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Two-Week Wait: an IVF story
An original graphic novel based on the IVF stories of its husband-and-wife authors and the 1-in-50 couples around the world like them.
Conrad and Joanne met in their final year of university and have been virtually inseparable since then. For a while, it felt like they had all the time in the world. Yet now, when they are finally ready to have kids, they find that getting pregnant isn’t always so easy.
Ahead of them lies a difficult, expensive, and emotional journey into the world of assisted fertility, where each ‘successful’ implantation is followed by a two-week wait to see if the pregnancy takes. Join Joanne and Conrad, their friends, their family, their coworkers, and a stream of expert medical practitioners as they experience the highs and the lows, the tears and the laughter in this sensitive but unflinching portrayal of the hope and heartbreak offered to so many by modern medicine.
Conrad and Joanne met in their final year of university and have been virtually inseparable since then. For a while, it felt like they had all the time in the world. Yet now, when they are finally ready to have kids, they find that getting pregnant isn’t always so easy.
Ahead of them lies a difficult, expensive, and emotional journey into the world of assisted fertility, where each ‘successful’ implantation is followed by a two-week wait to see if the pregnancy takes. Join Joanne and Conrad, their friends, their family, their coworkers, and a stream of expert medical practitioners as they experience the highs and the lows, the tears and the laughter in this sensitive but unflinching portrayal of the hope and heartbreak offered to so many by modern medicine.
160 pages, Paperback
First published May 4, 2021
6 people are currently reading
429 people want to read
About the author
Luke C. Jackson
11 books5 followersLuke C Jackson is an author and an educator. He has written novels, games, a picture book, screenplays and graphic novels. He started writing seriously when he was 18, and had his first novel published seven years later.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 195 reviews
May 11, 2021
This is a Graphic Novel all about a couple during IVF. I had trouble getting pregnant, but I was lucky not to have to do IVF. I was lucky that meds helped us to get pregnant, but I could really understand this graphic novel. The two-week wait is not fun for anyone trying to get pregnant. This is a much needed book. I found the pictures cute, and the story was once anyone having trouble to get pregnant can relate to. This book took me no time to read, and it took me back to 8 + years to when I was trying to get pregnant. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Scribe Publications) or author (Luke Jackson) via NetGalley, so I can give honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that. (*)
June 11, 2021
I’m surprised how this graphic novel unlocked something within me. I still couldn’t figure it out. Couples really should read this before they dive into a serious relationship
March 1, 2021
A young couple, Conrad and Joanne, start to feel their biological clocks ticking, especially when they're confronted with their friends who already have children or are pregnant. Sadly, getting pregnant turns out to be not as easy as they thought. The couple has themselves tested, and they come to the conclusion that IVF is the way forward.
The book basically tells their story, and it follows the usual storybeats you'd expect in such a story, but it also has an extra layer of honesty, especially towards the end of the book. The authors do not avoid or minimise the frustration, the anger and the disappointments that come with a story such as this.
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It took me a little while to get accustomed to the book's art style, but in the end it's fine, and there's some nice things done with shadow and light.
3.5 stars
(Thanks to Scribe UK for providing me with an ARC through NetGalley)
The book basically tells their story, and it follows the usual storybeats you'd expect in such a story, but it also has an extra layer of honesty, especially towards the end of the book. The authors do not avoid or minimise the frustration, the anger and the disappointments that come with a story such as this.
[image error]
It took me a little while to get accustomed to the book's art style, but in the end it's fine, and there's some nice things done with shadow and light.
3.5 stars
(Thanks to Scribe UK for providing me with an ARC through NetGalley)
May 27, 2021
This is an incredibly personal graphic novel that does a great job capturing the real life struggles many couples face during their fertility journeys.
The artwork and dialogue are very well done, and it really felt like you got a window into someone else’s life
This was at times funny, sad, and informative and is really good for what it’s supposed to be.
The only thing that’s a drawback of this is it really focuses in on the IVF option for couples struggling, which is a shame considering all the children in need of fostering.
A definite recommendation for anyone struggling with their own attempts at conception.
The artwork and dialogue are very well done, and it really felt like you got a window into someone else’s life
This was at times funny, sad, and informative and is really good for what it’s supposed to be.
