What do you think?
Rate this book
En cloque !
There’s a first time for everything.
First time playing quarters.
First time spinning the bottle.
First totally hot consensual truck hookup with a superhot boy whose digits I forgot to get.
First time getting pregnant.
Surprised you with that one, didn’t I?
Surprised me, too. I’d planned to spend senior year with my bestie-slash-wifey, Devi Abrams, graduating at the top of my class and getting into an Ivy League college. Instead, Mom and I are moving in with my battle-ax of a grandmother and I’m about to start a new school and a whole new life.
Know what’s more fun than being the new girl for your senior year? Being the pregnant new girl. It isn’t awesome. There is one upside, though—a boy named Leaf Leon. He’s cute, an amazing cook and he’s flirting me up, hard-core. Too bad I’m knocked up with a stranger’s baby. I should probably mention that to him at some point.
But how?
It seems I’ve got a lot more firsts to go.
First time playing quarters.
First time spinning the bottle.
First totally hot consensual truck hookup with a superhot boy whose digits I forgot to get.
First time getting pregnant.
Surprised you with that one, didn’t I?
Surprised me, too. I’d planned to spend senior year with my bestie-slash-wifey, Devi Abrams, graduating at the top of my class and getting into an Ivy League college. Instead, Mom and I are moving in with my battle-ax of a grandmother and I’m about to start a new school and a whole new life.
Know what’s more fun than being the new girl for your senior year? Being the pregnant new girl. It isn’t awesome. There is one upside, though—a boy named Leaf Leon. He’s cute, an amazing cook and he’s flirting me up, hard-core. Too bad I’m knocked up with a stranger’s baby. I should probably mention that to him at some point.
But how?
It seems I’ve got a lot more firsts to go.
349 pages, Paperback
First published April 30, 2019
26 people are currently reading
2225 people want to read
About the author
Eva Darrows
4 books146 followersEva Darrows is Hillary Monahan is also an international woman of mystery. Holed up in Massachusetts with three smelly basset hounds, she writes funny, creepy things for fun and profit.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 232 reviews
June 24, 2019
This was a super informative and inclusive look at what a healthy teen pregnancy can look like and my heart is so full! I liked this so so so much.
June 22, 2018
BELLY UP is just...such a pure read? It's funny and snarky and there's a lot of friendship and family relationships. Devi is Jewish and ace and the most supportive, lovely friend. Sara's mom and Mormor are wonderful and hilarious together. I loved Morgan and Erin and their relationship and how kind they were. And LEAF. Oh my God Leaf is just. He's kind and caring and loves to cook and he's so respectful and he's a fat Rom boy and I love him with all my heart.
And at the center of it all is Sara. Sarcastic, funny, brilliant, Sara. She was so wonderful and authentic and optimistic. I loved the voice Darrows used for her and I loved the way she thought things through.
This is absolutely a character-driven book, so if you're looking for something else, this might not be for you. Otherwise, it really is a way more diverse JunoxGilmore Girls mash up with the same kind of dry humor and family dynamics and I loved this romcom so much and cannot wait until y'all can read it.
And at the center of it all is Sara. Sarcastic, funny, brilliant, Sara. She was so wonderful and authentic and optimistic. I loved the voice Darrows used for her and I loved the way she thought things through.
This is absolutely a character-driven book, so if you're looking for something else, this might not be for you. Otherwise, it really is a way more diverse JunoxGilmore Girls mash up with the same kind of dry humor and family dynamics and I loved this romcom so much and cannot wait until y'all can read it.
Read
October 21, 2018Definitely on the lighter side of reproductive YA fiction, like Juno meets Gilmore Girls meets Tumblr discourse on gender/sexuality with a really sweet LI (who cooks! My Kryptonite) and very supportive friend group. (I would not be mad if the finished book had a little recipe section at the back - just putting that out there, Inkyard.) Also, a big heads-up to anyone looking for fat and/or questioning bisexual and/or biracial MCs.
November 14, 2018
1.5 stars
This review is based on an ARC of Belly Up which I received courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher (Inkyard Press).
Ahh, once again deceived by an appealing cover. This cover, it slaps you in the face that inside is a story about pregnancy, no? Well, it's not. (Okay, it is, but it's not.) Let me break down what this story is actually about.
30% food, food descriptions, "chzburgers", and oh my god shut up about food already, please? I get that our mc is pregnant but I hate when people talk about food all the time, and that topic came up over and over and over!
30% Social Justice Warrior lecturing, which ultimately just left me feeling small and scolded.
30% cringey banter. The mc said "amazeballs" unironically. My soul died a little bit at that moment, I swear...
5% my family is Swedish. We talk Swedish, we shop Swedish, most importantly we EAT Swedish! Swedish Swedish Swedish. Swedish...
Swedish.
And finally, 5% oh I'm "preggers" lol. Wild.
Tangent Time! I love Juno. I typically don't enjoy movies at all, but Juno is one of my favorites and I could watch it repeatedly. So I know in the YA genre of things, Juno is like, a standard because Ellen Page is this quirky, non-serious teen saddled with a hugely serious thing. Juno pulls this off flawlessly, and in comparison, Belly Up feels like a lesser version. (And also, Juno and Paulie? Come on, we will never get a better young couple! While we're comparing these two stories, let me just mention that the relationship between Sara and Leaf is empty. Like, I felt nothing. She kept saying how she was so in love and overwhelmed, but I wasn't sensing that at all...)
Maybe I'm too old. Honestly, all I could think was "This novel is written for the 15-year-olds who can define aesthetic."
Anyway, I'm just genuinely upset that this book didn't reach my standards. I was so excited for this novel, crossing my fingers hoping that I would be approved this ARC. I even happy danced when I got it. I'm just gonna go wallow now, bye.
This review is based on an ARC of Belly Up which I received courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher (Inkyard Press).
Ahh, once again deceived by an appealing cover. This cover, it slaps you in the face that inside is a story about pregnancy, no? Well, it's not. (Okay, it is, but it's not.) Let me break down what this story is actually about.
30% food, food descriptions, "chzburgers", and oh my god shut up about food already, please? I get that our mc is pregnant but I hate when people talk about food all the time, and that topic came up over and over and over!
30% Social Justice Warrior lecturing, which ultimately just left me feeling small and scolded.
30% cringey banter. The mc said "amazeballs" unironically. My soul died a little bit at that moment, I swear...
5% my family is Swedish. We talk Swedish, we shop Swedish, most importantly we EAT Swedish! Swedish Swedish Swedish. Swedish...
Swedish.
And finally, 5% oh I'm "preggers" lol. Wild.
