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The Best and Hardest Thing
Fifteen-year-old Molly Biden has always been studious, dependable, some might even say saintly. And she's sick of herself. So when she spots mysterious bad boy Grady Dillon, she devises a plan to make herself over into someone new, someone who will attract Grady's attention. She succeeds but a little too well. When Molly discovers she's pregnant, she's forced to make the hardest choice of her life.
This addictive readable portrayal of Molly's struggle to accept her pregnancy and the fact that her life will never be the same is told entirely in poetry, from sonnets to haiku.
This addictive readable portrayal of Molly's struggle to accept her pregnancy and the fact that her life will never be the same is told entirely in poetry, from sonnets to haiku.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published May 13, 2010
17 people are currently reading
2155 people want to read
About the author
Pat Brisson
35 books17 followersI have been writing picture books and easy-to-read chapter books for the last twenty years. My first YA, The Best and Hardest Thing, a novel in verse, will be coming out in May 2010.
I am a former elementary school teacher, school librarian and reference librarian in a public library. I now write full-time and do author visits to schools.
My husband and I have four grown sons. We live in Phillipsburg, New Jersey.
Our last name has a short "i" sound and rhymes with "listen".
I am a former elementary school teacher, school librarian and reference librarian in a public library. I now write full-time and do author visits to schools.
My husband and I have four grown sons. We live in Phillipsburg, New Jersey.
Our last name has a short "i" sound and rhymes with "listen".
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
June 4, 2012
Normally I don't review books that I hated. Often I don't even finish reading books I don't like (life is too short) but since this was a very short verse novel and I was curious how the author was going to resolve things (I had my suspicions and they were right) I plodded through it. When I finished I got so mad at the resolution that I decided to vent my frustration in a bad review. Sorry.
First of all, the verse aspect of this novel was terrible. Most of it was in rather dull blank verse. The occasional forays into rhyme and other forms such as sonnets were rather juvenile and clunky. The author's awkward attempt at integrating the poetic form by enrolling her protagonist/narrator in a poetry class only drew attention to the weak verse. All in all, as a verse novel: FAIL.
I've read other verse novels wherein the verse is weak or poorly integrated, but most of those have a readable plot or compelling characters. Sadly this is not the case with this book. Frankly Molly was so stupid she seemed like she was extraordinarily immature and without the judgement skills to be trusted out in the world on her own. She's supposed to be a strong student and smart, but she she does nothing but say, think and do incredibly stupid and pointless things.
Her miraculous transformation from "saint" to "sinner" by changing her clothes and putting on make-up is like something a nine year old would cook up in a grade four creative writing assignment. Her attraction to the bad boy who becomes her downfall is completely arbitrary and his attraction to her seems pretty convenient too. Finally, rounding out the first half of the book is Molly's jealously of a pretty girl rival and her mindbogglingly stupid attempt to usurp her by sleeping with the bad boy.
Of course, she gets pregnant. Because when good girl goes bad she always end up pregnant. That's just the way it is.
And this is where we get to the reason I feel justified in tearing strips off this book. Bad Boy, having been arrested and sent to jail for dealing drugs(because any boy who wants sex must be bad bad bad and deserves to be punished) is out of the picture. Molly debates her options for a few pages, all alone, poor thing, because her mother is, of course, dead. Then she decides, for no real reason that is ever expressed, to have the baby and give it up for adoption.
Look, that's a legitimate choice, but in this case completely unmotivated. There is no discussion of her spiritual beliefs and no real treatment of this mythical "I have a LIFE inside me" that stupid girls are supposed to feel. She doesn't speak to a counselor until AFTER she has made her choice and never seems to think about the implications of choosing adoption for her or her child.
But she goes through with it, goes into labor at school and hands over her baby at the hospital, never to see him or know anything about him again. Uh, wrong. Most adoptions these days are open or semi open allowing the child to know their birth family. Even if she had chosen a completely closed adoption that would have been HER choice and this should have been explored.
Of course having squeezed another little bastard of a drug dealer and stupid girl to the world of upper middle class infertile white people she is back to being viewed like a saint. Irony? No, stupid and preachy. This is a pro-life book. No two ways about it. It is not balanced, not realistic and not up front with what it is.
Just once I'd like to see a girl in a book get up the duff, have an abortion and get on with saving with the world. Is that too much to ask?
First of all, the verse aspect of this novel was terrible. Most of it was in rather dull blank verse. The occasional forays into rhyme and other forms such as sonnets were rather juvenile and clunky. The author's awkward attempt at integrating the poetic form by enrolling her protagonist/narrator in a poetry class only drew attention to the weak verse. All in all, as a verse novel: FAIL.
I've read other verse novels wherein the verse is weak or poorly integrated, but most of those have a readable plot or compelling characters. Sadly this is not the case with this book. Frankly Molly was so stupid she seemed like she was extraordinarily immature and without the judgement skills to be trusted out in the world on her own. She's supposed to be a strong student and smart, but she she does nothing but say, think and do incredibly stupid and pointless things.
Her miraculous transformation from "saint" to "sinner" by changing her clothes and putting on make-up is like something a nine year old would cook up in a grade four creative writing assignment. Her attraction to the bad boy who becomes her downfall is completely arbitrary and his attraction to her seems pretty convenient too. Finally, rounding out the first half of the book is Molly's jealously of a pretty girl rival and her mindbogglingly stupid attempt to usurp her by sleeping with the bad boy.
Of course, she gets pregnant. Because when good girl goes bad she always end up pregnant. That's just the way it is.
And this is where we get to the reason I feel justified in tearing strips off this book. Bad Boy, having been arrested and sent to jail for dealing drugs(because any boy who wants sex must be bad bad bad and deserves to be punished) is out of the picture. Molly debates her options for a few pages, all alone, poor thing, because her mother is, of course, dead. Then she decides, for no real reason that is ever expressed, to have the baby and give it up for adoption.
Look, that's a legitimate choice, but in this case completely unmotivated. There is no discussion of her spiritual beliefs and no real treatment of this mythical "I have a LIFE inside me" that stupid girls are supposed to feel. She doesn't speak to a counselor until AFTER she has made her choice and never seems to think about the implications of choosing adoption for her or her child.
But she goes through with it, goes into labor at school and hands over her baby at the hospital, never to see him or know anything about him again. Uh, wrong. Most adoptions these days are open or semi open allowing the child to know their birth family. Even if she had chosen a completely closed adoption that would have been HER choice and this should have been explored.
Of course having squeezed another little bastard of a drug dealer and stupid girl to the world of upper middle class infertile white people she is back to being viewed like a saint. Irony? No, stupid and preachy. This is a pro-life book. No two ways about it. It is not balanced, not realistic and not up front with what it is.
