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Frag mich, wie es für mich war
Als Addie schwanger wird, entscheidet sie sich für eine Abtreibung – mit Unterstützung ihrer Eltern und ihres Freundes. Alles verläuft unkompliziert. Nach dem Eingriff bemerkt sie dennoch, dass Veränderungen in ihr vorgehen. Sie sieht bisher getroffene Entscheidungen in einem anderen Licht und bewertet sie neu. Ihre Erfahrungen, Wünsche, Geheimnisse und Gedankenexperimente schreibt sie nieder, mal ergreifend, mal witzig; in Dialogform oder in schnell dahingekritzelten Zeilen – aber immer sehr persönlich und intim.
Addies Geschichte handelt nicht davon, ob eine Entscheidung richtig oder falsch war. Sondern davon, dass jede Entscheidung uns zu dem macht, was wir sind.
Addies Geschichte handelt nicht davon, ob eine Entscheidung richtig oder falsch war. Sondern davon, dass jede Entscheidung uns zu dem macht, was wir sind.
231 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 3, 2016
38 people are currently reading
3817 people want to read
About the author
Christine Heppermann
16 books159 followersChristine Heppermann writes fiction, poetry, and criticism. Her books include What Goes Up (coming summer 2020); Ask Me How I Got Here; Poisoned Apples: Poems for You, My Pretty; City Chickens; and the Backyard Witch series (with Ron Koertge). She currently reviews young adult books for the Chicago Tribune.
Christine grew up in Omaha, Nebraska, where she attended an all-girls Catholic high school. As an undergraduate she studied philosophy and literature at Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas. She has a masters degree in children’s literature from Simmons College in Boston, Massachusetts, and an MFA in writing for children and young adults from Hamline University in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Christine lives in New York’s Hudson Valley with her two daughters, two cats, and one husband.
Christine grew up in Omaha, Nebraska, where she attended an all-girls Catholic high school. As an undergraduate she studied philosophy and literature at Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas. She has a masters degree in children’s literature from Simmons College in Boston, Massachusetts, and an MFA in writing for children and young adults from Hamline University in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Christine lives in New York’s Hudson Valley with her two daughters, two cats, and one husband.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 349 reviews
June 2, 2016
I honestly think had this book been written in prose rather than verse, I might've enjoyed it much more. I just didn't feel the story fit well within that format and I think at times it held the story back. The format didn't allow for character depth, which caused the characters to feel one-dimensional. I also had major issues with the amount of cheating that takes place within this book between the characters. (like can you not????) This story didn't even feel complete when I finished reading it. I kept thinking, "that can't be the end?" or "maybe my copy of the book was a misprint?" There are just so many things that go unresolved and the ending is so abrupt. Overall I felt this book was pretty weak, unfortunately!
February 4, 2016
(Source: I received a digital copy of this book for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to HarperCollins and Edelweiss.)
This was an enjoyable story about a girl who fell unexpectedly pregnant, and her life as she dealt with the consequences.
I felt quite sorry for Addie, especially when she had to tell her parents that she was pregnant, because it really was a terrible situation to find herself in.
The storyline in this was about Addie falling pregnant, and then what she did next, with lots of thoughts and feelings about her situation, and the way her life changed because of her choice of how to get through it. I liked the way that the story was told in verse, and the pace felt about right.
The ending to this was pretty good, although I didn’t feel like everything was 100% tied up.
7 out of 10
"Tonight
I
will
tell
my parents
tonight.
Or maybe tomorrow."
This was an enjoyable story about a girl who fell unexpectedly pregnant, and her life as she dealt with the consequences.
I felt quite sorry for Addie, especially when she had to tell her parents that she was pregnant, because it really was a terrible situation to find herself in.
The storyline in this was about Addie falling pregnant, and then what she did next, with lots of thoughts and feelings about her situation, and the way her life changed because of her choice of how to get through it. I liked the way that the story was told in verse, and the pace felt about right.
The ending to this was pretty good, although I didn’t feel like everything was 100% tied up.
7 out of 10
Read
December 20, 2015I'll be surprised if this isn't one of the best books of 2016. I'm saying that and we haven't even gotten there yet.
Addie attends a private religious school and she's a cross country runner. It's always been a big part of her life. Until it's not.
After sex with her boyfriend James, she finds herself pregnant. Here's where the story shifts: this isn't a story about the poor girl who got pregnant, had an abortion, and was left alone by him. Nope. She has an abortion and he sticks around. Her parents are supportive. It's really not the end of the world. Though it is hard on Addie, and it's hard on her in some pretty unexpected ways.
This novel in verse is feminist and subversive and sharp and awesome. Addie is critical of religion while also being respectful toward the institution. The Virgin Mary mythos becomes a key part of the story, and Addie explores her experiences with sympathy and with an eye toward the institutional and thus cultural sexism it espouses.
But the real gem of the story is
Ultimately, it's a book about forgiveness, about choice, and about understanding that to have the second, you need to do the first with yourself.
When you finish the book, you have to go back and read Addie's poetry project for a second, maybe third, maybe fourth, time. It's knife-sharp. It's searing.
Pass this along to feminists. Pass it along to teen girls who struggle with what their beliefs tell them and what their heart desires. Pass it along to readers who love the sort of voice Melinda is given in Laurie Halse Anderson's SPEAK, even when she's not really "given" a voice. This book would be so great paired with Hilary T. Smith's A SENSE OF THE INFINITE, too.
Heppermann's bravery and her style and her slicing through to the bone makes me want to be a better writer and better thinker about issues of girls, their stories, their choices, and the world that does anything in its power to silence and shut them all down.
Addie attends a private religious school and she's a cross country runner. It's always been a big part of her life. Until it's not.
After sex with her boyfriend James, she finds herself pregnant. Here's where the story shifts: this isn't a story about the poor girl who got pregnant, had an abortion, and was left alone by him. Nope. She has an abortion and he sticks around. Her parents are supportive. It's really not the end of the world. Though it is hard on Addie, and it's hard on her in some pretty unexpected ways.
This novel in verse is feminist and subversive and sharp and awesome. Addie is critical of religion while also being respectful toward the institution. The Virgin Mary mythos becomes a key part of the story, and Addie explores her experiences with sympathy and with an eye toward the institutional and thus cultural sexism it espouses.