Tangent Time! I love Juno. I typically don't enjoy movies at all, but Juno is one of my favorites and I could watch it repeatedly. So I know in the YA genre of things, Juno is like, a standard because Ellen Page is this quirky, non-serious teen saddled with a hugely serious thing. Juno pulls this off flawlessly, and in comparison, Belly Up feels like a lesser version. (And also, Juno and Paulie? Come on, we will never get a better young couple! While we're comparing these two stories, let me just mention that the relationship between Sara and Leaf is empty. Like, I felt nothing. She kept saying how she was so in love and overwhelmed, but I wasn't sensing that at all...)
Maybe I'm too old. Honestly, all I could think was "This novel is written for the 15-year-olds who can define aesthetic."
Anyway, I'm just genuinely upset that this book didn't reach my standards. I was so excited for this novel, crossing my fingers hoping that I would be approved this ARC. I even happy danced when I got it. I'm just gonna go wallow now, bye.
May 5, 2019
A diverse lighthearted story. A bit of a mash up of Juno and The Gilmore Girls. Sarah is smart and snarky with her future all planned out. But you know what they say about the best made plans... and getting pregnant the summer before her senior year by a stranger was not part of Sarah’s plans. Fortunately Sarah has an amazing support system around her. I do have to give major props to Sarah‘s mother and grandmother, not sure I would’ve handled the situation quite as well. I mean I’d be supportive, but probably after I lost my temper a few times. Sarah also had an amazing BFF in Devi. Seriously we all need a Devi in our lives.
Not only is Sarah pregnant, but she also has to start at a new school her senior year. Something that would not be easy even under the best of circumstances. Sarah is lucky enough however to find a diverse group of supportive friends at the new school as well. Even a boy named Leaf. This boy was so sweet, so kind, so supportive, and best of all he could cook! The only tiny problem I had with this book I thought things worked out a little too perfectly for Sarah. I know the girl got pregnant and she was going to have to deal with that, but... I thought it was all a bit sugarcoated, however they do say good things happen to good people and Sarah was truly a good person. Simply put this was a sweet diverse story filled with friendship, family, and love!7/10
*** many thanks to Harlequin/Inkyard Press for my copy of this book ***
Not only is Sarah pregnant, but she also has to start at a new school her senior year. Something that would not be easy even under the best of circumstances. Sarah is lucky enough however to find a diverse group of supportive friends at the new school as well. Even a boy named Leaf. This boy was so sweet, so kind, so supportive, and best of all he could cook! The only tiny problem I had with this book I thought things worked out a little too perfectly for Sarah. I know the girl got pregnant and she was going to have to deal with that, but... I thought it was all a bit sugarcoated, however they do say good things happen to good people and Sarah was truly a good person. Simply put this was a sweet diverse story filled with friendship, family, and love!7/10
*** many thanks to Harlequin/Inkyard Press for my copy of this book ***
April 6, 2018
I was a beta and sensitivity reader on this book for ace, nonbinary, and genderneutral language and topics. Although I usually don't read contemporary, I was so thrilled to be a part of BELLY UP. It's a diverse and delightful story about how life doesn't end with teenage pregnancy. It's merely starting a new chapter. The voice is told from a hilarious voice that only Hillary Monahan aka Eva Darrows can give. Don't expect a "Woe me" tale. Instead, you'll find, "Whoa, what's happening to me?" as Sara navigates pregnancy while entering a new high school, brushing off racial stereotypes, and making friends. The ending had me weeping with happy tears.
April 20, 2019
Original review posted on my blog : Word Wonders
*I received an early copy of this book from the author in exchange of an honest review*
CW: Racist microaggressions, explicit pregnancy, ableist language
The minute I heard the premise of this book I knew I wanted to read it. A sixteen year old girl who finds herself pregnant after a one night stand and has to navigate the pregnancy AND a new high school? YES PLEASE!! This is unlike anything I’ve ever read in YA and a narrative that definitely needs its space. Despite all the hardships and struggles, this was ultimately a book filled with happiness to the brim.
The writing is fairly simple and easy to follow, not wanting to take focus away from the core of the story, it serves as a vessel to transmit it and it does so very well. The only parts I had a problem with are the texts between Sara and her best friend. They read very cringey and unrealistic with overly abbreviated words and just overall not the kind of texting the teens today take part in. I found myself being thrown off everytime and unable to get used to it. Other than that, I enjoyed every single part of the book.
Belly Up starts with Sara’s break up with her on and off boyfriend which crushes her because she still loves him. Great ideas ensue and she ends up having a one night stand that results in a pregnancy. One thing I loved about the book (among many) is how unfiltered it is. We follow Sara from the moment she finds out to when she gives birth, and everything that comes in between like deciding she wants to keep the baby, telling her family and friends, etc… not just the events but also the emotional journey that’s attached to them, never glossing over anything.
We get the good and the bad, the rough and the easy but this book is ultimately a bubble of joy portraying teen pregnancy as an event that isn’t the end of the world and that with the right support system (which not everyone gets, and that’s acknowledged in the narrative), it doesn’t have to be a life shattering event and can be navigated well.
Sara is a swedish-spanish fat girl who is extremely funny (seriously, I found myself laughing out loud at times), quite sassy and opinionated. She has a shell around her but is incredibly attentionate and caring with people she lets in. Her narrating voice is very perky, which makes her so very easily likeable and approachable to the reader and I was no different, I found myself immensely enjoying my time reading from her perspective.
The romance is, in my opinion the highlight of this book. After switching schools, Sara finds herself quickly adopted by this group of three people mainly because of Leaf (her LI) who breaks the ice the first time he meets her and makes her feel somewhat welcome in an environment that’s hostile to her. Leaf is a Romani fat boy who’s asexual and loves cooking and is an ABSOLUTE sweetheart of a soft bear. He just wants to take care of Sara, and what better way to do that than to FEED her? I loved how organically their relationship developped, moving from friendship to romance slowly for reasons that come from both their sides, and also how once they got together, just how much respect they had for each other and how central of a role consent had.
Beside the romance, I thought that all the other relationships were extremely well done. The relationship dynamic between Sara, her mom and her grandma is amazing, they fight and make up but are ultimately extremely supportive of her and her rock through everything. Her friendships old and new are also amazing, her best friend is also an important part of her support system, she’s there for her through everything and I liked that Sara made an extra effort to include her in all her activities with her new friends which she met through Leaf. A girl and a non-binary person (they/them pronouns) who are also in a very cute relationship and embrace her into their group effortlessly.
Belly up just gave me all the soft happy feelings at a time when I needed them. Especially with that ending wrapped up as it was. GAAH!! It’s so good!
Note that I read an early version of this book, so things might have changed in the last draft.
