At What Cost by J Andersen (Young Adult, 10E/10E, short 'n' sweet review)

Gorgeous cover!

June 2012, Astraea Press, 234 pages, Ebook, Review copy

Summary from Clean Reads

During her junior year, sixteen-year-old Maggie Reynolds expected to shop for prom dresses not maternity clothes. Now, instead of studying for the SATs, she reading, What to Expect When Youe Expecting. Maggie other Dearestlives in fear that Maggie will somehow taint the family name, so Maggie can turn to her for help. Meanwhile, her father is oblivious to anything but his 9-9 job. 

And her boyfriend, Justin? She pretty sure hel stay by her side. While Maggie wrestles with her options, Justin offers a solution: abortion. It would solve all her problems quickly, easily, and effectively. And her parents would never know, which means they won throw her out and cut her off like they always threatened if she got herself knocked up. Now Maggie must decide which choice she can live with: abortion or teenage motherhood. Either way, itl be a tough road to travel.

Nayu's thoughts 

This is my first clean read for the Clean Read review site, and was a heartwarming story about a teen in a high class family dealt with unplanned pregnancy.

I read this in one sitting as Maggie is so captivating. Her struggles and fears leap off the page, she doesn't have it easy and her boyfriend isn't all he seems, so much so I could have hit him. She has major family issues which she finds two pillars of support for at a time when open support is withdrawn when she finally breaks the news to her parents. 

Maggie's story made me cry a lot, being thankful for key characters being there for her when it mattered the most. The flashbacks around the time when she got pregnant are very clean, a behind closed doors moment. The progression of Maggie finding her inner strength after she loses it, as well as some incredible turnarounds in reactions from other characters make this an unputdownable read. 

There's a fair amount on emphasis on the emotional sides of abortion which I think is an important issue. I'm anti-abortion unless the mother's life is in danger, in case you were wondering about my views. Both sides of the argument is explored, as are the less glamourous details of being pregnant, which had me looking some up afterwards out of interest. Looking forward to rereading Maggie's story!

Find out more on J Anderson's website.