Just once I'd like to see a girl in a book get up the duff, have an abortion and get on with saving with the world. Is that too much to ask?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 23, 2010
I picked up this book because it sounded really interesting...a book written in poetry. I've never been one for poetry, except for the typical teenage-girl-pining-away-in-misery in high school, so I really wouldn't know good poetry if it bopped me in the face. (Dr. Seuss excluded, of course.) So really, I don't know if the poems were any good. But the whole idea was really cool and something different to read.
The book is about Molly, a good girl, who gets upset to find all her classmates think of her as a goody-goody, do-gooder and she sets out to prove them all wrong. She goes shopping for short skirts and cleavage baring tops and sleeps with the bad boy in school, only to find two months later that she is pregnant.
The majority of the story is about Molly trying to attract this boy. And she's such a typical teenager you just want to smack her over the head because she will totally remind you of yourself as a teenager. You never really get what she sees in the boy, but isn't that the point of all teenage crushes?
Once she's actually pregnant (near the end), and at the point that I thought the story got really interesting, it is pretty much glossed over and the whole pregnancy lasts a couple of pages. (Almost) The latter part of the story (and her pregnancy) I thought was handled really nicely. The book didn't glorify teen pregnancy or anything like that, and I liked Molly's choice in the matter.
Sooo, not the most original plot, but the fact that it was told in poem form was pretty interesting if anyone is looking for something different. Very easy, quick read. Done in two days.
The book is about Molly, a good girl, who gets upset to find all her classmates think of her as a goody-goody, do-gooder and she sets out to prove them all wrong. She goes shopping for short skirts and cleavage baring tops and sleeps with the bad boy in school, only to find two months later that she is pregnant.
The majority of the story is about Molly trying to attract this boy. And she's such a typical teenager you just want to smack her over the head because she will totally remind you of yourself as a teenager. You never really get what she sees in the boy, but isn't that the point of all teenage crushes?
Once she's actually pregnant (near the end), and at the point that I thought the story got really interesting, it is pretty much glossed over and the whole pregnancy lasts a couple of pages. (Almost) The latter part of the story (and her pregnancy) I thought was handled really nicely. The book didn't glorify teen pregnancy or anything like that, and I liked Molly's choice in the matter.
Sooo, not the most original plot, but the fact that it was told in poem form was pretty interesting if anyone is looking for something different. Very easy, quick read. Done in two days.
July 15, 2013
22 February 2010 Richie's Picks: THE BEST AND HARDEST THING by Pat Brisson,Viking, May 2010, 240p., ISBN: 978-0-670-01166-7
"It's been three weeks since you've been looking for your friend
The one you let hit it and never called you again"
-- Lauryn Hill "Doo Wop (That Thing)"
"Carnal Knowledge But No Other
I don't know his middle name,
his birthday,
where he was born.
I don't know his favorite cereal,
his favorite sport,
his favorite flavor of ice cream.
I don't know why he moved here,
who he lives with,
how long he's staying.
I don't know if he wants to go to college,
join the army,
or what he wants to be.
I don't know if he has any brothers,
or cousins,
or pets.
I don't know if he believes in God,
or fairy tales,
or love.
I don't know much about him at all --
so why did I think I knew
he would use a condom."
My own first-time experience was not at all unique. Like Molly, the narrator of THE BEST AND HARDEST THING, I was fifteen. All I really knew for sure about sex beforehand was what I had picked up from once watching a pair of dogs. I had no older siblings in whom to confide and I was never offered a fatherly talk. I'd never encountered a photo or a diagram of a condom, no less seen one in person.
We were both consuming alcohol the night of that first time. In a recent telephone conversation, our memories conflicted as to where we were and whose idea it mostly was. What we agree on now is that it had not been a very good idea.
It was really good to talk with that old friend for the first time in nearly forty years. What is most amazing (and a great argument for teens holding off as long as possible) is recognizing that in the course of that one long telephone call the other night, I learned more about her childhood -- siblings, parents and grandparents, childhood friends, and adolescent beliefs -- than I'd picked up over the course of our entire eight-month-long high school relationship.
No. What is MOST amazing is that we didn't get pregnant. (I came to find out in that recent conversation that two of her older siblings had gotten married because of unplanned pregnancies.) I feel such relief in looking back and recognizing that this had been one more of those instances in my reckless adolescence when -- thanks to the vagaries of luck -- I somehow defied the odds to which so many others fall victim.
Others, like the young woman in this story, are not so lucky.
"Bad Boys
What is it about some guys?
They give off sparks as they walk by.
It doesn't mater if they're short or tall;
it doesn't matter if they're dark or light.
Some guys are beyond explanation;
some guys are both wrong and so right.
They give off sparks as they walk by,
and I'm inflammable and dry."
Molly Biden has always been studious and dependable. Never having known her father, she's been living with her grandmother since her mother died. When, in the wake of a revealing English class exercise about perceptions she decides that it is time to shed her goody-goody image by making herself over, she develops and carries out a plan to win over the mysterious, silent, and attractive new boy in town as if it were an AP science class project.
Unfortunately, her experiment explodes in her face when, after engaging in intercourse with him in order to win his loyalty and affection, the young man shows no further interest in their afterschool activities and then disappears from school entirely.
Three months later, still waiting for her period, Molly flunks the (pregnancy) test and reality sets in. What is she going to do?
The one thing we do know, given the cover illustration, is that she decides against having an abortion.
I really like how the author places a lot of focus on the rivalry that Molly perceives between herself and the Senior girl who is also making a move on the guy. Getting the sense of Molly's being determined to succeed at any cost is key to understanding why this AP student chooses to engage in reckless behavior ,and it is all quite realistically portrayed.
In crafting Molly's story, author Pat Brisson utilizes a great variety of poetic forms. In an innovative approach to supplementing the book in a way that she can fully explain the poetry and her process, Brisson is posting an extensive online glossary that is accessible through her author website. The glossary provides a how-and-why behind-the-scenes look at the poetry forms that she has utilized and her reasons for employing particular forms in specific situations. I am counting eighteen different forms that she has utilized in the book and has then explained in this very useful glossary.
No matter whose statistics and trends you examine, there is no question that there are still far too many adolescents who lack accurate information, who engage in sex, and who engage in unprotected sex. THE BEST AND HARDEST THING is one of those high-interest books of great value that you want to get in the hands of lots of eighth and ninth graders in the hope that some of them will later recognize and respond responsibly to the developing signs of temporary hormonal insanity in their own minds.
Richie Partington, MLIS
Richie's Picks http://richiespicks.com
BudNotBuddy@aol.com
Moderator http://groups.yahoo.com/group/middle_... http://slisweb.sjsu.edu/people/facult...
"It's been three weeks since you've been looking for your friend
The one you let hit it and never called you again"
-- Lauryn Hill "Doo Wop (That Thing)"
"Carnal Knowledge But No Other
I don't know his middle name,
his birthday,
where he was born.
