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The Fight for Midnight
It’s been a rough year for Alex Collins. In the past twelve months, he’s lost his best friend, become the target of the two biggest bullies at school, and been sentenced to community service. But on June 25, 2013, he gets a call for help from Cassie Ramirez, the prettiest girl in school. At last, he feels like his luck might be changing.
Cassie is at the Texas State Capitol to protest Wendy Davis’s historic filibuster of the abortion bill HB2, and she’s rallying everyone she knows to join her. Until today, Alex didn’t know what a filibuster was, and he’d never given a moment’s thought to how he felt about abortion. But at the Capitol, he finds himself in the middle of a tense scene full of pro-life “blueshirts,” pro-choice “orangeshirts,” and blustering politicians playing political games as Wendy Davis tries to run out the clock at midnight.
Alex may have entered the Capitol looking to spend time with Cassie, but the political gets personal when he runs into his ex-friend Shireen in an orange T-shirt and quickly realizes that when it comes to an issue like abortion, neutral isn’t an option. Over the next nineteen hours—as things get increasingly heated both on the Senate floor and between the two sets of protesters—Alex will struggle to figure out what side he’s on, knowing that whatever choice he makes will bring him face-to-face with his past mistakes.
Cassie is at the Texas State Capitol to protest Wendy Davis’s historic filibuster of the abortion bill HB2, and she’s rallying everyone she knows to join her. Until today, Alex didn’t know what a filibuster was, and he’d never given a moment’s thought to how he felt about abortion. But at the Capitol, he finds himself in the middle of a tense scene full of pro-life “blueshirts,” pro-choice “orangeshirts,” and blustering politicians playing political games as Wendy Davis tries to run out the clock at midnight.
Alex may have entered the Capitol looking to spend time with Cassie, but the political gets personal when he runs into his ex-friend Shireen in an orange T-shirt and quickly realizes that when it comes to an issue like abortion, neutral isn’t an option. Over the next nineteen hours—as things get increasingly heated both on the Senate floor and between the two sets of protesters—Alex will struggle to figure out what side he’s on, knowing that whatever choice he makes will bring him face-to-face with his past mistakes.
201 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 20, 2023
8 people are currently reading
2478 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
March 20, 2023
Thank you, North Star Editions, for the advance reading copy.
This book is for the ones who feel like what matters to others do not matter to them because they do not belong to the same gender, community or likewise.
This is the story of a young character who felt like the issue of abortion didn’t matter to him as he’s a guy and it didn’t matter much for him. But the more he gets involved in the matter, he comes to realise why it matters. The character development is one of the best I have read in young adult fiction. Well done with the writing and the plot line.
This is the story of Alex who has lost his best friend and has been having the worst times. However, he does hope to get more time with his crush and gets involved in the movement for the abortion bill HB2. He gets to meet someone and the situation he gets involved himself doesn’t allow him to be neutral anymore. He has to get involved. This is a story for every youngster and every adult out there to read.
The book is quite short. The writing is so easy to read!
I say let’s not lose this opportunity to read a good book and also think about how we are all involved in shaping the society.
This book is for the ones who feel like what matters to others do not matter to them because they do not belong to the same gender, community or likewise.
This is the story of a young character who felt like the issue of abortion didn’t matter to him as he’s a guy and it didn’t matter much for him. But the more he gets involved in the matter, he comes to realise why it matters. The character development is one of the best I have read in young adult fiction. Well done with the writing and the plot line.
This is the story of Alex who has lost his best friend and has been having the worst times. However, he does hope to get more time with his crush and gets involved in the movement for the abortion bill HB2. He gets to meet someone and the situation he gets involved himself doesn’t allow him to be neutral anymore. He has to get involved. This is a story for every youngster and every adult out there to read.
The book is quite short. The writing is so easy to read!
I say let’s not lose this opportunity to read a good book and also think about how we are all involved in shaping the society.
January 3, 2023
I wrote this! good book imo
January 2, 2023
4.75- only because at times there was some weird sentence structure.
This book overall had such an amazing theme and I loved that it told two stories in one. One of those stories an important event about the abortion rights and I think everyone should read this book for an insight onto the ways that abortion rights are so much more than abortion rights. I loved the fact that this book covered that not only women may need abortions, because trans and non binary people exist too! The main character Alex was an interesting perspective to read this story from. At times he had me so very frustrated, but the development of his character was so perfect and I had chills towards the end because of his whole journey (even though it was only in the space of one day). The second plot point of this book was also amazing, because oh how it emphasised that when you stick together you can make yourself heard and fight for what is right. This was a very easy read (in the sense of reading words and time) and I devoured it in a day. I think that everyone should read this and I am so grateful to NetGalley for proving me with an eArc.
This book overall had such an amazing theme and I loved that it told two stories in one. One of those stories an important event about the abortion rights and I think everyone should read this book for an insight onto the ways that abortion rights are so much more than abortion rights. I loved the fact that this book covered that not only women may need abortions, because trans and non binary people exist too! The main character Alex was an interesting perspective to read this story from. At times he had me so very frustrated, but the development of his character was so perfect and I had chills towards the end because of his whole journey (even though it was only in the space of one day). The second plot point of this book was also amazing, because oh how it emphasised that when you stick together you can make yourself heard and fight for what is right. This was a very easy read (in the sense of reading words and time) and I devoured it in a day. I think that everyone should read this and I am so grateful to NetGalley for proving me with an eArc.
January 7, 2023
Thanks to Flux for the advanced copy!!
This book is so wonderfully developed and thoughtful. Each character is a real person and you really understand everyone. I love Shireen so much.
It’s also really educational about such an important day in a way that’s engaging.
I love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This book is so wonderfully developed and thoughtful. Each character is a real person and you really understand everyone. I love Shireen so much.
It’s also really educational about such an important day in a way that’s engaging.
I love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
March 26, 2023
What a book! There is so much packed into it, whether you are a young adult reader or an old adult reader like me. Full disclosure, I live in Austin so the small observations of life in this eclectic town & its unique culture were fun to read but this story is character driven around a singular day in 2013. We view it all through the lens of 17-year-old Alex Collins. There are adolescent struggles, some of which are universal angst but a few which are deadly serious.
The setting is primarily the State Capitol building in Austin on the last day of the 2013 legislature in which they were going to pass severe abortion restrictions. Alex attends even though he has no opinion on the subject since he's never really thought about it. but a girl he likes is there. Alex is a reader and his comparison of the Texas Lege to The Game of Thrones made me laugh out loud! It is a spot-on observation. At ten minutes to midnight in the story, I sobbed as Alex had a full-throated, screaming epiphany, so amazing for a 17-year-old or anyone.
This is so well-written with quirky, believable characters. I loved the octogenarian, Mr. Monaghan, from whom Alex learned the real measure of a man in no uncertain terms. I didn't want this book to end and I'll be buying copies of it to give as gifts and one to keep once it's published. I'm grateful to NetGalley & the publisher for the opportunity to read a digital ARC. I strongly recommend it to both YA and adult readers.