*I received an early copy of this book from the author in exchange of an honest review*
CW: Racist microaggressions, explicit pregnancy, ableist language
The minute I heard the premise of this book I knew I wanted to read it. A sixteen year old girl who finds herself pregnant after a one night stand and has to navigate the pregnancy AND a new high school? YES PLEASE!! This is unlike anything I’ve ever read in YA and a narrative that definitely needs its space. Despite all the hardships and struggles, this was ultimately a book filled with happiness to the brim.
The writing is fairly simple and easy to follow, not wanting to take focus away from the core of the story, it serves as a vessel to transmit it and it does so very well. The only parts I had a problem with are the texts between Sara and her best friend. They read very cringey and unrealistic with overly abbreviated words and just overall not the kind of texting the teens today take part in. I found myself being thrown off everytime and unable to get used to it. Other than that, I enjoyed every single part of the book.
Belly Up starts with Sara’s break up with her on and off boyfriend which crushes her because she still loves him. Great ideas ensue and she ends up having a one night stand that results in a pregnancy. One thing I loved about the book (among many) is how unfiltered it is. We follow Sara from the moment she finds out to when she gives birth, and everything that comes in between like deciding she wants to keep the baby, telling her family and friends, etc… not just the events but also the emotional journey that’s attached to them, never glossing over anything.
We get the good and the bad, the rough and the easy but this book is ultimately a bubble of joy portraying teen pregnancy as an event that isn’t the end of the world and that with the right support system (which not everyone gets, and that’s acknowledged in the narrative), it doesn’t have to be a life shattering event and can be navigated well.
Sara is a swedish-spanish fat girl who is extremely funny (seriously, I found myself laughing out loud at times), quite sassy and opinionated. She has a shell around her but is incredibly attentionate and caring with people she lets in. Her narrating voice is very perky, which makes her so very easily likeable and approachable to the reader and I was no different, I found myself immensely enjoying my time reading from her perspective.
The romance is, in my opinion the highlight of this book. After switching schools, Sara finds herself quickly adopted by this group of three people mainly because of Leaf (her LI) who breaks the ice the first time he meets her and makes her feel somewhat welcome in an environment that’s hostile to her. Leaf is a Romani fat boy who’s asexual and loves cooking and is an ABSOLUTE sweetheart of a soft bear. He just wants to take care of Sara, and what better way to do that than to FEED her? I loved how organically their relationship developped, moving from friendship to romance slowly for reasons that come from both their sides, and also how once they got together, just how much respect they had for each other and how central of a role consent had.
Beside the romance, I thought that all the other relationships were extremely well done. The relationship dynamic between Sara, her mom and her grandma is amazing, they fight and make up but are ultimately extremely supportive of her and her rock through everything. Her friendships old and new are also amazing, her best friend is also an important part of her support system, she’s there for her through everything and I liked that Sara made an extra effort to include her in all her activities with her new friends which she met through Leaf. A girl and a non-binary person (they/them pronouns) who are also in a very cute relationship and embrace her into their group effortlessly.
Belly up just gave me all the soft happy feelings at a time when I needed them. Especially with that ending wrapped up as it was. GAAH!! It’s so good!
Note that I read an early version of this book, so things might have changed in the last draft.
April 11, 2019
I got an ebook ARC of Belly Up a little while ago and I was super intrigued by this book and it turned out to be just the book for me. It went by super fast for me because I was very invested in the story and characters and being very honest I wish there was more because I could read it forever.
SPOILERS AHEAD
Serendipity is a sixteen-year-old who has been through a rough break up with her boyfriend and is now at a summer party with a friend. However, at this party, she meets a new boy, Jack. Jack does not go to her school and they spend the party getting friendly, up until friendly turns into a romantic time in Jack’s truck. A few months after the party while Sara (her nickname) is feeling very sick she goes to the doctor and finds out her time in Jack’s truck resulted in her being pregnant. Now she has to face the last year of school (at a new school because her mother and her are planning to move one town over to live with Mormor, her grandmother) while pregnant and she does not have any way to contact Jack.
The story of Sara and her pregnancy, as well as her journey of the last year of high school, was beyond amazing. I loved how the author treated the characters and showed different sides of everyone. I did not want to give up too many spoilers about Sara’s story but she has major decisions to make as the book goes on including if she is ready to be a mother and the author handles each of these decisions with grace. I can not recommend this book enough and I really need to get myself a finished copy when it comes out at the end of the month. I gave this book five stars on Goodreads (wishing it could be more).
SPOILERS AHEAD
Serendipity is a sixteen-year-old who has been through a rough break up with her boyfriend and is now at a summer party with a friend. However, at this party, she meets a new boy, Jack. Jack does not go to her school and they spend the party getting friendly, up until friendly turns into a romantic time in Jack’s truck. A few months after the party while Sara (her nickname) is feeling very sick she goes to the doctor and finds out her time in Jack’s truck resulted in her being pregnant. Now she has to face the last year of school (at a new school because her mother and her are planning to move one town over to live with Mormor, her grandmother) while pregnant and she does not have any way to contact Jack.
The story of Sara and her pregnancy, as well as her journey of the last year of high school, was beyond amazing. I loved how the author treated the characters and showed different sides of everyone. I did not want to give up too many spoilers about Sara’s story but she has major decisions to make as the book goes on including if she is ready to be a mother and the author handles each of these decisions with grace. I can not recommend this book enough and I really need to get myself a finished copy when it comes out at the end of the month. I gave this book five stars on Goodreads (wishing it could be more).
October 14, 2019
4.75* From the lovable characters and multiple brilliantly explored relationship dynamics to the humour and writing style to the exploration of teen pregnancy and the wonderfully diverse representation throughout, I truly adored everything about this book.
(Leaf has completely stolen my heart and is officially up there amongst the best YA boyfriends!)
The only minor downfall for me was the use of language in conversations between Sara and Devi, which came across somewhat cringey and unrealistic (but maybe I'm officially old and this is how teens really do talk these days? Who knows?) and personally and found it quite distracting at times. That being said, that is literally the only thing I didn't absolutely love about this book because everything else? I absolutely loved.
I would also highly recommend the audiobook, which was superbly narrated.
(Leaf has completely stolen my heart and is officially up there amongst the best YA boyfriends!)
The only minor downfall for me was the use of language in conversations between Sara and Devi, which came across somewhat cringey and unrealistic (but maybe I'm officially old and this is how teens really do talk these days? Who knows?) and personally and found it quite distracting at times. That being said, that is literally the only thing I didn't absolutely love about this book because everything else? I absolutely loved.
I would also highly recommend the audiobook, which was superbly narrated.
