[I received a free copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review]

Okay, this book is great. It's not perfect, just like Genesis isn't perfect, but I think that's what made me like it so much. I actually didn't like the parts that were written as scrrenplay, but that has more to do with the fact that I wasn't really interested in her relationship with Peter, so I didn't really wanted to read those parts, but it was really well written anyway.
Genesis is a confused teenager, she feels lost, she doens't really assimilates eveything that is happening to her, and I think that's really believable. I think many of her actions are motivated by the abortion, but she never really thinks about it, she refuses to think or recognize the things that scary her, and what's more real than that?
My impressions about the end, without revealing any facts, is that I loved it. It looks like she is finally looking foward to start again, to find herself, to discover things. I really liked the open ended questions, that's how someone's future looks like, open and full of possibilities.

Reproductive justice is extremely important to me. Heck, I spent half a year volunteering at a Planned Parenthood when I was in college. I escorted patients inside, chattered at them so they couldn't hear the protestors, and blocked us with a massive umbrella so they couldn't see the protestors/the protestors couldn't see us. Of course I'm going to read a book about a teen whose boyfriend abandons her after she has an abortion!

The entirety of Aftercare Instructions takes place over the course of a week or so, starting with the day Gen and her boyfriend Peter go to a Planned Parenthood in New York City. She gets the procedure done, but when she comes back out, Peter is gone. And that's how their relationship ends in Gen's eyes. While trying to cope with the end of what she thought was a great relationship, she gets blackout drunk, sneaks into the city to try out for a play, and gets close to a college guy who introduces her to the underground theater scene in the first place. (Gen is seventeen and he's nineteen, so it's not a creepy age gap.)

The novel is written in proper prose, but the whole of her relationship with Peter is shown in flashbacks written as the script for a play. In these brief chapters that appear between each prose chapter, readers see what brought them together in the first place and see the red flags that foreshadow how their relationship ends. There's a lot more going on in the book such as her mother's depression and suicide attempts, her best friend Rose hooking up with a guy Rose swore she hated, but there's not much to say about any of it. The book is pretty unremarkable.

Gen does struggle after the procedure, it's not related to that event in the text. Instead, her troubles are related to her garbage ex-boyfriend abandoning her at the clinic when they'd already argued about whether to go through with it. See, Peter's mom is very active in the church and in anti-choice protests at abortion clinics. That's why they had to go to a place in NYC instead of one closer to home in New Jersey. Her mother hasn't been the same since Gen's father died of a heroine overdose and her grandparents are just as religious as Peter's mom, so she's pretty much on her own. She has her friends and her cousin, but she doesn't feel comfortable talking to them about this stuff.

Though the novel doesn't touch on how pregnancy hormones will temporarily wreak havoc on someone who has terminated their pregnancy, that's probably a factor too. Whether you carry to term or not, it takes your the hormones and chemicals in your body a little while to adjust when you go from Pregnant to Not Pregnant. That could explain Gen's more questionable choices like never telling anyone when she makes to NYC. She doesn't need to tell anyone what she's doing, but maybe tell them she's going somewhere? Just in case she goes missing?

There's plenty to like about Aftercare Instructions, but there's not much to say about it either. Not even my passion for the central issue is enough to make me express more than a "meh" for this novel.

Quite a compelling book, one that provoked a lively discussion within my mind. I am a sucker for conflicting protagonists who are not always the most sympathetic, and this book did offer that in Gen, who is plagued by mental health issues, as well as a pregnancy. I quite appreciated the underlying morals that emerged through her story, and I ended up feeling rather emotional for this character as she goes through ups and downs in her life. A bittersweet read.

Pretty confusing, but readable. Just didn't like the characters or the plot very much. It seemed like a good original idea, but it was just boring.

This was really well-written, and the characters and their lives felt so authentic and true. I appreciate how nobody in the story is made out to be perfectly good or perfectly bad - every single character makes mistakes, just like in life. A really, really good YA read.

It's not a terrible book, but I teach in the Bible Belt of Georgia. I'm not sure my conservative community is ready for this book.

I tried reading this a couple months back but I really wasn't feeling it for some reason so I don't think I'm coming back to it..

