Why I Chose to Read Unpregnant

I have two daughters, and I worry about the very real erosion of women’s reproductive rights occurring in the United States right now. I want to be able to support any student with questions or concerns about abortion at any time.

Teaching Considerations

Audience: Booksellers list this as “ages 14+.” I disagree! I’m surprised this isn’t a 12+ book. Sex is a main theme, and the girls go to a strip club, but there are no graphic scenes. There is underage drinking and marijuana smoking, and the book includes profanity. The reason I’d argue for a younger age is that I think it’s important for girls to understand the potential repercussions of sex before they have sex.

Key Themes: abortion, identity, friendship, women’s rights, and LGBTQ+ rights.

Instructional Ideas:

CHARACTER

Aside from the dazzling Veronica and Bailey duo, the authors strategically architected every other character to help tell this story. Kevin, the perfect boyfriend stalker antagonist, and Veronica’s “perfect” friend group externalize Veronica’s identity struggle. Veronica and Bailey’s families are different, offering us unique perspectives on home life and expectations. The rest of the ancillary cast is pivotal, from the sixty-year-old woman with the 12-gauge shotgun defending Veronica, to the anti-abortion protester couple deadset on keeping her baby alive, to Bob, the limo driver, who I would argue is one of the most important characters in this book.

EMOTIONAL STORY

Perhaps the most important event in this book is when Veronica and Bailey hurt each other the most. They shame one another: Veronica needs an abortion. Bailey is a lesbian. It’s only after overcoming their devastating fight that they prove how powerful their friendship is.

STRUCTURE

As this is a road trip book, the authors crafted a clear, chronological story with milemarker chapters.

TWISTS

The book includes several twists in which the authors introduce us to a character, let us make assumptions, and then spin that character around to reveal who they really are. Two prime examples are Kevin and Bailey’s father. Their heinous behavior is what makes me believe that Bob, the good guy, is integral to this story.

ENDING

Veronica and Bailey remind me of Thelma and Louise, and make me grateful for their happier ending! What I love about this book is that it doesn’t reach for the perfect ending. It allows Veronica and Bailey to stay true to themselves right up to the very last page.

Key Excerpts

“‘Bailey? I know I’ve been terrible…but you’re the best friend I’ve ever had.’” – page 172

Is this a book about friendship or abortion? Why? What purpose does the emotional story between Veronica and Bailey serve?

“‘All men are douchebags.’ Baily leaned forward and called out, ‘Except you, Bob!’” – page 256

What purpose does Bob serve in this book? Why is his presence essential?

“I looked exactly the same.

Veronica Clarke. Straight-A student. Likely valedictorian.

I didn’t recognize myself.” – page 295

Throughout the book, the narrator often uses third-person language. Why? Who is Veronica? Does she know at the beginning of the book? What about by the end? Do you ever feel like you don’t quite know who you are yet?

Book Talk Excerpt:

“‘I…’ Kick. ‘…SHOULD…’ Kick. ‘…NOT…’ Kick. ‘BE HERE!’ I stopped kicking and began to pace, arms flailing wildly. ‘I should be able to just walk down the street and say, ‘Hello, my name is Veronica, my boyfriend is an asshole, here is my five hundred dollars, oh yes, I’d love a cup of water, thanks so much, ten-minute wait? No problem.’” – page 179

This is the protagonist’s lowest point. She’s emotionally wrecked. What do you notice about the grammar used in this particular excerpt? Is it typical? What do the authors accomplish here? Can you write an excerpt about something that really frustrates you, using grammar to show your feelings?

My Thoughts and Reflections

★★★★★

I use humor as a survival tool, and I can see how this book might not be for everyone. Even though I found it challenging to suspend my disbelief due to some of the extremes the authors took to squeeze out comedy (Malachai the ferret’s near-death experience, the girls always miraculously finding a new ride in time, or randomly losing a ride, Kevin being just absolutely bonkers), I loved this book. It reminded me of my own bestfriendship. It stayed true to the characters, who make bizarre decisions high schoolers truly might, and who are just in that scary place where loving yourself despite societal conventions and expectations is hard. This is a true women’s empowerment story, one that allows Veronica and Bailey to scream, and punch, and kick, and rage out loud because women’s rights are still not universally recognized as human rights.

Topics/Ideas/Books/Authors I’m Curious About As A Result of Reading Unpregnant

I’d love to watch the film Unpregnant. Also, I’m curious to read a variety of nonfiction short stories by young women who have had abortions or had to fight in any way for their reproductive rights. Teen Vogue did an article on this in 2020 – 39 Abortion Stories Show Just How Important Abortion Access Is. Doctors Without Borders shared a similar article in 2024 – Abortion stories and experiences: 15 women share their abortion stories and experiences. I’m surprised there isn’t a YA compilation of short stories…yet!? Jane Against the World: Roe v. Wade and the Fight for Reproductive Rights looks like a strong nonfiction YA option to start with.