Angel's Choice

by Lauren Baratz-Logsted

All I remember is the sensation of things slipping away from me....

In one night Angel Hansen's life changes She has sex for the first time. Not that she remembers the act itself -- not the pain or the pleasure. But she is left with something that will never let her forget an unplanned pregnancy. Angel must make a choice. Abortion? Adoption? Keep it? None of these choices are easy and none of them are perfect. But there is one thing Angel is sure of. Whatever choice she makes, it must be the right one for her. Braced with that knowledge, Angel faces the toughest decision of her life.

Genres: Young Adult, Contemporary, Chick Lit, Realistic Fiction

248 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2006

About the author

Lauren grew up in Monroe, CT, where her father owned a drugstore at which her mother was the pharmacist. She is a graduate of the University of Connecticut at Storrs, where she majored in psychology. She also has what she calls her “half-Masters” in English from Western Connecticut State University (five courses down, another five to go…someday!).

Throughout college, she worked semester breaks as a doughnut salesperson, a job that she swears gave her white lung disease from all the powdered sugar she breathed.

Upon graduation, she began work at the venerable independent spacebookseller, now sadly defunct as such, Klein’s of Westport. There, she bought and sold for the better part of 11 years.

In November 1994, Lauren left the bookstore to finally take a chance on herself as a writer. Success did not happen over night. Between 1994 and May 2002 – when Red Dress Ink called with an offer to buy THE THIN PINK LINE – Lauren worked as a book reviewer, a freelance editor and writer, and a window washer, making her arguably the only woman in the world who has ever both hosted a book signing party and washed the windows of the late best-selling novelist Robert Ludlum.

Since Red Dress Ink’s call in 2002, Lauren has been kept very busy with writing more novels and checking her Amazon ranking on a daily basis. She still lives in Danbury, with her husband and daughter, where she has lived since 1991.

In addition to writing, Lauren’s daughter keeps her busy, accounting for the rest of her time.

Lauren’s favorite color is green.

Lauren’s favorite non-cat animals are penguins.

Lauren wants you to know that, however you are pronouncing her last name, you are probably pronouncing it wrong.

Reviews

[Alicia · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm sick of the teen pregnancy stories, yet I can't seem to get away from them. When I read them now, I'm looking for something different, something provocative, something thought-provoking, but then again, if I was looking for that, I shouldn't be reading YA novels about teen pregnancy!

Angel has a one-night stand she really doesn't remember because she was drinking and feeling despondent about an ex (who she's never had sex with). So, you guessed it, she loses her virginity near her old middle school and BAM, she's pregnant even though they used a condom.

His choice? Here's money for an abortion, 'but my dad wants a receipt.' Angel tries, but can't, so her CHOICE is to keep and raise the baby, thereby disappointing her parents because their 'baby' was bound for Yale. Another smart one bites the dust.

So, Angel turns it into her 'journey' to be a teen mom. She's content because she's made a CHOICE and she's happy. Blah blah blah, her father is SO proud of her for fighting for her choices and the boy she was despondent about in the beginning comes around and now goes to her Lamaze class, wants to be with her forever, and asked her to PROM. Oh, how lovely?

Forgive me while I chuck it across the room.

[Paula Phillips · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a mood reader, often I will know that I want to read but I don't know what I want to read and it can be a hard decision. Often, in this case, I just scroll through until a title or author jumps out at me and I am like - ok, I will read this one. In Angel's Choice, again despite it being an older YA book - it is quite relevant to the current situation going on about the abortion bill, etc. Angel's choice introduces us to teen Angel who on a bit of a revenge hook-up at a party ended up with a guy named Tim O'Mara, he isn't the guy she would have normally hooked up but she was angry and jealous at Danny - the one she loves. Angel ends up having her first time with Tim, not that she can remember it as she was drunk and it wasn't very memorable. At the end of the night, Tim gives her his number and says "call me if you get pregnant". Two months later, Angel makes that phone call and we learn Tim wants the baby aborted. Angel goes with her best friend to the clinic, but Angel can't go through with it. Slowly her best friend drifts away and Angel is all alone. As the months tick on by, Angel finally tells her parents who I loved that they were super supportive - especially her dad. Now passing the timeframe of a contraceptive abortion, Angel must decide what she wants to do as ultimately this is "Angel's Choice" and no one else. I liked this book as the main female Angel was a strong female character who despite objections from those around her, made up her mind and kept chugging along. Angel's Choice overall tells us that when this decision needs to be made - it is OUR CHOICE - No one else has the power or right to control what you do with your foetus and this is the main topic that people are trying to get across currently in the US with the abortion laws. If you enjoy edgy YA and want to read a fictional account, then check out Angel's Choice by Lauren Baratz-Logsted today.