January 6, 2019
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This book at first made me nervous to read. I liked the movie Juno and I thought this book would be like it. First thing I want to talk about is the characters names in this book. They are weird. I mean Leaf and Serendipity? What the heck. I noticed that the main character loved to mention that her family was Swedish. She mentioned it only five times a chapter. I swear. Sara aka Serendipity is one of the most annoying characters I've read about. She said the weirdest and most outrageous things. This book has got to be for older teens and not younger teens. I was surprised with some of the stuff she said. But the thing that annoyed me about her was how she didn't want to assume the gender of her baby. I understand that in this day and age that people want to be respectful of others and their own decisions but that baby hasn't picked what gender it wants to identify as and won't for some time. So it's okay for her to call it a girl. It seemed like a lot of characters in this book were from the lgbt community and I'm not for sure if the author had a reason or was just trying to make it full of people from this community. I don't like when authors put them in the books just to try to make the book diverse. It annoys me a lot. Maybe this isn't the case with this book I don't know.
The plot of this book was kinda boring. Sara doesn't do anything eventful. She starts off with having a one night stand and ends up pregnant. Then she's instantly hoping into a new relationship at her new school. I just thought that was odd. She kept saying oh he won't want to be with me because I'm pregnant.
The family is very accepting with her becoming pregnant and not knowing the father. All she has is the first name. It also seems like she doesn't even bother to look for the father of her baby. She just is like oh no one knows him and moves on. She didn't try that hard to find him at all. And we don't see her look for him at all.
Overall I didn't like most things in this book but I did like how the main character kept the baby and decided to finish up school. I admire her for that. The writing wasn't horrible and I was able to finish the whole book which is a plus.
I also want to say that just because I didn't care for the book doesn't mean you won't.
This book at first made me nervous to read. I liked the movie Juno and I thought this book would be like it. First thing I want to talk about is the characters names in this book. They are weird. I mean Leaf and Serendipity? What the heck. I noticed that the main character loved to mention that her family was Swedish. She mentioned it only five times a chapter. I swear. Sara aka Serendipity is one of the most annoying characters I've read about. She said the weirdest and most outrageous things. This book has got to be for older teens and not younger teens. I was surprised with some of the stuff she said. But the thing that annoyed me about her was how she didn't want to assume the gender of her baby. I understand that in this day and age that people want to be respectful of others and their own decisions but that baby hasn't picked what gender it wants to identify as and won't for some time. So it's okay for her to call it a girl. It seemed like a lot of characters in this book were from the lgbt community and I'm not for sure if the author had a reason or was just trying to make it full of people from this community. I don't like when authors put them in the books just to try to make the book diverse. It annoys me a lot. Maybe this isn't the case with this book I don't know.
The plot of this book was kinda boring. Sara doesn't do anything eventful. She starts off with having a one night stand and ends up pregnant. Then she's instantly hoping into a new relationship at her new school. I just thought that was odd. She kept saying oh he won't want to be with me because I'm pregnant.
The family is very accepting with her becoming pregnant and not knowing the father. All she has is the first name. It also seems like she doesn't even bother to look for the father of her baby. She just is like oh no one knows him and moves on. She didn't try that hard to find him at all. And we don't see her look for him at all.
Overall I didn't like most things in this book but I did like how the main character kept the baby and decided to finish up school. I admire her for that. The writing wasn't horrible and I was able to finish the whole book which is a plus.
I also want to say that just because I didn't care for the book doesn't mean you won't.
January 28, 2020
Sara had unprotected sex and is pregnant, and has decided she’s staying that way. It is what it is. But the reason it’s that simple is because of how those in her life have taken the news. Her family and friends reinforce her independence, yet tend to her. They ensure she’s well-fed and well-rested. They let her vent and cry. They let her nap. Sara’s grandmother, judgmental as she is, will snarl at anyone who dares judge Sara.
I think we all get that choosing to stay pregnant while still in high school throws everything about your future into question, and Belly Up doesn’t argue any different. What it does, however, is drive home the point that lives are not ruined by teenage pregnancy, but by lack of support for teenage parents.
I like that Darrows discusses how lack of support impacts teenage dads. I like that Sara and her trans friend openly discuss gender assignment. I like the peeks into Swedish and Romanian culture. All that said, I almost quit this book. The attempts to educate young readers are so hamfisted—Girls on the Verge falls into the same trap. But mainly I object to the PAINFULLY off dialogue. I made a list: “the make-outs were epic,” “aww, crapcicles,” “chzburgrs,” “skantitude,” “slutitude,” to name a few. This came out in 2019. Teenagers do not talk like this now, and probably never have. I just hate it.
If you can get past that, Belly Up is hopeful and warm. Its message is simple but powerful: the impossible drifts within reach when you have a village backing you. It reminds me a little of both I Wish You All the Best and A Heart in a Body in the World—all three are about people showing up for teenagers going through difficult and isolating challenges.
I think we all get that choosing to stay pregnant while still in high school throws everything about your future into question, and Belly Up doesn’t argue any different. What it does, however, is drive home the point that lives are not ruined by teenage pregnancy, but by lack of support for teenage parents.
I like that Darrows discusses how lack of support impacts teenage dads. I like that Sara and her trans friend openly discuss gender assignment. I like the peeks into Swedish and Romanian culture. All that said, I almost quit this book. The attempts to educate young readers are so hamfisted—Girls on the Verge falls into the same trap. But mainly I object to the PAINFULLY off dialogue. I made a list: “the make-outs were epic,” “aww, crapcicles,” “chzburgrs,” “skantitude,” “slutitude,” to name a few. This came out in 2019. Teenagers do not talk like this now, and probably never have. I just hate it.
If you can get past that, Belly Up is hopeful and warm. Its message is simple but powerful: the impossible drifts within reach when you have a village backing you. It reminds me a little of both I Wish You All the Best and A Heart in a Body in the World—all three are about people showing up for teenagers going through difficult and isolating challenges.
December 21, 2018
There is a sub-genre of romance books about the MC (Main Character) being pregnant.
I'm not sure why this is. I don't read a lot of romance books. But the cover of this one got me, and it sounds like an interesting read, so I chose to go in, knowing that this was about a girl, Sara, who is 17, and gets pregnant, and keeps the baby.
And if that was all there was to it, I probably would not have like the book at all. But Sara is a smart, witty girl. The people she is attracted to are also smart and witty. I love how she says she doens't want to impose gender standards to her baby to be. That gender is fluid, and that she might be bisexual.
For example, this is a bit of dialogue involving Jack, the bio-father, and Sara:
Her boyfriend is Gray ACE. The lesbian couple that she hangs out with, one of them is transgender.
So, no this is not a typical teen romance, at least not as far as I can see.