The only thing that’s a drawback of this is it really focuses in on the IVF option for couples struggling, which is a shame considering all the children in need of fostering.
A definite recommendation for anyone struggling with their own attempts at conception.
April 20, 2021
Infertility and IVF can be a really touchy subject. People go through this, but for some reason it rarely gets talked about. It's "taboo" to so many people... but why? It's so common. Yes, it can be scary and some people believe they don't want to jinx it, but I think some of the stigma needs to go away. Then, along comes this book! A graphic novel that depicts a really hard journey that can help people learn, connect and understand with one of life's toughest spots.
This book brings up so many good issues. What happens when one partner in the couple seeks help and talks about pregnancy? While the other wants to keep their baby trying secret? The random, tough situations in infertility that no one really thinks about. Some of the comments that get said that seem like they mean nothing, yet can have a toll on your partner (especially if you feel like you're the problem!). The ups and downs of being pregnant and then not being pregnant. The whole process can suck - but this book is here to show you that you're not alone in this battle. There are others out there who went through the same thing. You are not alone.
To boot, the illustrations are marvellous. I really liked the style and felt it fit well with the story.
Brava!
Five out of five stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and Scribe UK for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.
This book brings up so many good issues. What happens when one partner in the couple seeks help and talks about pregnancy? While the other wants to keep their baby trying secret? The random, tough situations in infertility that no one really thinks about. Some of the comments that get said that seem like they mean nothing, yet can have a toll on your partner (especially if you feel like you're the problem!). The ups and downs of being pregnant and then not being pregnant. The whole process can suck - but this book is here to show you that you're not alone in this battle. There are others out there who went through the same thing. You are not alone.
To boot, the illustrations are marvellous. I really liked the style and felt it fit well with the story.
Brava!
Five out of five stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and Scribe UK for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.
March 3, 2021
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
Two week wait: An I.V.F. story is a brilliant graphic novel about a hetrosexual couples true IVF story and journey.
This is a fantastic book for people thinking of trying IVF, people trying IVF and people wanting to understand more about the process and journey through IVF.
I was really interested in this book and the book didn't let me down upon reading it.
The book has a calm colour scheme throughout and lots of interesting dialogue and explanations of medical terms.
The female discovers she has endometriosis which is something I suffer with myself. More books need to explain what this is to raise awareness of it and how it affects so many women and is often undetected or misdiagnosed and is one of the main reasons for infertility or fertility problems.
The authors journey through this is sad and relatable to many people and is an important read to have put out there and there should be more books like this available.
Two week wait: An I.V.F. story is a brilliant graphic novel about a hetrosexual couples true IVF story and journey.
This is a fantastic book for people thinking of trying IVF, people trying IVF and people wanting to understand more about the process and journey through IVF.
I was really interested in this book and the book didn't let me down upon reading it.
The book has a calm colour scheme throughout and lots of interesting dialogue and explanations of medical terms.
The female discovers she has endometriosis which is something I suffer with myself. More books need to explain what this is to raise awareness of it and how it affects so many women and is often undetected or misdiagnosed and is one of the main reasons for infertility or fertility problems.
The authors journey through this is sad and relatable to many people and is an important read to have put out there and there should be more books like this available.
February 5, 2021
Two-Week Wait is an emotional book about a couple's journey through IVF. The husband-wife author duo have based it on their personal experience and research into other couples struggling with pregnancy. And their research shows.
Conrad and Joanne, a married couple in their mid-thirties, have been struggling to conceive for over a year and soon they realise that their option of becoming parents narrows down to IVF. All the trials and tribulations associated with IVF - medical, financial, emotional - are depicted accurately. In a society where the woman feels the greater pressure to become a mother, Joanne's personal upheavals will touch a chord with every woman. At the same time, the pressure on Conrad to stay strong and his struggles with his self-confidence are also shown very honestly.
The illustrations are very simplistic sketches without much finishing and in basic tones of dull orange and grey. I'm not sure if this is because I read the ARC version of the graphic novel. These stark sketches created a greater impact on me as the artwork didn't take away from the story. Rather, it lent a distinctive panache to the book by not having any distractions away from the main topic at hand: the struggles of a couple to become pregnant.