I stopped reading about 25% of the way in. The book wasn't poorly written, I just wasn't fond of the writing style, so I couldn't get into it.

Flatiron Books and NetGalley provided me with an electronic copy of Aftercare Instructions. I was under no obligation to review this book and my opinion is freely given.

When seventeen year old Genesis is abandoned at a Planned Parenthood by her boyfriend Peter, she embarks on a painful and personal journey of self discovery. Already a social pariah with regards to many of her classmates, due to circumstances outside of her control, Genesis must find it within herself to make the best of her situation. A chance meeting puts the young woman back into a world she loves, but will Genesis allow herself the freedom to spread her wings?

The concept and the character development were good, but the flashbacks to the past were not so successful. Written more like an interview than a glimpse of the past, the dialogue does not anchor the present characters to their background. The epilogue almost seems like an afterthought, as though the author decided in the last minute to jot off a few words and insert them into the manuscript. It does nothing for the book and makes the ending just drop off. In a genre full of YA romance and realistic fiction, Aftercare Instructions does not stand out.

I started this book on a vacation, but I simply could not complete it. This is not a normal habit for me, but the book did not intrigue me enough to continue. I'm sure it will be perfect for some readers, and perhaps my outcome was mired by the circumstance of my trip, but I did not complete the entire book.

I unfortunately did not finish this novel as I couldn't get into it.

I really liked this book! It feels very realistic and I've never been in a situation like Genesis's, so it was very interesting to read about that. The story about Genesis's mother disappointed me, though, because I can't believe that someone could lie about something so important (hopefully that's not too spoilery).

Holy crap was this book good. I love raw, emotional, gritty books like this, that make you feel something. I really could not have asked for more with this amazing story.

I tend to favor character driven stories, and this was a fantastic one. Aftercare Instructions showcases one girls journey as she begins to question her relationships, her choices, and her future. Genesis Johnson’s world seems to be in shambles after her boyfriend abandons her at a Planned Parenthood clinic, but she soon discovers that she has more possibilities for her future than she expected.

Things I Liked
I really loves the script-style flashbacks within the story. This might be my favorite use of scripts within a story I’ve ever read. They were so natural, and really showcased Genesis’ evolution and emotions through the story. You can really connect with her journey through these little breaks.

A small thing, but I really loved the chapter titles. They all felt really appropriate and relevant to the story.

I thought that Genesis and Rose’s relationship was really great. It was great to see that Genesis had someone she trusted and who fully supported her in her corner. But I love that they didn’t always see eye-to-eye, they challenged each other in the best way to help each other grow.

Even with the intense subject matter, the story had a very hopeful and full-circle feeling that was completely satisfying. After everything that Genesis had gone through is was great to see her grow, and look forward to the future and it’s possibilities.

Things I Didn’t Like
I would have loved to have a bit more closure with Genesis’ relationship with Vanessa. We did get a great scene where they talk and have the potential to move forward, but their relationship was a little unfinished.

This was such a fantastic character driven story. You feel connected to Genesis and her journey. It’s an emotionally complex story that keeps you engaged.

I

I'm tempted to give this 5 stars just because Bonnie Pipkin was willing to take on the topic of teenage abortion. However moving, realistic and moving this book might be it didn't bring me to tears; and while I'm not one to cry easily at all a five star book of this sort probably would have gotten me there. The ending is a bit too weak for me given the harsh content of the overall book.

Aftercare Instructions is set-up in a clever way. The past is read as screenplay entries and the present as first person narrative from our lead gal, Genesis. This is a story of hardship. The kind that comes along and you have no control over (like loosing a parent) and the kind of hardship where you made a choice at some point (or multiple points) and now you need to accept it and move on.

There are so many great moments in this book. Especially the beginning and when Genesis meets a boy. Both handled in a very realistic and surreal way. Exactly how I myself have felt in the past; both as a teenager and an adult. Sometimes you're just there for the ride and can only think about the immediate step in front of you. It's clear to me that Pipkin has experienced this first hand and she displays the distance, but intense emotion really well on the page.