I don't know his favorite cereal,
his favorite sport,
his favorite flavor of ice cream.
I don't know why he moved here,
who he lives with,
how long he's staying.
I don't know if he wants to go to college,
join the army,
or what he wants to be.
I don't know if he has any brothers,
or cousins,
or pets.
I don't know if he believes in God,
or fairy tales,
or love.
I don't know much about him at all --
so why did I think I knew
he would use a condom."
My own first-time experience was not at all unique. Like Molly, the narrator of THE BEST AND HARDEST THING, I was fifteen. All I really knew for sure about sex beforehand was what I had picked up from once watching a pair of dogs. I had no older siblings in whom to confide and I was never offered a fatherly talk. I'd never encountered a photo or a diagram of a condom, no less seen one in person.
We were both consuming alcohol the night of that first time. In a recent telephone conversation, our memories conflicted as to where we were and whose idea it mostly was. What we agree on now is that it had not been a very good idea.
It was really good to talk with that old friend for the first time in nearly forty years. What is most amazing (and a great argument for teens holding off as long as possible) is recognizing that in the course of that one long telephone call the other night, I learned more about her childhood -- siblings, parents and grandparents, childhood friends, and adolescent beliefs -- than I'd picked up over the course of our entire eight-month-long high school relationship.
No. What is MOST amazing is that we didn't get pregnant. (I came to find out in that recent conversation that two of her older siblings had gotten married because of unplanned pregnancies.) I feel such relief in looking back and recognizing that this had been one more of those instances in my reckless adolescence when -- thanks to the vagaries of luck -- I somehow defied the odds to which so many others fall victim.
Others, like the young woman in this story, are not so lucky.
"Bad Boys
What is it about some guys?
They give off sparks as they walk by.
It doesn't mater if they're short or tall;
it doesn't matter if they're dark or light.
Some guys are beyond explanation;
some guys are both wrong and so right.
They give off sparks as they walk by,
and I'm inflammable and dry."
Molly Biden has always been studious and dependable. Never having known her father, she's been living with her grandmother since her mother died. When, in the wake of a revealing English class exercise about perceptions she decides that it is time to shed her goody-goody image by making herself over, she develops and carries out a plan to win over the mysterious, silent, and attractive new boy in town as if it were an AP science class project.
Unfortunately, her experiment explodes in her face when, after engaging in intercourse with him in order to win his loyalty and affection, the young man shows no further interest in their afterschool activities and then disappears from school entirely.
Three months later, still waiting for her period, Molly flunks the (pregnancy) test and reality sets in. What is she going to do?
The one thing we do know, given the cover illustration, is that she decides against having an abortion.
I really like how the author places a lot of focus on the rivalry that Molly perceives between herself and the Senior girl who is also making a move on the guy. Getting the sense of Molly's being determined to succeed at any cost is key to understanding why this AP student chooses to engage in reckless behavior ,and it is all quite realistically portrayed.
In crafting Molly's story, author Pat Brisson utilizes a great variety of poetic forms. In an innovative approach to supplementing the book in a way that she can fully explain the poetry and her process, Brisson is posting an extensive online glossary that is accessible through her author website. The glossary provides a how-and-why behind-the-scenes look at the poetry forms that she has utilized and her reasons for employing particular forms in specific situations. I am counting eighteen different forms that she has utilized in the book and has then explained in this very useful glossary.
No matter whose statistics and trends you examine, there is no question that there are still far too many adolescents who lack accurate information, who engage in sex, and who engage in unprotected sex. THE BEST AND HARDEST THING is one of those high-interest books of great value that you want to get in the hands of lots of eighth and ninth graders in the hope that some of them will later recognize and respond responsibly to the developing signs of temporary hormonal insanity in their own minds.
Richie Partington, MLIS
Richie's Picks http://richiespicks.com
BudNotBuddy@aol.com
Moderator http://groups.yahoo.com/group/middle_... http://slisweb.sjsu.edu/people/facult...
January 10, 2011
REVIEW FOR THE BEST AND HARDEST THING BY PAT BRISSON
I guess you can say that from my five star rating that this was a book that was meant to be gushed over- but in all seriousness, this was not those kinds of books. Instead, it was one that had a funny, but an also sullen and solemn mood. The thing that attracted me the most to this book was its interesting format- a collection of poems that told one story and novel. The style reminded me of the book What My Mother Doesn't Know by Sonya Sones, which is also written in poem form. While some might say that the poetry took away from Molly's story, I thought it not only contributed greatly but could not have been told otherwise.
The novel follows Molly Biden (told in first person) who is described as saintly and is a goody-goody at school. After finally having enough of her strenuous reputation, Molly decides to break away, and successfully attracts the attention of the new boy at school, a senior of the name of Grady. While gaining Grady gains her some popularity, she also realizes she has become pregnant with Grady's child. The title indeed describes the choice Molly makes- will she go through abortion, or give birth to the baby? Through simple but deep verses, Molly describes the hardships of her pregnancies and the stressful choices she makes throughout the book, and while the plot itself is not original, the way it's told is interesting and original. The message is also a great one, and underlying the seriousness is a Molly Biden's unique humor and voice, which allows the story to take flight. A fast read, but entirely in-depth, The Best and Hardest Thing is one of the most thoughtful books I've ever read.
I guess you can say that from my five star rating that this was a book that was meant to be gushed over- but in all seriousness, this was not those kinds of books. Instead, it was one that had a funny, but an also sullen and solemn mood. The thing that attracted me the most to this book was its interesting format- a collection of poems that told one story and novel. The style reminded me of the book What My Mother Doesn't Know by Sonya Sones, which is also written in poem form. While some might say that the poetry took away from Molly's story, I thought it not only contributed greatly but could not have been told otherwise.
The novel follows Molly Biden (told in first person) who is described as saintly and is a goody-goody at school. After finally having enough of her strenuous reputation, Molly decides to break away, and successfully attracts the attention of the new boy at school, a senior of the name of Grady. While gaining Grady gains her some popularity, she also realizes she has become pregnant with Grady's child. The title indeed describes the choice Molly makes- will she go through abortion, or give birth to the baby? Through simple but deep verses, Molly describes the hardships of her pregnancies and the stressful choices she makes throughout the book, and while the plot itself is not original, the way it's told is interesting and original. The message is also a great one, and underlying the seriousness is a Molly Biden's unique humor and voice, which allows the story to take flight. A fast read, but entirely in-depth, The Best and Hardest Thing is one of the most thoughtful books I've ever read.
May 17, 2016
It is my belief that writing books in verse is a terribly tricky things. Authors like Ellen Hopkins and Sonya Sones make it look easy. It isn't until you read a terribly horrible book written in verse, such as The Best and Hardest Thing, that you realize not every author has such skill.