Thank you to NetGalley and Scribe UK for the ARC.
*********************
Join me on the Facebook group, Readers Forever! , for more reviews, book-related discussions and fun.
Conrad and Joanne, a married couple in their mid-thirties, have been struggling to conceive for over a year and soon they realise that their option of becoming parents narrows down to IVF. All the trials and tribulations associated with IVF - medical, financial, emotional - are depicted accurately. In a society where the woman feels the greater pressure to become a mother, Joanne's personal upheavals will touch a chord with every woman. At the same time, the pressure on Conrad to stay strong and his struggles with his self-confidence are also shown very honestly.
The illustrations are very simplistic sketches without much finishing and in basic tones of dull orange and grey. I'm not sure if this is because I read the ARC version of the graphic novel. These stark sketches created a greater impact on me as the artwork didn't take away from the story. Rather, it lent a distinctive panache to the book by not having any distractions away from the main topic at hand: the struggles of a couple to become pregnant.
Thank you to NetGalley and Scribe UK for the ARC.
*********************
Join me on the Facebook group, Readers Forever! , for more reviews, book-related discussions and fun.
September 7, 2021
A straightforward and low-key look at a fictional couple's relationship as they work through infertility and IVF treatments. An emphasis is placed on communication, including the unintentionally hurtful remarks and actions made by partners, friends, and family in the midst of all their supportive ones.
July 2, 2021
This graphic novel did a great job of exploring the emotions and stress that occur throughout the not at all straightforward process of in vitro fertilization. The coloring was great - the muted pinks and blues were symbolic of both the focus on pregnancy and the emotional palate of the story. the characters experienced a lot of shame, sadness, anger, and embarrassment on their journey and the art and writing were very clear eyed and empathic. A great story to help understand the real impact that trying to have kids can have on people.
**Thanks to the artist, publisher, and NetGalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
**Thanks to the artist, publisher, and NetGalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 23, 2021
(Received an electronic copy for review from Netgalley)
So I'm not typically a graphic novel reader, but I really wanted to give this one a go. This made me very emotional, and it felt like a very raw, honest look into the struggle that many individuals face when trying to get pregnant. As a young woman, it really resonated with me because we generally don't think of the "what if it doesn't work" scenario - so this story was very eye-opening and scary, in a good way. The art style was really nice, and it fit the story well. I would've maybe liked a little bit more surrounding the pregnancy, and whether there were any further complications there. Overall, 3 stars from me, which to me means it was great, just didn't do anything wild to knock my socks off. I would definitely pick up more work by these authors in the future.
So I'm not typically a graphic novel reader, but I really wanted to give this one a go. This made me very emotional, and it felt like a very raw, honest look into the struggle that many individuals face when trying to get pregnant. As a young woman, it really resonated with me because we generally don't think of the "what if it doesn't work" scenario - so this story was very eye-opening and scary, in a good way. The art style was really nice, and it fit the story well. I would've maybe liked a little bit more surrounding the pregnancy, and whether there were any further complications there. Overall, 3 stars from me, which to me means it was great, just didn't do anything wild to knock my socks off. I would definitely pick up more work by these authors in the future.
May 25, 2021
An excellent graphic novel covering a couple’s difficult, expensive, and emotional journey into the world of assisted fertility, where each ‘successful’ implantation is followed by a two-week wait to see if the pregnancy takes.
The topic covered is a sensitive one, but the artwork is extremely good. The portrayal of the emotions as well as the reactions of various characters was so realistic.
Overall, it was informative as well as you could connect with the characters.
Thank You NetGalley and Scribe UK for this ARC!
The topic covered is a sensitive one, but the artwork is extremely good. The portrayal of the emotions as well as the reactions of various characters was so realistic.
Overall, it was informative as well as you could connect with the characters.
Thank You NetGalley and Scribe UK for this ARC!
March 31, 2021
This was so beautiful and moving! Showing ups and downs of relationships when a couple is trying to get pregnant and going through IVF. I was tearing up by the end of the book and now I need a cup of tea to calm down.
The art is really simple but fits the story so well. It allows you to stay focused on the story and doesn't distract the reader.