But the real gem of the story is
Ultimately, it's a book about forgiveness, about choice, and about understanding that to have the second, you need to do the first with yourself.
When you finish the book, you have to go back and read Addie's poetry project for a second, maybe third, maybe fourth, time. It's knife-sharp. It's searing.
Pass this along to feminists. Pass it along to teen girls who struggle with what their beliefs tell them and what their heart desires. Pass it along to readers who love the sort of voice Melinda is given in Laurie Halse Anderson's SPEAK, even when she's not really "given" a voice. This book would be so great paired with Hilary T. Smith's A SENSE OF THE INFINITE, too.
Heppermann's bravery and her style and her slicing through to the bone makes me want to be a better writer and better thinker about issues of girls, their stories, their choices, and the world that does anything in its power to silence and shut them all down.
April 20, 2016
I generally love novels in verse. They were always one of those things I assumed I wouldn't like, until I eventually gave in and tried one. The short, emotional punches they pack are often very effective. That being said, despite loving Heppermann's Poisoned Apples: Poems for You, My Pretty, I thought this one took on too much.
With verse, you can be purple and metaphorical and dramatic. You only have a small number of words to make your point and you need to use them well. With Ask Me How I Got Here, I think the author bites off more than she can chew, trying to turn this tiny book of poetry into a meditation on pregnancy, abortion, feminism, choice, life goals, and sexuality.
The book moves quickly from teen pregnancy to abortion (without really capturing all the worries and emotions that would naturally go along with that, in my opinion) and then to the revelation that Addie is a lesbian.
It felt like not enough time and pages were given to either. I would have liked to see more of Addie's feelings on her pregnancy, abortion and the aftermath, and I would have liked the romance/sexuality aspect to be more explored - at least enough for me to be sold on the relationship and Julianna herself. Perhaps a novel in prose would have been better suited to the story here.
I thought, stylistically, the novel did some excellent things, especially with the drawing of parallels between Addie's story and that of the Virgin Mary and how her choice was suddenly taken from her. But it left something to be desired when it came to portraying Addie's emotions and state of mind. I never felt any connection to her or her story.
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With verse, you can be purple and metaphorical and dramatic. You only have a small number of words to make your point and you need to use them well. With Ask Me How I Got Here, I think the author bites off more than she can chew, trying to turn this tiny book of poetry into a meditation on pregnancy, abortion, feminism, choice, life goals, and sexuality.
The book moves quickly from teen pregnancy to abortion (without really capturing all the worries and emotions that would naturally go along with that, in my opinion) and then to the revelation that Addie is a lesbian.
It felt like not enough time and pages were given to either. I would have liked to see more of Addie's feelings on her pregnancy, abortion and the aftermath, and I would have liked the romance/sexuality aspect to be more explored - at least enough for me to be sold on the relationship and Julianna herself. Perhaps a novel in prose would have been better suited to the story here.
I thought, stylistically, the novel did some excellent things, especially with the drawing of parallels between Addie's story and that of the Virgin Mary and how her choice was suddenly taken from her. But it left something to be desired when it came to portraying Addie's emotions and state of mind. I never felt any connection to her or her story.
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June 18, 2016
I didn't know this was written in verse so I was pretty surprised when I started it. I've only read one other book in verse before so I can't really say if this is well written compared to other books written in this style. I did really like this book though. I thought the plot was interesting and different from most other books that I've read. I couldn't get emotionally invested in the story or the characters but I still really enjoyed it.
June 22, 2016
Yet more proof I like novels in verse way more than I always think I do. Religion and reproductive rights and sexuality - oh my! All my favorite things.
September 17, 2018
Don't read this. I don't like it. I don't know why I read it. It is terrible. I finished it in 30 minutes. Don't read this.
October 16, 2019
"I'm the daughter
who can't stop making bad choices;
the girlfriend
who won't answer her phone:
the ghost
who is anything
but holy."
who can't stop making bad choices;
the girlfriend
who won't answer her phone:
the ghost
who is anything
but holy."
February 13, 2018
Wir alle erinnern uns an unsere Jugendzeit – frei, unbeschwert, nichts konnte uns aufhalten. Was sollte schon passieren? Zwischen Partys, Schule und Freizeit hat so mancher Grenzen überschritten, den jugendlichen Leichtsinn im Hinterkopf und den Gedanken von „Wird schon schief gehen.“ Ging es meistens auch – im Falle von Addie aber nicht. Sie ist schwanger, von ihrem Freund – dabei war es nur ein unbedachter Moment. Doch jetzt gilt die Entscheidung – Abtreibung oder nicht, statt Wettkampf oder Lernen?
Die unbequeme Frage nach der Abtreibung, das große Tabuthema, all das thematisiert Christine Heppermann in „Frag mich, wie es für mich war“. Addie entscheidet sich für die Abtreibung, mit Rückenstärkung ihres Freundes und ihrer Eltern. Auch wenn der Abbruch relativ unkompliziert von statten geht, bemerkt Addie immer mehr Veränderungen. Emotionaler Rückzug, Lustlosigkeit, ein Lügennütz um ihre Freunde. Nicht nur, dass Heppermann sich einem schwieirigen Thema gewidmet hat, sie hat auch Addie eine eigene Stimme gegeben. Die Kapitel sind ein wilder Mix aus Gedichten, kurzen Tagebucheinträgen, sehr prosalastig. Doch nach den ersten Kapiteln ist man schnell in einem Lesefluss und kann das Buch an einem Abend lesen. Denn ein Ablegen, kurzes Absetzen ist fast gar nicht möglich. Zu sehr saugt man Addies Geschichte auf, ihre Gedichte und ihre Notizen.
Mit wirklich wenigen Worten füllt Heppermann jedoch Seiten, spickt sie mit Gefühlen. Nicht alles muss ausgesprochen werden. Addies Lustlosigkeit spiegelt sich in ihren unzählig durchgestrichenen, immer wieder verkehrenden Aufsätzen wieder. Des Weiteren ist Addies Zwiespalt mit der Religion interessant. Geht sie auf eine mit Nonnen geführte Schule, führt sie ihre eigenen Zwiegespräche mit Maria. Zieht Vergleiche, stellt Fragen und bringt in ein Jugendbuch noch ein Thema, das nicht unbedingt gewöhnlich ist und in der Kombination für einige Diskussionen sorgt.
