Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Shannan – ☆☆☆☆
This is one of the most emotionally raw books I've read recently. I wasn't expecting for a book geared toward teens to have the subject matter to be so deep and hold you until the end.

Mellie finds herself pregnant, a product of rape. Her family is extremely conservative. She's been taught and believes abortion is wrong. She knows she doesn't want the baby. Mellie carrying until adoption would have her reliving the rape constantly. She's not prepared to do that. Mellie feels alone and lost.

Lise and Mellie are in the same class. When Lise starts noticing Mellie pulling back and acting out of the ordinary, she feels like she has something to offer to help her. Lise has her own secret and while wanting to help Mellie, it may be exposed.

What They Don't Know is definitely a deep read while discussing rape, abortion, religion. All subjects that are up for debate, depending on your beliefs. The author goes into some detail readers may find hard to read, but has you asking what would you do in that situation? Overall, I did enjoy the read.

This book was not a book I would say I liked. This book is one I'm fully aware I was not supposed to like per se. But I still value it greatly, and I am especially grateful for the lovely ending.

This book centres around Lise and Mellie, and is told in a journal style through both POVs. I liked this style choice, because you really got to see both girls live and think and work stuff out. This is a book about abortion, about rape, and about religion. It is not for everyone. The message it gives though, is for everyone. And the characters are too I think. Both Mellie and Lise are very interesting characters, but Mellie more so. Lise was a little more on the flat side, but that is only when compared to the very dynamic and interesting character that is Mellie. I won't spoil anything, but Mellie's whole world view is destroyed, and it was incredibly interesting to watch her live through that.

I have seen some people argue that all the christians are made out to be evil and bad, and I strongly disagree. The christians are not made out to be evil; the discriminatory bigots are, and rightfully so. Mellie is christian, and an incredibly sympathetic and nice character. Hannah is also a christian, and she is shown in a very positive light.

I am not American, so the idea that someone would have to go through all this trouble to actually work at an abortion clinic is very dystopian to me. I 100% know it happens, and it was really interesting to actually read about it because it isn't something as widely common in Canada.

This book is brutal, but also beautiful. It is an ode to women, and you can tell that Maggi put her whole heart and soul into it.

Well written novel. The author embodies well the thoughts and experiences of the girls, the journal style writing is just not one that I personally can engage with. That being said, for someone that enjoys this style, the book is well worth the read.

A very powerful read. Mellie is pregnant after being raped, only sixteen and she feels all alone. Lise believes something is wrong with her childhood friend, Mellie and is determined to help her anyway she can. The story is told in journal entries as each girl is writing to her teacher for a school project. The story is gut=wrenching and an important read.

It’s an incredibly poignant story, and so relevant to our current political atmosphere when it comes to the patriarchal system trying to take women back into the dark ages and keep us there.

Imagine being a frightened teenager growing up in a house where women have no voice and religion dictates her life. In the middle of a family who will force her to make a choice she would rather not make. A family who will blame her for the violation she experienced.

Mellie finds her opinions and beliefs changing as she finds herself in a situation without an apparent solution. Being on the other side of the fence puts an entirely different spin on things. It’s also the beginning of new friendship when her religious do-gooder friends turn on her when she starts to rebel against the system. The only light at the end of the tunnel is someone who is the exact opposite of Mellie, but in fact they find they have more in common than they think.

Listen up pro-lifers it is statistically proven that getting rid of abortion clinics, making abortions illegal and taking the choice away from women, does not reduce the number of abortions. It just raises the number of young girls and women putting their lives in danger by seeking abortions from backstreet abortionists or attempting old wives tale remedies.

The story is a series of diary entries written to a teacher by Mellie and Lise. It begins as a school assignment, which leads to a friendship and a salvation. The entries are slotted into the story in a way that is so smooth the reader can almost forget what they are.

It’s an emotional story full of desperation, and unfortunately also a statement about how we treat young girls and women in the 21st century. It’s a book I would buy for both my sons and daughters. My daughters so they can read and recognise the oppression, and my sons so they will understand how not to treat the women in their lives.