Review copy provided by the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The art is really simple but fits the story so well. It allows you to stay focused on the story and doesn't distract the reader.
Review copy provided by the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 28, 2021
Una novela ilustrada que nos cuenta la cruda y triste realidad que puede representar para las personas ser infértiles y todos los tratamientos a los que están dispuestos a someterse para cumplir el sueño de formar una familia con su misma sangre, de tener sus propios hijos. Es una historia muy fuerte y dura, en la que vemos a una pareja unida y comprometida que no se rinde pese a las adversidades.
Muy conmovedora. Te atrapa desde el primer instante.
Muy conmovedora. Te atrapa desde el primer instante.
February 19, 2021
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a free digital copy of this book for exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.
This was a lovely graphic novel about a couple struggling to get pregnant and their journey and experiences with IVF. IVF is a topic I have tried to become more familiar with but there is always something I could learn and seeing it in a graphic novel is especially important. IVF is a topic not talked about enough so seeing it here is important to help normalize and educate about it.
I really felt the emotion in here and felt as it was a good representation of how I imagine going through all of this is like. I do wish some spots were explored a little bit more and that it was a little short. I enjoyed the art work and the writing.
This was a lovely graphic novel about a couple struggling to get pregnant and their journey and experiences with IVF. IVF is a topic I have tried to become more familiar with but there is always something I could learn and seeing it in a graphic novel is especially important. IVF is a topic not talked about enough so seeing it here is important to help normalize and educate about it.
I really felt the emotion in here and felt as it was a good representation of how I imagine going through all of this is like. I do wish some spots were explored a little bit more and that it was a little short. I enjoyed the art work and the writing.
February 23, 2021
Thanks to Scribe UK and NetGalley for allowing me to read this graphic novel!
As someone who never experienced parenthood, it’s interesting to look at Conrad and Joannes case when they were trying their hardest to have a child via IVF. Before reading this novel, although I’ve heard of IVF being mentioned, I never gave it a thought to deeply research it. It was really good to see both characters communicate well throughout the process. It’s even good to see their friends and families supporting them by not involving unnecessary drama.
This graphic novel was a really nice “slice of life” read and could benefit couples out there who are going through the same thing!
As someone who never experienced parenthood, it’s interesting to look at Conrad and Joannes case when they were trying their hardest to have a child via IVF. Before reading this novel, although I’ve heard of IVF being mentioned, I never gave it a thought to deeply research it. It was really good to see both characters communicate well throughout the process. It’s even good to see their friends and families supporting them by not involving unnecessary drama.
This graphic novel was a really nice “slice of life” read and could benefit couples out there who are going through the same thing!
June 14, 2021
Hello, Hi, I hope we are all doing well!
It’s been a busy June and I have been reading a ton of good books this month (at least so far we still have half the month to go)! Earlier this month I was wanting to pick up a graphic novel and was going to be spending some time in the car waiting outside of the vet’s office while one of my cat’s was at a check up. So I decided to look through my Netgalley shelf to see what I had going on! When looking through my shelf, I saw that I had this graphic novel waiting for me and I decided I would give it a read while I was waiting!
SPOILERS AHEAD
Conrad and Joanne are happily married, working pretty good jobs, and just generally enjoying their lives but one day they start to think about having a baby! They both think that this could be an exciting time for their lives and their family however, things are not coming as easy as both Conrad and Joanne thought and after a year they visit a doctor to get some help. This begins an incredibly long journey for both Conrad and Joanne as they continue to try to have a baby and the family they are dreaming of.
I honestly really enjoyed Conrad and Joanne’s story, I feel like it’s not what I would typically read but I really enjoyed reading about their journey and appreciate that it was shared. When I first started this graphic novel I thought this was going to be a very happy tale of starting a family but I feel like it shows the very real struggles of what starting a family can be like for many people. The Two Week Wait will definitely hold a special place in my reader's heart and maybe someday my shelves!
Goodreads Rating: 5 Stars
It’s been a busy June and I have been reading a ton of good books this month (at least so far we still have half the month to go)! Earlier this month I was wanting to pick up a graphic novel and was going to be spending some time in the car waiting outside of the vet’s office while one of my cat’s was at a check up. So I decided to look through my Netgalley shelf to see what I had going on! When looking through my shelf, I saw that I had this graphic novel waiting for me and I decided I would give it a read while I was waiting!