Trotzdem fehlt dem Buch eine kleine Prise – wovon? Tiefe. Nicht, weil die Kapitel kurz sind, nicht weil es Gedichte sind, nicht weil es anders ist – all das, macht das Buch aus. Jedoch gibt Heppermann viel Raum für Interpretation, viel Platz für Spekulationen – an manchen Stellen wünschte man sich jedoch eher einen Punkt statt ein Fragezeichen, auch wenn offene Enden ihre Daseinsberechtigung haben.
Nichtsdestotrotz ist „Frag mich, wie es für mich war“ lesenswert, weil es eben anders ist. Kein typisches Jugendbuch, sondern eine Geschichte, die sich den unbequemen Themen stellt und sich klar abhebt.
Die unbequeme Frage nach der Abtreibung, das große Tabuthema, all das thematisiert Christine Heppermann in „Frag mich, wie es für mich war“. Addie entscheidet sich für die Abtreibung, mit Rückenstärkung ihres Freundes und ihrer Eltern. Auch wenn der Abbruch relativ unkompliziert von statten geht, bemerkt Addie immer mehr Veränderungen. Emotionaler Rückzug, Lustlosigkeit, ein Lügennütz um ihre Freunde. Nicht nur, dass Heppermann sich einem schwieirigen Thema gewidmet hat, sie hat auch Addie eine eigene Stimme gegeben. Die Kapitel sind ein wilder Mix aus Gedichten, kurzen Tagebucheinträgen, sehr prosalastig. Doch nach den ersten Kapiteln ist man schnell in einem Lesefluss und kann das Buch an einem Abend lesen. Denn ein Ablegen, kurzes Absetzen ist fast gar nicht möglich. Zu sehr saugt man Addies Geschichte auf, ihre Gedichte und ihre Notizen.
Mit wirklich wenigen Worten füllt Heppermann jedoch Seiten, spickt sie mit Gefühlen. Nicht alles muss ausgesprochen werden. Addies Lustlosigkeit spiegelt sich in ihren unzählig durchgestrichenen, immer wieder verkehrenden Aufsätzen wieder. Des Weiteren ist Addies Zwiespalt mit der Religion interessant. Geht sie auf eine mit Nonnen geführte Schule, führt sie ihre eigenen Zwiegespräche mit Maria. Zieht Vergleiche, stellt Fragen und bringt in ein Jugendbuch noch ein Thema, das nicht unbedingt gewöhnlich ist und in der Kombination für einige Diskussionen sorgt.
Trotzdem fehlt dem Buch eine kleine Prise – wovon? Tiefe. Nicht, weil die Kapitel kurz sind, nicht weil es Gedichte sind, nicht weil es anders ist – all das, macht das Buch aus. Jedoch gibt Heppermann viel Raum für Interpretation, viel Platz für Spekulationen – an manchen Stellen wünschte man sich jedoch eher einen Punkt statt ein Fragezeichen, auch wenn offene Enden ihre Daseinsberechtigung haben.
Nichtsdestotrotz ist „Frag mich, wie es für mich war“ lesenswert, weil es eben anders ist. Kein typisches Jugendbuch, sondern eine Geschichte, die sich den unbequemen Themen stellt und sich klar abhebt.
June 22, 2016
I had high hopes for this book. But it didn't live up to my expectations. Unfortunately..
June 8, 2016
This review contains profanities which may or may not affect you in some kind of way. Read at your own risk. Lol! ;)
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Read
February 4, 2016A couple of years ago, I raved about Heppermann’s YA debut Poisoned Apples, which was a collection of feminist poems paired with feminist art. To say I was excited she had a YA novel in verse coming out would be an understatement, and I was far from disappointed with Ask Me.
Addie attends a private religious school and she’s a cross country runner. It’s always been a big part of her life. Until it’s not.
After sex with her boyfriend James, she finds herself pregnant. Here’s where the story shifts: this isn’t a story about the poor girl who got pregnant, had an abortion, and was left alone by him. Nope. She has an abortion and he sticks around. Her parents are supportive. It’s really not the end of the world. Though it is hard on Addie, and it’s hard on her in some pretty unexpected ways.
This short novel dives deep into religion and into the ways women are made to bear pain and sin in different ways than men. Despite being sharp, it’s respectful of those who follow religion, and it casts a fascinating and sympathetic feminist eye to the Virgin Mary herself. The novel is ultimately about forgiveness and about choice and how in order to have choice, you need to forgive yourself for things you do — and do not — have control over. Heppermann’s writing is fluid, brave, and unabashedly feminist. This is a book readers who love Laurie Halse Anderson’s Speak will love, and it has many great parallels to Hilary T. Smith’s A Sense of the Infinite. — Kelly Jensen
from The Best Books We Read In January: http://bookriot.com/2016/02/01/riot-r...
Addie attends a private religious school and she’s a cross country runner. It’s always been a big part of her life. Until it’s not.
After sex with her boyfriend James, she finds herself pregnant. Here’s where the story shifts: this isn’t a story about the poor girl who got pregnant, had an abortion, and was left alone by him. Nope. She has an abortion and he sticks around. Her parents are supportive. It’s really not the end of the world. Though it is hard on Addie, and it’s hard on her in some pretty unexpected ways.
This short novel dives deep into religion and into the ways women are made to bear pain and sin in different ways than men. Despite being sharp, it’s respectful of those who follow religion, and it casts a fascinating and sympathetic feminist eye to the Virgin Mary herself. The novel is ultimately about forgiveness and about choice and how in order to have choice, you need to forgive yourself for things you do — and do not — have control over. Heppermann’s writing is fluid, brave, and unabashedly feminist. This is a book readers who love Laurie Halse Anderson’s Speak will love, and it has many great parallels to Hilary T. Smith’s A Sense of the Infinite. — Kelly Jensen
from The Best Books We Read In January: http://bookriot.com/2016/02/01/riot-r...
