Book Review - "What I Thought I Knew" by Alice Eve Cohen

Synopsis (from back cover):

Alice Cohen was happy for the first time in years. After a difficult divorce, she had a new love in her life, she was raising a beloved adopted daughter, and her career was blossoming. Then, she started experiencing mysterious symptoms. After months of tests, X-rays, and inconclusive diagnoses, Alice was sent for an emergency CAT scan that revealed the truth: she was six months pregnant.

At age 44, with no prenatal care and no insurance coverage for a high-risk pregnancy, Alice was besieged by opinions from doctors and friends about what was ethical, what was loving, what as right. With the intimacy of a diary and the suspense of a thriller, What I Thought I Knew is a ruefully funny, wickedly candid take; a story of of hope and renewal that turns all of the 'knowns" upside down.

Review:

This was an engrossing book of a women's life that will bring you to tears of laughter, joy and sadness. The author, Alice Cohen, writes her memoir in a theatrical and almost over the top manner that grabs you from the beginning and keeps a hold of you through her ride of experiences with the healthcare system. Yes, it's a story about how she finds out she is pregnant and not sure if she wants to keep it, but there are so many more other things going on in her life that you are sure to find something you can relate too. Adoption, abortions, age differences, disability, career choices, divorce; these are just a few of the life experience we all may go through. It really tugged at my heart the few times I thought that Michael was going to leave Alice because of her decision, but it was her tough love that helped her get through some of the toughest moments and decisions.

I commend Ms. Cohen for sharing her experience and the choices she made for herself and her family. Everyone might not agree with some of her opinions or choices, but we all have to make our own decisions that we believe are right at the time they occur.

I would highly recommend this book be added to everyone's TBR list!! Take the time to read a well written memoir that will stay with you days after finishing it!!

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Author website: Alice Cohen

Thank you to Book Sparks Publishing and Lisa Steinke for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. I am in no way compensated for this review.