SPOILERS AHEAD
Conrad and Joanne are happily married, working pretty good jobs, and just generally enjoying their lives but one day they start to think about having a baby! They both think that this could be an exciting time for their lives and their family however, things are not coming as easy as both Conrad and Joanne thought and after a year they visit a doctor to get some help. This begins an incredibly long journey for both Conrad and Joanne as they continue to try to have a baby and the family they are dreaming of.
I honestly really enjoyed Conrad and Joanne’s story, I feel like it’s not what I would typically read but I really enjoyed reading about their journey and appreciate that it was shared. When I first started this graphic novel I thought this was going to be a very happy tale of starting a family but I feel like it shows the very real struggles of what starting a family can be like for many people. The Two Week Wait will definitely hold a special place in my reader's heart and maybe someday my shelves!
Goodreads Rating: 5 Stars
March 9, 2021
This book talks about difficulties in getting pregnant. Before what I'm about to say, I have to give some personal context: I have endometriosis and also have a lot of friends with the same condition. Getting pregnant is something that is far away in my plans, but is there, in a way that not me not even any of my friends even worried a lot about our condition. We are way too far to have kids. But if I was in this place of life, I would love this comic. Is so touching, the way that they portrayed the struggle and the emotions is so beautiful. The art is also beautiful, I liked it a lot, even in my advanced copy I didn't find any mistakes. I recommend this to all girls in my timeline, what they discuss here are subjects that should be more spoken.
If you're suffering with this problem, this comic can give you some strength and hope, but if this is some kind of trigger to you, maybe it's not a great idea for the moment.
Thanks for NetGalley to give me this anticipated copy in exchange of an honest review. That was an incredible experience and a subject that surprised me a lot. Thanks!
If you're suffering with this problem, this comic can give you some strength and hope, but if this is some kind of trigger to you, maybe it's not a great idea for the moment.
Thanks for NetGalley to give me this anticipated copy in exchange of an honest review. That was an incredible experience and a subject that surprised me a lot. Thanks!
October 30, 2021
I love graphic novels like these because I can learn something about a perspective I have zero connection to. At the moment, I don't want to have kids and I don't see that being something that will change. I have always found it hard to relate to baby fever and all that stuff that comes with kids and parenting. So, reading this was eye opening in terms of how much of a toll fertility struggles can take on a person and on a relationship. It requires a lot of communication and support and really seems to force a couple to reconcile with what they really want. While I don't foresee myself ever being in this situation, I appreciate the ability to step into these shoes and see what things might be like for those who are going through it.
May 6, 2021
This was such an emotional read for me. ⠀
⠀
(Based on the IVF Stories of its husband-and wife authors and the 1 in 50 couples around the world like them.) ⠀
⠀
Two-Week Wait is a graphic novel about a married couple in their mid-thirties and their struggle to conceive. Conrad and Joanne are confronted with the fact that it is not going to be easy for them to get pregnant. Especially when their friends around them are either with children or pregnant already. ⠀
⠀
The IVF journey is heartbreaking. When you get tested and do all that you have to do to make sure you conceive and then you don’t get pregnant… Makes you hit the reality hard that we cannot really control everything. The couple go through a difficult and an expensive journey where each ‘successful’ implantation is followed by a “two-week wait” to see if the pregnancy takes. The hope and disappointment is visible throughout the story. ⠀
⠀
The illustrations of the emotions were portrayed perfectly. I cried few times when reading this novel. ⠀
⠀
Always be kind to newly weds and never ever ask them when are they ever having a baby… They might be struggling to do so without you knowing. ⠀
⠀
Thank you Scribe and NetGalley for this copy.⠀
⠀
(Based on the IVF Stories of its husband-and wife authors and the 1 in 50 couples around the world like them.) ⠀
⠀
Two-Week Wait is a graphic novel about a married couple in their mid-thirties and their struggle to conceive. Conrad and Joanne are confronted with the fact that it is not going to be easy for them to get pregnant. Especially when their friends around them are either with children or pregnant already. ⠀
⠀
The IVF journey is heartbreaking. When you get tested and do all that you have to do to make sure you conceive and then you don’t get pregnant… Makes you hit the reality hard that we cannot really control everything. The couple go through a difficult and an expensive journey where each ‘successful’ implantation is followed by a “two-week wait” to see if the pregnancy takes. The hope and disappointment is visible throughout the story. ⠀
⠀
The illustrations of the emotions were portrayed perfectly. I cried few times when reading this novel. ⠀
⠀
Always be kind to newly weds and never ever ask them when are they ever having a baby… They might be struggling to do so without you knowing. ⠀
⠀
Thank you Scribe and NetGalley for this copy.⠀
March 21, 2022
TWO WEEK WAIT: AN IVF STORY
Luke Jackson
This graphic novel dealt with a complex subject that many couples face in their attempts to have a child. A couple, Jo and Conrad go through the entire process of IVF to conceive. The illustrations are amazing and convey a great deal of emotion and stress. Funny how little box drawings can reveal the nature of the characters.