So if you are into teen pregnancy romances, this book might be right up your alley.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
I'm not sure why this is. I don't read a lot of romance books. But the cover of this one got me, and it sounds like an interesting read, so I chose to go in, knowing that this was about a girl, Sara, who is 17, and gets pregnant, and keeps the baby.
And if that was all there was to it, I probably would not have like the book at all. But Sara is a smart, witty girl. The people she is attracted to are also smart and witty. I love how she says she doens't want to impose gender standards to her baby to be. That gender is fluid, and that she might be bisexual.
For example, this is a bit of dialogue involving Jack, the bio-father, and Sara:
...it's a girl, right?
"That's the assigned gender. I wanna keep doors open in case they choose another gnder, later, though. But that's a talk for another day."
Jack paused.
"Yeah, okay, that's fine. I'm just going to tell my parents it's a girl. I don't think they'll get it otherwise.
Her boyfriend is Gray ACE. The lesbian couple that she hangs out with, one of them is transgender.
So, no this is not a typical teen romance, at least not as far as I can see.
So if you are into teen pregnancy romances, this book might be right up your alley.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
May 3, 2019
I loved Belly Up!!
I rarely if ever sit down and refuse to stop reading until a book is finished, until now. The characters are great and everyone's interaction with each other adds to their character. Nothing in this book felt like filler for Drama, it all felt like an honest story that covers sexuality, gender, biracial identities, and having a baby as a teen. Most of the tension comes from the thoughts of the character instead of setting up an Bad Guy who uses kick the dog tropes to show that racism is bad.
The writing is refreshing, funny, and endearing. I don't know if there ever will be more of these characters but I'd love to see them over and over. Not because it needs a book two, but because it's all so enjoyable.
I rarely if ever sit down and refuse to stop reading until a book is finished, until now. The characters are great and everyone's interaction with each other adds to their character. Nothing in this book felt like filler for Drama, it all felt like an honest story that covers sexuality, gender, biracial identities, and having a baby as a teen. Most of the tension comes from the thoughts of the character instead of setting up an Bad Guy who uses kick the dog tropes to show that racism is bad.
The writing is refreshing, funny, and endearing. I don't know if there ever will be more of these characters but I'd love to see them over and over. Not because it needs a book two, but because it's all so enjoyable.
August 3, 2019
I laughed so much during this book and fell head over heels in love with the characters, especially MorMor. Please if you could do one productive thing today then pick up this book right now. It's so good. It has so many beautiful connections. Also this has lgbtq+ rep in it. 😊
June 12, 2020
Can we maybe stop using "outing" when the information has nothing to do with someone's sexual or gender identity? Thanks.
With that out of the way, let me explain why this book wasn't for me. It wasn't because of the subject matter. I was actually really interested in reading a book about a pregnant teenager, and I thought it was mostly done well. But there were so many small things I didn't appreciate, and they kept adding up. Like the previous example, or the main character's grandmother being lowkey abusive but never actually called out on it, or... I could go on. This took away from my enjoyment of the book, and towards the ending, the book had more or less turned into an infodump about what pregnancy and labour are like. Which really didn't interest me, to be very honest.
Because of the focus on what's happening to the main character (pregnancy), we don't get to see much character development, nor is there a lot of character depth at all. And the side characters were all especially flat. We get some facts about them, like how the best friend is gray-ace, and the love interest is Romani (this was actually an interestingly handled aspect that I enjoyed!). But that's about it.
All in all, I guess this had a lot of potential, but it just wasn't fleshed out enough to really live up to it.
Rep: questioning bisexual, half Hispanic MC, Jewish graysexual side character, biracial Romani side character, transgender side character, f/f couple
CWs: unplanned pregnancy, vaginal exams
With that out of the way, let me explain why this book wasn't for me. It wasn't because of the subject matter. I was actually really interested in reading a book about a pregnant teenager, and I thought it was mostly done well. But there were so many small things I didn't appreciate, and they kept adding up. Like the previous example, or the main character's grandmother being lowkey abusive but never actually called out on it, or... I could go on. This took away from my enjoyment of the book, and towards the ending, the book had more or less turned into an infodump about what pregnancy and labour are like. Which really didn't interest me, to be very honest.
Because of the focus on what's happening to the main character (pregnancy), we don't get to see much character development, nor is there a lot of character depth at all. And the side characters were all especially flat. We get some facts about them, like how the best friend is gray-ace, and the love interest is Romani (this was actually an interestingly handled aspect that I enjoyed!). But that's about it.
All in all, I guess this had a lot of potential, but it just wasn't fleshed out enough to really live up to it.
Rep: questioning bisexual, half Hispanic MC, Jewish graysexual side character, biracial Romani side character, transgender side character, f/f couple
CWs: unplanned pregnancy, vaginal exams
August 20, 2020
i've got a lot of mixed feelings about this book, but mostly it's 'this family dynamic is a m a z i n g' and 'for the love of god just use the word vagina when you're talking about your vagina, instead of the 83 different names used in this book instead'.
i would've given it three stars, but then i read the reviews and saw the staggering amount of negative reviews because the main character is queer and doesn't want to force her child into gender stereotypes. so i'm giving it four stars. suck it, homophobes.
i would've given it three stars, but then i read the reviews and saw the staggering amount of negative reviews because the main character is queer and doesn't want to force her child into gender stereotypes. so i'm giving it four stars. suck it, homophobes.
Read
December 2, 2020"Snipporna? Vagoos. Vagina. Do you have teeth down there? Well, do you? Teeth? Fire? Do you shoot fire from your vagina?"
YA literature never ceases to amaze me. Those books deal with real life and talk about what is actually happening in the world of the younger generation. I actually learn more from these books than I do books for adults and I wish books like this were around when I was younger.
This book seemed like a good one to read about a surprise teen pregnancy. While the story was an important one and very informative, it just wasn’t written for someone as old as me. I couldn’t connect with any of the characters and I just didn’t enjoy the story. It’s not fair of me to accurately judge and rate this one though.
Belly Up was not the right book for me but I can see the younger generation enjoying walking in the shoes of a pregnant teenager. There were a lot of things that threw me off and worked my last nerve, but like I said, I’m just too damn old.
YA literature never ceases to amaze me. Those books deal with real life and talk about what is actually happening in the world of the younger generation. I actually learn more from these books than I do books for adults and I wish books like this were around when I was younger.
This book seemed like a good one to read about a surprise teen pregnancy. While the story was an important one and very informative, it just wasn’t written for someone as old as me. I couldn’t connect with any of the characters and I just didn’t enjoy the story. It’s not fair of me to accurately judge and rate this one though.
Belly Up was not the right book for me but I can see the younger generation enjoying walking in the shoes of a pregnant teenager. There were a lot of things that threw me off and worked my last nerve, but like I said, I’m just too damn old.