*I sincerely hope that Wendy Davis has read this book. And a note to the author...excellent music references which compelled me to listen to Sharon van Etten as soon as I finished the last page.
The setting is primarily the State Capitol building in Austin on the last day of the 2013 legislature in which they were going to pass severe abortion restrictions. Alex attends even though he has no opinion on the subject since he's never really thought about it. but a girl he likes is there. Alex is a reader and his comparison of the Texas Lege to The Game of Thrones made me laugh out loud! It is a spot-on observation. At ten minutes to midnight in the story, I sobbed as Alex had a full-throated, screaming epiphany, so amazing for a 17-year-old or anyone.
This is so well-written with quirky, believable characters. I loved the octogenarian, Mr. Monaghan, from whom Alex learned the real measure of a man in no uncertain terms. I didn't want this book to end and I'll be buying copies of it to give as gifts and one to keep once it's published. I'm grateful to NetGalley & the publisher for the opportunity to read a digital ARC. I strongly recommend it to both YA and adult readers.
*I sincerely hope that Wendy Davis has read this book. And a note to the author...excellent music references which compelled me to listen to Sharon van Etten as soon as I finished the last page.
July 2, 2023
I really loved this and it made me v emotional because it took me right back to this night. The day I moved to Texas was the same day as Wendy Davis’ filibuster and I’ll never forget how it felt watching it on a friend’s couch.
A really thoughtful and excellent look at teenagers, activists and politics, I wish every Texas teen would read it. Fun to be living in a time where this book is almost certainly going to be banned from school and public libraries 🥴
A really thoughtful and excellent look at teenagers, activists and politics, I wish every Texas teen would read it. Fun to be living in a time where this book is almost certainly going to be banned from school and public libraries 🥴
July 2, 2023
So much better than I expected from a book about one 12-hour filibuster about a decade ago. I highly recommend this.
June 24, 2023
How wonderful to read a book about a smart, thoughtful young man who learns to find his own political voice in the midst of the Texas filibuster over abortion rights.
And how wonderful to remember what that night was like. Hot and wild and frustrating and then so powerful, to hear the halls of the Texas state capital ringing with so many angry voices, demanding to be heard.
We are lucky to have writers like Dan Solomon in the world, showing men what it means to be smart and sensitive and masculine while they listen and learn from and fight for the women around them.
And how wonderful to remember what that night was like. Hot and wild and frustrating and then so powerful, to hear the halls of the Texas state capital ringing with so many angry voices, demanding to be heard.
We are lucky to have writers like Dan Solomon in the world, showing men what it means to be smart and sensitive and masculine while they listen and learn from and fight for the women around them.
October 7, 2023
There is quite a bit packed into this 278 page book, which for the most part was rather quickly paced (the time stamping marking the chapters gave it a thriller-ish feel, if you ever watched the tv show 24 and are familiar with the clock, you’ll understand what I mean). I think Solomon adapted the political language/nature of the subject matter in way that made it much easier for their target audience to grasp/understand. As an adult, it felt a bit dumbed down, but this book isn’t targeted to adults.
While The Fight For Midnight is a historical fiction based on real events, its done in a way that feels like this could very much be a story you hear from “someone who was there”. I thought is was an interesting choice making the main character of a book that focuses heavily on the political issue of abortion. However, the focus was it not being a women’s rights issues, but a human rights issue.
We are introduced to a lot of characters (which was quite impressive for such a fast paced book) and while not all of them are fully fleshed out, I didn’t feel they were unnecessary and I did feel like our MMC Alex does show personal growth over the course of the book. What started out as going to a protest simply to hang out with a girl, turns into Alex having his own thoughts and opinions on the subject at hand after witnessing what other people have to say.
While The Fight For Midnight is a historical fiction based on real events, its done in a way that feels like this could very much be a story you hear from “someone who was there”. I thought is was an interesting choice making the main character of a book that focuses heavily on the political issue of abortion. However, the focus was it not being a women’s rights issues, but a human rights issue.
We are introduced to a lot of characters (which was quite impressive for such a fast paced book) and while not all of them are fully fleshed out, I didn’t feel they were unnecessary and I did feel like our MMC Alex does show personal growth over the course of the book. What started out as going to a protest simply to hang out with a girl, turns into Alex having his own thoughts and opinions on the subject at hand after witnessing what other people have to say.
January 19, 2023
Rating: 3.5
This was an emotional and education read that touched on the topic of abortion. I am a big fan on how our main character grew from being completely ignorant to more educated. I enjoyed how both sides were shown and I think our main character did a good job in balancing between the two political view points when it comes to abortion nicely.
I do think the story is a bit too short so it was feeling repetitive and dragged out. There wasn't enough plot points in there and this was relatively a short book already.
Overall, I would recommend this read to anyone. It was a great introduction to why it's so important to stand up for your rights and to gain knowledge on topics that you're not familiar on. I showed how much an individual will go through to be heard and try to speak to those who can not.
Thank you Flux for providing me this ARC.
This was an emotional and education read that touched on the topic of abortion. I am a big fan on how our main character grew from being completely ignorant to more educated. I enjoyed how both sides were shown and I think our main character did a good job in balancing between the two political view points when it comes to abortion nicely.
I do think the story is a bit too short so it was feeling repetitive and dragged out. There wasn't enough plot points in there and this was relatively a short book already.
Overall, I would recommend this read to anyone. It was a great introduction to why it's so important to stand up for your rights and to gain knowledge on topics that you're not familiar on. I showed how much an individual will go through to be heard and try to speak to those who can not.
Thank you Flux for providing me this ARC.
July 13, 2023
The tears were already flowing well before the ending of Dan Solomon’s big-hearted and surefooted debut YA novel, which tells a moving and accessible story about an intimate, necessary political topic. Set in 2013, the summer before his senior year of high school, our (at-first) lowkey unlikable protagonist Alex is reckoning with his own regrettable choices and broken friendships when an old crush invites him to join her at a protest. Suddenly, his internal conflict becomes entwined with the events of Wendy Davis’ historic filibuster of anti-abortion bill SB5.
In telling this story, Solomon has the unenviable task of translating the intricacies of a Texas legislative hearing, surely as tall an order as establishing a legible system of magic in a high fantasy series. He manages to convey the day’s events (through time-stamped chapters) with surprising clarity and depth, buoyed by strong characterization and the fillibuster’s inherent dramatic momentum. Interspersed in flashbacks are quiet interpersonal moments packed with huge emotions that match the enormity of the political struggle at present and ground the legalistic fight for midnight in the recent struggles of Alex and his friends.
