In Trouble is a novel born of author Ellen Levine's interviews with women who came of age in the late 1950s and early 1960s, including those who kn...
read full description
reviews
Jul 25, 2011
Roshini
rated it: 
The back of this book explains it succintly in one sentence. It [the book] offers a disturbing portrait of what it was like to be a young woman long before Juno and Bristol Palin. These days, a young, unmarried woman having a baby makes more news due to its entertainment aspect, rather than the shock factor as it was in 1956, which is when this book is based. Some parts of the story remind me of its setting - mentions of Elvis Presley's latest tv appearance being a notable one. Other parts make
More...
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Jan 28, 2012
Margo
rated it: 
Abortion is a topic few YA authors dare to broach in their books, and this reality alone would be enough reason for me to applaud award-winning author Ellen Levine's 2011 young adult novel In Trouble. But the book has plenty of merit as an unsentimental look at the hard choices (or lack thereof) teens confronted when they became pregnant in the 1950's.
The film noir style cover, portraying a lonely teenaged girl waiting late at night on a deserted street, sets the stage for this dark More...
The film noir style cover, portraying a lonely teenaged girl waiting late at night on a deserted street, sets the stage for this dark More...
Dec 25, 2011
Serena
rated it: 
A strong and relevant topic. Good historical detail. Horrible writing.
The main problem with In Trouble was that nothing fit. Each chapter felt like a separate vignette. Jamie’s thoughts never stayed consistent to one character. The quick switches to movie “scripts” were interruptive.
Mrs. Levine talks about interviewing several different women who lived during the book’s time period for information in her author’s note. The reader can tell before even reaching the afterwor More...
The main problem with In Trouble was that nothing fit. Each chapter felt like a separate vignette. Jamie’s thoughts never stayed consistent to one character. The quick switches to movie “scripts” were interruptive.
Mrs. Levine talks about interviewing several different women who lived during the book’s time period for information in her author’s note. The reader can tell before even reaching the afterwor More...
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Oct 08, 2011
Louise
rated it: 
Story Description:
A film noir atmosphere weaves through this unabashedly political novel that addresses issues of abortion and free speech. Levine (Henry’s Freedom Box) evokes nostalgia for an era of multigenerational families living together, Automats, soda fountains, and Bogart films, while emphasizing the power wielded by social taboos. Sixteen-year-old Jamie tells the parallel stories of two teenage pregnancies in McCarthy-era New York City and her father’s recent imprisonment for More...
A film noir atmosphere weaves through this unabashedly political novel that addresses issues of abortion and free speech. Levine (Henry’s Freedom Box) evokes nostalgia for an era of multigenerational families living together, Automats, soda fountains, and Bogart films, while emphasizing the power wielded by social taboos. Sixteen-year-old Jamie tells the parallel stories of two teenage pregnancies in McCarthy-era New York City and her father’s recent imprisonment for More...
Sep 14, 2011
Tammy
rated it:
Tackling serious topics can be tricky for a young adult novel. Writers can easily fall into a trap of presenting one side of a debate thinly cloaked in character and plot devices. The novel can become a parody of the Afterschool Special and focus on its message rather than its story.
In Trouble by Ellen Levine is not one of those books. Although teen pregnancy is at the center of her story, Levine’s characters drive the story. The 1950s New York setting helps remove issues surrounding t More...
In Trouble by Ellen Levine is not one of those books. Although teen pregnancy is at the center of her story, Levine’s characters drive the story. The 1950s New York setting helps remove issues surrounding t More...
Aug 24, 2011
WovenMyst
rated it:
“He said if I’d do it, it meant I love him.” She was almost pleading. “I do love him.”
Two high school girls, Elaine and Jamie, find themselves “in trouble” — unmarried and pregnant, something that isn't supposed to happen to good girls. In Trouble is told through Jamie’s point of view, but Levine captures the emotional and psychological damage that both girls suffer as they struggle with their predicaments, family dynamics and major life decisions.
Depiction of the time pe More...
Two high school girls, Elaine and Jamie, find themselves “in trouble” — unmarried and pregnant, something that isn't supposed to happen to good girls. In Trouble is told through Jamie’s point of view, but Levine captures the emotional and psychological damage that both girls suffer as they struggle with their predicaments, family dynamics and major life decisions.
Depiction of the time pe More...
May 03, 2011
Marie
rated it: 
I said I would try to be fair when reviewing this, and it will be hard for me. Oh well.