It is clear Pat Brisson is no poet. In fact, I'm pretty sure I've read better poetry in my Brit Lit class last year. (The girl next to me wrote an intro paragraph to a paper and asked me to look at it. She asked me what I thought of her thesis. Problem? There wasn't one! Use this information to draw your own conclusions on the poetry produced in class.) It's forced, stiff, and honestly makes no sense with the story she is telling.
My next problem is the premise itself. Molly, a seemingly smart girl, is called saintly in English class, and then she thinks, 'Well, this is such a horrible thing that I must start dressing like a skank and seduce a guy I barely know.' What a twit! No truly smart girl would do such a thing. The whole basic premise pissed me off so much I could barely focus on the rest of the book. And what does her best friend do? Tell her this is a bad idea and that it's okay to be a good girl? Nope! She helps her plan the slutover. Seriously? My best friend would yell at me and tell me I'm being ridiculous. And then Molly barely knew the guy. I think most smart girls would at least want to date a guy before giving up their virginity. Or at least that's what I've heard. (Personally, I would never do it until I'm married, but that's just Catholic school speaking.)
This probably ranks in my list of "Most Unnecessary Books Ever Written" right to Twilight and Moby Dick. Pat Brisson, please stick to writing what I am sure are very delightful children books and stay away from the young adult genre.
It is clear Pat Brisson is no poet. In fact, I'm pretty sure I've read better poetry in my Brit Lit class last year. (The girl next to me wrote an intro paragraph to a paper and asked me to look at it. She asked me what I thought of her thesis. Problem? There wasn't one! Use this information to draw your own conclusions on the poetry produced in class.) It's forced, stiff, and honestly makes no sense with the story she is telling.
My next problem is the premise itself. Molly, a seemingly smart girl, is called saintly in English class, and then she thinks, 'Well, this is such a horrible thing that I must start dressing like a skank and seduce a guy I barely know.' What a twit! No truly smart girl would do such a thing. The whole basic premise pissed me off so much I could barely focus on the rest of the book. And what does her best friend do? Tell her this is a bad idea and that it's okay to be a good girl? Nope! She helps her plan the slutover. Seriously? My best friend would yell at me and tell me I'm being ridiculous. And then Molly barely knew the guy. I think most smart girls would at least want to date a guy before giving up their virginity. Or at least that's what I've heard. (Personally, I would never do it until I'm married, but that's just Catholic school speaking.)
This probably ranks in my list of "Most Unnecessary Books Ever Written" right to Twilight and Moby Dick. Pat Brisson, please stick to writing what I am sure are very delightful children books and stay away from the young adult genre.
September 26, 2014
i loved this book and did not think that i would.
May 16, 2019
It was good. It’s written entirely in verse so that makes it an easy read. That’s one of the reasons I chose the book actually. I never read a modern book in verse so wanted to try it. The other reason was the premise. It’s something real teens are dealing with. The voice is good even with a cliche premise. I would recommend this book to those who are in rough places in life or those who enjoy to critic poetry. It is a very cliche book with a fairly predictable ending but it isn’t very long so doesn’t lose your interest quickly.
I probably wouldn’t teach this book to an entire class. It over simplifies teenage pregnancy in a way. However, it does cover many other good issues like self worth, and image issues. It would be good to use as a starter for a poetry unit. In the book she explores different types of poems and effectively expresses herself.
Language: rare use of mild language
Violence: mentions guns being used and a fight is vaguely mentioned
Drugs: mention of a drug deal
Sex: obviously. Her first sexual encounter is described in few words
Rock and Roll: abortion is mentioned and considered, non nuclear family arrangement
I probably wouldn’t teach this book to an entire class. It over simplifies teenage pregnancy in a way. However, it does cover many other good issues like self worth, and image issues. It would be good to use as a starter for a poetry unit. In the book she explores different types of poems and effectively expresses herself.
Language: rare use of mild language
Violence: mentions guns being used and a fight is vaguely mentioned
Drugs: mention of a drug deal
Sex: obviously. Her first sexual encounter is described in few words
Rock and Roll: abortion is mentioned and considered, non nuclear family arrangement
January 10, 2019
A quick read, simple poetry, and a relatable character which makes all teenage girls consider that it really could happen to them.
However, at times it felt unnecessarily long and some of the verses were so simplistic they weren't as enjoyable to read. Molly's 'transformation' to get the guy seems pathetic and stupid - but encapsulated her teenager-y-ness. It doesn't mean it made her anymore likeable, however.
Stereotypical in nature, but an okay book in my opinion. It won't go about changing your life or anything, and I'm disappointed by the style. I was looking forward to a book written in verse.
However, at times it felt unnecessarily long and some of the verses were so simplistic they weren't as enjoyable to read. Molly's 'transformation' to get the guy seems pathetic and stupid - but encapsulated her teenager-y-ness. It doesn't mean it made her anymore likeable, however.
Stereotypical in nature, but an okay book in my opinion. It won't go about changing your life or anything, and I'm disappointed by the style. I was looking forward to a book written in verse.
December 22, 2017
Short, quick read, dug from the bottom of my to-read pile. The poetry wasn't that great, but there were hints of something better. I understand why it was in verse, but I think it could have been a better story if it were in full sentence and paragraphs. A companion novel about the friend would also be interesting.
May 14, 2017
Mainly picked this up as it's written in verse and was something different from what I normally read. It was a quick read, as I expected.
December 26, 2022
This was the worst and silliest read.
March 16, 2022
This book was a breeze to fly through. It had several types of poems. It seemed to be beautifully written. Topics were addressed. It moved well. It was overall a great quick read.
October 8, 2012
The main character is Molly Biden. A teenage girl that's smart, likes studying and she is known as a "saint." A good little girl. Only talks to one girl has no friends, because she doesn't like having a group of friends. Another important character is Grady Dillon. The boy Molly changes for, into being a "saint" into a "bad girl." He's very attractive and a lot of girls try to get at him. A third important character is Molly's Grandma & her best friend Barbara they both are nice to her and always have been their for her on everything even though Barbara moves out to somewhere far.
Molly decides to change into being a "saint" or "good girl" into a "bad girl" just for this guy Dillon. All she wants from him is attention so he can end up talking to her. He doesn't really talk to her until she goes up to him in lunch and starts talking to him. Their is another girl that talks to Dillon and wins Molly's lunch seat next to him. Molly's best friend Barbara helps her from going good to bad. She also moves from where she just to live and she doesn't see Molly at all anymore. Molly just doesn't really talk to anyone so she is on her own on trying to get Dillon. One day in lunch Molly invites Dillon to go chill with her. So Dillon goes and they end up chilling together. While Molly takes him somewhere they both end up having sexual relationships. Dillon doesn't use a condom and that's how everything turns out bad for Molly. It is the best and hardest thing she ends up doing.
