Glori: A Different Story

Nicole Lynn Hannans
iUniverse (2007)
ISBN 9780595435562
Reviewed by Carol Hoyer for Reader Views (1/08)

Ms. Hannans’ book is written in a manner that is both informative and empathetic to teenagers who find them in the position of being single and pregnant. However, what she does not do is give young pregnant women the opinion that the world owes them for their condition; it is up to them to make positive changes. 
 
Finding herself pregnant at the age of seventeen Nicole finds herself in a love-hate relationship with a young man who was selfish, controlling, selling drugs and a general player.  Blinded by the love she felt for him, Nicole alienated herself from all her family and friends, firmly believing all the lies her boyfriend told her. After losing the baby, she finds herself pregnant again at the age of eighteen, the father being the same man. 

This time Nicole finally starts to see that this relationship is dead-end and her boyfriend will not change. She has made up her mind it is time for her to take care of herself and her daughter without the help of others. She did exactly that. She attended William and Mary College in Williamsburg, Virginia, graduated with honors and went on to get her Masters degree. But it was not without struggles-- no money, no childcare, no friends, and no job. 

Ms. Hannans gives all teenagers in this position hope, strength and support through this book. She does not take a ‘woe-is-me’ attitude, but one of reality.  As a psychologist for over twenty-five years, the accounts provided in this book are a realistic view of what happens in situations like this, she does not flower her words or give any indication that she is encouraging women to get pregnant and feed off society.  She is telling all pregnant and even non-pregnant women-- regardless of what life throws you-- you can make changes. She also provides resources to help young women. 
 
I would recommend “Glori: A Different Story” for therapists to provide to their clients who find themselves single and pregnant. It gives hope and encouragement.

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