spanish so they can both teach at the same school. They'll get married and everything will be perfect. Then Lucy gets pregnant and all her perfect plans go up in smoke.
May 5, 2017
Very realistic and informative.
October 25, 2017
good
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 19, 2020
I enjoyed what their was of the book I just wish it was longer
October 27, 2020
There was no flow to this book. Really disliked.
December 29, 2023
This was a really good book but kinda wish there was more to it. As it ended on a cliffhanger basically. Other than that a great short read to help with that reading goal.
January 25, 2011
Plan B is the story of a teenage girl, Lucy, who gets pregnant after the first time she has sex with her boyfriend (without using a condom). There isn’t much in the way of a story line except that Lucy decides to have sex with her boyfriend because she is in love and then the two of them must come together and decide what to do about their unexpected pregnancy.
I really wasn’t a fan of this book, There was virtually no character development and the majority of the story was told via short conversations. I really struggled with this book because I couldn’t figure out what age range it was written for. If it was for the younger teen audience (12-16), I think it was far too simplistic. There should have been much more description about the emotions that the characters touched by this pregnancy (Lucy, her boyfriend, mom etc.) would have been going through. If it was intended for the older child or tween (12 or under) it was completely inappropriate.
I don’t agree with the irresponsible way that teen pregnancy is discussed in this book. As a childbirth educator I strongly believe that when you are talking to teens (or tweens) about teen pregnancy there should be at least some element of education about safety and prevention, options and resources. Even in a fictional story there is room for a little bit of education without compromising the story line or sounding preachy. I would like to think that the author chose to write this book to bring attention to the alarming trend of teen pregnancy, but Simon certainly didn’t spend the time developing the story around the pregnancy or repercussions (ie. within a day of finding out about Lucy’s pregnancy everyone is happy to support her and go one with their lives… come on!).
If nothing else the author should have had the foresight to include a list of national teen pregnancy resources at the end of the book realizing that more than a few pregnant teenagers are going to pick this book up to attempt to relate it to their own lives. **This book dangerously over simplified teen pregnancy and what pregnant teens go through.** I certainly hope that this is addressed before the book is released. On a side note, there was virtually NO mention of STI’s and how dangerous unprotected sex can be.
All in all I think that Plan B is perhaps a decent reminder for younger teens that unplanned pregnancies can happen, but the author seemed to be in too much of a rush to finish the book, to actually tell a story. I honestly couldn’t recommend this book to anyone.
Here are a few teen pregnancy resources that should have been included in an appendix:
http://www.itsyoursexlife.com/iysl/ar...
In the United States:
Planned Parenthood: 1-800-230-PLAN or www.plannedparenthood.org to find the nearest clinic
National Adoption Information Clearinghouse: 1-888-251-0075
Independent Adoption Center: 1-800-877-6736
NARAL Pro-Choice America: www.naral.org for detailed information about state laws regarding abortion
Children's Aid Society: www.childrensaidsociety.org or call (212)949-4800 for more information about adoption and foster care options
In Canada:
Planned Parenthood: www.ppfc.ca to find the nearest Planned Parenthood chapter
Adoption Council of Canada: 1-888-542-3678
International:
International Planned Parenthood Federation: www.ippf.org lists its entire affiliated offices worldwide, on every continent.
(I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via netgalley.com)
I really wasn’t a fan of this book, There was virtually no character development and the majority of the story was told via short conversations. I really struggled with this book because I couldn’t figure out what age range it was written for. If it was for the younger teen audience (12-16), I think it was far too simplistic. There should have been much more description about the emotions that the characters touched by this pregnancy (Lucy, her boyfriend, mom etc.) would have been going through. If it was intended for the older child or tween (12 or under) it was completely inappropriate.
I don’t agree with the irresponsible way that teen pregnancy is discussed in this book. As a childbirth educator I strongly believe that when you are talking to teens (or tweens) about teen pregnancy there should be at least some element of education about safety and prevention, options and resources. Even in a fictional story there is room for a little bit of education without compromising the story line or sounding preachy. I would like to think that the author chose to write this book to bring attention to the alarming trend of teen pregnancy, but Simon certainly didn’t spend the time developing the story around the pregnancy or repercussions (ie. within a day of finding out about Lucy’s pregnancy everyone is happy to support her and go one with their lives… come on!).
