Review of Not Mary Not Roe: The Survival Story of a Reluctant Teen Mom

Bef Ozo · Post by **Bef Ozo** » 10 Oct 2022, 04:36

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Not Mary Not Roe: The Survival Story of a Reluctant Teen Mom" by Leslie Hope Holthoff.]

4 out of 4 stars

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The so-called societal norms have not always favoured the girl child. It was the same in this book, Not Mary Not Roe: The Survival Story of a Reluctant Teen Mom, by Leslie Hope Holthoff, as Leslie was born into a family that held high the societal norms of women being traditional wives and having little to no say in society. Leslie was not a fan of these norms and sought to deviate from them most of the time. In this book, she shares the story of her life as a 16-year-old who got pregnant while still in high school and how she was laughed at and bullied. She talked about her different relationship experiences and her life struggles. Imagine what it would look like for a 16-year-old to be pregnant after her first sexual experience. Get a copy of this book to learn about how she got through these times.

This book shows that issues about relationships and marriages should be taken seriously. Leslie’s relationships in this book were too sad to read about. The man she loved and the one who loved her barely respected her. Her relationships showed that one must consider all factors before entering into relationships and marriages. I like how Leslie stood against traditional norms of women being just housekeepers and child bearers. I liked how she talked to people about what she faced in her marriage before it worsened. Most people today have refused to speak up when faced with emotional and physical abuse in their marriages, but Leslie was not scared. She spoke out when necessary and made good decisions for herself and her children.

The point I hung on to the most in this book is the dangers of unprotected premarital sex and teenage pregnancy. It was sad to read how Leslie struggled with the embarrassment and disappointment of being a pregnant 16-year-old. The duty of motherhood also made her have bad grades and eventually drop out of college. In all things, my greatest joy was that she always came out strong. She never stopped hoping for the best. I believe that her story will inspire many lives. Her delivery of this story was excellent. Her style of writing kept me glued to this book till the end. There was also a bit of humour.

The problem with this book was that the timelines were mixed up sometimes. I had to go back and forth to confirm what she said. However, this book was lovely to read, and I recommend it to everyone who loves to read about girl child development or teen pregnancies. Young female adults should read this book because it will help shape some of their life decisions.

The positives of this book overshadow the negatives, so I am happily rating it 4 out of 4 stars. I found just one minor error in this book. This shows that it was professionally edited.

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Not Mary Not Roe: The Survival Story of a Reluctant Teen Mom
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Donald Kelvin · Post by **Donald Kelvin** » 11 Oct 2022, 16:04

I can't imagine what Leslie must have gone through being pregnant at sixteen. I'd love to read about all her struggles and how she overcame.

Kesego Kessy · Post by **Kesego Kessy** » 11 Oct 2022, 16:35

The book was amazing it taught me about lot of things Iike effects o teenage pregnancy

Chimereucheya Okoroafo · Post by **Chimereucheya Okoroafo** » 12 Oct 2022, 02:12

I understand her reason for wanting to deviate from their absurd societal norms but I don't think getting pregnant at an early age is the best way to do it. The girl child surely deserves more and I hope there's more for Leslie that's positive and worth achieving in order to make that difference. Nice review.

Amandaruth Ama · Post by **Amandaruth Ama** » 12 Oct 2022, 02:57

The society does not consider a lot of things in teenage pregnancies. What two people partook in, only the girl will be judged by it. This ideology has driven a lot of women into some kind of lives that they did not ever wish themselves. I love your review of this book.

Post by **Hyfr Zack** » 12 Oct 2022, 03:02

What happened to Leslie at such a young age is heartbreaking. This book also teaches readers about sex education. Despite her flaws, she kept pushing forward and came out on top. What a powerful woman she is!

Faithy_Goody_Star · Post by **Faithy_Goody_Star** » 12 Oct 2022, 05:30

I believe societal issues are conversations that must be had often, and it is good to see that this book seeks to do the same. The story of Leslie is a heart-wrenching one and I am wondering about the details of how she overcame it. My interest has been piqued after reading this review. Great job!

Chrity Edwin · Post by **Chrity Edwin** » 12 Oct 2022, 05:43

I believe in Henderson equality and also that people should know their rights and limts. Just by reading this review, I'm libraries felling sorry for the poor girl. Would read this book to find out more.

Wash William · Post by **Wash William** » 12 Oct 2022, 05:49

It's saddening that most people still cling to the ideology that women belong to the kitchen. We have moved past that era, and we are in an era where women are doing exploits. Leslie's story is a challenging one and an interesting one to read about. Thanks for the review.

Agbata Precious 1 · Post by **Agbata Precious 1** » 12 Oct 2022, 06:03

The nice review you have here. I must say I haven't read this book but from your review, it looks good.

Larabs Josh · Post by **Larabs Josh** » 12 Oct 2022, 06:57

Society has evolved from a world less of women's impact to a world where women could raise their shoulders high with men in society now.

Marybreda reads · Post by **Marybreda reads** » 12 Oct 2022, 13:23

I can tell that it must have been really hard for Leslie as a teen mom. Enduring all the bullies and insults. I believe so much in the girl child movement so I know I would love to read this book to know more.

Mozi Ken · Post by **Mozi Ken** » 12 Oct 2022, 13:56

Leslie sounds like a strong character that will teach a lot of lessons to teenage girls. I disagree that girls should only be hone makers and housekeepers. Still, I also disagree with teenage pregnancy. Good review

Ikechukwu Blessing · Post by **Ikechukwu Blessing** » 13 Oct 2022, 00:16

Marriage is beyond love, lots of factors have to be considered before embarking on it. I admired the fact that she was courageous and strong.

FunkyFlowerLady · Post by **FunkyFlowerLady** » 14 Oct 2022, 13:07

Your review is amazing of this emotional book. I'm quite interested in this heartwrenching story to see it proceed into an inspirational one by the end, so I'll give it a try.