Publisher: Random House

Publication Date: March 3, 2026

Length: 368 pages

I received this book from the publisher for an honest review.

A bright senior in high school knows that 1968 will be an amazing year. Baker Phillips is ready to step away from the confinement of living at home and spread her wings at college. An invitation to a concert with her cousin leads to a series of life-changing events. Baker meets Wiley, a free-spirited man, and is charmed by his attention. She believes that Wiley really “sees” her. Baker knows that Wiley isn’t the sort of person her parents would approve. Sneaking away from home and spending time with Wiley lets Baker feel free. In time, the fun they have had results in pregnancy. Baker doesn’t know what to do. She tries to ignore the changes in her body. Baker’s mother intervenes, taking her daughter to the gynecologist for confirmation of the pregnancy. The Phillips family is known in their social circle. Baker’s mother is on several charitable committees. Having their daughter unwed and pregnant will cast shame upon the family. Baker’s mother makes the hard decision and sends Baker to a home for unwed mothers.

Baker has no idea of what to expect. How many other girls are in the same situation that she is? All Baker hopes is that this will be over soon and she can return to her life. The life in the maternity home is like being in limbo. When a girl goes into labor, she is whisked away and never seen again. No one has told Baker about pregnancy, labor or delivery.

As she befriends the other girls in this home, she begins writing in her notebook about their stories. How did they find themselves here? What did they want to do when this was over? With time on her hands, Baker reflects on her goals. As her pregnancy nears the end, Baker realizes that she doesn’t like the thought of the maternity home making decisions for her. She rebels. What will happen to Baker and her baby?

Baker’s story is the story of society in the 1960s. Unwed mothers were taboo and disgraced the family. Families would concoct an explanation for their daughter’s absence while she went off to a relative’s house or maternity home to have the baby. This was the only alternative available. Abortion was illegal. Some girls would go to a doctor or person who performed abortions, risking their lives. Many of these girls would die of infection or blood loss. Others would be sterile after a botched procedure. It seems hard to imagine that a girl in 1968 would have such little knowledge of sex and reproduction. This topic was taboo and believed to be best handled by the mother at home. Mothers often put off this discussion believing their daughters would not need this knowledge until they marry. This belief led to many unwanted pregnancies.

Kate Schatz examines the societal norms of the 60’s, enlightening us on the story of the pregnant teen and the options available. Baker’s pregnancy forces her to mature quickly, far more than she would have in her sheltered life. Today it seems hard to imagine such actions occurring. Baker’s story is a cautionary tale against repression and a lack of sexual education.

On a personal note, I was born at a home for unwed mothers in the 60s. I was adopted by a couple who struggled with fertility and hoped for a child. This book opened my eyes to the feelings and circumstances my birth mother likely endured. I have always appreciated her sacrifice; reading Baker’s story increased my gratitude for her selfless action.

My Rating: 🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻/5