The Fight for Midnight humanizes an axiom — the personal is political – without itself feeling axiomatic or didactic. Instead, Alex’s evolving understanding of abortion rights makes for a surprisingly evenhanded and humble approach to a political position that isn’t always-already a foregone conclusion (especially for younger readers). In Alex’s case, as a young cis man, something so crucial to so many could fall victim to default apathy or unexamined beliefs inherited from family. A bystander is not innocent, and there is no one who’s untouched by the right to owning your body. How do you really know what matters to you, or what’s even relevant? And what are you going to do about it?
While the legality of abortion in the U.S. is under attack, support for abortion access remains unequivocally popular. As such, the drama of the book isn’t so much where Alex will land on the “issue,” but an even more profound realization altogether: once finding your belief, how to find the courage to act accordingly. As a wiser character admits to Alex late in the book, the fight for freedom lasts your entire life. Fittingly, the narrative arc is both triumphant and tempered, emotionally impactful as it is. There emerges the hope that a brief respite can give you a second wind.
Let’s hope this makes its way into middle and high school libraries. Let’s see what we can do.
In telling this story, Solomon has the unenviable task of translating the intricacies of a Texas legislative hearing, surely as tall an order as establishing a legible system of magic in a high fantasy series. He manages to convey the day’s events (through time-stamped chapters) with surprising clarity and depth, buoyed by strong characterization and the fillibuster’s inherent dramatic momentum. Interspersed in flashbacks are quiet interpersonal moments packed with huge emotions that match the enormity of the political struggle at present and ground the legalistic fight for midnight in the recent struggles of Alex and his friends.
The Fight for Midnight humanizes an axiom — the personal is political – without itself feeling axiomatic or didactic. Instead, Alex’s evolving understanding of abortion rights makes for a surprisingly evenhanded and humble approach to a political position that isn’t always-already a foregone conclusion (especially for younger readers). In Alex’s case, as a young cis man, something so crucial to so many could fall victim to default apathy or unexamined beliefs inherited from family. A bystander is not innocent, and there is no one who’s untouched by the right to owning your body. How do you really know what matters to you, or what’s even relevant? And what are you going to do about it?
While the legality of abortion in the U.S. is under attack, support for abortion access remains unequivocally popular. As such, the drama of the book isn’t so much where Alex will land on the “issue,” but an even more profound realization altogether: once finding your belief, how to find the courage to act accordingly. As a wiser character admits to Alex late in the book, the fight for freedom lasts your entire life. Fittingly, the narrative arc is both triumphant and tempered, emotionally impactful as it is. There emerges the hope that a brief respite can give you a second wind.
Let’s hope this makes its way into middle and high school libraries. Let’s see what we can do.
December 29, 2023
Alex is an incredibly likable protagonist. All of the major characters in this story feel human, real and like people you might meet in your life and want to hold onto. The two plot lines intertwine throughout the story in a really engaging manner. This is a book I wish was around when I was in high school. The loneliness that comes with choosing to stay away from trying out drugs and alcohol and how it can change friend groups is a real dynamic that I think has been overlooked in YA books. Dan Solomon does a fantastic job of portraying what it feels like to genuinely form your own opinions. I admire his ability to incorporate the importance of seeing opposing viewpoints with respect and as a driving force: “I wanted to acknowledge that recognizing the conviction of those we disagree with doesn’t mean wavering in our own. Rather, it’s the opposite— understanding that those we disagree with are no less impassioned, no less sincere, and no less determined than we are strengthens our convictions and our values by testing and reaffirming them.” This is a fantastic read that gives a fresh and needed perspective on the conflict surrounding abortion rights!
December 27, 2022
4.25/5. I was most drawn to this book because of its cover. After reading the overview, I was actually quite excited to read it; mainly because it takes place in 2013 and I want a blast from the past read. So that was my mindset starting this novel. I quickly realized that this book is so much more than that. This is a book that everyone should read. It peels back the layers of the "it's not my problem" mentality so many in this country have about abortion. I really enjoyed this book and feel like it did a beautiful job of handling a politically-sensitive issue.
I received an advance review copy for free through NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
I received an advance review copy for free through NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
September 25, 2023
Taking place during the 2013 Texas abortion bill filibuster, this book had me hooked from beginning to end. I think it's easy to write a book about a character who is pro choice and I think it's even easy to write a book about a character who is pro life but I love that it was about a boy who came into this not knowing anything about reproduction rights and had to choose throughout the day what he thought was right. I love that the book is about how there is a difference between being a nice person and being a good person.
July 25, 2023
I was 18 when Wendy Davis filibustered for hours on end in 2013 — almost the same age as the protagonist in this book. I remember identifying as conservative at this age, but also being pro-choice. Watching this day unfold via Twitter irrevocably changed the way I felt about Texas politics. It was a defining moment for me and shaped who I am today. It was a pretty heartbreaking coming of age.
I wish a book like this had existed back then to help me process my emotions and make sense of it all. This book is beautifully written. It explains what the heck was going on in the legislature very well. And it stands up for what the author believes in, while also including characters on the other side who are fully fleshed out humans you can find empathy for, too. Every young Texan and beyond should read this book.
I wish a book like this had existed back then to help me process my emotions and make sense of it all. This book is beautifully written. It explains what the heck was going on in the legislature very well. And it stands up for what the author believes in, while also including characters on the other side who are fully fleshed out humans you can find empathy for, too. Every young Texan and beyond should read this book.
January 3, 2023
In the midst of a dark time for women's reproductive rights, this YA book delivers a blast of hope, honesty, kindness, and inspiration for the future.
Alex Collins doesn't consider himself political, but when he gets a phone call from his crush asking him to come down to the Texas Capitol for a protest, he's not about to say no. Soon, he becomes a part of what turns out to be a historic event, not just for Texas, but for the country: Wendy Davis's 2013 filibuster against the omnibus anti-abortion bill HB2.
If you were there that day, you know what happened. But this isn't primarily a book about the long history of the fight for women's rights. It's about how people, especially young people, make up their minds on issues that don't (or don't seem to) immediately affect them; how to "choose a side" when you recognize the humanity of all parties involved; what to do when friendship collides with politics; and above all, how to listen and be guided by people speaking from their own experiences. Although it's easy to guess the author's personal politics, this is not a book about vilifying the opposite side, or even a sneaky guide to changing hearts and minds. Instead, it's a thoughtful exploration of one of the key questions of adolescence: How do we decide what's right?
Major props to Dan Solomon for writing a clear, accessible YA book that accurately describes government processes most adults don't even understand! This book has tons of heart and deserves a wide audience--especially for its message of hope despite crushing defeats.
*Thanks to the author for providing an early galley of this book!*
Alex Collins doesn't consider himself political, but when he gets a phone call from his crush asking him to come down to the Texas Capitol for a protest, he's not about to say no. Soon, he becomes a part of what turns out to be a historic event, not just for Texas, but for the country: Wendy Davis's 2013 filibuster against the omnibus anti-abortion bill HB2.