It’s sheds a light on the hypocrisy of pro-lifers, especially the ones hiding under the umbrella of Christianity. The people who think Mellie doesn’t deserve a choice or a say in her own life and her own body. It’s a thought-provoking read.

I'm a bit in shock with this book by Nicole Maggi.

Not in a good or bad way, but just in shock in general.

First: Thank you to Netgalley and Sourcebooks Fire for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

For a Young Adult book, this novel is VERY heavy and has a LOT of trigger warnings.

HIGH warning for rape, bullying, & abortion.

I'm not sure where to begin, but let me start with the plot summary.
We follow the story of Mellie, who becomes pregnant after being raped. (already more heavy than I expect for a YA)
I really can't say more without giving away items.

So fair warning, if you couldn't tell, this book is a bit of a downer. LOL


"I know some people will say things happen for a reason or are fated, but I think we all have a choice. This is your life. You have a say in how you want to live it."
- Nicole Maggi, What They Don't Know


To preface things for all parties reading this review and considering this book. Please be aware that this deals with heavy subject matter as stated above. It also involves abortion, bullying, religion discussion, mental health (In my opinion), etc... If you are not emotionally prepared to take that type of journey. Take a breather and come back to considering this book, you'll need all emotional faculties on full for this read.

That being said I feel like the above subject matter is very rough to put into a YA book. It is something that causes high passion and emotion in all ages across the board. Especially with how some views are presented in here as one dimensional and unmovable. I'm a believer of shades of grey in all aspects, as the world is made up of variety. I realize that not everyone has this view, but in a book that deals with heavy subject matter and will be read by a younger audience. It can be upsetting and traumatizing to a younger reader only seeing a polarized view. (Adolescents are still developing trust and this book doesn't really have an adult....anywhere...that they can trust.)

Now onto the good part!

I think this book addresses an EXCELLENT topic and the presentation is well done. The friendship between Mellie and Lise is wonderful and every sentence pulled on my heart strings. I picked up this book and it kept me involved until the end. Gripping and engaging the whole time. I love the growth of the main two characters and also the format that the book was written in.

Overall, I would probably recommend this to friends but with a grain of salt and a few warnings, as this will make emotions run high. Also, again, due to how some characters are portrayed, I would warn readers to keep in mind the world IS done in shades of grey but this is book shows a very EXTREME set of people.

Overall Rating: 3.25 Stars
Plot: 4  Stars
Character Development: 4 Stars
Dialogue: 3 Stars
Writing: 2.5 Stars
Happy reading!!
~Ash

Warnings: This book discusses rape, abortion, and religion.
Reasons this book is an important read: This book discusses rape, abortion, and religion.

Maggi tells her novel through journal entries of our two main characters, Mellie and Lise. One of the questions about the way the novel is written is often readers questioning if teenagers would be so forth coming in a journal they are writing for a class. While some students would not, as a former high school teacher I can tell you that many students bare their souls in the most unexpected ways through their assignments. In this case, it is clear that both girls respect their English teacher and it is not completely far fetched that they would feel comfortable telling her their secrets.

Mellie is pregnant, raped by somebody close to her family who she only identifies as Him for much of the novel. This is a difficult situation for any teen, or any woman. Making the situation more complicated for Mellie is that she is the daughter of a politician, from an extremely religious family, and a purity ring wearing young lady. She is faced with choosing adoption or raising her rapists’ baby... but she can’t help wondering about that impossible third option.

Lise is a classmate of Mellie, they were friends when they were younger until Mellie’s family disallowed Mellie to have friends beyond their social circle. Lise has her own life going on, a boyfriend she might love and might want to have sex with, school, and friends. Lise starts to worry about Mellie, she never stopped being her friend in her mind. While trying to reach out to Mellie, she also has a secret of her own. Lise is the friend we all wish we had, and her role in the novel is one that highlights what kind of friends we need during our toughest times.

Although this novel deals with heavy issues, it is also a novel about friendship at its core. Some may be turned off from the novel by the topic of abortion and thinking you know which side you are on, it I encourage people to read this as a way to see another side or to see what a person dealing with these decisions might be facing.