July 24, 2021
This was a really cute take on a topic so many of people just don’t understand unless you went through it yourself. I love the lighthearted take on Sera’s situation but I would have loved more information maybe even in the back for any pregnant teens actually reading this looking for hope. I read an arc so maybe the finished copy does have this info? There is a lot of body positivity which is badly needed with pregnancy of any age girl/woman. I would like to see more of the real life bullying pregnant teens endure in real life but it’s a fiction book meant to be lighthearted I just don’t see much at all for pregnant teens and was so excited to be approved for this title that I think my expectations got ahead of me! I did enjoy this book and it is a quick read so if you want a getaway book in the middle of a slump this may help!
Thank you #netgalley & #inkyardpress for this arc, the review and opinions are mine alone.
Thank you #netgalley & #inkyardpress for this arc, the review and opinions are mine alone.
April 30, 2019
Serendipity (Sara) has revenge sex and gets pregnant. She decides to keep the baby and has to navigate her senior year of high school at a new school while also balancing the pressure of becoming a parent.
This book is definitely a "best case scenario" pregnancy story. Sara was not raped. Her family is supportive. Her school is helpful. She hits very few bumps along the road. All of that is fantastic, albeit not very realistic. I appreciated the extremely diverse cast of characters as well as Sara's matter-of-fact descriptions of pregnancy and her visits to the gynecologist, etc. I don't know that many teens who become pregnant can relate to Sara's best-case situation, but it is a fun, enjoyable read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Netgalley for review purposes.
This book is definitely a "best case scenario" pregnancy story. Sara was not raped. Her family is supportive. Her school is helpful. She hits very few bumps along the road. All of that is fantastic, albeit not very realistic. I appreciated the extremely diverse cast of characters as well as Sara's matter-of-fact descriptions of pregnancy and her visits to the gynecologist, etc. I don't know that many teens who become pregnant can relate to Sara's best-case situation, but it is a fun, enjoyable read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Netgalley for review purposes.
September 4, 2019
This on just didn't click with me. The characters bordered on annoying me and it seemed to drag in parts, but this may not be the book's fault. It very well could be a case of the target audience is the only audience it's meant to please. It did have some very good messages about consent. There was also a lot of information about reproductive health. If it sounds good to you, then please give it a try.
This unbiased review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.
This unbiased review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.
February 8, 2019
This book is just as wonderful as I was anticipating! Read the full review on my blog!
June 10, 2021
I have no idea why I picked this up since it's been a while since I've read a YA book, but after finishing it in a few hours I have to say I did enjoy the characters a lot. Especially Mormor
April 30, 2019
Teenaged pregnancy is a fact of life. Like it or not, it happens, which is why I picked up this book. Being a mother to two teen girls - one 17 and other 19 - I thought it'd be an interesting read and I wasn't wrong.
Sara is a breath of sarcastic fresh air. Her voice is fresh and real, even in the moments when she's putting up a front because she's scared half to death. She's also very mature, never once blaming her mistakes on anyone other than herself. It helps that her mother was also a young, single parent, so she didn't risk the judgement that so many parents hand down to their kids in these situations. Instead, Astrid encourages Sara to embrace the moment and live up to her potential, baby and all.
Belly Up covers all the issues surrounding teen pregnancies, the realities you face, as well as how horrifying being pregnant can be. Those were some of my favorite parts, I have to admit. Sara turning into a bottomless pit once her morning sickness eases up. All the bizarre changes in your body. It was glorious how horrified she was, but hopeful in the way she took it all in stride.
In addition to teen pregnancy, Belly Up also touches on issues of gender identity, sexual identity, and racism. None of this is hit on too hard, but it is presented in a way that you take note of it. I enjoyed the way Sara refused to call her unborn baby it and instead used genderless pronouns (them for the most part). It was a different sort of way to handle the whole MY BABY'S NOT AN IT thing that I went through.
Hands down, for me the best character was Leaf. He's cute, he's sweet, he's this big teddy bear of a boy AND HE'S ROMANI. Now, side note here: I fell in love with all things Romanian at a young age. Why? I'm not sure, but it probably had a lot to do with my Dracula obsession. Anyway, since Romania has probably the largest population of Romani people, it was inevitable that I'd eventually fall in love with that culture as well. Hearing that Leaf is Rom made my day. Even more amazing was that the author actually took time to research the people themselves and dropped tidbits about their culture so that Sara could learn from Leaf about his heritage.
The only thing that bugged me was the addition of this new trend of adding a question mark at the end of a statement. Things like, "He's a jerk but I love him?". I get where the intent comes from - you're making a statement you're not one hundred percent sure about. Maybe I'm old, but it throws me off every time.
Belly Up is the kind of book that bridges the gap between adults and young adults. Although both of my kids are around the same age as Sara, I still thoroughly enjoyed her story. Part of it might be because so many of my friends had babies in high school, but most of it is due to Sara herself. She's fun, she's vibrant, and she has an amazing support group to help her through one of the toughest times of her life. Being a teen mom isn't the end of the world by any stretch of the imagination. The key is to surround yourself with the right people. Good friends like Devi, Erin, and Morgan. A great boyfriend like Leaf. Never mind her amazing mom and grandmother. An excellent book no matter your age.
*Thanks to Netgalley, the author, and the publisher for a copy of this book.
Sara is a breath of sarcastic fresh air. Her voice is fresh and real, even in the moments when she's putting up a front because she's scared half to death. She's also very mature, never once blaming her mistakes on anyone other than herself. It helps that her mother was also a young, single parent, so she didn't risk the judgement that so many parents hand down to their kids in these situations. Instead, Astrid encourages Sara to embrace the moment and live up to her potential, baby and all.
Belly Up covers all the issues surrounding teen pregnancies, the realities you face, as well as how horrifying being pregnant can be. Those were some of my favorite parts, I have to admit. Sara turning into a bottomless pit once her morning sickness eases up. All the bizarre changes in your body. It was glorious how horrified she was, but hopeful in the way she took it all in stride.
In addition to teen pregnancy, Belly Up also touches on issues of gender identity, sexual identity, and racism. None of this is hit on too hard, but it is presented in a way that you take note of it. I enjoyed the way Sara refused to call her unborn baby it and instead used genderless pronouns (them for the most part). It was a different sort of way to handle the whole MY BABY'S NOT AN IT thing that I went through.
Hands down, for me the best character was Leaf. He's cute, he's sweet, he's this big teddy bear of a boy AND HE'S ROMANI. Now, side note here: I fell in love with all things Romanian at a young age. Why? I'm not sure, but it probably had a lot to do with my Dracula obsession. Anyway, since Romania has probably the largest population of Romani people, it was inevitable that I'd eventually fall in love with that culture as well. Hearing that Leaf is Rom made my day. Even more amazing was that the author actually took time to research the people themselves and dropped tidbits about their culture so that Sara could learn from Leaf about his heritage.