If nothing else the author should have had the foresight to include a list of national teen pregnancy resources at the end of the book realizing that more than a few pregnant teenagers are going to pick this book up to attempt to relate it to their own lives. **This book dangerously over simplified teen pregnancy and what pregnant teens go through.** I certainly hope that this is addressed before the book is released. On a side note, there was virtually NO mention of STI’s and how dangerous unprotected sex can be.
All in all I think that Plan B is perhaps a decent reminder for younger teens that unplanned pregnancies can happen, but the author seemed to be in too much of a rush to finish the book, to actually tell a story. I honestly couldn’t recommend this book to anyone.
Here are a few teen pregnancy resources that should have been included in an appendix:
http://www.itsyoursexlife.com/iysl/ar...
In the United States:
Planned Parenthood: 1-800-230-PLAN or www.plannedparenthood.org to find the nearest clinic
National Adoption Information Clearinghouse: 1-888-251-0075
Independent Adoption Center: 1-800-877-6736
NARAL Pro-Choice America: www.naral.org for detailed information about state laws regarding abortion
Children's Aid Society: www.childrensaidsociety.org or call (212)949-4800 for more information about adoption and foster care options
In Canada:
Planned Parenthood: www.ppfc.ca to find the nearest Planned Parenthood chapter
Adoption Council of Canada: 1-888-542-3678
International:
International Planned Parenthood Federation: www.ippf.org lists its entire affiliated offices worldwide, on every continent.
(I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via netgalley.com)
July 23, 2014
"This is intriguing to me because I work at a pharmacy and one of our drugs is called Plan B, and well I won't say what it's for you can look it up, but my mind set went straight to that as being what the story might be about so I guess I'll find out. "
This was my first thought when I saw this as a book I could get from Netgalley. So of course I requested to read it, and now that I have I can say that on some level I guess that is what the book is about, but more then that. You could also gather from reading it that it might be about having to make choices in your life. Hints-the Plan A..Plan B sort of thing. (It also helps that the outline tells you it too. :) )
I read this in a few hours because it is such a small book. I liked the idea behind the book, but then again there's probably quite a few that are like it out there somewhere. (I'll have to do some research). It follows the MC Lucy in kind of a day to day life with her friends, mom, and boyfriend. After awhile it gets kind of reptitive. I mean how much school, work, home, boyfriend, and friends can you take? You eventually know that things are going to happen between certain characters, but until then..nothing really. The characters weren't to bad they seemed like they could be normal people, but they didn't have that something to make me feel connected to them. I did like Lucy's little obession with making lists though it gave her some kind of quirk. Then there was her boyfriend he was pretty much as generic as they come. Why are they always popular and atheletic? (Sorry) Then you had her friends Trez and Cate one who had and on/off again relationship and the other who didn't have one at all. Just your regular type friends, and for her to take awhile to tell them her secrets. I don't know I mean if they're your friends why hide it from them. It was a typical family too just her and her mother. (No father because he left while her mother was pregnant with her) Does it count that I liked a few of the characters names? They were different like-Trez (It makes me think of my sleeping med Trazadone. I call it Traz. Thought I'd add that tid-bit.) You know you haven't seen that kind of name before. The little girls name that came for dance lessons Tierney. I thought was cute.
I wasn't happy with the ending either because it did just that it ended leaving me with more questions as to what happened with the choices Lucy and Luke made then answers. How did they handle the situation? What were their friends thoughs? Parents thoughts? I guess I would have like to known more after the incident happened.
So for this one to actually standout it needed something more. Plain and simple. When I read I like to have some detail. Like I said...answers to some questions would of helped me with closure to the story of Luke and Lucy. Now I'm going to be wondering. :(
Remember this is just my opinion what doesn't work for me may very well work for you. :) So give it a shot.
This was my first thought when I saw this as a book I could get from Netgalley. So of course I requested to read it, and now that I have I can say that on some level I guess that is what the book is about, but more then that. You could also gather from reading it that it might be about having to make choices in your life. Hints-the Plan A..Plan B sort of thing. (It also helps that the outline tells you it too. :) )
I read this in a few hours because it is such a small book. I liked the idea behind the book, but then again there's probably quite a few that are like it out there somewhere. (I'll have to do some research). It follows the MC Lucy in kind of a day to day life with her friends, mom, and boyfriend. After awhile it gets kind of reptitive. I mean how much school, work, home, boyfriend, and friends can you take? You eventually know that things are going to happen between certain characters, but until then..nothing really. The characters weren't to bad they seemed like they could be normal people, but they didn't have that something to make me feel connected to them. I did like Lucy's little obession with making lists though it gave her some kind of quirk. Then there was her boyfriend he was pretty much as generic as they come. Why are they always popular and atheletic? (Sorry) Then you had her friends Trez and Cate one who had and on/off again relationship and the other who didn't have one at all. Just your regular type friends, and for her to take awhile to tell them her secrets. I don't know I mean if they're your friends why hide it from them. It was a typical family too just her and her mother. (No father because he left while her mother was pregnant with her) Does it count that I liked a few of the characters names? They were different like-Trez (It makes me think of my sleeping med Trazadone. I call it Traz. Thought I'd add that tid-bit.) You know you haven't seen that kind of name before. The little girls name that came for dance lessons Tierney. I thought was cute.