Thank you NetGalley for an advanced copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

When I read the blurb for this book and requested it from NetGalley, I knew that I was in for something heavy, I wasn't really prepared for how heavy this book ended up being. This is one of those books that if you like reading about heavier topics, you'll really love. I've said it before, but I'm looking for books to read, I look for ones that seem like they will be incredibly sad. Sad books are my jam. This one was right up my alley. It was heartbreaking and beautiful.

The way the story is told seems a little odd at first. The story is told through a homework assignment to keep a journal for a semester for an English class. The topics Mellie and Lise discuss aren't ones that I would really write in a journal to turn into my high school English teacher, but at the same time, in my experience as a student how has done these kinds of assignments, I think the point of them is less what  you write about and more that you did it. Perhaps the teacher won't really read the contents who knows, but either way, Mellie and Lise spill their souls into these notebooks and I hope that their English teacher is a compassionate sort. (I know she's a fictional person but if I was a teacher and I read Mellie's journal I don't know how I would react.)

Anyway, after I got over the initial weirdness of the narrative style, I started to really love it. Journaling, as I'm sure many a blogger knows, has a way of releasing things that we hold on to, so having the whole book be journal entries, gives each girl a rawness. You don't lie to your journal, so each girls story feels like they are pouring their heart out to the reader.

I loved Lise's character because she saw something that didn't sit right with her and tried to figure it out. At times she was a bit pushy and in her own words a bit of stalker, but overall her heart was in the right place, and I think the world could use more people like Lise.

Mellie and her journey in this book is terrifying. I can't imagine living through what had been through; knowing that because of their faith her family would never support her. Losing her supportive friend group because she's internalizing everything-- and her "best friend" is the worst.

I think this book does a great job of creating different families, and experiences that are different for each character. Mellie's very religious family with strict values and a moral code that as Mellie progresses through the book she starts to see as flawed. Lise's single mother with her demanding highly stressful job. Family, especially in YA gets overlooked a lot, but I think Maggi does a great job in creating supporting family characters that don't lie flat, they each have nuance and substance.

I read this book in two sittings-- and I only stopped because I had to go to a baby shower in the middle. It was a very fast read for me in a time where I haven't been able to read anything quickly. If you're looking for a book that deals with the very heavy topics of abortion and abortion rights, I think that especially right now, this is a book you should pick up. It's a well-written story well worth your time.

WHAT THEY DON’T KNOW caught my eye because of it’s description of the journal entry writing style. I love books that step outside the “norm” and do something wholly original within the pages. For this story in particular, it was perfect. Told in alternating journal entry chapters from Mellie & Lise, we get an in-depth view of these girls’ lives, their struggles, their thoughts and feelings, and how one thing can alter and challenge not only your views, but alter your whole life.

A few things you should know right off, about this book:

It’s hard to read
It’s hard to read
It’s hard to read

I wasn’t prepared for how emotional WHAT THEY DON’T KNOW would make.
Days later I am still thinking about this book. Every journal entry read was a punch to the feels, leaving me squirming sometimes with how uncomfortable it would make me. It dives very, very deep in some heavy issues that not only is a sensitive subject for many, but has a lot of buzz going on in the world right now.

As I mentioned before, the writing was perfect (in my opinion) for this story. Ms. Maggi does a phenomenal job creating distinct voices for both Mellie and Lise, in additional to creating suspense, tension and all the other feels! You’re able to easily identify whose journal you’re reading, and it’s easy to get so immersed in their lives.

Aside from the heavy core issues of this book, I loved the developing friendship between Mellie and Lise. They hadn’t been as close in their teens due to their families differing views, and I loved how the more time spent with each other, the more they had in common. They supported each other, learned and grew from each other, I loved it. We need more friendship stories in our lives!

I will say, I felt the opposing views of both sides were extreme. Not saying it’s not on a normal basis, but the delivery was not subtle at all. Depending on your views and beliefs, it may be upsetting.