[Jennifer Wardrip · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed by Sally Kruger, aka "Readingjunky" for TeensReadToo.com

Teenage pregnancy can't realistically be lived in only 250 pages, but Lauren Baratz-Logsted handles this controversial topic more successfully than most. ANGEL'S CHOICE begins like many other teen pregnancy stories with one bad decision; however, Angel's voice narrates a little something extra into the story that's really hard to explain.

There is the upset family, the lost friendships, the ostracism in the school classroom, plus the roller coaster of emotional and physical turmoil a teen pregnancy entails. Angel is faced with the choices of abortion, adoption, or becoming a young mother. She knows what a friend before her has chosen but realizes it isn't right for her. The less-than-happy teen father and her own unhappy parents have ideas of their own. Ultimately, the choice is hers and hers alone.

Although this subject is complicated and huge, the dialogue in much of the novel seems real and genuine. Angel confronts her obstacles bravely. After discussions with her grandmother and her aunt, she learns others before her have made similar painful decisions. Her attempts to remain a normal teen often succeed but are tempered with realism and an uncertain view of the future.

Angel's final realization is that survival would not be possible without the support and love of those around her. This is a book that should be included in any collection aimed at helping teens face the decisions of today and their consequences.

[Susan · Rating 2 out of 5]

A very predictable, mediocre, though pleasantly surprisingly not preachy book about teen pregnancy, the story of Angel Hansen is not bad, but reads as forgettable as any generic Degrassi plotline or afterschool special. Girl gets pregnant after dumbly drunken first sexual encounter, and though its not all sunshine and roses, nothing terrible happens. The only lesson she seems to glean from the entire pregnancy is that people have to make conscious choices rather than simply react to their lives, getting pregnant in high school can make people view you differently, and you may not get to follow all your dreams. Was a very quick read, not particularly well written, but a sweet, mindless story that I tore through in about 2 hours of down time. Two stars- decidedly falls into "it was ok" territory.

[Sabrina Rutter · Rating 3 out of 5]

In Angel's Choice you read about a teenage girl who becomes pregnant and all the decisions she must make. While I did enjoy the book I felt that some of it was pretty obvious that it could not, or would not happen in real life.
When I was a teenager my teen best friend did become pregnant and then married and became pregnant again. She was not treated badly by the other students in the school becuase of it, if anything she was treated much better than she was before she became a pregnant teen.
I do think that Lauren did an excellent job describing the feelings of the parents. That was very realistic. I was even moved to tears when Angel's father told her how much her loved her while they went on their fishing trip. I was dissapointed however that just because Angel was having a baby it was said that this would probably be their last fishing trip. Well ok, maybe the author was just trying to express that when you have a baby some parts of your life are never the same but I can think of a million different ways to express that without using a fishing trip (which imo is rediculous). Of course you can always get a baby sitter and go fishing with your dad!
All in all this was a pretty enjoyable read.

[Abigail J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is my favorite book of all time! Romance, teen drama, realistic fiction! It’s AMAZING! Go check it out! #AngelDanny4eva

[Alejandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Angel, 17-year old girl has choices to make. Should i end get an abortion? Should I have it and put it up for adoption? Should I keep it? Should i go to Yale? At first when reading Angel's Choice I was surprised on how much I can relate Angel to some of the teenagers nowadays. Teenage pregnancy, young love, and the wrong decisions made my Angel affected the rest of her life. In one moment to another she had lost her virginity for a wild night that could've been prevented if she hadn't had any alcohol that night. It took just that one night for her to get pregnant and have to make important decisions in her life. For example, deciding to keep the baby or give it up to adoption. Angels had a mind set to go to Yale, but once she got pregnant everything changed. this book is a perfect book for teenagers, so they know not to make a dumb decision or mistake that will affect them for the rest of their life. Something like having a baby might affect your plans for college that will affect the rest of your life. Angel realized the consequences that happened with having sex. a 17-year old shouldn't have to be going through something hard, she had to make choices that she had no idea she was going to have to be making. Angel was in love with a boy named Danny which turns out to be a good guy and helps her out when she needs him. He took her to prom while being pregnant and was there for her at all times. Danny made Angel's dream come true. they were together with each other, its the most adorable part of the story. By having someone there like Danny around her she felt comfort and protected, and most of all she felt loved. Which is why she got in the situation she was in because of this boy Danny. even when all her family and friends told her to give up her baby for adoption or abortion she didn't do it, she made her choice. She didn't care what other people would ay she was going to keep the baby and that was it. no matte what Angel did what she wanted and her parents were there for her. She was very lucky to have her parents there for her, because a lot of parents don't help out their kids when they get pregnant some get kicked out. eve though her parents were upset they didn't kick her out they supported her, even though they didn't want her to keep it, they were there for her. in one night her Angle's life changes completely and forces her to grow up and make tough decisions that will affect her life, either for the good or the bad.