One of the best passages from this occurs on page 127, when Molly finds out why Dillon doesn't call her anymore and what he really was. This part of the book was important because Molly finds out that Dillon was charged with four counts of possession of dangerous substances and possession of a handgun. She didn't even know he was like that but she just wanted to sleep with him without knowing anything about him.
If you like short poem written books, with pregnancy and with girls your age in high school then you'll enjoy this book because this teenage girl is only i think 16 years old and she goes from being a good girl into a bad girl. It also is really easy to read because of the way its written in. This book reminds me of teenage girls in my school because some of them are 16 and they where pregnant and had to deal with it in school with everyone staring just like Molly had too in her school. And im pretty sure it was hard to tell their parents just like it was hard for Molly to tell her Gram.
I would recommend this book to any teenage person that has gone with a pregnancy and lives as a single mother or has to give up their baby for adoption. Either because they can't afford paying for their things or either because they are to young and still want to finish school. I would also recommend this book to young teenagers that like short novels and like drama.
Molly decides to change into being a "saint" or "good girl" into a "bad girl" just for this guy Dillon. All she wants from him is attention so he can end up talking to her. He doesn't really talk to her until she goes up to him in lunch and starts talking to him. Their is another girl that talks to Dillon and wins Molly's lunch seat next to him. Molly's best friend Barbara helps her from going good to bad. She also moves from where she just to live and she doesn't see Molly at all anymore. Molly just doesn't really talk to anyone so she is on her own on trying to get Dillon. One day in lunch Molly invites Dillon to go chill with her. So Dillon goes and they end up chilling together. While Molly takes him somewhere they both end up having sexual relationships. Dillon doesn't use a condom and that's how everything turns out bad for Molly. It is the best and hardest thing she ends up doing.
One of the best passages from this occurs on page 127, when Molly finds out why Dillon doesn't call her anymore and what he really was. This part of the book was important because Molly finds out that Dillon was charged with four counts of possession of dangerous substances and possession of a handgun. She didn't even know he was like that but she just wanted to sleep with him without knowing anything about him.
If you like short poem written books, with pregnancy and with girls your age in high school then you'll enjoy this book because this teenage girl is only i think 16 years old and she goes from being a good girl into a bad girl. It also is really easy to read because of the way its written in. This book reminds me of teenage girls in my school because some of them are 16 and they where pregnant and had to deal with it in school with everyone staring just like Molly had too in her school. And im pretty sure it was hard to tell their parents just like it was hard for Molly to tell her Gram.
I would recommend this book to any teenage person that has gone with a pregnancy and lives as a single mother or has to give up their baby for adoption. Either because they can't afford paying for their things or either because they are to young and still want to finish school. I would also recommend this book to young teenagers that like short novels and like drama.
September 18, 2010
Molly Biden at fifteen is a saint. At least that's what everyone calls her. She always follows the rules, does what she is told and is in general a good girl. Molly decides that she wants to kick her saintly image and decides to try on a more rebellious side. She starts to flirt with the (extremely attractive) new guy. When one thing leads to another Molly at sixteen winds up pregnant and facing a very difficult decision.
Hooray for novels in verse, they really are just fantastic. This novel was a bit different from others I have read in verse because this novel explored many different types of poetry instead of just one to tell the whole story. Molly is a scared and alone teen. Molly's voice rings clear and true with the heaviness of the world bearing down on her. Sure there are people who have to suffer worse but, each person has their trials and Molly's are some that many would not want to have to endure. Having lost her mom at a young age and being raised by her grandmother, definitely had an effect on her actions and emotions. Molly looks at the challenges she has to face and honestly I think she succeeded admirably. There are hard decisions and life and some people have to face them really early on. I think this is a great novel about accidental teen pregnancy and girls should definitely read it. Not only does this novel make you feel better about having to make those hard decisions, but it tells you that every decision you make can lead to something bigger. This book wasn't super preachy saying that teen sex is wrong. Molly is rueful, but isn't overly depressed and wishing she did something different. Molly gracefully accepts the consequences of her actions and I think that is an excellent and important message. Although teen pregnancy is not necessarily a light subject, this novel approaches it with a more jovial feel. Molly cracks jokes, writes poetry to her virginity and in general is a pretty positive person. If you love novels in verse make sure you make time for this debut from Pat Brisson, it was a truly fantastic read.
First Line:
"She was a Golden Rule kind of girl--
doing-unto-others-as-she-would-have-them-
etcetera."
Favorite Line:
"Molly,
this is your virginity speaking."
Hooray for novels in verse, they really are just fantastic. This novel was a bit different from others I have read in verse because this novel explored many different types of poetry instead of just one to tell the whole story. Molly is a scared and alone teen. Molly's voice rings clear and true with the heaviness of the world bearing down on her. Sure there are people who have to suffer worse but, each person has their trials and Molly's are some that many would not want to have to endure. Having lost her mom at a young age and being raised by her grandmother, definitely had an effect on her actions and emotions. Molly looks at the challenges she has to face and honestly I think she succeeded admirably. There are hard decisions and life and some people have to face them really early on. I think this is a great novel about accidental teen pregnancy and girls should definitely read it. Not only does this novel make you feel better about having to make those hard decisions, but it tells you that every decision you make can lead to something bigger. This book wasn't super preachy saying that teen sex is wrong. Molly is rueful, but isn't overly depressed and wishing she did something different. Molly gracefully accepts the consequences of her actions and I think that is an excellent and important message. Although teen pregnancy is not necessarily a light subject, this novel approaches it with a more jovial feel. Molly cracks jokes, writes poetry to her virginity and in general is a pretty positive person. If you love novels in verse make sure you make time for this debut from Pat Brisson, it was a truly fantastic read.
First Line:
"She was a Golden Rule kind of girl--
doing-unto-others-as-she-would-have-them-
etcetera."
Favorite Line:
"Molly,
this is your virginity speaking."
September 1, 2011
Molly Biden, sick of being seen as "saintly," decides to go after bad-boy Grady Dillon. With the help of her best friend she undergoes a makeover to become the sort of girl a boy like him could be interested in and for the first time in her life she isn't the quiet, studious good girl everyone expects her to be: she's bad. But when she ends up pregnant, she realizes that her new personality and affections for a boy she really doesn't know very well has gone too far and she finds herself having to make some very tough decisions.
A big part of the reason I wanted to read this book was because it's written in verse and I have a love for novels in verse. With some stories it works extraordinarily well but unfortunately with this particular story I felt like the poems were more of a liability. Though sex and pregnancy are talked about very frankly, I felt that there was so much glossed over. Molly's a smart-but-stupid girl being raised by her grandmother and her family history, especially the death of her mother, was some of the most powerful stuff in the book. I felt like it gave a real glimpse into her character and wished that it had been explored in more detail. There's not a ton of character development here, partly due to the format of the book. This is a very issue-driven novel and the despite the fact that Molly's actual pregnancy takes up less than half of the book, this issue took over everything else. I often felt that Molly wasn't so much a character as a type of character and as much as I enjoyed the book, I wanted more depth to her character.