All in all. I loved this book. It’s emotional, yes. It’s difficult to read, yes, but it’s an important read. It’s been on my mind since finishing; hitting me close to home in more than one way (if you’re curious on what, ask and I will share in the comments). If you’re looking for a new read to challenge you, and maybe put you our of your comfort zone, I highly recommend

Oh my heart! This book is so sad and emotional. It cuts to the core! This book follows two girls, Mellie and Lise. Mellie comes from a strong family and is fearful that even though she was raped, she will ultimately be blamed for it. Enter Lise, Mellie's classmate, the girl who thinks she can help out Mellie's situation. This story hits on so many deep and emotional points. This book broke my heart so many times and made me ugly cry. Truly powerful writing here.

Thank you Net Galley, Sourcebooks Fire and Nicole Maggi for this worthwhile read! Without spoiling it, Mellie Rivers, an adolescent from a conservative, Christian family, finds herself pregnant after being sexually assaulted. She agonizes over her decision about what to do about the pregnancy. Who does she turn to for support? Who supports her?

The characters were extremely well-developed. I enjoyed the dual point of view. I wonder if the author could have added additional perspectives - i.e., Mellie's mom and Lise's mom.

Not only do I highly recommend this book, I cannot wait to read another book by this author!

What They Don’t Know is a stunning story about two teenage girls, who were at one point friends, who each have life-altering and potentially life ending secrets.

Told through Lise and Mellie’s journal entries, both sides of the pro-life/pro-choice debate are presented. We are first introduced to Mellie, who is from a deeply religious political family, and see her inner struggles as she starts to question her firm beliefs. Lise knows exactly who she is and what she believes in.

One thing I loved about this novel is that it didn’t necessarily have this big happy ever after ending. Instead, we get real life, where things work out but aren’t always perfect, and life goes on.

My thanks to Netgalley, Sourcebooks Fire and Nicole Maggi for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are 100% my own and independent of receiving an advanced copy.


Boy, this is going to be a tough one. First, this is very sensitive subject matter. The book brings up several issues that will hopefully open the door to many worthwhile conversations, but its main focus is on abortion. I find that it will be really hard to keep my personal feelings on the subject separate from reviewing the book. I will be very interested in reading what everyone has to say on this because of the subject matter it is dealing with. Also, this is a rough one to recommend to students. Because of people’s religious affiliations, I don’t believe it is appropriate for a teacher to introduce material that might go against a family’s belief system. On the other hand, open and honest discussion of the right to choose can be the only source of information some teenagers will have access to. I think it should be made available for students to be able to come to on their own, because I think that it is an amazing read.

So I’m going to tell you where I stand on this issue. I believe it is the only honest way, for me, to discuss this because how I feel influences how I read the book. I believe that it is a woman’s right to choose - no matter what the circumstances. Younger or older, through violence or consensual sex, no one should have to bear a child if that is not what the woman wants. And she deserves to have a safe, sterile, supported place to be able to abort the fetus, if that is what she chooses to do. Because my views lined up with the book’s, that allowed for me to enjoy it. I’m not sure if I was on the other side, or if the book was purporting the same ideology as Mellie’s parents, I would enjoy it in the same way.

Let me recap the story in order to offer some context. This is a book that deals with, among other things, rape and abortion. The style is done in the format of journal entries, alternating between the two main characters, Mellie and Lise. A teacher has assigned them a project of keeping a journal for the school year. This is a brilliant choice on the author’s part because we are privy not only to the events of that time, but to both girls’ deepest thoughts and feelings as they go through something very traumatic. Life changing, for both of them, although Mellie is the one who is pregnant and must decide what her options are. By using the teenagers’ voices, it allows an entry point for kids reading this book to engage in this subject in an open and honest way. Obviously, it is a little unbelievable to think these girls would be this forthcoming in a school assignment, but I was happy to suspend my disbelief because it worked so well. Also, for those that kids that are not the strongest of readers, or people who are just short on time, these small bites of daily entries are doable and will allow access for a larger reading audience. Interestingly enough, we never get to know who this teacher is. I was completely engaged, from beginning to end and found it truthful, honest, emotional, very powerful and even gut-wenching at times.