If you were there that day, you know what happened. But this isn't primarily a book about the long history of the fight for women's rights. It's about how people, especially young people, make up their minds on issues that don't (or don't seem to) immediately affect them; how to "choose a side" when you recognize the humanity of all parties involved; what to do when friendship collides with politics; and above all, how to listen and be guided by people speaking from their own experiences. Although it's easy to guess the author's personal politics, this is not a book about vilifying the opposite side, or even a sneaky guide to changing hearts and minds. Instead, it's a thoughtful exploration of one of the key questions of adolescence: How do we decide what's right?
Major props to Dan Solomon for writing a clear, accessible YA book that accurately describes government processes most adults don't even understand! This book has tons of heart and deserves a wide audience--especially for its message of hope despite crushing defeats.
*Thanks to the author for providing an early galley of this book!*
December 31, 2022
It might seem odd to think of something that just happened in 2013 as historical fiction, but this was the filibuster that Wendy Davis did to stop an anti-abortion bill from being voted on in the Texas Legislature. She had to do the filibuster the old fashioned way, but standing there and speaking only on the topic of the bill.
Using that as a background, we have Alex, who is doing community service because he was involved in a vandalism, for which he turned himself in. He has no friends, because the friends he used to have, he doesnt’ want to hang out with any more.
So, when he gets a call from a girl he has had a crush on, who asks him to come down to the state capital to protest, he doesn’t think anything about it. Only, it turns out that the girl wants him to protest *for* the anti-abortion bill, rather than against it.
At first, he figures it doesn’t matter, that he gets to hang out with this girl, but as the night goes on, he listens to what is being spoken about, and he realizes that he doesn’t agree that the bill should go through.
At first, when reading this book, that goes hour by hour about what happened on the floor, while Senator Davis spoke, I wondered how the author got so much detail in. Turned out, he was reporting on it, at the time it happened, and so had extensive notes. Now, that is my kind of research for an historical novel.
It was especially poignant, seeing how things have turned out now. What I liked was how Alex came to his own conclusion. I also like his sense of humor, where he talks about the filibuster was a way to kill a bill by boring it to death. And that the line of people at the capital made it look as though they had opened an apple store, and people were waiting for the newest iphone.
Oh, and the reason for the title? Sen. Davis has to keep going until midnight, without stopping. So, she is fighting to make it to midnight.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
Using that as a background, we have Alex, who is doing community service because he was involved in a vandalism, for which he turned himself in. He has no friends, because the friends he used to have, he doesnt’ want to hang out with any more.
So, when he gets a call from a girl he has had a crush on, who asks him to come down to the state capital to protest, he doesn’t think anything about it. Only, it turns out that the girl wants him to protest *for* the anti-abortion bill, rather than against it.
At first, he figures it doesn’t matter, that he gets to hang out with this girl, but as the night goes on, he listens to what is being spoken about, and he realizes that he doesn’t agree that the bill should go through.
At first, when reading this book, that goes hour by hour about what happened on the floor, while Senator Davis spoke, I wondered how the author got so much detail in. Turned out, he was reporting on it, at the time it happened, and so had extensive notes. Now, that is my kind of research for an historical novel.
It was especially poignant, seeing how things have turned out now. What I liked was how Alex came to his own conclusion. I also like his sense of humor, where he talks about the filibuster was a way to kill a bill by boring it to death. And that the line of people at the capital made it look as though they had opened an apple store, and people were waiting for the newest iphone.
Oh, and the reason for the title? Sen. Davis has to keep going until midnight, without stopping. So, she is fighting to make it to midnight.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
January 6, 2025
This story takes place starting at 9:03 am June 25, 2013 which many across the world will recognize as the date Senator Wendy Davis laced up her pink tennis shoes and took the floor at the state capitol to lead a filibuster against HB2 which limited a woman’s reproductive rights in Texas.
Alex is seventeen and although he has his whole life in front of him, he feels as if his life is over. His best friend has died. He has community service after taking ownership of a horrible decision he made. He has lost all his friends except for the 80 year old man he spends his afternoons reading to as part of his community service. Therefore, he is surprised to get a text from a popular girl at school asking him to join her at the Capitol. He has no idea what is happening. He has little understanding of legislative laws and proceedings. He also has no opinion on female reproductive rights because, as he says he, is “a guy.” In the span of fourteen hours Alex learns he, and hundreds of other citizens who flooded the Texas Capitol that evening have a voice.
The author is a reporter who covered the legislative session that summer and does a fantastic job including the facts of that day in the story. I respect the way he showed both sides of the issue and didn’t vilify one side over the other. I applaud the way the author had the main character listen to different people on both sides of the issue and that he struggled with the combative approach many took toward people who disagreed on the issue. The references the author made to the session and Game of Thrones made me laugh out loud at several points. It is a book that will stay with me for a long time.
I received a free copy of the book from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review of the book; however, I will be purchasing copies of it when it is released in June!
Alex is seventeen and although he has his whole life in front of him, he feels as if his life is over. His best friend has died. He has community service after taking ownership of a horrible decision he made. He has lost all his friends except for the 80 year old man he spends his afternoons reading to as part of his community service. Therefore, he is surprised to get a text from a popular girl at school asking him to join her at the Capitol. He has no idea what is happening. He has little understanding of legislative laws and proceedings. He also has no opinion on female reproductive rights because, as he says he, is “a guy.” In the span of fourteen hours Alex learns he, and hundreds of other citizens who flooded the Texas Capitol that evening have a voice.
The author is a reporter who covered the legislative session that summer and does a fantastic job including the facts of that day in the story. I respect the way he showed both sides of the issue and didn’t vilify one side over the other. I applaud the way the author had the main character listen to different people on both sides of the issue and that he struggled with the combative approach many took toward people who disagreed on the issue. The references the author made to the session and Game of Thrones made me laugh out loud at several points. It is a book that will stay with me for a long time.
I received a free copy of the book from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review of the book; however, I will be purchasing copies of it when it is released in June!
February 19, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of reading this book, and I’m looking forward to handing it to my teen daughters. Giving them a glimpse into this long day feels important. The author has done a beautiful job of taking us on a journey through the confusion of adolescence, and through the passion and complexity of the fight over abortion.
*thanks to Flux for an advanced copy of this book*
*thanks to Flux for an advanced copy of this book*
May 15, 2023
A fair and authentic exploration of abortion and politics through the eyes of a teen boy
The short version: I highly recommend this novel, which accurately depicts Wendy Davis’s historic filibuster and authentically explores a teen boy’s attempt to figure out who he is, what he believes, why he should care about issues in state and national politics, and what his role in those politics is. The characters (except the legislators and other political officeholders) are fictional, but they represent real people we all know without becoming stock or stereotypical. The book also offers an easy entry point for anyone—especially young people—to understand the abortion debate and “how the sausage is made” in politics without feeling overwhelmed or intimidated, as the experience often feels in real life.