Really good..
4 stars
Happy Reading!
Luke Jackson
This graphic novel dealt with a complex subject that many couples face in their attempts to have a child. A couple, Jo and Conrad go through the entire process of IVF to conceive. The illustrations are amazing and convey a great deal of emotion and stress. Funny how little box drawings can reveal the nature of the characters.
Really good..
4 stars
Happy Reading!
April 28, 2021
Two-Week Wait: An IVF Story is a graphic memoir (of sorts) by writers and couple Luke C. Jackson and Kelly Jackson with art by Mara Wild.
Ahead of them lies a difficult, expensive, and emotional journey into the world of assisted fertility, where each ‘successful’ implantation is followed by a two-week wait to see if the pregnancy takes. Join Joanne and Conrad, their friends, their family, their coworkers, and a stream of expert medical practitioners as they experience the highs and the lows, the tears and the laughter in this sensitive but unflinching portrayal of the hope and heartbreak offered to so many by modern medicine.
This book definitely wasn’t easy to read; so devastating, heartbreaking, yet hopeful. The art style was wonderful and I love the orange and blue color scheme. Hopefully books like this make the conversation of infertility a little easier and less taboo.
Two-Week Wait goes on sale 05/042021. Thank you Scribe UK and NetGalley for the advanced reading copy.
Ahead of them lies a difficult, expensive, and emotional journey into the world of assisted fertility, where each ‘successful’ implantation is followed by a two-week wait to see if the pregnancy takes. Join Joanne and Conrad, their friends, their family, their coworkers, and a stream of expert medical practitioners as they experience the highs and the lows, the tears and the laughter in this sensitive but unflinching portrayal of the hope and heartbreak offered to so many by modern medicine.
This book definitely wasn’t easy to read; so devastating, heartbreaking, yet hopeful. The art style was wonderful and I love the orange and blue color scheme. Hopefully books like this make the conversation of infertility a little easier and less taboo.
Two-Week Wait goes on sale 05/042021. Thank you Scribe UK and NetGalley for the advanced reading copy.
April 5, 2021
Thanks to #Netgalley and Scribe Publications for making this book available to me.
This book was so heart-wrenching and at the same time comforting to me. We follow a trail or a footpath of Conrad and Joanne's life. As they start their relationship and their inability to have children. The heartbreaking rounds of IVF and the expense and stain that placed on their relationship. They had to struggle with money have IVF treatments are expensive, there was also the strain that is placed on their mental health as the pregnancy did not take and even losing the one they had. It was very painful for them, that it began to reflect on their work at their place of work. This book was packed with the experience of all their friends and family even the doctors who were in charge of their case.
It was uplighting to see the support they got from their friends and family. Even coworker understanding the need to give them a break when needed.
I would highly recommend this book.
This book was so heart-wrenching and at the same time comforting to me. We follow a trail or a footpath of Conrad and Joanne's life. As they start their relationship and their inability to have children. The heartbreaking rounds of IVF and the expense and stain that placed on their relationship. They had to struggle with money have IVF treatments are expensive, there was also the strain that is placed on their mental health as the pregnancy did not take and even losing the one they had. It was very painful for them, that it began to reflect on their work at their place of work. This book was packed with the experience of all their friends and family even the doctors who were in charge of their case.
