A delicate subject prior to the famous 1973 Roe v. Wade decision, the topic of abortion remains a hotly debated topic some forty years later in 2017. Those on the pro-life side hold firm to the belief that life begins at conception while those on the pro-choice side say the woman has a right to do with her body as she wishes. No matter which camp you are more likely to align with, You Carried Me, is 166 pages of, “cannot put it down #wow”.
Melissa Ohden’s compelling story is beautifully written. Despite the harsh realities of her past, a botched abortion survivor, she conveys her story without judgment on those who intended to end her life before it even began.
The reader, knowing a secret that she does not, cannot help but watch with fascination as her story unfolds. Lovingly adopted by a family fully aware of her history and the physical limitations that could mark her life, Melissa’s early years are blissfully happy. It is not until early in her teens that the truth of her birth is discovered.
Although unintentional, Melissa becomes a national anti-abortion spokesperson. Not always well received her truthful, and well-documented story puts her at the forefront of the anti-abortion movement. The limelight is not a comfortable place to live, but Melissa, with the help of her faith, adoptive family, and supportive husband navigates her circumstances well.
Without spoiling the ending too much, the reader will no doubt be pleased with where the road less traveled takes her. No matter where you stand on abortion, there is no denying the facts and painful truths of Melissa’s abortion survival and life thereafter.
On a scale of 1-10, this book ranks “off the charts”. A story the reader has unlikely ever heard before. Definitely the must read of 2017!
*A free copy of You Carried Me was provided in exchange for this review.