This is a book about abortion and the McCarthy hearings. It takes place in the mid '50s. Two girls get "in trouble" (euphemism for pregnancy - one is raped and the other sleeps with her boyfriend and is dumped afterward). Of course, back then abortion was illegal and pregnancy out of wedlock was taboo and frowned upon.
I thought the prose was unremarkable, although I did like More...
This is a book about abortion and the McCarthy hearings. It takes place in the mid '50s. Two girls get "in trouble" (euphemism for pregnancy - one is raped and the other sleeps with her boyfriend and is dumped afterward). Of course, back then abortion was illegal and pregnancy out of wedlock was taboo and frowned upon.
I thought the prose was unremarkable, although I did like More...
Apr 06, 2011
Merle
rated it:
I wish this book had worked for me, because its message and topic are things I’m extremely interested in. Unfortunately this is a Did Not Finish for me. I do like certain aspects of the book--showing how hard a decision it is for a woman to get an abortion, and that it’s not something a woman does just because she feels like it. She doesn’t just wake up one day and think “Oh, I think I’ll get an abortion today.” No, weeks of agonizing goes into it, as well as the shame and anger from family and
More...
Aug 20, 2011
ABookVacation
rated it:
Lerner Publishing Group has been extremely gracious in allowing me to read an ARC of this novel, via Netgalley, prior to its recent release, and I must say I really enjoyed this novel. I know it’s been getting very mixed reviews, but I absolutely loved the narrative style Levine uses to tell the story of two girls facing a terrible choice. It’s not the most happy topic in the world, this is true, but this novel is very well written and explains what life was like in the 1960s. The story is to
More...
Oct 11, 2011
Kellee
rated it:
In Trouble explores the options that a young lady had in the 1950s when it came to being "in trouble." Today our options include abortion, adoption and keeping the baby, but in the 1950s abortion was illegal, keeping the baby was a stigma, so adoption was the option most accepted; however, this was not always the best option for everyone. In the book, Jaime's best friend Elaine figures out that she is pregnant and Jaime tries to help Elaine with her situation thus showing the reader
More...
Sep 04, 2011
StorySeekers
rated it:
This book is going to get mixed reviews and thoughts about it. Just like Rage by Jackie Morse Kessler, books that talk about uncomfortable topics are going to get some bad reviews. This book covers an important topic that many young girls face today, pregnancy.
A few things I liked about this book. Ellen Levine has set the time back in 1965, and the story revolves around two high school girls. She brings the topic about pregnancy into the story, and what the young girls of that time t More...
A few things I liked about this book. Ellen Levine has set the time back in 1965, and the story revolves around two high school girls. She brings the topic about pregnancy into the story, and what the young girls of that time t More...
Sep 06, 2011
Savannah (Books With Bite)
rated it:
This is a great book about getting "in trouble". I remember the days were times were like this. My mom freak out one time cause when I was in eighth grade back in 1998-99 school year, a girl in my class got pregnant. My mom flipped out, questioning me about "boys." Granted, my mom was only doing what she felt she needed to be done. But back then, teen pregnancies were not that common. And getting "in trouble" was wrong.
I will say that I really enjoyed thi More...
I will say that I really enjoyed thi More...
Dec 26, 2011
Donna
rated it:
Carolrhoda Lab does it again with another gripping story that I get to gush about. Although I will say this is probably my least favorite out of the CL books I've read. I still think very highly of it but I do feel it was lacking something that the other CL books had, mainly depth.
The situation that Jamie and Elaine go through is terrifying. Hell, it's terrifying now, let alone 60 years ago where you were either biblically virginal or a whore, irrespective of what happened to you to More...
The situation that Jamie and Elaine go through is terrifying. Hell, it's terrifying now, let alone 60 years ago where you were either biblically virginal or a whore, irrespective of what happened to you to More...
Aug 03, 2011
Lorettajo
rated it:
The complete writer's review can be found at: http://lorettajokapinos.blogspot.com/ but here's an excerpt:
My friend and fellow NetGalley user, Sera Rivers suggested I review In Trouble. I thanked her a bunch of times. As a woman, a mother of a daughter, a nurse and writer, this book moved me. As I said above, I read it in one sitting-a matter of hours. And yes, I cried. I cheered. I felt inspired. It's the type of book that should be read in schools and discussed at length. (Tho More...
My friend and fellow NetGalley user, Sera Rivers suggested I review In Trouble. I thanked her a bunch of times. As a woman, a mother of a daughter, a nurse and writer, this book moved me. As I said above, I read it in one sitting-a matter of hours. And yes, I cried. I cheered. I felt inspired. It's the type of book that should be read in schools and discussed at length. (Tho More...