Mellie comes from a strong religious family, with a father who is running for Mayor on a pro-life platform, with a campaign promise to get rid of the last few legal abortion clinics in his town. He works hand in hand with the pastor. The pastor’s son Brandon happens to be engaged to Mellie’s sister Hannah. Brandon also happens to be Mellie’s rapist. Mellie is now pregnant and feels like she has nowhere to turn. She doesn’t feel like her family will believe her and knows that they will force her to have the baby. Although friends when they were younger, Lise and Mellie are not close anymore. But Lise knows enough to know that something is very wrong with Mellie and she wants to help.

There is so much more to the story. It’s complex and multi layered. It is really well written. I did find some of the characters nuanced and multi dimensional, however, there were some that were one-dimensional. Characters that were flat - either all bad or all good. The book has a clear slant and I think that it needs to be acknowledged. I’m not sure if students reading it will be able to tell, because although both ideologies are presented, it is clear one is bad and one is right. I also think that by having Mellie get pregnant through rape, it is a much easier way to create sympathy for Mellie to have the abortion. There are many pro-lifers who believe that rape is the exception to their rule.

The rape really isn’t explored in detail, it takes a much gentler approach. It is a great story about friendship, reaching out to help someone, and what happens when the beliefs that you have grown up with are challenged. It also touches on issues of bullying and losing your virginity. There is only one positive male in the whole story, Lise’s boyfriend, I wish there had been more. Even the minor male characters were rotten. It also did a great job of showing how difficult a decision to have an abortion is and no matter what anyone decides, no one comes to this conclusion easily or light-heartedly. It also highlights the positive role that Planned Parenthood has in society. It is not just for abortions, but provides much needed health care to women who can’t otherwise afford it. I did think it did an excellent job in portraying how alone Mellie felt. Teenagers often feel alone and that no one will understand what they are going through. On a side note, I was sad that there wasn’t one adult that Mellie felt she could turn to, or came to Mellie’s rescue.

I highly recommend this book, both for young adults and for adults. It is sad and beautiful but at its core it is heart-warming, having people who care and help in extraordinary ways and that you can survive something traumatic and come out the other side stronger.

What They Don’t Know
Nicole Maggi
5 stars
Mellie has always been the girl who behaves, follows along with what she is told to do and is a dutiful student. Until one day that all changes. In a matter of minutes her entire life changes and she is left with a secret almost too hard to bear. With no one to turn to, Mellie weighs all her options and makes a difficult life decision

Lise is outspoken and sticks up for what she believes in. So, when Lise happens upon Mellie crying in the bathroom at school, she sets out to save her. But she has her own secrets to keep.

The two form a bond which was severed many years ago and they each help the other with their secrets.
This story is told through journal entries from both girls.


Going into ready this novel, I thought I had a very firm stand on the abortion debate. Reading this story has forced me to re-examine my beliefs. I tend to put myself in stories to determine how I would react, what choices I would make and this story wasn’t any different but it sure was difficult. Mellie had no support from the people who should support her the most, her family. Who would truly not believe their own daughter in a situation such as this. Blaming the victim, however, is common place and this story sheds a spotlight on just this problem. Ms. Maggi’s writing is well planned out and well researched. The story is so very moving and brought tears to my eyes. She has written other books and I can’t wait to get to those as well. Even if you aren’t a teen, or the parent of a teen, this is a must read for everyone. The story is not pretty but then again, the truth isn’t always pretty.

Mellie is a high school student with super strict parents. They keep a right hold on their children. When Mellie is raped and finds out she is pregnant, she must make a hard choice.

Lise had her own secret, but wants to help Mellie. She becomes Mellie's true friend and helps her as she makes a very hard decision.

We meet these two girls through letters they write to their teacher. I read this thinking, how often do these girls turn their journals in to this teacher? How would I handle these journal entries if turned into me?

This was a tough read for me. Not because it was hard to read, but the emotional factor had me from start to finish. The pain each of these girls faced was extreme. Seeing how the family of Mellie treated her was extremely traumatizing.

I loved the characters! They were so believable and realistic. I would recommend this book for high school and young adults.