This was an enjoyable novel. There were hints of a great and very moving story lying beneath the surface, but sadly they remained only hints and at times the issue and overall message of the book overshadowed everything else. I did appreciate the mature way Molly dealt with her pregnancy -- not by hiding it from herself or other, but by facing it. I wish her choice had been explored in more detail as it's one I don't think I've seen presented in a YA novel before - at least not from this perspective. If you're looking for a teen pregnancy book, I'd recommend adding this one to the list.
A big part of the reason I wanted to read this book was because it's written in verse and I have a love for novels in verse. With some stories it works extraordinarily well but unfortunately with this particular story I felt like the poems were more of a liability. Though sex and pregnancy are talked about very frankly, I felt that there was so much glossed over. Molly's a smart-but-stupid girl being raised by her grandmother and her family history, especially the death of her mother, was some of the most powerful stuff in the book. I felt like it gave a real glimpse into her character and wished that it had been explored in more detail. There's not a ton of character development here, partly due to the format of the book. This is a very issue-driven novel and the despite the fact that Molly's actual pregnancy takes up less than half of the book, this issue took over everything else. I often felt that Molly wasn't so much a character as a type of character and as much as I enjoyed the book, I wanted more depth to her character.
This was an enjoyable novel. There were hints of a great and very moving story lying beneath the surface, but sadly they remained only hints and at times the issue and overall message of the book overshadowed everything else. I did appreciate the mature way Molly dealt with her pregnancy -- not by hiding it from herself or other, but by facing it. I wish her choice had been explored in more detail as it's one I don't think I've seen presented in a YA novel before - at least not from this perspective. If you're looking for a teen pregnancy book, I'd recommend adding this one to the list.
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April 13, 2015More reviews at Bookaholics Anonymous
This book was an easy read just because of the way it was written. (Versus form) Even though it was written this way it still packed a bit of a punch. If I had to go through what Molly went through at age 15 I don't know what I would have done. I don't know if I could have made those decisions. At 15 I wasn't thinking about whether or not to keep a baby, or any of the other things she thought (actually) The book shows just how much peer pressure one person can sometimes take, or how just a single word can completely change a persons way of thinking. That person can be on the right track, and be a good kid (Let's face it that's still what a 15 year old is) then one little word assignment from a teacher, and her life spirals out of control. She no longer wants to be a "good girl" "nice" "studious" "saintly" all words which her classmates chose for her.
So what does she do about this? Easy. Yeah, that pretty much somes it up. She changes herself into someone new to get Grady's attention. I don't know it seemed like it went a little to well for her. (Maybe guys are just that easy to impress, or he just wanted some. My guess being the second.) Sorry for being kind of straight forward, but it's the truth. That was one part I was like really? You're going to make it that easy on him to get what he wants? Smart girls can do stupid things apparently. I had a hard time really liking the characters if you couldn't tell from the above. Everyone just seemed stupid.
I did like the book if not for any other reason then it hit on some subjects that teenagers are faced with in teenager-hood? Teenager-dom? Adolescence that's the word. (I still liked the other words better. Total Ashley words) so that's a plus. :) If anything I hope it helps others who read it to understand that sometimes one word can change a person.
I know it's a bit of a short review. Sometimes that happens I can only think of a few things to say. *sigh*
This book was an easy read just because of the way it was written. (Versus form) Even though it was written this way it still packed a bit of a punch. If I had to go through what Molly went through at age 15 I don't know what I would have done. I don't know if I could have made those decisions. At 15 I wasn't thinking about whether or not to keep a baby, or any of the other things she thought (actually) The book shows just how much peer pressure one person can sometimes take, or how just a single word can completely change a persons way of thinking. That person can be on the right track, and be a good kid (Let's face it that's still what a 15 year old is) then one little word assignment from a teacher, and her life spirals out of control. She no longer wants to be a "good girl" "nice" "studious" "saintly" all words which her classmates chose for her.
So what does she do about this? Easy. Yeah, that pretty much somes it up. She changes herself into someone new to get Grady's attention. I don't know it seemed like it went a little to well for her. (Maybe guys are just that easy to impress, or he just wanted some. My guess being the second.) Sorry for being kind of straight forward, but it's the truth. That was one part I was like really? You're going to make it that easy on him to get what he wants? Smart girls can do stupid things apparently. I had a hard time really liking the characters if you couldn't tell from the above. Everyone just seemed stupid.
I did like the book if not for any other reason then it hit on some subjects that teenagers are faced with in teenager-hood? Teenager-dom? Adolescence that's the word. (I still liked the other words better. Total Ashley words) so that's a plus. :) If anything I hope it helps others who read it to understand that sometimes one word can change a person.
I know it's a bit of a short review. Sometimes that happens I can only think of a few things to say. *sigh*
July 29, 2016
I'm certain anyone who actually reads the title, would be able to figure out what decision Molly makes in the end. However, just in case, I won't say what she decides.
Pat Brisson does a wonderful job of hooking you in, straight from the beginning. The very first poem walks you through the event that led Molly to the changes she decides to make. I had trouble putting it down after that point.
One thing that I found annoying was, the change seemed too quick, and worked a little too well. I realize less is more with verse novels, but for whatever reason, I just couldn't shake the feeling that it was a bit far-fetched.
Nevertheless, young girls are duped into these flings for their first time, and up pregnant quite often in our society. Though, I wouldn't really say Molly was "duped". She was naive and had no idea what she was getting herself into, but she intentionally got herself into that mess.
Molly learns a whole lot from that mistake. She handles the situation quite maturely, and I found myself applauding her (only in my head, of course). It's almost as if there was an off-switch on her immaturity, and those double pink lines flipped it.
As I was reading it, I had initially intended to rate it four stars. That was until I got to the end, when Molly makes her final decision, and I actually came to tears. As she describes the baby, and the empty feeling in her stomach immediately after giving birth, I actually felt something. I enjoy poetry, always have, but I've never actually been moved by it, and this time I was. I think that's five star worthy, don't you?
Pat Brisson does a wonderful job of hooking you in, straight from the beginning. The very first poem walks you through the event that led Molly to the changes she decides to make. I had trouble putting it down after that point.
One thing that I found annoying was, the change seemed too quick, and worked a little too well. I realize less is more with verse novels, but for whatever reason, I just couldn't shake the feeling that it was a bit far-fetched.
