Ask Me How I Got HereAuthor: Christine Heppermann
Published by: Greenwillow Books
Publication Date: May 3, 2016
Format: eARC
Pages: 240
Source: Publisher
Addie has always known what she was running toward. In cross-country, in life, in love. Until she and her boyfriend—her sensitive, good-guy boyfriend—are careless one night and she ends up pregnant. Addie makes the difficult choice to have an abortion. And after that—even though she knows it was the right decision for her—nothing is the same anymore. She doesn’t want anyone besides her parents and her boyfriend to know what happened; she doesn’t want to run cross-country; she can’t bring herself to be excited about anything. Until she reconnects with Juliana, a former teammate who’s going through her own dark places.
Gorgeous!
I’m not one to seek out books written in verse. Actually, I’ll usually skip them. However, I couldn’t resist Ask Me How I Got Here after reading the description. I absolutely loved it!
Unlike Christine Heppermann, I’m not great with words, so it’s hard to explain something so moving. It’s interesting how someone can write 500 pages that really says nothing at all, while someone else can write a tenth of that and evoke such depth and meaning.
This little book took me through an array of emotions as we follow Addie through her experience of getting pregnant, having an abortion, dealing with the aftermath, and really finding herself. It’s really so much more than that, though. It’s something that many women of all ages can connect with. I reread numerous passages multiple times because the words hit me in such a deeply profound way. It’s witty, sharp, and truly thought-provoking.
I don’t usually like mentioning the ending of a book, but I have to say this seems to end somewhat abruptly. However, I had that ‘ah-ha’ moment and realized it was perfect.
I highly recommend Ask Me How I Got Here.
This book sounds really impactful with its themes that many women could relate to. The verses as well sounds like it was written beautifully lovely review Christy!
I don’t read many books in verse, I cannot name any really. But I have seen this book around and although I would love to read something in verse, I just don’t know think this one is for me.
However, I am really glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for the review.
Oh my youngest daughter loves books in verse. I am going to buy it for her.
I’m currently reading this one and i’m loving the free verse! It really has some depth quotes that I’ve been highlighting so I can save them for myself. I’m sad to know the ending is abrupt but at least I can now prepare myself for it. Great review 🙂
I’m generally not a fan of verse, but occasionally a rare book will do it for me. Sounds pretty moving.
Verse does make me a bit nervous
This sounds like a beautiful story, Christy, and I’m actually not averse to verse. I love that some of the things were so beautifully written you just had to read them again! Amazing review 🙂
Have a fantastic Monday!
I just finished this one this weekend and was so conflicted. I liked it – the story, subject matter and actually liked the verse and how easily it flowed. But I had issues connecting with it and getting all the emotion I wanted from it. I also thought the ending was abrupt – not sure I had the a-ha moment though 🙂 Great review!!
Oh wow! I hadn’t heard of this one before today, but it sounds amazing. It sounds like a difficult book though and I’ll admit that I’m not particularly in the mood for something so emotional. I’ll file it away though for when I’m finally in the mood.
Fab review, Christy!
The first book I ever read in verse was by Lisa Schroeder and I felt the same way about it Christy, it was just so beautiful. I need to pick up more of these. I think I bought a ton and then held off on them for some reason, I’m so weird sometimes. 😉
I have never read a full book in verse, it is something I need to challenge myself to do. I will see about getting a copy of this one.
Reading a book in verse is something that I would think would take some getting used to. I don’t think I would like it. The topic of this book is very interesting, in that it is very popular in the media these days. They talk like women go into abortion without any thought at all. While, I’ve never had one, I can’t imagine it would be a decision that any woman with any heart at all would take lightly. I’m sure that this topic alone would make this a very deep book and one that would be hard to write. Great review.
I’ve read books in verse that made my eyes cross because it was so dense. lol. But this is very quick and light. The chapters are only 2 to maybe 8 verses each. Took me 45 minutes to read it.
We’ve never read any books in verse — this one will have to be our first! It sounds so interesting, and we’ll be adding it to the TBR for sure 🙂
~Michele & Mckenzie
I love verse novels! I’m fascinated with authors who can write full stories by using as little words as possible. Adding this!
you made me curious about the feelings and this end with the reason behind. thanks for the discovery!
THIS would be the book I’d have to read the ending first. I’ve never ever done that before but I’ve always wondered how people DO that!! In this case, I could see myself doing that. HOLY emotions book!!! And to be able to write emotions in verse, amazing. I think this book would be phenomenal for a library! I wonder if won any awards yet, like YALSA or something? Great review!!! I totally saw you reading this as soon as I read the synopsis – who would give up CC/running??
I’m not normally one to seek out books in verse either Christy, but I’m definitely willing to give this one a try since it got such high praise for you. I love when I find books that really resonate, so I’m glad this was that kind of read for you:)
I LOVE books in verse and Lisa Schroeder is one of my favorites because she evokes so much emotion and says SO MUCH in so few word. So this one definitely sounds like something I would love!
This book reminds me so much of Trouble by Non Pratt, although she was pregnant throughout the entire book I felt so emotional and it really opened me up. It was endearing yet scary at the same time witnessing that young going through that. I have a feeling if that’s anything to go by I would really enjoy this. Thanks for putting it on my radar, Christy! 🙂
I love this!
Abortion is so demonized. Sure, it shouldn’t be encouraged and pregnancy should be prevented. But shit happens and it’s never an easy decision especially for women because we deal with the aftermath. This is a good book, it helps start a discussion of sorts IMO
A whole book written in verse, that sure sounds original, although I am not sure if I would enjoy such a style. It does sound like a very thought provoking book and I am glad you enjoyed it. Great review!
I love books written in verse, so yes to this–so much yes!
This book sounds beautiful and quite touching. I’ll have to see if I can find a copy. Wonderful review!
This sounds really good. I am like you and usually stay away from anything written in verse. I may need to check my library for a copy. Great review!
What a gorgeous cover. I’ve never heard of this book before and I’m still not sure if a book in verse is for me. The theme of the book sounds very intense and I have to admit I’m intrigued. Maybe someday 🙂
Oh this sounds interesting. I can see it being very emotional, but I love that it really spoke to you. Not happy with the abrupt ending, but if it works, then that is all good. 🙂 Brilly review!
I have never read a book in verse but this book sounds interesting. Great review and thanks for bringing my attention to this book.
I was very excited about this one… until I heard that it was in verse. I’m not a fan of books in verse, so I’m a bit hesitant now to read it. I’m glad you enjoyed this one!! I may still give it a try. I do like emotional books, so I might end up really enjoying this one, as you did. Great review! 🙂
“It’s interesting how someone can write 500 pages that really says nothing at all, while someone else can write a tenth of that and evoke such depth and meaning”.
This statement you said of Ask Me How, alone, has me looking at this book a little harder. Great review
The synopsis is gripping, Christy. I’ll pick up this one – and share it with my daughters as well – after I read it. 🙂
Sounds like quite the emotional read Christy… Did the ending click for you in the end? 😉
Books in verse are not my fav. Happy it worked for you mostly.