[Aiil3eN · Rating 5 out of 5]

Angel’s choice, by Lauren Baratz Logsted, is a novel that caught my attention and became one of my favorite books. This book is about a young teenage girl who has many conflicts in her life. This book talks about her main conflict, teen pregnancy.
Angel had sex for the first time, but that is not the problem. The problem is that she was drunk! She doesn’t remember how it happened, the pain or the pleasure. Most importantly, she doesn’t remember if they used protection!
A few months later, she finds out she is pregnant. Like probably many other girls in the real world Angel didn’t know what to do. Angel’s first reaction was to abort her baby. Angel thought this was the best choice because she was not ready to be a parent. One day, Angels walks into an abortion clinic. She was sure she was making the right decision. As she lay down in a bed, she thought about her baby’s future and hers. Suddenly, she stood up and ran out the door. She did not want to abort her child. As she lay in the bed, she realized her baby was a special gift from God, and there had to be a reason why he sent her such a gift. Angel did not care if she lost the money to the abortion clinic. She new that her baby was priceless.
I really liked this book! I liked how it really made you understand the main character, Angel, and her situation. I also liked how it talked about real life issues. I was really surprised me when she decided not to abort her baby! thought she was already convinced. I guess this book can make you realize how hard it is to make the decision of adoption, abortion, or keeping a baby when you still have your whole life ahead of you. This book also helps you understand that you are not alone. There are people around you who you can talk to about your situation. They can give you advice on how to make the right decision that can change your life forever. Angel’s Choice is a young adult fiction book, but even though this story is fiction, in the real world, there are many teen girls who are facing the same situation Angel did. I encourage you to read this book because it can give you many things to think about.

[Nisa Ledezma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Angel Hansen, a young 17 year old high school student who had her heart set on going to Yale, ends up pregnant after having sex for the first time. She was drunk at the time so she did not remember what it was like while having sex, all she remembered was the night sky. For a while she did not know she was pregnant although all the signs were there. When she finally takes the test and finds out she was pregnant, she calls the boy who did that to her, Tim O'Mara, to find out what she should do. He tells her to get rid or it, and he gives her the money to have the abortion because that was the least he could do for after getting her pregnant. She goes in to have the procedure done, and while she was laying on that table she finally realized that she has more than that option and does not go through with the abortion. The only ones who knew about her pregnancy were Tim O'Mara, Tim's father, and her bestfriend Karin, so when she started to gain a little weight people began to talk. As if Angel didn't have enough rumors about her and the night she had sex, she now has people talking about whether her needing to loose some weight. After she decided she was not going through with the abortion ase had to visit the doctors because she had just pass her first trimester and had seen a doctor yet. The doctor gave her a book, almost like a guide to having a baby, that she should read. On Christmas Eve

[Amy Jacobs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Lauren Baratz-Logsted has a writing voice that captures young adult angst with ease. I am a huge fan of her writing and she always amazes me with her stories. With Angel's Choice, I again fell into the trap of reading straight through the book with no breaks. I was hooked from the first page and couldn't put it down.

This book touches on the subject of teen pregnancy and the decisions teens face when presented with it. Do they tell anyone? Do they keep the baby or not? Do they get picked on at school and tormented daily for their choices? What would you do if put in the same situation? Would you turn your back on a friend just because she doesn't agree with your choice? All these questions are touched upon in Angel's Choice and the author handled them beautifully. I cried with Angel when she felt fear and confusion. I felt her anguish and torment when others criticized her for the choices she was making. I loved the relationship that evolved with Danny and the downfall she was experiencing in with her best friend. I just felt for the whole situation and wanted Angel to be okay.

This book touched on a topic that many parents hope their child doesn't experience, but it also gives you the perspective of what that teen could go through as well. A book that teens can gain knowledge from and parents can gain perspective from as well. Another beautifully written novel by a wonderful author.

[83katie.belle. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Angel"s Choice is about this teenage girl, Angel. Angel has a pretty good life. Until one night: when she has sex for the first time. Not only does she not like this guy,Tim, that much, but not long after their 'engagement', Angel gets a surprise she wasn't expecting. She finds out she is pregnant.
When she decided to get an abortion, Tim has to pay for it because Angel's parents don't know. So Tim gets the money from his dad, but his dad asks for a receipt from the abortion clinic. Angel has to agree to get the money for it so she does. But when she is there she startes to change her mind. And it's not refundable, and now she doesnt know what to tell Tim and his lawyer father.
Then, to make everything better, her mother finds her asleep, with a pregnancy book. Her mom flips!! But in the end they are on her side. They work out the situation with Tim's dad, and help her get through it the best they can.
In the end, Agnel gives birth to a beautiful baby girl.
This book taught me that even if someone bad happens, it can always be turned into something good. You just have to be willing to trust your heart and mind.

