Complicated Choices by Risa Nyman – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

Complicated Choices by Risa Nyman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Complicated Choices is a YA Family book that centers around the character of Claire who is just starting her senior year in high school. Rather than go to ball games, date, or attend school dances she is raising a baby. The problem is, the baby she is raising is not her own, although a lot of people get that impression when they first see Claire pushing the baby stroller. Claire’s mother has fallen into a deep depression and can barely look after herself let alone raise a baby which has all the responsibility landing on young Claire’s shoulders. Claire finds herself changing diapers, cleaning up baby vomit, and taking baby Harry to his fancy new daycare. A daycare that cost a small fortune and that her mom paid for with Claire’s college fund. Claire’s mom has not only been sinking farther into depression but is also sinking into farther financial debt. When Claire’s uncle offers a way out of their financial situation it would give Claire the future she had hoped for and dreamed of but at what price. Claire finds herself forced to make an impossible decision and no matter what she chooses it will forever alter the course of her life.

This book was beautifully written with an intriguing storyline and characters that were instantly relatable and likable. The character of Claire was someone that I immediately felt a connection to and found myself rooting for. She was a young girl with a bright future but when her mom got pregnant Claire’s future was forever altered. Suddenly she had to grow up fast and become a mom to her baby brother while also going to school and looking after her mom. Rather than enjoy her senior year in high school, hanging out with friends, dating, and going to parties Claire was playing the part of mom to both her own mom as well as her baby brother. Claire was wise beyond her years, mature, responsible, savvy, and feisty. How unimaginable to be put in a position where you must choose between your future and attending college or your baby brother. It was absolutely heart wrenching to read about the situation Claire had been placed in. This book was a rollercoaster ride of emotions with a few twists and turns that will keep you reading until the end.

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