I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I found the story compelling. Melissa's birth mother intended to abort her, but she survived (without either of her birth parents' knowledge), and was adopted. At 14, she learned the truth of her birth, and spiraled into PTSD-induced, self-destructive behavior. A willingness to let God be in charge, a loving husband, and the consistent support of her adopted parents brings Melissa to the point where she not only learns to love herself, but to love and forgive all of those involved in the failed abortion that gave her life. Melissa obviously has an agenda; that's not a criticism, just an important fact of which to be aware when reading this book. This should be required reading for anyone involved in social justice, no matter their personal views on abortion. The author is unapologetically (and unsurprisingly) anti-abortion, and presents a compelling argument why pro-choice is not pro-women. Will this book change anyone's mind? It's possible, given the sincerity of Melissa's writing style. She raises issues that I, to be honest, had not considered or fully examined, and I appreciate being able to more thoroughly consider my own position on this important and divisive topic. ( )

Author Melissa Ohden writes the actual survival story of being a botched abortion and how she sees herself after learning this news. She had always known she was adopted and was lucky enough to have a loving father and mother in her life. However, after she finds out the new about her birth, she begins to think more about the biological parents and what was the circumstance for their choice of wanting an abortion and why after all that happened during the procedure did they just not keep her. Her journey starts slow and seems to hit dead ends, but soon she finds individuals that are aware of what happened that night. Melissa Ohden bravely tells you the most difficult time in her life with grace and beauty. I enjoyed this story that I feel too often isn't talked about and would recommend to anyone. ( )

Melissa did not find out until she was a teen that she was the product of a failed abortion. She knew she was adopted, but she assumed she had been loved and her biological mother could not provide for her. She was adopted by a very loving couple. Her memoir chronicles her journey as she deals with this discovery and she uses it to help others. I was impressed with her journey and with the conclusion (no spoiler here). Very good reading for teens as well as adults. ( )

This is an Early Reviewers Review.
I think the author Melissa Ohden's story of how she came into this world and survived is amazing. She is the survivor of a botched abortion. How the doctors didn't know how far along her mom was in her pregnancy boggles my mind. My rating is lower than the majority. I found the "anti-abortion' political message took over the short book. ( )

Wow. This was an incredible story of sorrow and triumphs. No matter what side you stand on pro choice or pro life this book makes you reconsider everything you thought you could know about abortion and the startling waves it creates in lives. ( )