July 9, 2016
A little story about a girl who made an abortion, and with it her life kinda changed. And it was kinda predictable. What was unpredictable tho, is the narration style, which is - verse. More like captures of a tumblr blog, I would say, and I even kinda liked it..kinda. I already saw other people complaining about flat characters, and the author who "bites more that she can chew", so you probably should go and check out their reviews if you're looking for a constructive opinion. As for me..I think if it was a 'based on real events' story, or her daughter's/friend's daughter's published diary or smth, it'd be more relevant. Otherwise, it's kinda..meh. I mean, except for those pieces where she took the perspective of Virgin Mary. That was dope.
November 13, 2018
Okay, I'll admit I gave poetry some hate in the past, but I actually enjoyed this book. I think the way this story was written is beautiful and the story its self is very interesting.
July 30, 2016
i honestly have no idea how i feel about this book but what i do know is that i am very confused
March 14, 2017
If you said to me, "Hey Jess, want to read a YA novel entirely in verse?" I would say Thanks but no thanks. Novels in verse have never really been my jam. I didn't know that was what I was getting into with ASK ME HOW I GOT HERE but it snared me immediately and I devoured it in one rapturous sitting.
Lately in YA I have struggled with the idea of voice, especially with first person teenage narrators. That balance between wanting to give full awareness to your characters but also not having them read like hip adults is tough to strike. But not one moment rang false in this book. The verse helps keep it rooted in that teenage write-through-your-pain thing but there's a great rhythm and velocity in these pages that has you tearing through the days of Addie's existence.
This is also a book that isn't really just about one thing. There are a few inciting events, but mostly it is about how Addie recenters her world and copes with confusion and uncertainty about her place in it. It hits religion (Addie goes to Catholic school) really nicely in a way that felt very real to me.
A really lovely book and one of those rare one-sitting books that is also incredibly satisfying and rewarding.
Lately in YA I have struggled with the idea of voice, especially with first person teenage narrators. That balance between wanting to give full awareness to your characters but also not having them read like hip adults is tough to strike. But not one moment rang false in this book. The verse helps keep it rooted in that teenage write-through-your-pain thing but there's a great rhythm and velocity in these pages that has you tearing through the days of Addie's existence.
This is also a book that isn't really just about one thing. There are a few inciting events, but mostly it is about how Addie recenters her world and copes with confusion and uncertainty about her place in it. It hits religion (Addie goes to Catholic school) really nicely in a way that felt very real to me.
A really lovely book and one of those rare one-sitting books that is also incredibly satisfying and rewarding.
May 21, 2016
Disclaimer: I received a free copy via Edelweiss for review purposes.
3.5
Ever since I read One by Sarah Crossan, I've been looking for another free verse book to read. When Ask Me How I Got Here popped up on Edelweiss it immediately caught my interest, especially as I had heard some good stuff about Heppermann's Poisoned Apples: Poems for You, My Pretty.
After a careless night with her boyfriend, cross-country runner Addie ends up pregnant. She makes the decision to have an abortion, and as a student at a private religious school, she doesn't wish for anyone to know. For her, it was the right choice, but things don't feel the same. She doesn't enjoy cross-country anymore and she has difficulty finding enjoyment in the things she did before. That is until she meets an old teammate Juliana and finds comfort in their new relationship. Ask Me How I Got Here explores sexuality, religion and the decision and choice to control one's own body.
There's no doubt about it; Ask Me How I Got Here is an incredibly quick read - I read it in one sitting. I enjoyed the free verse, but I think it may have perhaps hindered the story. Neither the characters or relationships felt quite as developed as they could have been, and the pace was incredibly quick. Yet at the same time, there is emotion in Addie's narrative; Addie is exploring and placing a critical eye on religion, what it means to her and how she feels about it in relation to its views on abortion.
Whilst important in its discussion about abortion and choice, Ask Me How I Got Here also explores Addie's sexuality, and I particularly enjoyed her relationship with Juliana. I did feel that perhaps it sends the message that having an abortion changes who you are (which isn't necessarily true), it is an important book nonetheless, and one I would recommend to readers looking for a quick but sensitive read.
3.5
Ever since I read One by Sarah Crossan, I've been looking for another free verse book to read. When Ask Me How I Got Here popped up on Edelweiss it immediately caught my interest, especially as I had heard some good stuff about Heppermann's Poisoned Apples: Poems for You, My Pretty.
After a careless night with her boyfriend, cross-country runner Addie ends up pregnant. She makes the decision to have an abortion, and as a student at a private religious school, she doesn't wish for anyone to know. For her, it was the right choice, but things don't feel the same. She doesn't enjoy cross-country anymore and she has difficulty finding enjoyment in the things she did before. That is until she meets an old teammate Juliana and finds comfort in their new relationship. Ask Me How I Got Here explores sexuality, religion and the decision and choice to control one's own body.
There's no doubt about it; Ask Me How I Got Here is an incredibly quick read - I read it in one sitting. I enjoyed the free verse, but I think it may have perhaps hindered the story. Neither the characters or relationships felt quite as developed as they could have been, and the pace was incredibly quick. Yet at the same time, there is emotion in Addie's narrative; Addie is exploring and placing a critical eye on religion, what it means to her and how she feels about it in relation to its views on abortion.
Whilst important in its discussion about abortion and choice, Ask Me How I Got Here also explores Addie's sexuality, and I particularly enjoyed her relationship with Juliana. I did feel that perhaps it sends the message that having an abortion changes who you are (which isn't necessarily true), it is an important book nonetheless, and one I would recommend to readers looking for a quick but sensitive read.
July 11, 2016
I am intrigued, and I also have so! many! questions!
I love the understated nature of this book: Addie goes through a major event—an abortion following an unplanned pregnancy—and although this could very clearly cause Drama on about twelve different levels (starting with the fact that she goes to Catholic school), it doesn't. That is: it does affect her, but it does not define her. Addie is able, through the book, to work things out largely on her own terms; this isn't the sort of book where she has to battle both her own feelings and the direct judgement of those around her. It's not the sort of book where her parents can't look her in the eye after the fact. (There's a place for those books—but there aren't a lot of YA books out there in which abortion is treated as...one piece in a whole.)
So that, that I love. I also appreciate that Addie's realisation that she's attracted to another girl is done in a similarly understated manner. It's pretty much a non-issue, really; this isn't a coming-out book. (Again: There's a place for coming-out books, but there's so much more to queerness than coming out, so...)