Nicole Maggi’s What They Don’t know will take you on a roller coaster ride of emotions that leave you feeling some kind of way at the end.

The story follows Mellie and Lise, both holding secrets of their own that could have life changing consequences. Mellie is from a conservative home with a politician father and a mother who will do just about anything to back up her husband. Very religious, Mellie finds herself stifled at times and then it a bind when she feels she has a secret that they would not side with her on if told. Lise notices that Mellie has changed in behavior, and being previous friends, takes it on herself to help her out no matter the consequences.

Without spoiling everything, I think it is important to point out that this book centers around the pro-life/pro-choice debate. The synopsis of the book does not give that away at all, and I feel that could potentially surprise some that might not be comfortable for some readers who are strongly pro-life. So fair warning, if you are not okay with pro-choice decisions or even conversations, this is not a book you will want to read if you are offended by topics such as that.

With that said, I loved this book. I really think Maggi nailed that inner struggle I can only imagine people have after an assault and not knowing what to do when their previous beliefs collide with their current situation. Maggi showed that understanding that comes with “walking in the shoes” of someone in a different situation. Mellie had her firm beliefs until her situation caused her to question them. It’s a hard hitting topic that a lot of authors skirt around or choose not to use in their work. Maggi took the topic by the horns and took us on a journey in the minds of these incredible teenagers.

Lise was an amazing girl who had found her place in the world early. She knew she wanted to help people and found a place she was useful in doing so. Even though it put her at risk, she stuck up for her beliefs and was willing to help anyone, even someone who had all but shunned her for years.

I will definitely be checking out more of Nicole Maggi’s work. She has a smooth writing style that transitions well from one moment to the next. What They Don’t Know had a slow rise to the peak of the story and then was like riding a roller coaster down as you watched everything settle into it’s final moments. I love how this isn’t necessarily a happily ever after story. It’s just a story where lives continue, not everything is perfect, and you want more when you are done. Fantastic writing. Well developed characters. A gripping story.

This book was written in the unique formatting as an exchange of letters written by two different women that have secrets. This was a powerful story that takes readers to topics that can cause some emotional triggers. As I read this book it was apparent that this was going to be very emotional. Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read and write about this.

I want to thank to SOURCEBOOKS Fire and NetGalley for providing me with this copy in exchange for an honest review.

OMG this book is really powerful, I feel it was more than I expected and that’s great. It’s a book about abortion, it focuses entirely on that issue and although it touches other ones as well, I think it’s necessary for you to know that’s what you will find with. It’s such a delicate subject to be touched in a book and even so, the author has done it in an excellent way, I’m really impressed.


The book follows the perspective of two girls, Lise and Mellie, and although they used to be friends, they have separated from each other over time. Today their teacher has given them the work of writing a journal telling to her everything they’re going through, so the book is entirely written in the form of letters from the girls to their teacher. Mellie has gone through a horrible moment since she has been raped and she doesn’t dare to talk to anyone about it for fear they don’t believe her or that people believe that it was her fault in some way, she belongs to a very religious and strict family so this also stops her from speaking. Lise’s a very mature girl for her age, she’s always ready to fight for what she really wants and together they’ll start a very hard journey full of emotions, revelations and teachings

I don’t believe that there’s a correct way of judging this book or talking about it, because I honestly feel that the feelings and emotions that it produces when you read it, is what really matters. So I’ll do what I can with this review, I feel very sensitive after finishing it, it’s a very powerful emotional journey.

I really liked the writing style, I feel that although it touches a very serious subject the author has known to add very sweet and funny moments as well, in a way that fits perfectly and makes it easier to continue reading. There are times when it becomes very difficult though and this is not because it was bad, at all, but because of all the meaning behind the book as far as abortion is concerned. See Mellie going through a situation as frightening as a rape, and then this pregnancy product of it, was really very hard, she was very lonely going through the whole situation and that broke my heart, even though I know that these things sadly happen in the world, it’s still difficult to read about them, it’s heartbreaking.

I loved and I could see clearly the message that the book wants to give and I appreciate it very much how the author talks at the end and share her own story with us, this makes it a thousand times more special the fact that she wrote this book.

