*I received a free ARC of this book via Rachel’s Random Resources blog tour. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*
Blurb: On the eve of her eighteenth birthday, Lizzie finds herself pregnant: she’s literally days away from her exam results and university beckons around the corner. The bright Lizzie has big plans, but can she have the life she wanted, with a baby in tow? What will her family and friends say? And what will the baby’s father choose to do: stay out of it, or stand by her?
An exciting “What if…” journey in the style of “Run Lola Run” and “Sliding Doors”.
In Proof Positive we join Lizzie at a pivotal moment in her life and get to watch all of the different ways that her critical decisions (who to tell?, where to go?, what to do?) could pan out for her.
Interestingly, not one of the possible paths is ‘good’ or ‘bad’. Every consequence has pros and cons to it, which not only reflects the real world but gives the reader pause for thought…perhaps that long-regretted choice might actually have been the best option out of those available at the time, who knows?!
In Lizzie’s case the ringing phone (rather than ‘sliding’ Tube doors) doesn’t just herald different choices but seems to explore different aspects of her personality, and that of those around her. Sometimes she is decisive and confident, and other times submissive and helpless. Sometimes she turns to a loved one for their support and then next time she turns from them resentfully. Sometimes her loved ones are supportive and kind, and other times harsh and domineering. This also rings true to life, as every individual is made up of differing experiences and emotions, and whichever element of our complex psyche is in the driving seat at any one time can have a huge impact on our reactions and the choices we make.
One of my favourite aspects was the exploraition, in flashbacks and snippets, of the relationship between Lizzie’s parents and their family history. The book presents a thorough exploration of different elements of decisions and personal choice, but their story shone through each strand as a constant: a relationship that is imperfect and looks ‘wrong’ when judged externally, but actually works for the couple involved, the ones that count. ‘Whatever works’!
There was a part of me that felt frustrated by the ending. I wanted Lizzie to take the hard lessons learned throughout the pages and apply them (even if unknowingly) to come to the best decision for her. It is arguable that in that respect the ending is perfect and could not have happened any other way. Still, I was left wanting more, and more of a climax, or at least some closure to the emotional journey we took with her.
This book is great for teens and young adults: entertaining and really thought-provoking on the subject of who is in control of our choices and who we can turn to for support along the way.
I sat back down on the closed toilet seat. I knew that the moment I went outside, everything would rush in at me, become real. Everyone would be in my face. I’d have to deal with what others would throw at me. Accusations. Demands. Disappointments. So many people were going to judge me, people I cared about. And even those I didn’t care about were still going to talk about me and somehow that made me suddenly care about what they were going to say.
– Lucy V. Hay, Proof Positive
You can find more from Lucy V. Hay at her website here, or follow her on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
Proof Positive is available on Amazon right now!
Bookshine And Readbows 