And yet I want to know more. I do. I want to know more about Nick and more about Juliana and more about Claire; I want to know what happens when Addie turns her project in; I want to know what might be found in the spaces created by the spareness of verse. I want to know (even as I myself am ambivalent about that sort of label) how Addie might identify by the end of the book, and Juliana, and—is it better, though? To be left a little bit hanging, to be left to fill in those blanks on one's own?
I love the understated nature of this book: Addie goes through a major event—an abortion following an unplanned pregnancy—and although this could very clearly cause Drama on about twelve different levels (starting with the fact that she goes to Catholic school), it doesn't. That is: it does affect her, but it does not define her. Addie is able, through the book, to work things out largely on her own terms; this isn't the sort of book where she has to battle both her own feelings and the direct judgement of those around her. It's not the sort of book where her parents can't look her in the eye after the fact. (There's a place for those books—but there aren't a lot of YA books out there in which abortion is treated as...one piece in a whole.)
So that, that I love. I also appreciate that Addie's realisation that she's attracted to another girl is done in a similarly understated manner. It's pretty much a non-issue, really; this isn't a coming-out book. (Again: There's a place for coming-out books, but there's so much more to queerness than coming out, so...)
And yet I want to know more. I do. I want to know more about Nick and more about Juliana and more about Claire; I want to know what happens when Addie turns her project in; I want to know what might be found in the spaces created by the spareness of verse. I want to know (even as I myself am ambivalent about that sort of label) how Addie might identify by the end of the book, and Juliana, and—is it better, though? To be left a little bit hanging, to be left to fill in those blanks on one's own?
February 4, 2016
Wow.
In beautiful and relateable prose poems, Christine Heppermann presents the story of Addie, a girl attending Catholic high school, running track, getting a new boyfriend... getting pregnant, getting an abortion, and dealing with her feelings about it. The beautiful thing about this book is that even though the abortion is a major plotline, this is not treated like an issues book.
It's a nuanced exploration of Addie's experiences and how her life changes after this happens. She's a thoughtful girl, a poet in her own right, and she's exploring what she thinks about abortion in terms of her religion and realizing that issues like abortion are not one-size-fits-all. The abortion is not treated as something good or something bad, but something that happened and then Addie has to figure out how she feels about it.
I really, really liked this one. I would hand it to mature teens who like contemporary, realistic fiction, particularly those teens who are apt to hold philosophical discussions or debates.
In beautiful and relateable prose poems, Christine Heppermann presents the story of Addie, a girl attending Catholic high school, running track, getting a new boyfriend... getting pregnant, getting an abortion, and dealing with her feelings about it. The beautiful thing about this book is that even though the abortion is a major plotline, this is not treated like an issues book.
It's a nuanced exploration of Addie's experiences and how her life changes after this happens. She's a thoughtful girl, a poet in her own right, and she's exploring what she thinks about abortion in terms of her religion and realizing that issues like abortion are not one-size-fits-all. The abortion is not treated as something good or something bad, but something that happened and then Addie has to figure out how she feels about it.
I really, really liked this one. I would hand it to mature teens who like contemporary, realistic fiction, particularly those teens who are apt to hold philosophical discussions or debates.
December 10, 2017
Addie has it all. She has a wonderful boyfriend a great best friend and she loves cross country running. Running is her life and she does it everyday even on off season.
But Addie has just found out some bad news and is affected by it. So much so she stops running and hanging out with her BFF and boyfriend. She starts hanging out with a former cross country runner Juliana. As there relationship grows her other relationships are put on the back burner. Her boyfriend wants to know what is going on because on day they were happy and the next they stop talking.
Will Addie ever tell her boyfriend the real reason she stopped running and stopped hanging out with him? Or will she just hang out with Juliana and get over the pain and hurt she feels?
But Addie has just found out some bad news and is affected by it. So much so she stops running and hanging out with her BFF and boyfriend. She starts hanging out with a former cross country runner Juliana. As there relationship grows her other relationships are put on the back burner. Her boyfriend wants to know what is going on because on day they were happy and the next they stop talking.
Will Addie ever tell her boyfriend the real reason she stopped running and stopped hanging out with him? Or will she just hang out with Juliana and get over the pain and hurt she feels?
April 6, 2016
I have always been very intrigued and interested in books written in verse. They're so quick to read so I am more than happy to give them a shot. I enjoyed this one and the many layers and themes of it but I felt that at the end, way too many things were left open ended and unresolved. It seemed unfinished and as if there should have been many more chapters to read. That was the main reason my rating decreased. Also, I just felt as if it sort of moved almost too quickly for me to attach myself to the characters and to have strong emotions and feelings for them. Overall, I would recommend this one but if you are not a big fan of open endings with things left unresolved, maybe leave this one on the shelf.
March 14, 2016
A really great verse novel in the spirit of Ellen Hopkins. I got thought it in a matter of about 90 minutes total. Addie is pretty relatable. I would recommend this to one of my students who is a reluctant reader because it is intense but very easy to read.
September 20, 2018
This book is similar to poetry but in some ways, it can also not be a poetry. I like how all of the short stories is about Christine Heppermann, the author of this book. She talks about her childhood and all of those extra feelings that she felt in the past, which we can feel the same too.
"She closes my notebook opens her mouth. Closes it. Opens it and says, "So this is your story?"
At the bottom of a big hill, you always have a choice: Do you keep going or do you quit?
This time I decide to keep going, to open my mouth, to tell her everything."
Christine Heppermann wrote this book as if it was her diary or notebook. I like books that seem like a diary because it makes me feel the same feelings towards a short story. I recommend this book to ages like us who might be struggling with pain or want a book the feel empathy.
"She closes my notebook opens her mouth. Closes it. Opens it and says, "So this is your story?"
At the bottom of a big hill, you always have a choice: Do you keep going or do you quit?
This time I decide to keep going, to open my mouth, to tell her everything."
Christine Heppermann wrote this book as if it was her diary or notebook. I like books that seem like a diary because it makes me feel the same feelings towards a short story. I recommend this book to ages like us who might be struggling with pain or want a book the feel empathy.
October 13, 2018
This was interesting. Sad, but I did like the writing style.