I wasn't happy with the ending either because it did just that it ended leaving me with more questions as to what happened with the choices Lucy and Luke made then answers. How did they handle the situation? What were their friends thoughs? Parents thoughts? I guess I would have like to known more after the incident happened.
So for this one to actually standout it needed something more. Plain and simple. When I read I like to have some detail. Like I said...answers to some questions would of helped me with closure to the story of Luke and Lucy. Now I'm going to be wondering. :(
Remember this is just my opinion what doesn't work for me may very well work for you. :) So give it a shot.
January 30, 2011
After reading After - isn't that funny? - by Amy Efaw, I was hoping to read a similar story with a different take, something more accepting of their situation, unlike Devon and her denial. I wanted something like Juno or like Allison in Knocked Up. That is why I decided to request for this book on NetGalley.
This book had so much potential, but never unraveled. And I am not complaining about this book's length. Good stories do not need hundreds of pages. But it would have been great if the author was able to elaborate further on the effects of teenage unprotected premarital sex. Luke and Lucy were very credible as lovesick and lovestruck teenagers. They were very in love with each other, but the quick shift into Lucy's pregnancy also created a confusing shift in their characters. I felt that Luke's sudden change from scared and irresponsible boy to dependable and mature adult was too hurried and unreal, in that it still felt like he was still acting under his parents' influence. It did not feel like how a real responsible teenager would act under the circumstances. I'm not saying that a real teen would immediately accept whatever happened, but the phases that he would go through would be very obvious and notable that when he finally accepts his responsibility, everything has fallen into place naturally. Lucy, on the other hand, was the perfect scared and confused pregnant teen. Between these two, I would have preferred more communication and action to have happened before the final outcome.
Another problem I had was that this book was supposed to show Luke and Lucy's Plan B. However, even towards the end, they were still undecided about what that plan would be. The readers are left hanging as to the characters' futures and though sometimes it's good to make your own guess, I would have liked a more black and white ending for this story as I felt it required more specific answers for its very specific topic.
On the bright side, the author was able to perfectly portray the causal relationship between unprotected sexual contact and growing number of teenage pregnancy - and in such limited number of pages at that. Regardless of the issues I presented above, this story is a good, light, but educational read for teenagers in teaching them about safe sex. Most reproductive health classes would appear too superficial and feigning concern for the issues but reading this book, not only would teenagers be able to accept and understand the impact of safer sex, they would also be entertained by this light and compelling read that was able to summarily delve into their world without any judgment and prejudice.
And regardless of my negative points, I would still say that I enjoyed this book, although not as much as I enjoyed After, but good enough.
This book had so much potential, but never unraveled. And I am not complaining about this book's length. Good stories do not need hundreds of pages. But it would have been great if the author was able to elaborate further on the effects of teenage unprotected premarital sex. Luke and Lucy were very credible as lovesick and lovestruck teenagers. They were very in love with each other, but the quick shift into Lucy's pregnancy also created a confusing shift in their characters. I felt that Luke's sudden change from scared and irresponsible boy to dependable and mature adult was too hurried and unreal, in that it still felt like he was still acting under his parents' influence. It did not feel like how a real responsible teenager would act under the circumstances. I'm not saying that a real teen would immediately accept whatever happened, but the phases that he would go through would be very obvious and notable that when he finally accepts his responsibility, everything has fallen into place naturally. Lucy, on the other hand, was the perfect scared and confused pregnant teen. Between these two, I would have preferred more communication and action to have happened before the final outcome.
Another problem I had was that this book was supposed to show Luke and Lucy's Plan B. However, even towards the end, they were still undecided about what that plan would be. The readers are left hanging as to the characters' futures and though sometimes it's good to make your own guess, I would have liked a more black and white ending for this story as I felt it required more specific answers for its very specific topic.