The longer version: When I first came across this book, I was intrigued but cautious — a YA novel whose setting centers around Wendy Davis’s historic filibuster of a highly restrictive Texas abortion law? With a male teen as the main character? I was curious how the author would handle the abortion debate, how he’d make the legislative process lively for a young audience, and whether he’d get the details of Austin right. (A HUGE pet peeve of mine is to read books set in Austin where it becomes very clear that they’ve either never been to Austin or have only passed through briefly.) I also worried whether this book would demonize Texas; too many people outside Texas don’t really understand the state or its people and make broad generalizations or assumptions based on who controls our state politics without regard to what the rest of us think about that.
I needn’t have worried about the author knowing Austin well. Within a few pages, it was apparent this author REALLY knew Austin, especially when he had the main character working at a Double Dave’s. I quickly became nostalgic as I read familiar names and details about Austin—street names, landmarks, quirky things that only a true Austinite would recognize. It was also clear this author REALLY knew the Texas lege and the precise details of the events that happened that day, and that this book was not out to demonize either those who supported or opposed the Texas bill, much less Texans more broadly. And all of this is because — as I discovered when I read the author’s note after finishing the book — the author (whose name I barely noticed when I chose to read the book) is the Dan Solomon who has written for Texas Monthly and the Austin Chronicle. In fact, he covered Wendy’s filibuster for the Chronicle.
So then what about the actual substance of the book? The plot, the characters, the pacing… it is just as deftly handled as Solomon’s reporting. The main character, Alex, is fully realized and wholly believable, as are all the supporting characters. There are no caricatures or foils here, even among some of the Texas legislators who probably deserve to be caricatured. Making the main character a teenage male was a brilliant move: it allowed him to enter the abortion debate and that day’s spectacle with complete, genuine ignorance, without preconceived ideas and with enough connection to people on both sides of the debate that he really could have gone either way in what he ultimately decided he thought about the filibuster and the issue. The two female classmates Alex meets at the capitol, one on each side of the debate, are given an equally fair shake in terms of how they’re presented and why they believe what they do.
I was also impressed with how Solomon developed the character’s backstory and how it undergirded the main character’s experience at the capitol. His soul-searching and attempt to better understand who he is and what he believes feels authentic. It’s never forced, and it grows organically from his backstory and what he observes and experiences at the capitol.
I won’t deny that I was delighted when, after finishing the book, I realized who had written it — though I didn’t know the author personally, I knew of him and he of me, and we have mutual contacts. But I had already decided I loved the book before I got to the author’s note. It was also fun to relive the filibuster that I remember watching so closely on my computer alongside hundreds of thousands of others across the world that night.
I remembered some of the very tweets referenced in the book, I remember being glued to Twitter when not watching the proceedings, I remember the specific events that occurred on the floor, I remember all the parliamentary inquiries and having never before been so riveted by bureaucratic minutiae (and recognizing that and laughing about it), and oh boy did I remember Sen. Van de Putte and her words… I was holding my breath as I read the pages leading up to them and almost cheered all over again when I read them on the page. Solomon did a great job of translating the suspense of that night into the book.
What I couldn’t remember — since I wasn’t there in person — was what was happening in the rotunda and basement and elevators and gallery and so on, and I appreciated finally being privy to that here. I love that Solomon has taken that day and night and created a novel that invites other youth to get involved in political issues, revealing to them why those issues are so important and why their voices are needed. Finally, the victory in the book, coming especially at this point in time, post-Dobbs, is a reminder of what we can accomplish and what we have to keep fighting for, even knowing what happened later. If for that fact alone, this book is important right now.
This review is based on reading a complimentary advance reader copy of this book from NetGalley.
The short version: I highly recommend this novel, which accurately depicts Wendy Davis’s historic filibuster and authentically explores a teen boy’s attempt to figure out who he is, what he believes, why he should care about issues in state and national politics, and what his role in those politics is. The characters (except the legislators and other political officeholders) are fictional, but they represent real people we all know without becoming stock or stereotypical. The book also offers an easy entry point for anyone—especially young people—to understand the abortion debate and “how the sausage is made” in politics without feeling overwhelmed or intimidated, as the experience often feels in real life.
The longer version: When I first came across this book, I was intrigued but cautious — a YA novel whose setting centers around Wendy Davis’s historic filibuster of a highly restrictive Texas abortion law? With a male teen as the main character? I was curious how the author would handle the abortion debate, how he’d make the legislative process lively for a young audience, and whether he’d get the details of Austin right. (A HUGE pet peeve of mine is to read books set in Austin where it becomes very clear that they’ve either never been to Austin or have only passed through briefly.) I also worried whether this book would demonize Texas; too many people outside Texas don’t really understand the state or its people and make broad generalizations or assumptions based on who controls our state politics without regard to what the rest of us think about that.
I needn’t have worried about the author knowing Austin well. Within a few pages, it was apparent this author REALLY knew Austin, especially when he had the main character working at a Double Dave’s. I quickly became nostalgic as I read familiar names and details about Austin—street names, landmarks, quirky things that only a true Austinite would recognize. It was also clear this author REALLY knew the Texas lege and the precise details of the events that happened that day, and that this book was not out to demonize either those who supported or opposed the Texas bill, much less Texans more broadly. And all of this is because — as I discovered when I read the author’s note after finishing the book — the author (whose name I barely noticed when I chose to read the book) is the Dan Solomon who has written for Texas Monthly and the Austin Chronicle. In fact, he covered Wendy’s filibuster for the Chronicle.
So then what about the actual substance of the book? The plot, the characters, the pacing… it is just as deftly handled as Solomon’s reporting. The main character, Alex, is fully realized and wholly believable, as are all the supporting characters. There are no caricatures or foils here, even among some of the Texas legislators who probably deserve to be caricatured. Making the main character a teenage male was a brilliant move: it allowed him to enter the abortion debate and that day’s spectacle with complete, genuine ignorance, without preconceived ideas and with enough connection to people on both sides of the debate that he really could have gone either way in what he ultimately decided he thought about the filibuster and the issue. The two female classmates Alex meets at the capitol, one on each side of the debate, are given an equally fair shake in terms of how they’re presented and why they believe what they do.
I was also impressed with how Solomon developed the character’s backstory and how it undergirded the main character’s experience at the capitol. His soul-searching and attempt to better understand who he is and what he believes feels authentic. It’s never forced, and it grows organically from his backstory and what he observes and experiences at the capitol.
I won’t deny that I was delighted when, after finishing the book, I realized who had written it — though I didn’t know the author personally, I knew of him and he of me, and we have mutual contacts. But I had already decided I loved the book before I got to the author’s note. It was also fun to relive the filibuster that I remember watching so closely on my computer alongside hundreds of thousands of others across the world that night.