May 24, 2016
Verse novels are always a hit-or-miss for me. They can either completely immerse me in the story, or leave me feeling jarred and disjointed. For me, using verse in a novel needs to have purpose and be impacting. The words need to flow easily, lest they become choppy and distorted. Christine Heppermann's ASK ME HOW I GOT HERE is everything I hope for in a verse novel. It is touching, poignant, and moving, a must read for any young girl navigating this messy thing called life.
As most verse novels are for me, ASK ME HOW I GOT HERE was a very quick read. I flew through this story, barely glancing away from the page until I was done. There were a couple of poems that were real gems. Even though a part of the overall narrative, they stood out on their own. The writing work for me in so many ways. It was lyrical and powerful. I could feel the words seeping into my heart. It's one of those books I can see myself going back to, reading over again to feel the weight of those words.
As for the characters, Addie was really the focal point. None of the side characters I really connected with and that's okay. It wasn't their story. I appreciated how supportive Nick was of Addie, as well as how supportive her parents were. None of them knew exactly how to handle the situation, but they tried as best they could to be there for her. But, it wasn't always what Addie needed. ASK ME HOW I GOT HERE was her story, her journey, a snapshot into this moment in time and how it changed many aspects of her life.
I appreciated how sex-positive the novel was. And how it wasn't a tragedy. Addie's abortion was something that affected her life, but didn't derail it. She was able to move forward from it, which I think is such an important thing to show in YA. She struggled to find her place in her religion, her relationships, and her future. Addie's journey is something I think many young women can relate to and a really important narrative. There is so much to unpack in this slender book. You need to read to read it for yourself to feel how impacting it is.
From a completely aesthetic point of view, this book is the whole package. The font on the cover is eye-catching and the color scheme is gorgeous. I love how representative of the book it is. Honestly, I keep staring at it! Combine that with the incredible story on the pages, I think ASK ME HOW I GOT HERE is definitely worth the buy.
A slim novel that delivers quite the punch, ASK ME HOW I GOT HERE is a powerful look at one young girl's journey through new relationships and choosing a life for herself. It wasn't a easy, light read but an important, thoughtful one I think every young woman can appreciate. I know I did. Heppermann is an author I will be keeping my eye on.
- Ciara (Lost at Midnight)
As most verse novels are for me, ASK ME HOW I GOT HERE was a very quick read. I flew through this story, barely glancing away from the page until I was done. There were a couple of poems that were real gems. Even though a part of the overall narrative, they stood out on their own. The writing work for me in so many ways. It was lyrical and powerful. I could feel the words seeping into my heart. It's one of those books I can see myself going back to, reading over again to feel the weight of those words.
As for the characters, Addie was really the focal point. None of the side characters I really connected with and that's okay. It wasn't their story. I appreciated how supportive Nick was of Addie, as well as how supportive her parents were. None of them knew exactly how to handle the situation, but they tried as best they could to be there for her. But, it wasn't always what Addie needed. ASK ME HOW I GOT HERE was her story, her journey, a snapshot into this moment in time and how it changed many aspects of her life.
I appreciated how sex-positive the novel was. And how it wasn't a tragedy. Addie's abortion was something that affected her life, but didn't derail it. She was able to move forward from it, which I think is such an important thing to show in YA. She struggled to find her place in her religion, her relationships, and her future. Addie's journey is something I think many young women can relate to and a really important narrative. There is so much to unpack in this slender book. You need to read to read it for yourself to feel how impacting it is.
From a completely aesthetic point of view, this book is the whole package. The font on the cover is eye-catching and the color scheme is gorgeous. I love how representative of the book it is. Honestly, I keep staring at it! Combine that with the incredible story on the pages, I think ASK ME HOW I GOT HERE is definitely worth the buy.
A slim novel that delivers quite the punch, ASK ME HOW I GOT HERE is a powerful look at one young girl's journey through new relationships and choosing a life for herself. It wasn't a easy, light read but an important, thoughtful one I think every young woman can appreciate. I know I did. Heppermann is an author I will be keeping my eye on.
- Ciara (Lost at Midnight)
July 28, 2016
Addie is the star runner on her Catholic school's cross country team. She's dating Craig, who is kind of a jerk, until she stumbles into Nick, who isn't. Shenanigans ensue, and Addie winds up pregnant... but don't be fooled into thinking this is just another tropey teen pregnancy book. Instead, you will find a delightfully subversive read with unconventional gems in all the right places.
I adored this book. To be fair, I was predisposed to like it due to my obsession with Heppermann's first book, Poisoned Apples: Poems for You, My Pretty (which is also AH-mazing). In Ask Me How I Got Here, Heppermann handles abortion, a topic that is rarely touched on in YA lit, with grace and dexterity.
Addie is not destroyed by her choice, which I very much appreciated. Though that's not to say she isn't affected by it-- she goes through a period of introspection and religious conflict (exacerbated by contentious classroom discussions that hit a little close to home). She struggles, surrounded by many who condemn her decision (fortunately excluding her boyfriend and parents), but eventually she finds the kind of support she needs and begins the process of moving forward.
I've read several reviews from those who were left uncomfortable by the ending's
Actually, the ending
This feminist novel in verse was well handled, and is certainly one that I would recommend.
A nice bonus, not only does this book include feminist themes, queer characters, and an abortion, it also describes a female character receiving consensual oral sex from an enthusiastic male partner like it's nbd. Three cheers for rare and super important representation!!
I adored this book. To be fair, I was predisposed to like it due to my obsession with Heppermann's first book, Poisoned Apples: Poems for You, My Pretty (which is also AH-mazing). In Ask Me How I Got Here, Heppermann handles abortion, a topic that is rarely touched on in YA lit, with grace and dexterity.
Addie is not destroyed by her choice, which I very much appreciated. Though that's not to say she isn't affected by it-- she goes through a period of introspection and religious conflict (exacerbated by contentious classroom discussions that hit a little close to home). She struggles, surrounded by many who condemn her decision (fortunately excluding her boyfriend and parents), but eventually she finds the kind of support she needs and begins the process of moving forward.
I've read several reviews from those who were left uncomfortable by the ending's
Actually, the ending
This feminist novel in verse was well handled, and is certainly one that I would recommend.