On the bright side, the author was able to perfectly portray the causal relationship between unprotected sexual contact and growing number of teenage pregnancy - and in such limited number of pages at that. Regardless of the issues I presented above, this story is a good, light, but educational read for teenagers in teaching them about safe sex. Most reproductive health classes would appear too superficial and feigning concern for the issues but reading this book, not only would teenagers be able to accept and understand the impact of safer sex, they would also be entertained by this light and compelling read that was able to summarily delve into their world without any judgment and prejudice.
And regardless of my negative points, I would still say that I enjoyed this book, although not as much as I enjoyed After, but good enough.
January 26, 2011
A bit idealistic and without a true ending, but a good quick read otherwise.
This book shouldn't lose points for not being an abortion book, but I was kind of hoping to see the author explore the results of that or adoption. Instead, the book only gets to the first doctor's appointment. All of the negatives of teen pregnancy are mentioned, but none of them are actually experienced through the character. Lucy has not had to quit dance yet, she hasn't had to worry about pregnancy and a baby effecting her grades or what Luke will think by the time the baby is born. She has only really dealt with getting Luke on her side (for now) and getting him to stand up to his parents for the first time. Not to say that telling your mother (who was also a teen mom) and your boyfriend that you're pregnant isn't hard, but they may change their minds once the baby is actually born. I'm also a little sad that the author went with the cliche of the second generation teen mom and the first generation teen dad who both could have had it all had she not gotten pregnant. I'm also a bit surprised that so many teen moms (who at their age are still most often self-centered) think about the baby as real and a person so early in the pregnancy when all they are experiencing is feeling sick. I never even considered having sex in high school, but I'm fairly certain that I would have been one of those teens who chose abortion simply because I couldn't imagine inconveniencing myself like that when I had so much ahead of me that I had worked for. Of course, had I gotten a serious boyfriend, I would have been on birth control long before sex anyway. Could her mom not afford it? Because she definitely knew how serious Lucy was about Luke. In truth, I think more girls are either Trez or Cate than Lucy. Teenagers don't have adult thought processes so they tend to idealize everything one way or another.
The sex in this book fades to black and is only described as learning each other's bodies. There isn't any cursing which is slightly unbelievable because I would have been cursing had I been Lucy or Luke. There's some yelling, but that's as violent as it gets.
Finally, I hope the cover reflects the race of the characters whatever that may be. Being a white girl, I tend to picture characters as white unless I see them (or am reminded of it constantly). Race really isn't important to the story (anyone can end up being a pregnant teen), but I would prefer the cover to reflect the author's choice rather than putting a white girl on the cover because white girls are generally on the cover, or a girl of a different race because a white girl couldn't possibly get stuck like this (or whatever reasoning the publishers provide without asking the author).
This book shouldn't lose points for not being an abortion book, but I was kind of hoping to see the author explore the results of that or adoption. Instead, the book only gets to the first doctor's appointment. All of the negatives of teen pregnancy are mentioned, but none of them are actually experienced through the character. Lucy has not had to quit dance yet, she hasn't had to worry about pregnancy and a baby effecting her grades or what Luke will think by the time the baby is born. She has only really dealt with getting Luke on her side (for now) and getting him to stand up to his parents for the first time. Not to say that telling your mother (who was also a teen mom) and your boyfriend that you're pregnant isn't hard, but they may change their minds once the baby is actually born. I'm also a little sad that the author went with the cliche of the second generation teen mom and the first generation teen dad who both could have had it all had she not gotten pregnant. I'm also a bit surprised that so many teen moms (who at their age are still most often self-centered) think about the baby as real and a person so early in the pregnancy when all they are experiencing is feeling sick. I never even considered having sex in high school, but I'm fairly certain that I would have been one of those teens who chose abortion simply because I couldn't imagine inconveniencing myself like that when I had so much ahead of me that I had worked for. Of course, had I gotten a serious boyfriend, I would have been on birth control long before sex anyway. Could her mom not afford it? Because she definitely knew how serious Lucy was about Luke. In truth, I think more girls are either Trez or Cate than Lucy. Teenagers don't have adult thought processes so they tend to idealize everything one way or another.
The sex in this book fades to black and is only described as learning each other's bodies. There isn't any cursing which is slightly unbelievable because I would have been cursing had I been Lucy or Luke. There's some yelling, but that's as violent as it gets.