I remembered some of the very tweets referenced in the book, I remember being glued to Twitter when not watching the proceedings, I remember the specific events that occurred on the floor, I remember all the parliamentary inquiries and having never before been so riveted by bureaucratic minutiae (and recognizing that and laughing about it), and oh boy did I remember Sen. Van de Putte and her words… I was holding my breath as I read the pages leading up to them and almost cheered all over again when I read them on the page. Solomon did a great job of translating the suspense of that night into the book.
What I couldn’t remember — since I wasn’t there in person — was what was happening in the rotunda and basement and elevators and gallery and so on, and I appreciated finally being privy to that here. I love that Solomon has taken that day and night and created a novel that invites other youth to get involved in political issues, revealing to them why those issues are so important and why their voices are needed. Finally, the victory in the book, coming especially at this point in time, post-Dobbs, is a reminder of what we can accomplish and what we have to keep fighting for, even knowing what happened later. If for that fact alone, this book is important right now.
This review is based on reading a complimentary advance reader copy of this book from NetGalley.
January 26, 2023
As a Texan and person who has vivid memories of watching the citizen’s filibuster from afar, “The Fight For Midnight” was such a special read. It’s both a great story about a relatable, mixed-up kid who finds his voice, and also a beautiful testament to the work of everyone who has worked, and continues to work, so hard to fight for reproductive justice here and beyond. Thank you to Flux for the ARC!
October 4, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley, North Star Editions, Flux, and Dan Solomon for the opportunity to read The Fight for Midnight in exchange for an honest review.
The Fight for Midnight is a political novel for young adults in the genre of historical fiction. It follows Alex and the events of the June 25, 2013 filibuster on the abortion bill in Texas. A novel of this political standing might be a tough one, though the topic is certainly one of interest for teens, as well as all people. EVERYONE has an opinion on abortion, making this novel very applicable. It does a very good job of showing both sides to the debate as well. The novel is historical and informative, a great political novel for a teen audience.
Filibuster: taking action to prolong or delay a vote on a bill
Alex gets a call from Cassie, a pretty girl from school. They aren't exactly friends and don't really talk, but Cassie wants everyone to come down to the Texas state capitol to protest the abortion bill HB2, which bans abortions after 20 weeks, requires abortion doctors to have the same standards as any medical surgeon, and for women taking abortion-inducing drugs to be monitored for their health and safety. Wendy Davis, a Texas state senator, uses the filibuster tactic to run the clock past midnight, to cause the vote of the bill to not go through. There have been similar bills, all failed.
It is the activism of Alex, Cassie, and his ex-friend Shireen that he learns being neutral iasn't an option on this particular topic. When he first enters the protesting floor with Cassie, he follows her "blueshirt" or pro-life choices and ideas, not really having any prior knowledge or an opinion on the topic. After talking to his ex-friend Shireen, an "orangeshirt," or one for pro-choice, he learns her side of the story too. There are many arguments for both sides, and when Alex does finally make a choice, he realizes where he stands is important and that his political ideologies will have a link to his past and open up a pathway in his political future.
This is a brilliant novel not for the feint of heart. As an educator, I appreciate the display of both sides on the topic at hand and that young people are learning to find their own stance in a political debate and acting on what they believe in. While this might be a bit too heavy to bring into the classroom, it also has a lot of merit to promote activism and introduce young readers to an intense political topic.
The Fight for Midnight is a political novel for young adults in the genre of historical fiction. It follows Alex and the events of the June 25, 2013 filibuster on the abortion bill in Texas. A novel of this political standing might be a tough one, though the topic is certainly one of interest for teens, as well as all people. EVERYONE has an opinion on abortion, making this novel very applicable. It does a very good job of showing both sides to the debate as well. The novel is historical and informative, a great political novel for a teen audience.
Filibuster: taking action to prolong or delay a vote on a bill
Alex gets a call from Cassie, a pretty girl from school. They aren't exactly friends and don't really talk, but Cassie wants everyone to come down to the Texas state capitol to protest the abortion bill HB2, which bans abortions after 20 weeks, requires abortion doctors to have the same standards as any medical surgeon, and for women taking abortion-inducing drugs to be monitored for their health and safety. Wendy Davis, a Texas state senator, uses the filibuster tactic to run the clock past midnight, to cause the vote of the bill to not go through. There have been similar bills, all failed.
It is the activism of Alex, Cassie, and his ex-friend Shireen that he learns being neutral iasn't an option on this particular topic. When he first enters the protesting floor with Cassie, he follows her "blueshirt" or pro-life choices and ideas, not really having any prior knowledge or an opinion on the topic. After talking to his ex-friend Shireen, an "orangeshirt," or one for pro-choice, he learns her side of the story too. There are many arguments for both sides, and when Alex does finally make a choice, he realizes where he stands is important and that his political ideologies will have a link to his past and open up a pathway in his political future.
This is a brilliant novel not for the feint of heart. As an educator, I appreciate the display of both sides on the topic at hand and that young people are learning to find their own stance in a political debate and acting on what they believe in. While this might be a bit too heavy to bring into the classroom, it also has a lot of merit to promote activism and introduce young readers to an intense political topic.
October 7, 2023
In a day where Roe v Wade is no longer the law of the land, and more states feel emboldened to limit access to abortions, "The Fight for Midnight" is more important than the 2013 setting might lead one to believe. The place is Texas: the midnight in question is the target of state politician Wendy Davis's filibuster on Texas's new bill affecting abortion clinics across the state. I loved how Solomon chose to show the development of our protagonist, Alex's, awareness of the issue from apathy and ignorance, to wavering neutrality, to desiring an even and open debate, to something more. In the course of one day, he realistically and thoughtfully showed an unbiased view on the issue of abortion that gradually developed and became more nuanced.
I also appreciated the complicated characters of the two opposing forces on Alex's worldview: his crush Cassie who is incredibly nice but has barely given him the time of day until the filibuster, and his ex-friend Shireen, who he was incredibly close to in the past but is now separated from by a massive rift in their past. Normally I steer clear of drama in YA books, since most authors go the melodramatic teen route, often blowing up conflicts to ridiculous extents even raging hormones can't excuse. However, this was not the case in "The Fight for Midnight." Each of the characters' motivations, whether it be on their actions to support/oppose the abortion bill, or to hate/love Alex were heartfelt and made sense even outside of the bubble of YA fiction. Here, finally we see problems teen face being dealt with sensitively and powerfully.
