Monday, August 20, 2012

Book Review: A Baby of Her Own by Brenda Novak

I'm really gonna do it, guys.  I'm going to finishing writing my novel about a woman who is trying (and failing!) to get pregnant.  And you know why?  Because even if it sucks it will be much better than 90% of the crap I've read in the eight months I've been searching for (fiction) books about the subject.

And before you think - oh she's just a bitter wannabee - these books can't be that bad, let me tell you about my latest read.  Brenda Novak is a best-selling author allegedly.  She's obviously doing something right.  Her writing wasn't bad per se, but oh wow, the storyline.

A Baby of Her Own which I got for free on Friday for my Kindle is now retailing at $1.99.  And, as most Kindle lovers would guess, you get what you pay for.  It is the story of Delaney, a 30 year old librarian who is pondering pursuing single motherhood.  Her friend suggests donor insemination but Delaney quickly dismisses the idea as too expensive. Somehow - while at the Honky Tonk Bar (yes) one night - they decide to drive off to Boise and find an unknowing sperm donor (uh huh).

Delaney is a virgin!  No one knows that, not even Rebecca.  Enter Connor Armstrong.  An heir to a real estate mogul who has been banished to Idaho by his hopeful grandfather and terrible uncles.  He has one year to work on a project or he will be cut off from his inheritance.  He is determined to stop his reckless ways and avoid loose women.

Cue one night stand.

Cue magical pregnancy.

Etc. etc. vomit gross eww.

Not only was this book so contrived and predictable some parts were just downright strangely offensive.  Case in point - Connor's uncles have never liked him because he was a "rape baby."  Yes, you did read that right.  Those two particular words appeared at least a dozen times in the book.  Also when referring to Connor's mother, Novak is sure to remind the reader over and over again that she was adopted.  For a while I thought maybe we would learn more about the rape or adoption but you never do.  I guess it was just an easy way to show how illegitimate Connor was to his family.  Doubly unwanted.  Super duper offensive.

Anyway I read this so now you don't have to.  You're welcome!

2 comments:

  1. It really is amazing how terrible fiction makes it's way into the hands of readers across the globe. I think you should do it. Write a book on infertility where the ending is predictable, where the outcome isn't always rosy, where things are REAL. I'll buy it!

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