The only thing that bugged me was the addition of this new trend of adding a question mark at the end of a statement. Things like, "He's a jerk but I love him?". I get where the intent comes from - you're making a statement you're not one hundred percent sure about. Maybe I'm old, but it throws me off every time.
Belly Up is the kind of book that bridges the gap between adults and young adults. Although both of my kids are around the same age as Sara, I still thoroughly enjoyed her story. Part of it might be because so many of my friends had babies in high school, but most of it is due to Sara herself. She's fun, she's vibrant, and she has an amazing support group to help her through one of the toughest times of her life. Being a teen mom isn't the end of the world by any stretch of the imagination. The key is to surround yourself with the right people. Good friends like Devi, Erin, and Morgan. A great boyfriend like Leaf. Never mind her amazing mom and grandmother. An excellent book no matter your age.
*Thanks to Netgalley, the author, and the publisher for a copy of this book.
January 10, 2019
I received an eARC of this book via Netgalley.
I loved this book! Everything about it was amazing! It had sweet contemporary romance without characters having to be conflicted and angry at everyone for most of the story. It had rep galore in many fashions! It read like I was having conversations with my own best friends and didn't take itself anymore serious than it needed to be.
Belly Up is the story of how a reckless night at a party goes from fun to life changing. When Serendipity, Sara, has a drunken one night stand as way of rebounding from her ex she finds herself pregnant his with baby. The story goes through her figuring out the ups and downs of what her options are and the results of those decisions.
The writing is spot on and I loved the humor so much. Multiple times I was giggling out loud at something Sara or another character would say. The one liners in particular were incredible! I loved the sass both Sara's mom and mormor (grandma) had throughout the story and how they were involved and included. Too often the adults in the teens life are glossed over in fiction and I'm glad they weren't in this. Even Sara's friends parents were mentioned and occasionally seen.
As for the representation, amazing! Darrows really packs diversity into this story and it all translates and works flawlessly for me. Not only do we have multiple sexual orientations represented but we have multiple religion and ethnicities as well. I greatly appreciate Darrows including variations of asexuality in her characters (gray ace and demisexual) and showing different diverse characters than we are use to seeing in other literature. The characters do a phenomenal explaining what and when things need to be explained without being rude or condescending about it. For example, I was completely engrossed when Sara was learning about Romani traditions and culture and the stories she was being told came naturally and the character was understanding of her ignorance instead of condescending about it. Another character starts her dialogue by telling Sara she is a trans queer girl and that if she has a problem with it then she can go find other people to talk to. The right to the point here is what's up attitude set the tone for her character and let you know what you needed without dwellig on the legistics of it. Other diverse characters are present and they all have their own way lf showing you who they are in a very natural and very them way. All of these aspects to these characters lets the reader connect to them in a much more intimate way than one may be use to.
Overall I think this is one of my new favorites and I wouldn't be surprised if it stays in my top 5 on the year. I can easily see myself rereading since Darrows does an incredible job of making the dialogue, both inner and outer, relatable. It's also just an overall wholesome read without unnecessary drama. It was kind of refreshing in way. If YA contemporaries are your forte, do yourself a favor and pick this one up.
I loved this book! Everything about it was amazing! It had sweet contemporary romance without characters having to be conflicted and angry at everyone for most of the story. It had rep galore in many fashions! It read like I was having conversations with my own best friends and didn't take itself anymore serious than it needed to be.
Belly Up is the story of how a reckless night at a party goes from fun to life changing. When Serendipity, Sara, has a drunken one night stand as way of rebounding from her ex she finds herself pregnant his with baby. The story goes through her figuring out the ups and downs of what her options are and the results of those decisions.
The writing is spot on and I loved the humor so much. Multiple times I was giggling out loud at something Sara or another character would say. The one liners in particular were incredible! I loved the sass both Sara's mom and mormor (grandma) had throughout the story and how they were involved and included. Too often the adults in the teens life are glossed over in fiction and I'm glad they weren't in this. Even Sara's friends parents were mentioned and occasionally seen.
As for the representation, amazing! Darrows really packs diversity into this story and it all translates and works flawlessly for me. Not only do we have multiple sexual orientations represented but we have multiple religion and ethnicities as well. I greatly appreciate Darrows including variations of asexuality in her characters (gray ace and demisexual) and showing different diverse characters than we are use to seeing in other literature. The characters do a phenomenal explaining what and when things need to be explained without being rude or condescending about it. For example, I was completely engrossed when Sara was learning about Romani traditions and culture and the stories she was being told came naturally and the character was understanding of her ignorance instead of condescending about it. Another character starts her dialogue by telling Sara she is a trans queer girl and that if she has a problem with it then she can go find other people to talk to. The right to the point here is what's up attitude set the tone for her character and let you know what you needed without dwellig on the legistics of it. Other diverse characters are present and they all have their own way lf showing you who they are in a very natural and very them way. All of these aspects to these characters lets the reader connect to them in a much more intimate way than one may be use to.
Overall I think this is one of my new favorites and I wouldn't be surprised if it stays in my top 5 on the year. I can easily see myself rereading since Darrows does an incredible job of making the dialogue, both inner and outer, relatable. It's also just an overall wholesome read without unnecessary drama. It was kind of refreshing in way. If YA contemporaries are your forte, do yourself a favor and pick this one up.
February 14, 2021
Belly Up is a hilarious, heartwarming story about teenage pregnancy and family. I was originally intrigued because I saw this title on an LGBTQ+ book list and I've never seen a YA book about pregnancy on lists like that before--I was not let down at all.
If you liked the movie Juno, you'll probably like this too. It's funny, sarcastic, and endearing, with many supportive characters. There's some really good diversity (the main character is biracial and a questioning bisexual), including characters who are gray ace, demisexual, and transgender. I saw some reviews saying that this book felt like a diversity checklist, but it didn't really feel like that to me. I appreciated all the different identities. I also loved the character dynamics. The main character, her mom, her grandmother, her friends, her boyfriend, her doctors, her baby daddy--everyone! Everyone was great! Seriously, this book was so sweet and cute.
Overall, Belly Up made me both laugh and tear up, which is the best kind of book.