Finally, I hope the cover reflects the race of the characters whatever that may be. Being a white girl, I tend to picture characters as white unless I see them (or am reminded of it constantly). Race really isn't important to the story (anyone can end up being a pregnant teen), but I would prefer the cover to reflect the author's choice rather than putting a white girl on the cover because white girls are generally on the cover, or a girl of a different race because a white girl couldn't possibly get stuck like this (or whatever reasoning the publishers provide without asking the author).
July 26, 2014
Heh, it's decent.
So first of all, the book did not take me a very long time to read. At most, it took me 45 minutes and I started and finished before I did the crap load of homework I had.
I found the story too cliched.
Boy and Girl date for six months. Girl thinks they will go to the same college and get married.
Parents are out one day, throw in some alcohol and teen hormones, *bam* skin on skin ensues. No protection, all natural.
Well, after that incident, it's all a slippery slope because they continue to have sex afterwards but with protection.
The main character, Lucy, knowing her name actually doesn't matter considering it's written in her point of view doesn't use plan B, actually Plan B is never mentioned hence the misleading title shelf, because no one gets pregnant the first time.
Well if that's true then the 5 years of school sex-ed I received lied to me. Excuse while I sue the Wisconsin school board of Education.
Well soon after she finds that that myth isn't true because she gets pregnant.
I found Lucy to be very irresponsible. Sure she made her boyfriend use protection afterwards, but Lucy's mom, who was a teen mother herself, encouraged Lucy to tell her if she ever had sex or planned to have sex because she didn't want Lucy to be in the same position. Lucy's mom, even if she did want Lucy to wait, would have understood the hormones and probably would her found her additional protection (i.e. the pill, vaginal ring, etc. ) Lucy did not tell her mother until the pregnancy. If Lucy had told her mom after she had sex the first time without protection, her mother would have probably gotten her Plan B.
Anyways, this book had the potential to be very good but it ended after a very weak climax. We don't know whether or not Lucy kept the baby or not. (Abortion was out of the question) This book could have shown the various different emotions and consequences. In other words, the book stopped before it became an actual book.
At the end of the book, there should have been information on different forms of birth control and the different options if a girl gets pregnant. Also, it should have encouraged openness between a child and their parents.
I do like Lucy's mom because she encouraged openness between her and Lucy.
I really want to read a book in which the teenage girl gets an abortion. I mean, abortion is still an option and it would be great to read about it since abortion is such a hot topic especially if the egg was conceived with consent. I mean, I'm pro-choice so I don't think women should be forced to have have an abortion but I still would like to read a book in which a girl actually chooses that option
So first of all, the book did not take me a very long time to read. At most, it took me 45 minutes and I started and finished before I did the crap load of homework I had.
I found the story too cliched.
Boy and Girl date for six months. Girl thinks they will go to the same college and get married.
Parents are out one day, throw in some alcohol and teen hormones, *bam* skin on skin ensues. No protection, all natural.
Well, after that incident, it's all a slippery slope because they continue to have sex afterwards but with protection.
The main character, Lucy,
Well if that's true then the 5 years of school sex-ed I received lied to me. Excuse while I sue the Wisconsin school board of Education.
Well soon after she finds that that myth isn't true because she gets pregnant.
I found Lucy to be very irresponsible. Sure she made her boyfriend use protection afterwards, but Lucy's mom, who was a teen mother herself, encouraged Lucy to tell her if she ever had sex or planned to have sex because she didn't want Lucy to be in the same position. Lucy's mom, even if she did want Lucy to wait, would have understood the hormones and probably would her found her additional protection (i.e. the pill, vaginal ring, etc. ) Lucy did not tell her mother until the pregnancy. If Lucy had told her mom after she had sex the first time without protection, her mother would have probably gotten her Plan B.
Anyways, this book had the potential to be very good but it ended after a very weak climax. We don't know whether or not Lucy kept the baby or not. (Abortion was out of the question) This book could have shown the various different emotions and consequences. In other words, the book stopped before it became an actual book.
At the end of the book, there should have been information on different forms of birth control and the different options if a girl gets pregnant. Also, it should have encouraged openness between a child and their parents.
I do like Lucy's mom because she encouraged openness between her and Lucy.
February 4, 2011
I have always been pro-choice on just about anything – a person’s life is their own to live – and while I may be vocal when it comes to certain aspects of the lives of the people who I love, pregnancy is one of the topics that I only ever stick to listening and providing a shoulder if needed.