A nice bonus, not only does this book include feminist themes, queer characters, and an abortion, it also describes a female character receiving consensual oral sex from an enthusiastic male partner like it's nbd. Three cheers for rare and super important representation!!
February 10, 2018
Aufmerksam auf das Buch wurde ich durch Vorablesen, das Cover spricht mich ehrlich gesagt gar nicht an. Aber den Klappentext fand ich interessant. Das Thema Abtreibung findet man nicht oft bei Jugendbüchern, oder wohl allgemein in Büchern. Deswegen war ich gespannt, wie die Autorin es einbringt. Nach der Leseprobe, die ich jedem empfehlen möchte, der das Buch lesen möchte, war ich mir dann unsicher, ob er Stil etwas für mich ist und es war wirklich nicht so leicht.......
Addie ist jung, hat ihr ganzes Leben noch vor sich, sie ist begeisternde Läuferin und wird ungewollt schwanger. Sie entscheidet sich für eine Abtreibung und verändert sich danach, dass laufen kann sie nicht mehr begeistern und auch von ihrer Freundin und ihrem Freund zieht sie sich zurück. Bis sie ein Mädchen trifft, das früher auch in ihrem Team gelaufen ist.
Ich weiß ehrlich gesagt gar nicht so recht, wie ich das Buch bewerten soll. Gelesen habe ich es innerhalb von einer Stunde.Geschrieben ist es aus der Ich-Perspektive von Abbie manchmal wechselt sie aber auch zu Essays diese handeln dann von der Jungfrau Maria. Abbie vergleicht ihre Situation manchmal mit der von Maria und deswegen bezieht sie diese in ihre Gedanken mit ein. Was manchmal recht skurril ist. Allgemein spielt das Thema Religion eine Rolle, da Abbie an einer religiösen Schule ist und so zum Beispiel auch von Nonnen unterrichtet wird.
Das Buch ist sehr eigen aufgebaut, es geht in die Richtung Tagesbucheinträge, aber diese sind sehr kurz. Manchmal sind es nur ein paar Sätze und diese gehen wohl eher in Richtung Poesie, als in eine wirkliche Beschreibung. So kamen die Gefühle von Abbie bei mir nicht wirklich an. Am Anfang ging es noch, aber als dann Juliana dazu kam, war ich nicht mehr so in der Geschichte. Es passiert sehr viel auf diesen wenig Seiten und auch über Monate hinweg. Sodass ich auf der einen Seite etwas erschlagen davon war, aber auch das Gefühl hatte nichts wirklich mit zu bekommen, da es immer nur so kleine Einträge dazu gab.
Fazit:
Ein sehr ungewöhnliches Buch.
Der Aufbau geht in Richtung Tagesbucheinträge, doch sind es oft nur kurze Sätze oder einzelne Wörter.
Es passiert sehr viel auf diesen wenigen Seiten, innerhalb einer Stunde hatte ich es gelesen und trotz des ernsten Themas würde ich es eher als kurzweilig betrachten.
Abbie und ihre Gefühle kamen nicht wirklich bei mir an.
Addie ist jung, hat ihr ganzes Leben noch vor sich, sie ist begeisternde Läuferin und wird ungewollt schwanger. Sie entscheidet sich für eine Abtreibung und verändert sich danach, dass laufen kann sie nicht mehr begeistern und auch von ihrer Freundin und ihrem Freund zieht sie sich zurück. Bis sie ein Mädchen trifft, das früher auch in ihrem Team gelaufen ist.
Ich weiß ehrlich gesagt gar nicht so recht, wie ich das Buch bewerten soll. Gelesen habe ich es innerhalb von einer Stunde.Geschrieben ist es aus der Ich-Perspektive von Abbie manchmal wechselt sie aber auch zu Essays diese handeln dann von der Jungfrau Maria. Abbie vergleicht ihre Situation manchmal mit der von Maria und deswegen bezieht sie diese in ihre Gedanken mit ein. Was manchmal recht skurril ist. Allgemein spielt das Thema Religion eine Rolle, da Abbie an einer religiösen Schule ist und so zum Beispiel auch von Nonnen unterrichtet wird.
Das Buch ist sehr eigen aufgebaut, es geht in die Richtung Tagesbucheinträge, aber diese sind sehr kurz. Manchmal sind es nur ein paar Sätze und diese gehen wohl eher in Richtung Poesie, als in eine wirkliche Beschreibung. So kamen die Gefühle von Abbie bei mir nicht wirklich an. Am Anfang ging es noch, aber als dann Juliana dazu kam, war ich nicht mehr so in der Geschichte. Es passiert sehr viel auf diesen wenig Seiten und auch über Monate hinweg. Sodass ich auf der einen Seite etwas erschlagen davon war, aber auch das Gefühl hatte nichts wirklich mit zu bekommen, da es immer nur so kleine Einträge dazu gab.
Fazit:
Ein sehr ungewöhnliches Buch.
Der Aufbau geht in Richtung Tagesbucheinträge, doch sind es oft nur kurze Sätze oder einzelne Wörter.
Es passiert sehr viel auf diesen wenigen Seiten, innerhalb einer Stunde hatte ich es gelesen und trotz des ernsten Themas würde ich es eher als kurzweilig betrachten.
Abbie und ihre Gefühle kamen nicht wirklich bei mir an.
May 15, 2016
i absolutely cannot stand
books in verse
be they short, long
in between or otherwise.
flowery verses
sharp as tac haiku
metaphors as long as my arm
i don't care for it
at all
i may write them myself
but i have always
(secretly)
believed that books
in verse
can never quite be
a
book, book.
i didn't know this book was in
verse
that it was one long
poem
i was already doubtful enough about the actual story
so when i turned to the 1st page
saw that it was
verse
after
verse
after
verse
i wasn't happy
i wanted to stop right then
close the book
and go away
find what i called a
true
story
not one that was a tangled
poem
with messy emotions
bleeding everywhere
already.
i told myself
to be brave
bite my tongue
just
try
try a chapter, a poem, a verse
'it's not difficult'
i said severely
'you write poems
yourself
all the time
don't give up on a book
that hasn't given up on you
yet.'