TW: underage sex, teenage pregnancy, detailed descriptions of pregnancy, microaggressions
If you liked the movie Juno, you'll probably like this too. It's funny, sarcastic, and endearing, with many supportive characters. There's some really good diversity (the main character is biracial and a questioning bisexual), including characters who are gray ace, demisexual, and transgender. I saw some reviews saying that this book felt like a diversity checklist, but it didn't really feel like that to me. I appreciated all the different identities. I also loved the character dynamics. The main character, her mom, her grandmother, her friends, her boyfriend, her doctors, her baby daddy--everyone! Everyone was great! Seriously, this book was so sweet and cute.
Overall, Belly Up made me both laugh and tear up, which is the best kind of book.
TW: underage sex, teenage pregnancy, detailed descriptions of pregnancy, microaggressions
May 7, 2019
I'm not giving this three stars because I disliked it. It fit comfortably into that YA slot of "Difficult But Surprisingly Warm Narrative Told By Snarky Teen Narrator," which is not unenjoyable. I loved Simon and Upside and Leah, which are all prime examples of that category.
It's just, sometimes you read books that you recognize are good, but you read them at times in your life where the book kind of freaks you out. This was one of those. Pregnancy is... not always a plausible or comfortable narrative for everyone, and I underestimated how much that would affect my reaction to the book.
It's just, sometimes you read books that you recognize are good, but you read them at times in your life where the book kind of freaks you out. This was one of those. Pregnancy is... not always a plausible or comfortable narrative for everyone, and I underestimated how much that would affect my reaction to the book.
June 24, 2019
*4.5 ⭐️
This was such a wonderful read. Wrote in a light-hearted, but thoughtful way we get to see through Serendipity (Sara) Rodriguez that teen pregnancy isn’t the end of the world.
Sara had planned to spend senior year with her best friend Devi and working hard to get into a Ivy League school. She didn’t plan on moving in with her grandmother and mom and attending a new school. She also didn’t plan getting pregnant from hooking up with someone after her boyfriend cheated on her. Unable to find the stranger who knocked her up, it looks like she’s going to have to do this by herself, with her mom’s and grandmother’s help. Follow her as she navigates friendship, school and love whilst being pregnant.
I think this book had a very clear message in mind and executed it perfectly. It really highlights that whilst teen pregnancy is tough, having a great support system can really help. I believe this book would be so beneficial to teen parents as it chooses to look at the brighter side of things.
The best part about this book is Serendipity’s family. She never knew her dad, but she’s surrounded by her mother and grandmother who both display their support in different ways. Her grandmother is hard and tough, but she’s a constant rock, if a bit set in her ways. Sara’s mother is more outward and affectionate in her love. They have a beautiful and trusting relationship that completely melted my heart.
Sara herself is also the perfect main character. It’s in first person so we get to hear her snarky inner monologue, something I really loved. She’s sassy and opinionated on the outside, but is sweet to those she deeply cares for.
Another relationship this book got right was Sara’s friendship with Devi, her best friend. They have such a deep bond that’s unshakable. It’s refreshing to read a YA contemporary where friends don’t fall out.
The romance was also the most adorable thing in this book. Leaf is the most precious soul you will ever come across. He’s incredibly charming and thoughtful, always cooking for Sara and being so supportive about her pregnancy.
I also greatly appreciate how diverse this story was. Sara is Swedish-Spanish and bisexual. Honestly I’ve been reading so many bi books lately and I’m living my best life. Devi is Jewish and also on the ace spectrum. Leaf is Romani and his friends Morgan and Erin are in an f/f relationship. Morgan is also a trans girl. Please do note that I’m not sure if the author shares any of these identities. I can also only vouch for the bi rep, but for what it’s worth everything seemed to be handled very respectfully.
I know I haven’t talked about plot and pacing yet, but that was also great. I was never once bored by the story and nothing ever slowed down dramatically.
All in all, a fantastic book that accomplished everything it set out to do. I’d highly recommend to anyone wanting a lighter read on teen pregnancy. As well as those wanting to read more diverse stories.
This was such a wonderful read. Wrote in a light-hearted, but thoughtful way we get to see through Serendipity (Sara) Rodriguez that teen pregnancy isn’t the end of the world.
Sara had planned to spend senior year with her best friend Devi and working hard to get into a Ivy League school. She didn’t plan on moving in with her grandmother and mom and attending a new school. She also didn’t plan getting pregnant from hooking up with someone after her boyfriend cheated on her. Unable to find the stranger who knocked her up, it looks like she’s going to have to do this by herself, with her mom’s and grandmother’s help. Follow her as she navigates friendship, school and love whilst being pregnant.
I think this book had a very clear message in mind and executed it perfectly. It really highlights that whilst teen pregnancy is tough, having a great support system can really help. I believe this book would be so beneficial to teen parents as it chooses to look at the brighter side of things.
The best part about this book is Serendipity’s family. She never knew her dad, but she’s surrounded by her mother and grandmother who both display their support in different ways. Her grandmother is hard and tough, but she’s a constant rock, if a bit set in her ways. Sara’s mother is more outward and affectionate in her love. They have a beautiful and trusting relationship that completely melted my heart.
Sara herself is also the perfect main character. It’s in first person so we get to hear her snarky inner monologue, something I really loved. She’s sassy and opinionated on the outside, but is sweet to those she deeply cares for.
Another relationship this book got right was Sara’s friendship with Devi, her best friend. They have such a deep bond that’s unshakable. It’s refreshing to read a YA contemporary where friends don’t fall out.
The romance was also the most adorable thing in this book. Leaf is the most precious soul you will ever come across. He’s incredibly charming and thoughtful, always cooking for Sara and being so supportive about her pregnancy.
I also greatly appreciate how diverse this story was. Sara is Swedish-Spanish and bisexual. Honestly I’ve been reading so many bi books lately and I’m living my best life. Devi is Jewish and also on the ace spectrum. Leaf is Romani and his friends Morgan and Erin are in an f/f relationship. Morgan is also a trans girl. Please do note that I’m not sure if the author shares any of these identities. I can also only vouch for the bi rep, but for what it’s worth everything seemed to be handled very respectfully.
I know I haven’t talked about plot and pacing yet, but that was also great. I was never once bored by the story and nothing ever slowed down dramatically.
All in all, a fantastic book that accomplished everything it set out to do. I’d highly recommend to anyone wanting a lighter read on teen pregnancy. As well as those wanting to read more diverse stories.
July 11, 2021
This book was good for what it was. It's about a high school student that gets pregnant by a guy she barely knows. The book details how everyone reacted to the news and what she had to go through while still being a student. Her family and friends were so supportive and the author did a good job of describing and explaining everyone's feelings. It was nice reading a positive account of this situation and not having everything being negative, despite the situation.
August 16, 2019
Just the sweetest and most lovely book. Funny and great representation (including Romani rep, ace rep, trans rep, queer rep). Very highly recommended if you want an adorable YA read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 232 reviews