A friend of mine got pregnant just at the end her third year in university and she kept her baby. I don’t think that I’ve ever been as proud of someone as I am of her. She was able to complete her final year of university, graduate, and get into law school. Granted, she had an amazing support group and a loving family, but she’s such a strong person that she would have succeeded no matter what, I think. I truly admire her.
This novelette – it’s super short, hence my not classifying it as a full-blown novel – was good at portraying the emotions that would follow finding out about a pregnancy and the subsequent activities leading up to conception; I could picture myself in Lucy’s shoes even though I’ve never even tried them on while window shopping.
This would be the ideal short story for girls to have to read in health class. It goes over the cautions of sex, the repercussions for not being careful, and the options that a girl has once she finds out that she’s pregnant. The ending also won’t anger any parents (at least I wouldn’t believe it would) since no decision is firmly made one way or the other concerning said baby.
Speaking of the ending, I can see why some reviews didn’t particularly care for it. I wasn’t exactly a fan myself, but that’s mostly because there wasn’t any resolution to the story; it kind of just ended after a weak climax. But in its openness, I liked how the reader was able to decide for themselves the outcome since everyone who reads this would have a different opinion based on their beliefs.
I liked that this was a short read and I was able to decimate it in under an hour. But to be honest, there wasn’t anything to it. I’m giving this one a 5/10, but I do recommend it for younger high school and older middle school readers purely because of the subject content.
I want to thank netGalley and everyone who made it possible for me to read this. It was a nice way to spend an hour.
A friend of mine got pregnant just at the end her third year in university and she kept her baby. I don’t think that I’ve ever been as proud of someone as I am of her. She was able to complete her final year of university, graduate, and get into law school. Granted, she had an amazing support group and a loving family, but she’s such a strong person that she would have succeeded no matter what, I think. I truly admire her.
This novelette – it’s super short, hence my not classifying it as a full-blown novel – was good at portraying the emotions that would follow finding out about a pregnancy and the subsequent activities leading up to conception; I could picture myself in Lucy’s shoes even though I’ve never even tried them on while window shopping.
This would be the ideal short story for girls to have to read in health class. It goes over the cautions of sex, the repercussions for not being careful, and the options that a girl has once she finds out that she’s pregnant. The ending also won’t anger any parents (at least I wouldn’t believe it would) since no decision is firmly made one way or the other concerning said baby.
Speaking of the ending, I can see why some reviews didn’t particularly care for it. I wasn’t exactly a fan myself, but that’s mostly because there wasn’t any resolution to the story; it kind of just ended after a weak climax. But in its openness, I liked how the reader was able to decide for themselves the outcome since everyone who reads this would have a different opinion based on their beliefs.
I liked that this was a short read and I was able to decimate it in under an hour. But to be honest, there wasn’t anything to it. I’m giving this one a 5/10, but I do recommend it for younger high school and older middle school readers purely because of the subject content.
I want to thank netGalley and everyone who made it possible for me to read this. It was a nice way to spend an hour.
May 18, 2011
Before I tell you what I did like about this book, let me first say that if you've ever watched a really good episode of Degrassi, or MTV True Life:I'm a Pregnant Teen, etc., then you've already read this book.
It played out sooo seamlessly predictable that it was hard to take it seriously at first. I mean really, Luke and Lucy?!? That's the best you could come up with?
But anyway, what I did like about the book was that for all of its predictability, there were some classy touches that put small twists on the usual pregnant teenager story.
1. I liked that the book did a great job of going over ALL of the choices available to the couple. It didn't sugarcoat the existence of abortion, nor did it criminalize the choice of adoption. Every single scenario was discussed fairly by our two teens.
2. I appreciate a good, honest boyfriend, don't you? I think we've all heard and read enough about the deadbeat teen dad that shirks his responsibility in favor of his new life, new scholarship, etc. The fact that Luke wasn't entirely a jerk, but just a confused boyfriend made him more likable which eventually made me care about what happened to him.
Which brings me to my final positive, which I'm sorry to say, doubles as a negative.
3. There was no solution presented directly in this book. For me that said wonders about what the author thought about readers having heard similar stories to this one. Ms. Simon didn't wrap this story up in a pretty bow and say, "Here's what I think this young couple should do", instead she laid all the facts and arguments out so neatly that the reader is left trying to solve the problem long after the book has ended.
Great job on that, but again, if you've ever watched a teenage pregnancy after-school special, specifically one where the dude isn't a jerk, then you've seen this.