Nevertheless, young girls are duped into these flings for their first time, and up pregnant quite often in our society. Though, I wouldn't really say Molly was "duped". She was naive and had no idea what she was getting herself into, but she intentionally got herself into that mess.
Molly learns a whole lot from that mistake. She handles the situation quite maturely, and I found myself applauding her (only in my head, of course). It's almost as if there was an off-switch on her immaturity, and those double pink lines flipped it.
As I was reading it, I had initially intended to rate it four stars. That was until I got to the end, when Molly makes her final decision, and I actually came to tears. As she describes the baby, and the empty feeling in her stomach immediately after giving birth, I actually felt something. I enjoy poetry, always have, but I've never actually been moved by it, and this time I was. I think that's five star worthy, don't you?
November 9, 2013
I can't begin to tell you how impressed I am with authors that can write novels using poems. I also have a deep interest in teen pregnancy, so of course I was excited to read this book.
It was....good, but a little disappointing. A little more than half the book was just about her trying to reinvent herself in order to impress a guy. It was the guy that was the father of the child she carried. In a story of teen pregnancy, it's good to mention the father somewhere, but this book spent way to long on it. Like I said, it took up about half the book.
It was also a little too predictable. I mean, obviously I knew before hand she was going to be pregnant in the book, but it literally was like, "I have this box of condoms so I won't be pregnant. I'm going to remember to take one with me so I won't be pregnant. Wait, I don't think I saw him put one on. I sure do hope he doesn't impregnate me! Gee, I hope that didn't just make me pregnant. Oh no! I'm pregnant!" If I had written the book, I would have made it so either no form of birth control was mentioned, or the birth control fails.
But, alas, I don't completely hate the book. The wide range of styles impressed me (most books written in poems stick with one style only, which is fine, but the fact that this book did a lot of different ones made it seem more daring). There were some poems from it that I really liked.
Basically what I'm trying to say is the story itself could have been improved, but the book's prose was still really good.
It was....good, but a little disappointing. A little more than half the book was just about her trying to reinvent herself in order to impress a guy. It was the guy that was the father of the child she carried. In a story of teen pregnancy, it's good to mention the father somewhere, but this book spent way to long on it. Like I said, it took up about half the book.
It was also a little too predictable. I mean, obviously I knew before hand she was going to be pregnant in the book, but it literally was like, "I have this box of condoms so I won't be pregnant. I'm going to remember to take one with me so I won't be pregnant. Wait, I don't think I saw him put one on. I sure do hope he doesn't impregnate me! Gee, I hope that didn't just make me pregnant. Oh no! I'm pregnant!" If I had written the book, I would have made it so either no form of birth control was mentioned, or the birth control fails.
But, alas, I don't completely hate the book. The wide range of styles impressed me (most books written in poems stick with one style only, which is fine, but the fact that this book did a lot of different ones made it seem more daring). There were some poems from it that I really liked.
Basically what I'm trying to say is the story itself could have been improved, but the book's prose was still really good.
October 10, 2013
The Best and Hardest Thing wasn't what I expected it to be.
First of all, I had been waiting to be able to buy it for a while and doing so, I forgot it was poetry. And then, I finally bought it and I was kind of disappointed because I could have gone on with my life without absolutely having to read it. (I'm such a sucker when it comes to spending money, ugh.)
Anyway, I won't say I didn't like it at all because that would not be true. The Best and Hardest Thing is more about life lessons than just another book to read. Molly made a big mistake with her choices and she paid the price. For a smart girl, she really did make a dumb choice. And seriously, Grady was the epitome of bad choice that would screw her over.
Even though she should have known better, I kind of felt bad for Molly, having to give up her baby like that. That was a smart move though, she came back to her senses and realized that she couldn't kill the baby (because let's be honest, abortion is killing this little pound of life), and she also knez that she couldn't take care of him. Adoption was the best choice, she chose what was best for her baby and I kind of admire her for that. She had the courage to do the best and hardest thing.
First of all, I had been waiting to be able to buy it for a while and doing so, I forgot it was poetry. And then, I finally bought it and I was kind of disappointed because I could have gone on with my life without absolutely having to read it. (I'm such a sucker when it comes to spending money, ugh.)
Anyway, I won't say I didn't like it at all because that would not be true. The Best and Hardest Thing is more about life lessons than just another book to read. Molly made a big mistake with her choices and she paid the price. For a smart girl, she really did make a dumb choice. And seriously, Grady was the epitome of bad choice that would screw her over.
The smart girl positively fails this one.
Remember, if you're having sex,
To always use rubber.
Even though she should have known better, I kind of felt bad for Molly, having to give up her baby like that. That was a smart move though, she came back to her senses and realized that she couldn't kill the baby (because let's be honest, abortion is killing this little pound of life), and she also knez that she couldn't take care of him. Adoption was the best choice, she chose what was best for her baby and I kind of admire her for that. She had the courage to do the best and hardest thing.
May 29, 2010
Molly Biden is described by her classmates as “saintly” and “nice” and she wants to change that. With the help of her best friend, she makes drastic adjustments to her appearance and gains the attention of the token hottie and bad boy of the school. When things get out of hand and her ambitions go a little far, she finds herself pregnant and having to make the decision of a lifetime.
Author Pat Brisson tells this timeless tale through the use of poetic form, which does limit the character development somewhat. It is apparent that Brisson has done plenty of research and practice with different types of poetry, and that fact allows us to see Molly through different “eyes” throughout the novel. I was drawn to this novel because of my life history, being born my dad’s senior year in high school and having knowledge of the struggles that my parents went through, but eventually was a bit disappointed in the cliche storyline that the author has created for Molly. The message that novel gets across to the reader is a good one, but the depth is just a bit lacking.
Author Pat Brisson tells this timeless tale through the use of poetic form, which does limit the character development somewhat. It is apparent that Brisson has done plenty of research and practice with different types of poetry, and that fact allows us to see Molly through different “eyes” throughout the novel. I was drawn to this novel because of my life history, being born my dad’s senior year in high school and having knowledge of the struggles that my parents went through, but eventually was a bit disappointed in the cliche storyline that the author has created for Molly. The message that novel gets across to the reader is a good one, but the depth is just a bit lacking.
February 14, 2012
Concept/Ideas: 4/5
Storyline/Plot: 4/5
Characters: 3/5
Writing Style: 3/5
Overall Rating: 4/5 stars
Mixed feelings about this one. Yet another book on teenage pregnancy, but with a twist. The author decided to write this novel through verse, which I thought was fresh.
The characters were pretty shallow though, and not a lot of detail was put into them. I felt like it definitely wouldn't have been impossible (seeing how Ellen Hopkins can pack a whole lot of feeling and character development in her novels). Not a whole lot was really revealed about the main character, which can always be a little annoying when reading a book you don't really feel connected with.
