Reviews

Heather E Flanagan

June 1

One of my Immersed Community friends, ME Wright, has published her first book!  She wrote most, or all, of it during next to us in the decidedly non-dystopian VR co-working app, Immersed.

I enjoy coming of age books as I feel that I am constantly in a state of coming of age.  This book presents a compelling, if not entirely disturbing, look at what might happen if government control of reproductive rights expanded to its illogical conclusion.  It does so while also giving its readers, of any gender, a palpable empathy regarding the rigors of pregnancy and childbirth. 

I am not the first to describe it as Handmaid’s Tale for guys.

This book would make great material for an English class at any high school.

Margaret

A page-turner!

Reviewed in the United States on June 14, 2023

This debut book by new author M.E. Wright was not what I expected!  I have read a lot of coming-of-age books.  This one had so many twists and turns in the first five chapters!  The story is told from the point of view of boy named Sam.  I loved how the author took us on the emotional ride that Sam suddenly faced when he found out his on/off girlfriend was pregnant.  And he had to face it head on like she did.  The whole concept was interesting and med you stop and think about the what ifs.  It is a page turner and I hope I read more from this author.

Patsy Boruff

08-25-23

Great Story of a Scary future

Great story. Loved the ending. Narration was fantastic. I recommend this to anyone who likes dystopian novels.

Laduin

Thought provoking and gripping

Reviewed in the United States on June 9, 2023

The book takes you on an emotional journey, that based on the key issue it presents, comes from an unexpected point of view with Sam.  Though provoking and engaging.  Add this to your list of must-reads.

Mindy

Makes you think

Reviewed in the United States on September 16, 2023

Verified Purchase

It’s an interesting take on what if men didn’t have the right to choose about having to care for a child and being forced into a pregnancy they might not have wanted.

Julie B

Very thought provoking

Verified Purchase

There are two sides to evey story. This one is from Sam, who is propelled into an unplanned pregnancy, with an added twist.

The imagination and detail of the State program is believable and wouldn't be too surprised to see something similar in the future.

Congratulations on your first book!

Heather and Logan

Every teen and young adult should read this!

Reviewed in the United States on August 15, 2023

Besides being an interesting, and horrifying, thought experiment for this science fiction (and it does have elements of that) fan, this book offers some serious empathy about all that is entailed in pregnancy and childbirth.

This book would be perfect for a high school English class... Or sex ed.

Well written, intelligent, page turner. There's nothing else like it out there that covers this topic so compellingly. 

John

Very interesting take on what could happen…

Reviewed in the United Stated on September 22, 2023

Verified Purchase

This is a well thought out and compelling look at where our world could be headed if certain political forces have their unchallenged say. 

A young man having his reproductive rights taken away as a response to a young woman having had her rights taken away years earlier.

This is a cautionary tale, nor a blueprint for the future.

A must read not just for those who want something to be angry about, but for anyone who enjoys compelling, well written stories that bend reality just slightly.  A highly believable near future.

I can’t wait to see what else this author has in store.  If this is her first book, it just can’t be her last or only book.

Serenity

08-23-23

Great story of a possible future

This is a great story that resonates with our current climate. The government overreaching to some aspect of our daily life’s is real and this story bring it all together. Must read.

Nate

07-15-23

Great read!

M.E. Wright's "The Fatherhood Mandate" is a unique and thought-provoking book that pulls you into a not-too-distant future and a world that feels eerily real.

The book stands out with its imaginative take on future laws related to parenthood. It shows a future that is fascinating and a bit scary, prompting you to think deeply about personal freedom and what it might mean in a world with different rules.

Sam, the main character, is easy to root for. Despite being put in a tough spot, he doesn't give up. He grows stronger and more determined, which makes for an inspiring read. Sam's journey through all the challenges thrown his way makes the story feel real and engaging.

"The Fatherhood Mandate" is a roller-coaster of a read, full of unexpected twists and turns. While it paints a grim picture of the future, it also showcases the human spirit's resilience in tough situations. This makes it an important read for those who enjoy stories that make them think.

Malynn0325

Recommended and rated this book

This debut book by new author M.E. Wright was not what I expected!  I have read a lot of coming-of-age books.  This one had so many twists and turns in the first five chapters!  The story is told from the point of view of boy named Sam.  I loved how the author took us on the emotional ride that Sam suddenly faced when he found out his on/off girlfriend was pregnant.  And he had to face it head on like she did.  The whole concept was interesting and med you stop and think about the what ifs.  It is a page turner and I hope I read more from this author.

Jeff

Don't believe what you believe...
Reviewed in the United States on September 4, 2023

Whether you are established in what you believe or whether your moral compass jury is still out, you will grow if you read The Fatherhood Mandate. This read absolutely captivated me. Is the premise realistic? Is it right for the state to get involved as they did with Sam and Riley? Are these people similar to the real-life characters that I know in similar situations...? Is all of this so wrong, or so right? I absolutely loved taking this journey of judgment and reflection with M.E., and I know that you will, too. I hope that she continues the series.