In short, I am glad I had the opportunity to read "The Fight for Midnight" because it is a short, yet powerful read in this time of political uncertainty. I feel that, no matter what your stance on this topic might be, you might yet see some heart in this book and the way it addresses the issue of abortion and political activism among young voters. Thanks to the publishers and YA reads for allowing me to receive a free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I also appreciated the complicated characters of the two opposing forces on Alex's worldview: his crush Cassie who is incredibly nice but has barely given him the time of day until the filibuster, and his ex-friend Shireen, who he was incredibly close to in the past but is now separated from by a massive rift in their past. Normally I steer clear of drama in YA books, since most authors go the melodramatic teen route, often blowing up conflicts to ridiculous extents even raging hormones can't excuse. However, this was not the case in "The Fight for Midnight." Each of the characters' motivations, whether it be on their actions to support/oppose the abortion bill, or to hate/love Alex were heartfelt and made sense even outside of the bubble of YA fiction. Here, finally we see problems teen face being dealt with sensitively and powerfully.
In short, I am glad I had the opportunity to read "The Fight for Midnight" because it is a short, yet powerful read in this time of political uncertainty. I feel that, no matter what your stance on this topic might be, you might yet see some heart in this book and the way it addresses the issue of abortion and political activism among young voters. Thanks to the publishers and YA reads for allowing me to receive a free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 21, 2023
I was excited to read The Fight for Midnight because I remember the event around which the book centers so well. In fact, it kind of took me by surprise to realize that it’s been *ten years* since the famous Wendy Davis filibuster! It also makes me sad to realize that ten years later we’re in a *worse* position with respect to women’s rights over their own bodies :( But I think that’s at least part of the reason Mr. Solomon wrote this book.
I think this book is perfect for teens who are questioning their own beliefs at this time, as well as teens who feel compelled to use their voices to speak out, whatever the issue might be. Alex gets a crash course in politics and legislative wrangling when he spends 13 hours at the Texas legislature watching Wendy Davis’ filibuster, and he realizes the whole thing is rigged. The only reason the filibuster lasts past midnight and the bill is prevented from passing is because the voices of the people in the gallery rang out for the last 5 minutes, preventing the Texas GOP from calling the vote. It’s certainly an inspirational story for any teen interested in activism, but Mr. Solomon includes acknowledgement that we may win battles but the war is ongoing -- as evidenced by the position we find ourselves in now.
I think what I liked best about the book is that Mr. Solomon makes a point to have Alex start off not knowing how he feels about the issue of abortion rights, so he goes back and forth throughout the day trying to figure it out. Therefore, both sides are presented by acknowledging that they each believe they are doing the right thing, and that each approaches the task with enthusiasm and dedication. It’s just a recognition that “the other side” doesn’t necessarily have to be our enemy, which I think is a good lesson for teens to learn.
RATING: 4 stars!
I think this book is perfect for teens who are questioning their own beliefs at this time, as well as teens who feel compelled to use their voices to speak out, whatever the issue might be. Alex gets a crash course in politics and legislative wrangling when he spends 13 hours at the Texas legislature watching Wendy Davis’ filibuster, and he realizes the whole thing is rigged. The only reason the filibuster lasts past midnight and the bill is prevented from passing is because the voices of the people in the gallery rang out for the last 5 minutes, preventing the Texas GOP from calling the vote. It’s certainly an inspirational story for any teen interested in activism, but Mr. Solomon includes acknowledgement that we may win battles but the war is ongoing -- as evidenced by the position we find ourselves in now.
I think what I liked best about the book is that Mr. Solomon makes a point to have Alex start off not knowing how he feels about the issue of abortion rights, so he goes back and forth throughout the day trying to figure it out. Therefore, both sides are presented by acknowledging that they each believe they are doing the right thing, and that each approaches the task with enthusiasm and dedication. It’s just a recognition that “the other side” doesn’t necessarily have to be our enemy, which I think is a good lesson for teens to learn.
RATING: 4 stars!
October 13, 2023
This book made me sob.
It tells the story of a teenage boy, Alex who spends June 25, 2013 at the Texas State Capital watching State Senator Wendy Davis filibuster the passing of most restrictive abortion bill ever at that time. He doesn’t have any opinion about abortion when he arrives that morning, but by midnight on June 26, he learns a lot about politics, humanity and himself.
Despite every losing battle over bodily autonomy to come in the next 10 years, this historical moment still resonates so deeply with me. Not only because I remember spending my 21st birthday glued to the livestream instead of taking as many shots as I could stomach, but because of the collective power and energy felt all throughout the WORLD coming off that moment despite knowing the ultimate fate of that bill. It didn’t matter because our collective voice killed that bill that night. Not any politician. Us.
This books teaches young people to care about something, that their voice matters and it’s important to have conviction and opinions and to fight for them. It also teaches them to not hate people for having a difference of opinion, but to be proud and happy for them for caring. As Solomon says in his authors note: “sometimes, your voice can shake the foundations of the institutions that seek to take your power away”
This book is important and it’s meaningful and it should be required reading.
It tells the story of a teenage boy, Alex who spends June 25, 2013 at the Texas State Capital watching State Senator Wendy Davis filibuster the passing of most restrictive abortion bill ever at that time. He doesn’t have any opinion about abortion when he arrives that morning, but by midnight on June 26, he learns a lot about politics, humanity and himself.
Despite every losing battle over bodily autonomy to come in the next 10 years, this historical moment still resonates so deeply with me. Not only because I remember spending my 21st birthday glued to the livestream instead of taking as many shots as I could stomach, but because of the collective power and energy felt all throughout the WORLD coming off that moment despite knowing the ultimate fate of that bill. It didn’t matter because our collective voice killed that bill that night. Not any politician. Us.
This books teaches young people to care about something, that their voice matters and it’s important to have conviction and opinions and to fight for them. It also teaches them to not hate people for having a difference of opinion, but to be proud and happy for them for caring. As Solomon says in his authors note: “sometimes, your voice can shake the foundations of the institutions that seek to take your power away”
This book is important and it’s meaningful and it should be required reading.
April 29, 2024
12 hours. 1 important issue.
🧡
Alex Collins has had a really tough year. He lost all his friends, been targeted by former friends and is serving community service for an incident he didn’t even want to take part in. When his childhood crush asks him to go to the Austin capitol to fight against the abortion bill, Alex jumps at the chance to spend time with her, even though he knows next to nothing about abortion or the politics that surround the issue. As Wendy Davis makes her historic fillabuster, Alex begins to educate himself on this important topic, learning from both sides of the issue. As the countdown moves to midnight, Alex makes amends with friends and realizes staying neutral on this topic isn’t going to be a choice for him.
💙
WOW. This YA book by @dansolomon hit so close to home and is so very timely now especially. It’s set on June 25, 2013, which was such a historic date for Texans and Democrats alike. It’s obvious by the end of the novel where Dan stands on this issue (it’s where I stand too), but I loved how he shows how to be civil when discussing such a hot button issue like this. The amount of hate from both political sides right now makes me sad. We have more in common than we don’t at the end of the day, but that’s so hard to see when the news and some politicians continue to pit us against one another. I adored this title!