The main idea was that these two girls write all their feelings and their experiences to her teacher through letters, and although I love the idea and enjoyed it a lot, I feel it’s unrealistic. I don’t think that anyone really opens up in this way to a teacher that I feel they hardly know, right?. Even so, although this may have been unbelievable, the rest of the book and everything that both girls have to go through seemed very realistic to me, in fact the ending was really great. It was bittersweet but very real, I can really see this story ending as it did, and in some way, I liked that it wasn’t the typical perfect ending

I loved the main characters both Lise and Millie, they’re completely opposite but being into both heads was equally interesting for me, especially because at first they have completely different thoughts from each other and I always enjoy hearing diversity of opinions, even when I already have my own, you know?. I think Lise is my animal spirit, I love her, she’s wild and daring, but all in the best way. She has always something smart to say, and in addition to all this, what I liked the most is the way in which she supports other women and her feminist espitiru made me love her, she’s also a great friend and once her path intersects with Mellie’s, the way in which Lise acts is great, I feel that I admire her strength on many occasions. Mellie’s a very sweet girl, she has so many doubts and questions and that makes her a super innocent character, after what she has gone through at her young age I feel that she’s the character who grows the most and I really liked going through all that under her point of view. She’s the daughter of extremely religious parents, they never pay attention to her and also her father’s determined to make clear in his campaign that he wants to close all the abortion centers (I speak of legal places, of course) and all this is obviously heartbreaking for Mellie and she doesn’t know what to do, even though sometimes it was so difficult, I think it’s a very interesting experience to read this book, I’ve even cried with her and right now I want all her happiness.

As I said before, reading this book has been a great experience, especially since I have found it quite informative on the topic of abortion and everything that surrounds it. I think I would have liked to see a little more diversity of opinions on the subject, but even so it’s quite clear to where the book wants to go to

The plot twist was very good, I liked it even when I saw it coming and that’s a good thing, I hate that nothing else happened with it, I think I would have liked some kind of consequence, but as I said before, happy endings not always are a thing.


It’s difficult to talk about this issue for me because only a few months ago the abortion legalization issue was all that was spoken in my country and was finally denied, which’s a great retrospective for all that women have fought for. I really hope that if in your country is a fact and abortion is legal, then you should be grateful. Even when you don’t agree with, you should remember that all women have rights over our body and this should be another of them as well. I will not try to convince anyone who doesn’t agree, because obviously I’m very respectful towards the beliefs of others but I wanted to highlight that situation, since it touches me closely, in the place where I live

I recommend this book? YES!, I think it’s a very delicate and difficult toppic to touch but still we need more authors who are encouraged and try with it, is very important because of the knowledge that gives you and all the families situations, as the book touches it, It’s super interesting to read. If you’re looking for a light reading honestly I don’t think this is the book for you, and I don’t agree with the fact that it’s classified as a mystery, I think it doesn’t have much of that happening. So if you feel like reading a book that has a meaning and leaves you thinking, then this is a great option

What They Don't Know, is a story told from the point of view of two 16 year old girls. They are set an assignment to write a day to day journal as part of one of their grades in school.
Mellie comes from a church going family, her father being Mayor of their town. Mellie, is raped and as a result of that rape becomes pregnant. She must make the decision of what to do about her pregnancy.
Lise, volunteers at a woman's clinic that along with women's health procedures, also carries out abortion.
The two girls are bought together and a bond becomes forged that is unbreakable.
This book hooked me from the start. It's hard to believe that still in this day and age the argument between Pro-life and Pro-choice still so much of a devide. Very well written book.
"Apart, we shine, but together, we're so much brighter"

Even though this book was written for young adults, I feel it is a very timely book for anyone of voting age to read right now. A woman's right to make her own choice about abortion is seriously in jeopardy. This story emphasizes what a personal decision it is. Despite firm beliefs one way or the other, one never knows what situation they might face someday. It is so scary to think that women may once again be forced to seek help from back alley abortionists. I especially liked the way the author presented the story with alternating journal entries from the two main characters. Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.