Oct 02, 2011
Bonny
rated it:
This review is based on an e-galley from NetGalley.com
Not quite what I expected, but still an excellent book In Trouble had me hooked after the first page. The short chapters and the lack of fluffy, flowing description make this a quick and enjoyable read. In Trouble follows the lives of two friends who get 'in trouble' in the 1950s and the few options they have. One girl is pregnant after being pressured into sleeping with her boyfriend. The other is attacker by her cousins friend and fin More...
Not quite what I expected, but still an excellent book In Trouble had me hooked after the first page. The short chapters and the lack of fluffy, flowing description make this a quick and enjoyable read. In Trouble follows the lives of two friends who get 'in trouble' in the 1950s and the few options they have. One girl is pregnant after being pressured into sleeping with her boyfriend. The other is attacker by her cousins friend and fin More...
May 01, 2011
H.I.
rated it:
Jamie hears about all kinds of trouble, about girls that get pregnant. At a time when pregnancy out of wedlock is something to be ashamed of, when people look at you like you’ve done the unthinkable and call you names, Jamie finds out her best friend is one of those girls in trouble.
This is not only a story of teenage pregnancy; it’s a story of prejudice and ignorance. It’s a time when someone is condemned and imprisoned for speaking his mind; when people integrate the whites from t More...
This is not only a story of teenage pregnancy; it’s a story of prejudice and ignorance. It’s a time when someone is condemned and imprisoned for speaking his mind; when people integrate the whites from t More...
Apr 27, 2011
-k The Lady Critic
rated it:
I love reading novels with subject matter like this one because it’s so entrenched in real life that I can’t help but imagine it being true. Plus, while I’m pro-choice in matters such as these, I’m fascinated on the process that other people go through in order to make their own decision.
This novel deals with heavy subject matter and might not be for all people. Aside from pregnancy, it deals with religion and politics and while I liked the novel well enough, it just wasn’t enough. More...
This novel deals with heavy subject matter and might not be for all people. Aside from pregnancy, it deals with religion and politics and while I liked the novel well enough, it just wasn’t enough. More...
Oct 16, 2011
Seth
rated it:
Jamie is concerned for Elaine, but she also has problems of her own. Her father has just returned home after being jailed for his refusal to name names during the McCarthy hearings, and Jamie’s relationship with him is still fragile. She’s also hiding a secret equal to Elaine’s while staying in New York City with her older cousin Lois, she was raped by one of Lois’ friends and is too ashamed to tell anyone what happened. But when Jamie realizes that she’s skipped a period, she suddenly finds her
More...
Nov 07, 2011
Natalie
rated it:
I had to read it for an assignment for school, in which I had to read 3 novels intended for young adults, and I chose this because I thought it would be intriguing. Unfortunately, it fell short. The storyline has the potential to be thought provoking but instead seems rushed and almost preachy. The biggest plot twist is also handled in the last 20 pages of the book instead of actually being a focus of the story as it should be. The best part of the book is at the end when the author, Ellen Levin
More...
Apr 22, 2011
laaaaames
rated it:
You guys know the Rent parody in Team America?
That is this book and teen pregnancy. Good lord. The girls are in trouble! What will they doooo?
I wish this book wasn't so overdone and poorly-written. The message is one that is important in this day and age. Women need choices and resources, damn straight.
Of course, women also need well-written and -plotted books. More...
Everyone has AIDS!
AIDS AIDS AIDS!
AIDS AIDS AIDS AIDS AIDS AIDS!
Everyone has AIDS!
That is this book and teen pregnancy. Good lord. The girls are in trouble! What will they doooo?
I wish this book wasn't so overdone and poorly-written. The message is one that is important in this day and age. Women need choices and resources, damn straight.
Of course, women also need well-written and -plotted books. More...
Jan 18, 2012
carissa
rated it:
Recommended Ages: grades 8 and up
"Jamie and Elaine have been best friends forever, and now they're finally juniors in high school. Elaine has a steady boyfriend, and Jamie could have one--if she'd just open her eyes and see Paul. But Jamie has a bigger problem to worry about. Then Elaine gets "in trouble"--something they thought only happened to "other" girls. Are there any good choices for a girl in trouble?
In Trouble is a novel born of author El More...
"Jamie and Elaine have been best friends forever, and now they're finally juniors in high school. Elaine has a steady boyfriend, and Jamie could have one--if she'd just open her eyes and see Paul. But Jamie has a bigger problem to worry about. Then Elaine gets "in trouble"--something they thought only happened to "other" girls. Are there any good choices for a girl in trouble?