frankly
this book is
messy
confusing
frustrating
annoying
teeth gritting
sigh worthy
in not a good way at all
it holds a lot of things
i do not like
but slowly
as the novel snakes along
it becomes
curious
disarming
enchanting
heartbreaking
winsome
and
so
so
so
captivating
that i gulped it down
as fast as i could
my complaints
of
'i really don't like books written in verse'
gone
completely
disappearing out the window
like clouds
when they have a date
somewhere else.
i like punchy books
but this book
punches
differently
in a way that hurts
where you don't want it too
where you wince
and your heart tugs
and you want to rub away
the sorrows
and sadness
that this book
holds.
in the end
this book is a
mess
completely and utterly.
but it is also
magnificent
so really
it is a
magnificent mess.
yes
that sums it up
pretty well.
books in verse
be they short, long
in between or otherwise.
flowery verses
sharp as tac haiku
metaphors as long as my arm
i don't care for it
at all
i may write them myself
but i have always
(secretly)
believed that books
in verse
can never quite be
a
book, book.
i didn't know this book was in
verse
that it was one long
poem
i was already doubtful enough about the actual story
so when i turned to the 1st page
saw that it was
verse
after
verse
after
verse
i wasn't happy
i wanted to stop right then
close the book
and go away
find what i called a
true
story
not one that was a tangled
poem
with messy emotions
bleeding everywhere
already.
i told myself
to be brave
bite my tongue
just
try
try a chapter, a poem, a verse
'it's not difficult'
i said severely
'you write poems
yourself
all the time
don't give up on a book
that hasn't given up on you
yet.'
frankly
this book is
messy
confusing
frustrating
annoying
teeth gritting
sigh worthy
in not a good way at all
it holds a lot of things
i do not like
but slowly
as the novel snakes along
it becomes
curious
disarming
enchanting
heartbreaking
winsome
and
so
so
so
captivating
that i gulped it down
as fast as i could
my complaints
of
'i really don't like books written in verse'
gone
completely
disappearing out the window
like clouds
when they have a date
somewhere else.
i like punchy books
but this book
punches
differently
in a way that hurts
where you don't want it too
where you wince
and your heart tugs
and you want to rub away
the sorrows
and sadness
that this book
holds.
in the end
this book is a
mess
completely and utterly.
but it is also
magnificent
so really
it is a
magnificent mess.
yes
that sums it up
pretty well.
May 4, 2016
The author of Poisoned Apples: Poems for You, My Pretty returns with a powerful verse novel. Addie is one of the stars of her Catholic high school’s cross country team and dating a popular boy in a band. Then after having unprotected sex, Addie ends up pregnant and decides to have an abortion. After that everything changes as Addie keeps her pregnancy and decision secret from everyone except her parents and her boyfriend. Addie tries to keep on running, but she has lost her drive to excel at it. She quits the team but doesn’t tell anyone about her decision. Spending time in a coffee shop away from school, she runs into Juliana, an old friend who is having her own troubles.
Heppermann writes superb poetry. I enjoyed the fact that she incorporates the title of the each poem right into the poem itself or makes the title turn the poem a new direction for the reader. She uses each word in the same way, creating tightly crafted verse that is distinct for its powerful message. Addie’s own voice in these poems is consistent, aching at times with pain and defiant as hell in others. It is the voice of a teenager struggling with huge decisions and their repercussions as they lead her to really be true to herself.
Throughout the book, the Virgin Mary is used as a symbol but also as a figure of worship. She is seen as intensely human as well as a religious figure. It is the poems about her that really shine in this novel, each one stunningly fierce and unrepentant. Religion is part of Addie’s life and a large part of the novel. Heppermann demonstrates in her poetry how one’s faith is complex and personal and can get one through dark times.
A great verse novel that takes on big topics like pregnancy, abortion and what happens afterwards. Appropriate for ages 14-18.
Heppermann writes superb poetry. I enjoyed the fact that she incorporates the title of the each poem right into the poem itself or makes the title turn the poem a new direction for the reader. She uses each word in the same way, creating tightly crafted verse that is distinct for its powerful message. Addie’s own voice in these poems is consistent, aching at times with pain and defiant as hell in others. It is the voice of a teenager struggling with huge decisions and their repercussions as they lead her to really be true to herself.
Throughout the book, the Virgin Mary is used as a symbol but also as a figure of worship. She is seen as intensely human as well as a religious figure. It is the poems about her that really shine in this novel, each one stunningly fierce and unrepentant. Religion is part of Addie’s life and a large part of the novel. Heppermann demonstrates in her poetry how one’s faith is complex and personal and can get one through dark times.
A great verse novel that takes on big topics like pregnancy, abortion and what happens afterwards. Appropriate for ages 14-18.
February 23, 2017
Ask Me How I Got Here is not an easy read and tackles serious issues such as teen sexuality, abortion, morality, and religion which may be uncomfortable for some readers. Addie Solokowski seems to fit the almost-perfect teen trope: she has supportive parents, a top athlete, and a loving boyfriend. Addie and Nick are enjoying a healthy, deeply supportive, and sex-positive relationship. When they are less careful one night, Addie becomes pregnant. After some serious deliberation and support from her parents and Nick, Addie has an abortion. The author does a good job in showing how externally Addie may be okay with her decision but internally she is grappling with depression as we watch her slowly pull away from track and lose interest with Nick. Though Addie struggles with her decision afterward, she remains solid in the fact that she made the right one. The book could easily be didactic, but Addie's musings on religion, sexuality, and keen observation avoids the preachy tone. Interspersed with poetry are Addie's letters to her unborn baby are short yet powerful and the book's strength.
My biggest problem with the book is that it abruptly changes direction as Addie rapidly develops a crush on Juliana, a girl who is wrestling with her own personal demons and seeking therapy for self harm. The last minute switch is jarring and undeveloped. I'm not completely sure if the novel in verse format is the right for the characters and the topic. I would much rather have had this book written in prose so it can flesh out some of the characters and under developed parts of the book.
My biggest problem with the book is that it abruptly changes direction as Addie rapidly develops a crush on Juliana, a girl who is wrestling with her own personal demons and seeking therapy for self harm. The last minute switch is jarring and undeveloped. I'm not completely sure if the novel in verse format is the right for the characters and the topic. I would much rather have had this book written in prose so it can flesh out some of the characters and under developed parts of the book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 349 reviews