Argue your case on social media?
Recite a list of facts?
How about, maybe… tell them a story.
--Joel Ohman
I have been enthralled with the power of stories since I studied writing and theology in college. The stories of our culture, of our heritage, of the society around us, and of individuals. They change us. They shape us. They give us choices.
Often, we use stories that are highly emotionally-charged to share our ideas about controversial topics, such as abortion. I have, personally, shared my story on this blog before of being saved from such a fate and adopted at a young age. While powerful, sometimes the emotional, personal stories miss their mark because the listener has such a different experience that contradicts that of the story-teller.
Joel Ohman's story-telling is unique. Already having made a name for himself with the dystopian YA fiction, #1 bestselling Meritropolis series, in Other Bodies he delves into the dystopian genre to tell the story of a young girl faced with problems that are all too familiar to young people in any genre. Pain, hope, regret, accountability, confusion. How will she deal with these problems, very relevant in our time period, in a future of virtual reality becoming reality?
Ohman's writing style, appealing to readers who love Hunger Games and Divergent, is a convincing vessel to carry his message. It is appealing to young adults who may not enjoy listening to testimonial-style true-life accounts. And even if they do not agree with him, I pray it will make them think about their position on the issue of abortion.
How far would you go to undo your greatest regret?
Other Bodies is a powerful story. It is well worth the time reading it and sharing it with young adults in your life. It does, of course, deal with very mature subject matter, and I would not recommend it for anyone too young to understand the implications. Parents would be wise to read the book before recommending it to their teen children.
Here is some more information about the book:
Author Notes: https://www.joelohman.com/other-bodies-authors-note/
Tell a story: https://www.joelohman.com/how-do-you-change-someones-mind-about-abortion-tell-them-a-story/
Author Bio: https://www.joelohman.com/about/
Purchase Other Bodies here:
Book Link: https://amzn.to/2Lmnwbc
Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.
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