In Trouble is a novel born of author El More...
Jul 17, 2011
Diana
rated it:
High school juniors and best friends in the Bronx in 1956 both get pregnant, one to prove her love to her steady and the other a victim of date rape. The historical details really gave a a good feel for the time period and the story of Jamie's father being released from prison after being swept up by the House Un-American Affairs Committee really told a lot about the era. The way society viewed out of wedlock pregnancy and the sex ed kids got in school was very believable and very different from
More...
Nov 08, 2011
E.
rated it:
We've seen a lot of YA novels tackle the topic of teen pregnancy, but IN TROUBLE by Ellen Levine is the first one I've read to look at girls "in trouble" from this angle. Taking place in the 1950s, IN TROUBLE is the story of a teen girl who's best friend has recently moved away. Jamie misses Elaine dearly, and they keep in touch through letters -- letters in which Elaine is constantly singing the praises of her college boyfriend. But when the unthinkable happens, and Elaine becomes
More...
Jun 23, 2011
Annika
rated it:
I went into reading In Trouble with low expectations. I saw the ratings and read the reviews on Goodreads and they didn’t have me all too hopeful for the book. I wanted In Trouble to be a good book, to deliver the message it intended to bring to the reader. But although I can appreciate what Levine was trying to do, in the end she failed for me.
In Trouble is about two best friends, Jamie and Elaine. Everything is peachy until Elaine contacts Jamie, they meet up and Elaine tells her b More...
In Trouble is about two best friends, Jamie and Elaine. Everything is peachy until Elaine contacts Jamie, they meet up and Elaine tells her b More...
Sep 04, 2011
Bookworm1858
rated it:
Some spoilers although I don't think knowing them will ruin your enjoyment.
This book is kind of tricky to review because it looks at abortion during the 1950s, when abortion was very much illegal in the United States but is been read by a 21st century audience where abortion is still very controversial if technically legal (according to the author's note, 87% of US counties are effectively denied the choice because there is no doctor willing to perform the procedure). I was hoping for More...
This book is kind of tricky to review because it looks at abortion during the 1950s, when abortion was very much illegal in the United States but is been read by a 21st century audience where abortion is still very controversial if technically legal (according to the author's note, 87% of US counties are effectively denied the choice because there is no doctor willing to perform the procedure). I was hoping for More...
Dec 15, 2011
Kathy
rated it:
This book, set in 1956, examines the fates of two high school girls in the era before Roe vs. Wade legalized abortion in the United States. After Elaine becomes pregnant, Neil, her college age boyfriend, wants nothing more to do with her and she is forced by her parents to go to a Catholic home for unwed mothers and give up her baby for adoption. Jamie, her friend, becomes pregnant after she is raped and seeks an illegal abortion. This is an interesting look at a time that few current teens real
More...
Jan 18, 2012
Lisa
rated it:
read this from a shipment of books to "approve" whether or not it is appropriate for our JH library collection...
I appreciate the message that Ms. Levine is trying to get across and I like the way she tried to accomplish it but I had a very hard time following. There would be font changes for different voices (time period or person) and for about a third of the book i didn't have a clue what was going on and it was starting to annoy me.
I appreciate the message that Ms. Levine is trying to get across and I like the way she tried to accomplish it but I had a very hard time following. There would be font changes for different voices (time period or person) and for about a third of the book i didn't have a clue what was going on and it was starting to annoy me.
Dec 17, 2011
Vermiciousknits
rated it:
There is never a doubt about the author's stand on the weighty issue inthis short book. Teenage pregnancy in the 50s was a very different thing from what it is today. The rendering is okay, but it feels pretty heavy-handed and black-and-white. Jamie's entire suport system is too perfect. I doubt the book will change any minds, but it will appeal to that subset of teenage girls who read every twen pregnancy novel .
Oct 30, 2011
AnnaBnana
rated it:
This book was tooooooo much. I understand that Levine wanted to show different outcomes to dealing with pregnancy in a pre-legal abortion atmosphere. I think it might been better done in short stories though because in this format, she's got 2 friends, both pregnant--one by a rape that is alluded to throughout the story PLUS a dad who was a political prisoner in the McCarthy era. I know there's a lot of really interesting historical stuff for great historical fiction. It just doesn't all have t
More...
Sep 13, 2011
Bonnie-sue
rated it:
I'm glad someone finally wrote about this important topic but the writing just didn't grab me. Great topic, not such a great execution. It was even a bit boring which surprised me. I also felt like it relied too heavily on the same basic set up as her other novel, Catch a Tiger by the Toe.
