Spring Reads: Other Bodies by Joel Ohman

AMAZON

I can't believe today is the first day of spring; well, at least the calendar refers as the 20th as the beginning of spring, as Mother Nature still thinks it's winter here in the midwest. To kickoff my first Spring Reads post of the year, I'm reviewing the controversial Christian YA novel Other Bodies by Joel Ohman.

Set in a futuristic Philadelphia where VR technology is used, the novel centers around Hattie Martins, a sixteen-year-old who's just starting to build a new life, which includes a new job at a women's clinic, Managed Motherhood, and making a few new friends. Then she learn she is with child!

Like many pregnant teenagers in real life, Hattie has to make the toughest decision in her young life - get an abortion or keep the baby!

 Final Thoughts

Most dystopian fictions are set in unrealistic worlds, but that isn't the case with Other Bodies, as the author has created a world that resembles are own. The fictional "Managed Motherhood" in the story is very similar to the Planned Parenthood organization in the USA. The VR technology is way more advanced than what is in the reality; which VR suits are used in abortions. The main character, Hattie, makes a horrible decision and she must find a way to come to terms with her choice; though it will haunt her forever.

Thanks to the a well-written narrative, the story flows fast and I was able to read the book in one sitting yesterday morning. Let's just say that the book is very different than what I thought it would be. The plot is not for everyone. Even though it's aimed for YA readers, some ages might be a bit too young for the topic. Personally, I liked about 3/4 of the story, until it got really weird for me with all the VR stuff. 

Overall, Other Bodies is a well-written YA dystopian novel. It has a heavy subject, so t like I already mentioned, the novel might not be everyone.

About the Author

Joel Ohman lives in Tampa, FL with his wife Angela and their three kids. His writing companion is Caesar, a slightly overweight Bull Mastiff who loves to eat the tops off of strawberries.

Joel is the author of the #1 bestselling Meritropolis series—“The Hunger Games meets The Village with a young Jack Reacher as a protagonist” and the new YA release, Other Bodies.

Learn more about Joel on his website JoelOhman.com!

“Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255:  “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”):  Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway.  Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.  I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.