It was a quick read with short chapters and displayed in a style that could appeal to reluctant readers.
It played out sooo seamlessly predictable that it was hard to take it seriously at first. I mean really, Luke and Lucy?!? That's the best you could come up with?
But anyway, what I did like about the book was that for all of its predictability, there were some classy touches that put small twists on the usual pregnant teenager story.
1. I liked that the book did a great job of going over ALL of the choices available to the couple. It didn't sugarcoat the existence of abortion, nor did it criminalize the choice of adoption. Every single scenario was discussed fairly by our two teens.
2. I appreciate a good, honest boyfriend, don't you? I think we've all heard and read enough about the deadbeat teen dad that shirks his responsibility in favor of his new life, new scholarship, etc. The fact that Luke wasn't entirely a jerk, but just a confused boyfriend made him more likable which eventually made me care about what happened to him.
Which brings me to my final positive, which I'm sorry to say, doubles as a negative.
3. There was no solution presented directly in this book. For me that said wonders about what the author thought about readers having heard similar stories to this one. Ms. Simon didn't wrap this story up in a pretty bow and say, "Here's what I think this young couple should do", instead she laid all the facts and arguments out so neatly that the reader is left trying to solve the problem long after the book has ended.
Great job on that, but again, if you've ever watched a teenage pregnancy after-school special, specifically one where the dude isn't a jerk, then you've seen this.
It was a quick read with short chapters and displayed in a style that could appeal to reluctant readers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 1, 2014
Plan B was an interesting book. I read it because I wanted to learn more about teen pregnancies and the consequences. However, at only a hundred pages, it didn't have much room to delve into the issues at a great length.
The story was quite typical and there weren't any great shocks or surprises. Pretty much all the characters reacted how I thought they would. I didn't like how quickly some of the characters got over their feelings or changed their mind. Realistically, it would've taken them longer to be accepting. Plan B needed more depth.
I did like all the characters because they were interesting and I sympathised with them, especially Lucy. They would be memorable characters if they had been more complex. Perhaps the author intended it this way so that all readers would be able to relate to the characters and find similarities, but it didn't work for me.
This would be a great book to read in a Health class because Plan B is a template to work from. The ending was open and left many questions. Discussing the possible answers would be helpful in a class environment. The reader never finds out what Lucy will do past the first doctor's meeting. This uncertainty was a theme of the book and I wasn't surprised that it ended in this way, however, I prefer closed endings and thus would like to have known what happened next.
Overall, Plan B was an enjoyable book to read as it highlighted some questions on the issue of teen pregnancies. The story takes place before the start of Lucy's pregnancy and ends around the two month mark.While it did discuss many of the issues, like if Lucy would get to go to college, it wasn't with any great depth. I really did want to know what happened next. Plan B is worth a read.
The story was quite typical and there weren't any great shocks or surprises. Pretty much all the characters reacted how I thought they would. I didn't like how quickly some of the characters got over their feelings or changed their mind. Realistically, it would've taken them longer to be accepting. Plan B needed more depth.
I did like all the characters because they were interesting and I sympathised with them, especially Lucy. They would be memorable characters if they had been more complex. Perhaps the author intended it this way so that all readers would be able to relate to the characters and find similarities, but it didn't work for me.
This would be a great book to read in a Health class because Plan B is a template to work from. The ending was open and left many questions. Discussing the possible answers would be helpful in a class environment. The reader never finds out what Lucy will do past the first doctor's meeting. This uncertainty was a theme of the book and I wasn't surprised that it ended in this way, however, I prefer closed endings and thus would like to have known what happened next.
Overall, Plan B was an enjoyable book to read as it highlighted some questions on the issue of teen pregnancies. The story takes place before the start of Lucy's pregnancy and ends around the two month mark.While it did discuss many of the issues, like if Lucy would get to go to college, it wasn't with any great depth. I really did want to know what happened next. Plan B is worth a read.
May 25, 2011
I was rather disappointed with this book to be completely honest. I had high expectations as the subject of teen pregnancy is often handled excellently by YA authors and I had hoped that this would be the case with Simon's Plan B.
The foundations of a good story were there. The two main characters had potential for development but I didn't feel that there was enough description of them to hold the story together. I couldn't even picture them properly in my mind. Lucy's two best friends, Trez and Cate, with a bit more description and insight could have helped the story along, but they were a bit flat too. I just didn't feel like enough time was spent really introducing and integrating them into the storyline.