My biggest disappointment here is that our lead gal doesn't to give much thought to her abortion after the fact. While this may be what some girls do in real life; I have to say that it would have been nice to see more agony over the morals, concerns and emotions of her choice. Additionally the part the 'boyfriend' plays in the abortion decision is downplayed overall and the ending didn't do him any justice.

As a woman who cannot have children, and it is believed that I miscarried a baby at 19; I can say that the whole realm of babies is a difficult place for me sometimes. Most days I'm happy to see my friends have little ones and be the one in five whose unable to carry. But occasionally I wonder what it might be like to hold my own baby in my arms. These types of thoughts all happen to a woman at some point no matter what her decisions are or where fate may take her. I think it's important more of these discussions happen openly among women and that our society accept that whether people like it or not getting pregnant doesn't come with a survey to fill out or pre-screening. We need to continue to offer support and options; pre and post sexual intercourse in order to ensure that both women and men feel they have played a part in the decision.

Overall this is a wonderful debut YA book, that tackles a couple difficult topics. I think Pipkin has talent and in a couple more books she will hopefully hit her stride as a YA writer whose willing to tackle the heavy stuff and keep the emotions raw and real.

To read this and more of my reviews visit my blog at <a href="http://epicstitching.blogspot.ca/search/label/reading">Epic Reading</a>

I really enjoyed this book. It wasn't fast paced or particularly exciting but it was more realistic. It was interesting reading about Genesis' journey after the events that lead to being abandoned at Planned Parenthood after her abortion.

Genesis doesn't exactly got the best home life and Peter seems to be the one thing good in her life. That is until she got preggo and was ditched at at planned parenthood by her boyfriend. Peter is M.I.A and shes trying to put things together but things aren't turning out how she planned.

This book I have to say is unique. It's not the best book I've read but it does have its interesting points. One thing that stood out to me was that play style writing that was a look into Gen's past before where the story started. So the readers get more of an insight towards Gen's and Peters characters, her past and their relationship. I have to say though I didn't like Peter much. I loved Seth character he was a breath of fresh air when things were going down he was there to help lift her up and there wasn't much to their short relationship but it was sweet. I don't want to talk more because I don't want to spoil the book for you but the book was pretty good. It was tough seeing Gen and her family life, what she was dealing with, what she dealt with and seeing her mothers grief. Overall this was a pretty good book and I enjoyed it, don't think I've come across a YA book that talks about abortion and what becomes of it after or before everything.

Okay. This book was fantastic. I strongly recommend reading it.

If you are the kind of person who likes to read good books but without knowing anything about the book, stop now, go pick it up, and enjoy.

Still with me? Okay. Don't say I didn't warn you. This is one of those books that opens right at the heart of the issue, when most would be entering the climax, that is to say you send the rest of the story, playing catch-up, filling in the blanks, and blundering with the main character down an emotional path of heartbreak and ... self realization.

There are some serious trigger warnings. This book is not the cheerful, lah-di-dah story about a girl who finds her one true love. It touches on a LOT of difficult topics, namely abortion, parental drug abuse, suicide, unhealthy relationships, and more. These things intimidate you? Might not be the right fit.

That being said, this book tore my heart out, made me cry (yes, real tears. I'm not made of stone), and made me hate people, but it also gave me hope and helped me realize some things about myself that I could really work on.

Does this book pull you through the wringer??? Absolutely. Was it worth the read??? Totally.

3. The Review: Let's Get Critical

What I Loved Most:

The frame of the story. Here is your last warning. Past this point there is no return.

This story has one of the most beautifully created frames that I have ever seen executed. The story opens with our main character in a doctors office about to go through a procedure, one that becomes immediately clear a few pages later.

She is about to have an abortion. What's more, is after she discovers that her boyfriend ditched her at the clinic without any preparation, a clinic in another city without any transportation. This is the set up of the story. And what follows is her dealing with the "After" of everything, the decision, the procedure, and her relationship. Every chapter is titled by one of the "Aftercare Instructions" that doctors give people after they go through outpatient surgery. I loved the detail and forethought this showed on the author's part.

The writing style: I loved, loved, loved Pipkin's writing style. It was beautifully done. So much to that I actually ended up reading the acknowledgment at the end. Can you see what I mean? It was beautiful.

