Book Review by Aarene Storms: Hooked

Hooked by Catherine Greenman

Thea considers herself savvy and spunky, but she throws all that away when she starts dating Will, who "hooks" her with his good looks and charm. Their love is strong, the sex is fantastic ... and then, Thea gets pregnant. 

The early-abortion plan (endorsed by parents, friends, and Will) is abandoned when Thea discovers that she loves her unborn child too much for abortion or adoption. 

 Plan #2 centers on everyone supporting Thea and baby Ian (and Will too), physically, emotionally and financially. There is a bit of squeaking about this, but eventually, everyone falls in line because they love Thea and the baby is adorable. Thea's plans for the future include spending more time with her formerly-estranged dad, making bundles of money by designing the latest crochet fashion merchendise, and eventually getting back together with Will.

Realistic? Uh, no. 

Maybe that's how folks do things in The Big City, but in my small town, parents of unwed parents don't hand over $10,000 (each!) as starter money on top of the rent-controlled apartment they finance for the teens and little Ian. Thea's narrative voice rescues this story from the round file: she is spunky, and she stands up for the ideas and the people she values, including herself.

Raiting

Not a first purchase, but don't overlook this title if budgets can support it. There is on-page (but not graphic) sex, minor cussing, and some underage drinking, but nowhere near as gratuitous as Gossip Girl and that ilk. Ages 14 and up.

The events may not have happened; still, the story is true. --R. Silvern

Aarene Storms, youth services librarian

Richmond Beach Library, KCLS