The aspirations and hopes of the two protagonists contrasted with the huge dilemma of a pregnancy should have worked. From the book's synopsis I thought I was in for an emotional journey that would really deal with the issue of teen pregnancy and show its effect on the two teenage lives affected. Unfortunately the book ended before it had properly begun. I'd been reading for under an hour when the book suddenly reached its conclusion. To me it seemed as though very little had been addressed. Lucy had told her friends, boyfriend and mother about her situation but that seemed to me to be almost it.
There were a few too many things omitted for me to really like the story. We don't find out what happens with the pregnancy or if either Lucy or Luke achieve their dreams. I think had the book been slightly longer it could have dealt with the theme in more depth. Personally I'd have really liked to have known how the pair's future panned out. If others find the book useful then that's great but it just wasn't something that I particularly enjoyed.
The foundations of a good story were there. The two main characters had potential for development but I didn't feel that there was enough description of them to hold the story together. I couldn't even picture them properly in my mind. Lucy's two best friends, Trez and Cate, with a bit more description and insight could have helped the story along, but they were a bit flat too. I just didn't feel like enough time was spent really introducing and integrating them into the storyline.
The aspirations and hopes of the two protagonists contrasted with the huge dilemma of a pregnancy should have worked. From the book's synopsis I thought I was in for an emotional journey that would really deal with the issue of teen pregnancy and show its effect on the two teenage lives affected. Unfortunately the book ended before it had properly begun. I'd been reading for under an hour when the book suddenly reached its conclusion. To me it seemed as though very little had been addressed. Lucy had told her friends, boyfriend and mother about her situation but that seemed to me to be almost it.
There were a few too many things omitted for me to really like the story. We don't find out what happens with the pregnancy or if either Lucy or Luke achieve their dreams. I think had the book been slightly longer it could have dealt with the theme in more depth. Personally I'd have really liked to have known how the pair's future panned out. If others find the book useful then that's great but it just wasn't something that I particularly enjoyed.
February 14, 2011
Review first posted on http://unautrehistoire.blogspot.com/
Recently I have become really interested in books that involve teen pregnancy especially after reading Amy Efaw’s book After. Teen Pregnancy has become a huge phenomena in the last several years and with shows like 16 and Pregnant and The Secret Life of The American Teenager which seem to be glorifying teenaged parenting, and giving kids the idea that perhaps parenting at 16 wouldn’t be so hard.
I recently had the opportunity to read Plan B by Charnan Simon, a story that talks about teen pregnancy and the confusing life changing decisions that come with the realisation that there is a person who is depending on you to make the right decisions. Plan B talked about the ramifications of teen pregnancy can have on your life, and your plans.
I liked this novel. I liked that it talked about the consequences that Lucy had to deal with, I liked the reality of her having to face this alone (although Luke her boyfriend came around in the end and made some very unrealistic decisions, but this is a novel and it needs a happy ending right?). I liked how it talked about adoption being an option. Adoption is not often an option that is considered. I liked how the author was able to show the genuine fear and confusion both teens were feeling at the time.
The one complaint I have about this book is that it was too short, only 100 pages, which is terribly short for such a heavy subject. But it was very well written and I read it in an hour. So for teens this may be perfect. A quick read with a valuable lesson.
Recently I have become really interested in books that involve teen pregnancy especially after reading Amy Efaw’s book After. Teen Pregnancy has become a huge phenomena in the last several years and with shows like 16 and Pregnant and The Secret Life of The American Teenager which seem to be glorifying teenaged parenting, and giving kids the idea that perhaps parenting at 16 wouldn’t be so hard.
I recently had the opportunity to read Plan B by Charnan Simon, a story that talks about teen pregnancy and the confusing life changing decisions that come with the realisation that there is a person who is depending on you to make the right decisions. Plan B talked about the ramifications of teen pregnancy can have on your life, and your plans.
I liked this novel. I liked that it talked about the consequences that Lucy had to deal with, I liked the reality of her having to face this alone (although Luke her boyfriend came around in the end and made some very unrealistic decisions, but this is a novel and it needs a happy ending right?). I liked how it talked about adoption being an option. Adoption is not often an option that is considered. I liked how the author was able to show the genuine fear and confusion both teens were feeling at the time.
The one complaint I have about this book is that it was too short, only 100 pages, which is terribly short for such a heavy subject. But it was very well written and I read it in an hour. So for teens this may be perfect. A quick read with a valuable lesson.
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