Yes, there were some downs with this book, but overall it was a short, decent read that leaves a good message in the end. I reccommend it, especially if your only looking for a light, short read.
Storyline/Plot: 4/5
Characters: 3/5
Writing Style: 3/5
Overall Rating: 4/5 stars
Mixed feelings about this one. Yet another book on teenage pregnancy, but with a twist. The author decided to write this novel through verse, which I thought was fresh.
The characters were pretty shallow though, and not a lot of detail was put into them. I felt like it definitely wouldn't have been impossible (seeing how Ellen Hopkins can pack a whole lot of feeling and character development in her novels). Not a whole lot was really revealed about the main character, which can always be a little annoying when reading a book you don't really feel connected with.
Yes, there were some downs with this book, but overall it was a short, decent read that leaves a good message in the end. I reccommend it, especially if your only looking for a light, short read.
April 19, 2013
This book is written in verse from the point of view of fifteen year old Molly. She hates being considered a goody two shoes so she starts dressing differently and attracts the attention of the school bad boy Grady. When she finds out she is pregnant she struggles with the decisions she has to make. Does she want to keep the baby?
Molly is a frustrating teenager, her grandmother is not shy about telling Molly to be careful and even provides her with contraceptives. She tried so hard to attract Grady even though he is clearly just using her. Even though Molly was completely frustrating, she also made some hard choices. I did want to shake her for making bad choices but I also found she was not completely clueless. She does not shy away from responsibility, and does not try to blame anyone else for the choices she has made.
Molly is a frustrating teenager, her grandmother is not shy about telling Molly to be careful and even provides her with contraceptives. She tried so hard to attract Grady even though he is clearly just using her. Even though Molly was completely frustrating, she also made some hard choices. I did want to shake her for making bad choices but I also found she was not completely clueless. She does not shy away from responsibility, and does not try to blame anyone else for the choices she has made.
March 26, 2011
Fifteen-year-old Molly, an honor student, decides to become more popular by getting a boyfriend, but acts without thinking things through and gets pregnant after her first sexual encounter. Brisson portrays Molly's naive view of love and her rude awakening afterward, her denial of her pregnancy, and, finally acceptance. She also portrays how various people around Molly react to her. Why do kids avoid a classmate who becomes pregnant? I saw it happen when I was in school. I guess seeing a pregnant teen is a reminder that it can happen to them--a reminder that they don't want to spoil their fun. A lot of teenage girls (and guys!) should read this. Somehow a novel in verse--poetry--conveys the emotional aspects of it better than plain text. Recommended!
June 15, 2013
This was very... Different. I guess that's how I want to describe it. Obviously this book is aimed towards teenagers and I guess it's sort of a "warning" as to what happens if you have unprotected sex and end up being pregnant at such a young age. I mean honestly, when I was growing up, everyone was always talking about sex sex sex and girls were always trying to get the guys attention by dressing provocatively and whatnot. I feel like in this time period, it's just going to happen whether we like it or not. I'm also not much of a poetry fan so the fact that the book was written in that form wasn't very appealing to me either.
I feel like the overall message of the book was good. But it's a short read, I mean it was alright.
I feel like the overall message of the book was good. But it's a short read, I mean it was alright.
February 24, 2010
Molly is a good girl - a smart honors student who is labeled "saintly" by her classmates. She decides to rebel against this perception and ends up pregnant. The book is written in a series of poems. I really liked that the poems were all different. (Brisson has a glossary of the different types of poems she used on her website, which was a really interesting read.) I really liked Molly - it was interesting to see how she channeled the determination previously reserved for being good and getting good grades into getting Grady. This book was a super fast read and while I liked it, I wouldn't have minded the book being longer or going into more detail.
November 9, 2011
I loved this book. Simple, well written, to the point. But even though I felt it was to the point, the emotions that were conveyed, amazing. I liked how the story was told through poetry. Each poem told a different tale to make up the story of this lost girl looking for love.
Besides the writting style, I loved the emotions of the book. I think that this is a very relatble concept to want to be seen as someone different and to be loved. And a lot of times we go and do things that we don't want just to get that approval.
And yes, this book does talk about teenage pregnancy, but it isn't glorifiying or condoning it. It was just telling a story of one girl.
Besides the writting style, I loved the emotions of the book. I think that this is a very relatble concept to want to be seen as someone different and to be loved. And a lot of times we go and do things that we don't want just to get that approval.
And yes, this book does talk about teenage pregnancy, but it isn't glorifiying or condoning it. It was just telling a story of one girl.
December 28, 2010
This book was wonderful and touching. Molly decides she's tired of being known as only the good girl. She sets out to change all that. And boy, does she ever! This book has humor, sadness and even hopefulness thrown in. One of the things I really loved is that it's not all free verse. When a different form of poetry is used, it's listed. I particularly loved the poem Molly wrote to her virginity.
Once upon a time, I used to write a great deal of poetry and wouldn't mind getting back to some of it. I'm actually considering re-working one of my ms to possibly be a novel in verse. It might be fun. :) I'm giving The Best and Hardest Thing 4 gentle kisses!
Once upon a time, I used to write a great deal of poetry and wouldn't mind getting back to some of it. I'm actually considering re-working one of my ms to possibly be a novel in verse. It might be fun. :) I'm giving The Best and Hardest Thing 4 gentle kisses!
July 5, 2011
It's rare that a book features a protagonist that I want to shake some sense into, while keeping it entirely realistic that she would think and act that way. The whole time Molly is chasing Grady, I'm wondering why, what she sees in this boy who is so obviously no good (the only person surprised by what becomes of Grady is Molly) while at the same time knowing that it doesn't matter. It was so real that I ended up feeling sorry for her throughout her pregnancy. Which yes, went by rather quicker than I would have liked. Could have used another 50-100 pages in that area. But in the end, it was a very real and heartfelt book, one that I'd be happy to share.
August 1, 2011
This is a YF book. It is a quick read, took me about 2 hours. It is written in poetry, in different styles, of different lengths. I loved the poetry. I am a fan of poetry and it really added a raw emotional aspect to this story. As you can already tell from the cover, this story is about a young girl who got pregnant. It is written from her point of view as she tells what she is feeling about the whole situation from sitting next to the hot boy at lunch to wrestling with her choices of abortion, keeping, or giving up the baby for adoption. I believe it would be a great read for older teens and especially those teens struggling in this same situation.
November 2, 2011
This is the first book I've read in less than a week. The format was really cool how it was written in different poem lengths and how the personal thoughts of the main character were portrayed as if we were hearing them. The book had a sad ending, because she gave the baby up for adoption, but that was the whole point of the story. I was hoping that after the babies dad was put in jail that she would choose to keep the baby and raise it with the help of her " Gram". But at only 15, Molly had to chose what was best for her, and in fact her choice was THE BEST AND HARDEST THING she'd ever have to do.
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