The content: The story opens with abortion. immediately you know this book is going to cut deep. Some books handle this in a way that glorifies the situation, not this one. Aftercare Instructions is surrounded by the issue of abortion, but doesn't go political. It treats the situation as realistic, this was a choice that the main character had and needed to make. It was HER life choice and as a result led her down a path and she dealt (however successfully is up to you) with the consequences.

What I wasn't the most keen on...

I really am only putting this header because the one above kind of makes you assume that there were things I didn't like, but nope. Loved the book. Read it.

Aftercare Instructions is one of those books that, in the days since I finished it, keeps creeping into my thoughts time and time again. I can’t stop thinking about this book. On one hand, it wasn’t at all the book I expected. On the other, I think it represents a vastly important addition to YA lit. I apologize in advance if my review seems jumbled– I’m finding it incredibly hard to pinpoint what exactly makes this book so special. I also believe this is the type of story you need to go into a bit blind; knowing too much about the plot could ruin the reading experience for you. Therefore, I’ll try not to say too much about the actual events of the plot and instead focus on other elements of the story in this review.

Yes, this is a story that examines the aftermath of a teen choosing to have an abortion, but it’s also so much more than that. It’s an examination of grief and healing, a story of friendship, a love letter to theater, and, above all, a message of hope. All of these elements were subtly and beautifully woven together to form the narrative of Aftercare Instructions.

One thing that stands out to me most about this book is the simple fact that it’s a masterfully written debut. I was shocked to find that Aftercare Instructions is Bonnie Pipkin’s first novel! The writing voice has a maturity to it, without feeling overly pretentious. The story is told through a non-linear timeline: through the present moment, and through flashbacks. The two timelines were managed incredibly cleverly. The present is told through Gen’s first-person POV, while the flashbacks are written in the format of scenes from a play. Not only does this contrast in formats make it impossible to confuse the two timelines, but the play format is extra effective because of Genesis’s love of theater.

Aftercare Instructions features a cast of flawed, imperfect characters, which I appreciated immensely. Many might find Genesis and the people around her “unlikeable,” but I think their flaws add to the authenticity of the story. It felt very true to life, and I think this was a huge part of why the book resonated strongly with me. These characters mess up, sometimes in monumental ways, but we see them forgive each other, learn from their mistakes, and come out better people in the end. Aftercare Instructions is a coming-of-age story in the truest sense of the word, because all the characters are having to face hard truths about themselves and the world around them.

This story also did a great job of examining relationships in all their capacities– friendships, romantic relationships, familial relationships, and everything in between. None of these felt more or less important than any of the others.

Overall, I think Aftercare Instructions is one of those books everyone has to experience for themselves. Again, I am so happy a book like this exists in YA, and I’ll be recommending it nonstop over the coming months. I highly encourage you to pick this one up! It’s a quick contemporary that’s full of heart and hope, and I think it’s one that will resonate with many people.

Have you read Aftercare Instructions? If so, tell me your thoughts! If not, do you plan to pick it up?

Oh, what a glorious and messy book this is. It’s so fast and yet deep - I was left satisfied AND wanting more! I know, what a conundrum.

The Thing I Wish I’d Known: I love you doesn’t come with any guarantees.

There are so many ways a book about abortion could go wrong but Aftercare Instructions gets it right. It explores the issue from many angles and as a teenager would. But this book is so much more than the abortion. It’s the story of how messy teen lives can be and about choices and living and transition. It’s about imperfect parents and imperfect friends and imperfect relationships. There’s a lot of good that comes out of some tough situations, and some tough situations you just wade through.

I’m the first one they will see. I stand on the stage, looking into the darkness and waiting for the voices in the audience to settle. They are a blur of shadows, but I know who sits out there, and who will wait for me after the curtain call. And I wouldn’t have made it here without her. Or any of them. I take another deep breath. The lights rise.

I loved that Bonnie narrates the audiobook. Her tone, inflection, and voice are perfect. She knows, and loves, this story. It’s raw and modern and she portrays it perfectly. I also love that it’s partially told like a script. This book is imperfectly perfect. I can’t wait for next story; she’s made a fan of me!