[Katrina Burchett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Angel Hansen is in love with Danny Stanton, but he's dating Ricky D'Amico, so Angel leaves the end-of-summer blowout with Tim O'Mara, and one thing leads to another. Angel doesn't remember the act that left her with an unplanned pregnancy. And she didn't seem to be totally aware of the decision that followed, but then suddenly all was clear and she made a different decision; a deliberate choice instead of reacting to the words and actions of others. She made the choice she felt was right for her.
With all of the teen pregnancies in the world today, it makes sense to have stories that tackle this delicate subject. Angel's Choice is a good teaching tool for teenage girls, boys and parents.

[Ingrid · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good book. A quick read, entertaining, easy to understand, and eye-opening. Sometimes I feel like the media glamorizes teen pregnancy, but I don't feel like this book does (which is a good thing). The last chapter was good, how it said Don't Try This At Home and it talked about how her life was going to be different with her baby around and how she might not be able to accomplish all her dreams because of the choice that she made.... but it's not like a sob story. She takes responsibility for her actions and accepts them for what they are. Overall it's a good message with a entertaing story along with it.

[Bri Hogue]

Angel had one bad night, She made a choice, not a right or bad one. Angel just wanted someone to tell her she's pretty she wanted what every girl wants. Girls who make the choice aren't automatticalty called "BAD" They made a choice it's their life not their moms,dads,brothers,it's You'res. Personaly I think Angel made an mature adult desion on keeping the baby. and this book shows you eveyrthing you need to know before you make the desion. Read before you do!

[Yara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Angel Goes to a party, and has a really bad night. The guy that she likes leaves into the house with someone else. So angel starts to drink a lot and she starts to talk to this guy that she knows for a very long. But angel leaves with him and she has sex for the first time and she does not even remember anything about it. But things start to change and then she realizes that shes pregnent...What is she to do? Her life Changes for the better not the worse.

[Say · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book is a good read...well written and with essence. issues of teen pregnancy and dealing with the ups and downs of being humiliated choosing to keep baby was discussed excellently in this book. this book is a must read for all teenagers out there dealing with the stress of having sex at an early age and the danger of having a baby and making the right choice during this early stage of life.

[Elissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Deals with teen pregnancy without getting into too much detail about the sex part (she has it, but it's a drunken haze) which I think makes it more appealing to use this book to show teens the consequences of having sex just once. I'm still not sure how much I enjoyed the "prince charming, it all works out in the end" side of it though.

[Sassy Sarah Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Angel's Choice was a really good book. Angel ends up have a one night stand with a guy and ends up getting pregnant. I liked the writing and Angel was a likeable character. As a fan of shows like 16 and Pregnant and Teen Mom I decided to give Angel's Choice a try, and I was satisfied with the outcome and the book itself.

[Emily Bailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Teenage pregnancy... Still being a teenager myself, I'm not sure what I'd have done in Angel's place. I believe I'd do what she decides in the end but the whole thing would be a hard decision! I like Angel's character and I like the development of the different characters - she loses some friendships, gains others, etc. It's a good story and I liked it.

[Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book was really good i read it like u year ago
and taylor still hasnt given me the book back lol
but its good and it is about a girl who has to choose what to do with the baby that she is pregnant with..i love it =]

[Kerith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay. Yet another pregnant teen YA novel. Not really much new here, but decently told. Worth a read, if you haven't read too many of this sort of thing already. Or just go see JUNO, but I prefer that movie over this simply because it portrays an adoption.

[Stephanie A. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Teen pregnancy stories are so much harder to enjoy when the girl is a moron about it. I'll still read them and all, but...this girl got a 2200 on her SAT and applied to Yale, but I couldn't stop picturing her as a C student in non-advanced classes.

[Paige Herda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think the book was really good cause i would start reading it then i wouldn't want to stop reading it. and one of things i liked about this book was that I Angel had to take responsibility to keep her kid even though her mom wanted her to have an aborition.

[Corina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Typical Lifetime-afterschool-special teen pregnacy drama. Still enjoyable though. :)

[Ashley]

good book!!!!

[Dominique]

it was sad but very detailish.....i cried half way through the book

[Estrella · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is about a teenager who got pregnant and she makes a choice that she will never regret.