CW: abortion, vandalism, drug abuse, alcohol, death
🧡
Alex Collins has had a really tough year. He lost all his friends, been targeted by former friends and is serving community service for an incident he didn’t even want to take part in. When his childhood crush asks him to go to the Austin capitol to fight against the abortion bill, Alex jumps at the chance to spend time with her, even though he knows next to nothing about abortion or the politics that surround the issue. As Wendy Davis makes her historic fillabuster, Alex begins to educate himself on this important topic, learning from both sides of the issue. As the countdown moves to midnight, Alex makes amends with friends and realizes staying neutral on this topic isn’t going to be a choice for him.
💙
WOW. This YA book by @dansolomon hit so close to home and is so very timely now especially. It’s set on June 25, 2013, which was such a historic date for Texans and Democrats alike. It’s obvious by the end of the novel where Dan stands on this issue (it’s where I stand too), but I loved how he shows how to be civil when discussing such a hot button issue like this. The amount of hate from both political sides right now makes me sad. We have more in common than we don’t at the end of the day, but that’s so hard to see when the news and some politicians continue to pit us against one another. I adored this title!
CW: abortion, vandalism, drug abuse, alcohol, death
April 10, 2024
A really engaging story about a young man learning new things about himself in the midst of an unusual historical moment.
Alex gets an unexpected invitation from a girl he's distantly had a crush on for years to join her at the Texas capitol building. There he finds himself surrounded by protesters and counter-protesters as Wendy Davis begins a day-long filibuster to prevent a vote on a new abortion law. Alex has never given the issue much thought, and realizes there are people he knows and respects at the event supporting both groups. Over the course of the day, he considers passionate, personal, convincing pleas from both sides, deals with some bad choices he's made leading up to this moment, and decides to take a stand.
A few of the situations and conversations felt contrived to give particular thoughts a reason to be part of the book, but the overall story is character-driven and genuine. Plus, I never would have thought a description of convoluted legal proceedings could be so compelling and suspenseful, but it is. Solomon was at the event as a journalist, and his descriptions of the day are vivid and emotional.
A very good book.
Alex gets an unexpected invitation from a girl he's distantly had a crush on for years to join her at the Texas capitol building. There he finds himself surrounded by protesters and counter-protesters as Wendy Davis begins a day-long filibuster to prevent a vote on a new abortion law. Alex has never given the issue much thought, and realizes there are people he knows and respects at the event supporting both groups. Over the course of the day, he considers passionate, personal, convincing pleas from both sides, deals with some bad choices he's made leading up to this moment, and decides to take a stand.
A few of the situations and conversations felt contrived to give particular thoughts a reason to be part of the book, but the overall story is character-driven and genuine. Plus, I never would have thought a description of convoluted legal proceedings could be so compelling and suspenseful, but it is. Solomon was at the event as a journalist, and his descriptions of the day are vivid and emotional.
A very good book.
February 4, 2024
This book is for those who've ever felt like their concerns are overlooked due to differences in gender or community. The story follows Alex, who, amidst personal struggles, joins the movement for abortion rights. The story unfolds as he navigates challenges, forcing him to take a stand.
The novel skillfully weaves two compelling stories into one narrative. It addresses a crucial event related to abortion rights, offering readers valuable insights beyond the surface both about the right to choose and highlights that these rights extend beyond gender, acknowledging the needs of trans and non-binary individuals. Condensed into a single day, the book's second plot point underscores the power of unity, showcasing how sticking together can amplify voices and advocate for what is right. Alex's perspective adds a unique angle, though his journey, frustrating at times, culminates with making a choice that is his alone. The story also underscores the power of unity in making a collective voice heard for what is right. My favorite character was Mr. Monaghan who adds some comic relief to a serious story.
The novel skillfully weaves two compelling stories into one narrative. It addresses a crucial event related to abortion rights, offering readers valuable insights beyond the surface both about the right to choose and highlights that these rights extend beyond gender, acknowledging the needs of trans and non-binary individuals. Condensed into a single day, the book's second plot point underscores the power of unity, showcasing how sticking together can amplify voices and advocate for what is right. Alex's perspective adds a unique angle, though his journey, frustrating at times, culminates with making a choice that is his alone. The story also underscores the power of unity in making a collective voice heard for what is right. My favorite character was Mr. Monaghan who adds some comic relief to a serious story.
September 26, 2024
If you thought “the Texas Capitol during Wendy Davis' 2013 filibuster” sounds like an offbeat setting for a YA coming of age story, you’d be right. But that is also a major feature to the story, not a bug.
It is unabashedly pro-choice, but it offers grace to individual characters you meet along the way who are anti-abortion. They're in the wrong, but that's something Alex, the POV character, discovers over the course of the day.
This book manages the tremendous feat of showing why boys should care about reproductive health, as well as providing excellent examples of tonic masculinity. Alex is at the “stand up dude” and “douchebag” crossroads. He learns how believing you are a good person with good intentions doesn’t guarantee your actions will have good impacts. Importantly, he also learns how to reassess, make amends, and find community.
Strong recommend, especially if you've got kids, especially boys, in the 11 - 14 age range. I’d recommend as young as 9 if you think they’re able to absorb the material.
It is unabashedly pro-choice, but it offers grace to individual characters you meet along the way who are anti-abortion. They're in the wrong, but that's something Alex, the POV character, discovers over the course of the day.
This book manages the tremendous feat of showing why boys should care about reproductive health, as well as providing excellent examples of tonic masculinity. Alex is at the “stand up dude” and “douchebag” crossroads. He learns how believing you are a good person with good intentions doesn’t guarantee your actions will have good impacts. Importantly, he also learns how to reassess, make amends, and find community.
Strong recommend, especially if you've got kids, especially boys, in the 11 - 14 age range. I’d recommend as young as 9 if you think they’re able to absorb the material.
May 19, 2023
I'll admit, I struggled through the first half of this book, because I found Alex to be a pretty tedious and unlikeable character. I questioned why the author chose this particular character to be the protagonist of this story, but by the end, I understood. It came together for me about 2/3 of the way into the story, which is why I only gave this a 4 star rating rather than 5.
I loved the message of this book - be open to learning about different perspectives, and be able to find the truth in the midst of that. Standing up for rights and understanding that winning a battle isn't winning a war and that the fight continues...I loved all of that.
Alex is going through a lot in this story, and while I still didn't like him as a protagonist, I can appreciate that there are kids out there who will see themselves in him. And I hope that they take his epiphany to heart and join the fight too.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the e-arc of this book!
I loved the message of this book - be open to learning about different perspectives, and be able to find the truth in the midst of that. Standing up for rights and understanding that winning a battle isn't winning a war and that the fight continues...I loved all of that.
Alex is going through a lot in this story, and while I still didn't like him as a protagonist, I can appreciate that there are kids out there who will see themselves in him. And I hope that they take his epiphany to heart and join the fight too.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the e-arc of this book!
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