It was uplighting to see the support they got from their friends and family. Even coworker understanding the need to give them a break when needed.
I would highly recommend this book.
November 5, 2022
Damn I read this all in one sitting and loved it so much. I strongly recommend it especially if you plan on having kids. It opened my eyes and I learnt so much on the tops
February 17, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley and Scribe UK for an electronic ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
CW: infertility, pregnancy loss
In this graphic novel, a married couple in their 30s, Jo and Conrad, are having trouble getting pregnant. After various doctor visits, tests, and procedures, they begin their IVF journey.
Having never been pregnant or tried to become pregnant, I couldn't connect directly to this story through personal experience. However, knowing people who have been through this process (some multiple times), it hit straight to the heart. The emotions are raw and real, and the journey the couple went through was depicted with honesty and care. I think that there is something to be gained from this by everyone who reads it, but it could potentially be triggering for those who are struggling or have faced loss in the past.
CW: infertility, pregnancy loss
In this graphic novel, a married couple in their 30s, Jo and Conrad, are having trouble getting pregnant. After various doctor visits, tests, and procedures, they begin their IVF journey.
Having never been pregnant or tried to become pregnant, I couldn't connect directly to this story through personal experience. However, knowing people who have been through this process (some multiple times), it hit straight to the heart. The emotions are raw and real, and the journey the couple went through was depicted with honesty and care. I think that there is something to be gained from this by everyone who reads it, but it could potentially be triggering for those who are struggling or have faced loss in the past.
February 16, 2021
Arc kindly received from NetGalley and the Publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This book blew me away.
It took a very difficult and sensitive subject and handled it with so much delicacy and honesty. The artwork was simple but beautiful, and I think that is exactly what was needed to balance the heaviness of the topic.
Infertility is still seen by some as a taboo subject, and certainly isn’t spoken about enough. I think this book shows a snapshot of just how difficult and painful the journey can be, and hopefully shows we shouldn’t be scared to talk about it and lean on others.
While I can’t relate to the situation as a whole, there certainly were elements in the story that I could. I was a little worried I would find this triggering, but the topic was so well handled!
Just a stunning, heartbreaking, hopeful tale.
This book blew me away.
It took a very difficult and sensitive subject and handled it with so much delicacy and honesty. The artwork was simple but beautiful, and I think that is exactly what was needed to balance the heaviness of the topic.
Infertility is still seen by some as a taboo subject, and certainly isn’t spoken about enough. I think this book shows a snapshot of just how difficult and painful the journey can be, and hopefully shows we shouldn’t be scared to talk about it and lean on others.
While I can’t relate to the situation as a whole, there certainly were elements in the story that I could. I was a little worried I would find this triggering, but the topic was so well handled!
Just a stunning, heartbreaking, hopeful tale.
March 26, 2022
Estoy intentando leer más sobre la maternidad y leer sobre quedar embarazada, que parece muchas veces ser solo el primer paso, ha sido muy interesante. Y bueno, agradezco conocer estas historias.
February 9, 2021
Trying to conceive is really hard, especially if you are close to 35 years old, and Kelly is in this story. Your eggs start getting old, and like chickens, you don't produce quite as much as you did when you were younger. And the world makes you check your temperature, and harvest eggs and take drugs to produce more eggs. And each two week wait after you have gone through whatever you have gone through, while waiting to find out if you are pregnant is the worst time you could ever spend. You want to not think about it constantly, and you do.
I never had to go through IVF, but I did have to go through bits of it, such as the drugs for the egg producing, and the being artificially inseminated.
It is grueling, because you want to keep it to yourself, and not share until it is good news. And Kelly and Luke go through all the roller coaster that this is. That the heartache. All the pain.
Very truthful, and very tearing at the heart strings. Good book.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
I never had to go through IVF, but I did have to go through bits of it, such as the drugs for the egg producing, and the being artificially inseminated.
It is grueling, because you want to keep it to yourself, and not share until it is good news. And Kelly and Luke go through all the roller coaster that this is. That the heartache. All the pain.
Very truthful, and very tearing at the heart strings. Good book.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
February 11, 2021
This graphic novel seems to show very well the journey of a couple going through IVF.
The medical side is pretty well explained but they also don't forget to show the emotional side and how the journey can affect people in different ways.
I was pulled in and invested, did not put it down until I got to the end.
The medical side is pretty well explained but they also don't forget to show the emotional side and how the journey can affect people in different ways.
I was pulled in and invested, did not put it down until I got to the end.
June 12, 2023
Beautifully captures the emotional highs and lows of the IVF journey with few words and clever illustrations. Poignant and real ❤️
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September 6, 2021The book demystifies the technical processes of IVF for readers, and tracks the ups and downs … The drawings, by the talented German illustrator Mara Wild, are full of light and air … It is a beautifully drawn, heartfelt, real- feeling examination of the struggle to become parents.
Bernard Caleo, Readings
The Jacksons, married educators and parents of two, partner with artist Wild to tell a compassionate story about the struggle to conceive based on their own experiences and interviews with other couples who have dealt with fertility issues … Wild’s loose, fluid, warmly coloured pencil art perfectly complements the script; in swooping curves and simple shapes, she draws emotive characters in domestic settings that look lived-in. Gentle and empathetic, this enters a growing trying-to-conceive graphic medicine genre, recalling Sarah Glidden’s and Lucy Knisley’s work, and offers a touchstone for any reader dealing with IVF.
Publishers Weekly
Full of honesty and vulnerability … Two-Week Wait will appeal to readers of memoir and graphic novels alike.
Adam Ford, Books+Publishing
Compelling, harrowing … proof that comics can be much more than superhero stories — they are a dexterous art form that can effectively communicate complex, serious topics.
Giselle Au-Nhien Nguyen, The Guardian
In this lovely volume, you’ll encounter heartache, hope, humour, and a very true and personal exploration of the physical, emotional, and financial roller-coaster of IVF. You’ll also see the graphic novel form at its finest: where every dot and line has nuance and meaning, and where big ideas and feelings are conveyed with great subtlety through spare, elegant illustrations working hand-in-hand with great dialogue.
Nicki Greenberg
Readers who have never experienced IVF may find this book educative, while readers who have may be pleased to see their experience reflected with so much empathy.
Kerryn Goldsworthy, Sydney Morning Herald
The intimate struggles of a husband and wife desperate to become parents might not be universal literary fare, but with millions of couples worldwide attempting conception via IVF, Two-Week Wait will surely, deservedly find sympathetic audiences… an insightful, moving tale.
Terry Hong, Shelf Awareness
Bernard Caleo, Readings
The Jacksons, married educators and parents of two, partner with artist Wild to tell a compassionate story about the struggle to conceive based on their own experiences and interviews with other couples who have dealt with fertility issues … Wild’s loose, fluid, warmly coloured pencil art perfectly complements the script; in swooping curves and simple shapes, she draws emotive characters in domestic settings that look lived-in. Gentle and empathetic, this enters a growing trying-to-conceive graphic medicine genre, recalling Sarah Glidden’s and Lucy Knisley’s work, and offers a touchstone for any reader dealing with IVF.
Publishers Weekly
Full of honesty and vulnerability … Two-Week Wait will appeal to readers of memoir and graphic novels alike.
Adam Ford, Books+Publishing
Compelling, harrowing … proof that comics can be much more than superhero stories — they are a dexterous art form that can effectively communicate complex, serious topics.
Giselle Au-Nhien Nguyen, The Guardian
In this lovely volume, you’ll encounter heartache, hope, humour, and a very true and personal exploration of the physical, emotional, and financial roller-coaster of IVF. You’ll also see the graphic novel form at its finest: where every dot and line has nuance and meaning, and where big ideas and feelings are conveyed with great subtlety through spare, elegant illustrations working hand-in-hand with great dialogue.
Nicki Greenberg
Readers who have never experienced IVF may find this book educative, while readers who have may be pleased to see their experience reflected with so much empathy.
Kerryn Goldsworthy, Sydney Morning Herald
The intimate struggles of a husband and wife desperate to become parents might not be universal literary fare, but with millions of couples worldwide attempting conception via IVF, Two-Week Wait will surely, deservedly find sympathetic audiences… an insightful, moving tale.
Terry Hong, Shelf Awareness
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