BookBrowse Reviews All You Have to Do Is Call by Kerri Maher

BookBrowse:

A captivating work of fiction based on a real underground abortion network in 1960s and '70s Chicago.

Kerri Maher is the author of the previous novels The Paris Bookseller, The Girl in White Gloves and The Kennedy Debutante. All You Have to Do Is Call, her fourth novel, received 4 or 5 stars from 32 out of 33 of our First Impressions reviewers.

What the book is about:

The author has returned to 1972 and describes the work of the Jane Collective, which was founded in Chicago to provide safe, albeit illegal, abortions to women in need. Through several characters, some of whom are members of the collective and some of whom are not, she presents real-world struggles — how to juggle careers and home, how to be the best mother or wife one can be, while at the same time elucidating, in a very straightforward way, the work of the collective (Margaret K).

Many appreciated the educational aspects of the novel, and stressed its importance and relevance today.

The Jane Collective was a real grassroots collective of women and doctors who worked to facilitate abortions for women in Chicago. … The book shows how dangerous, demeaning and expensive an experience abortions were, and how these people made it a safe, supportive, informed process (Ruthie A). The reader has a clear sense of how intricate the secret network was, of the pressures on it and of the need for it (Judith G). The impact of the lack of resources for people of color and other marginalized people before Roe is overwhelming. Although we still have a very long way to go and are unfortunately backtracking, we have come a long way. The description of women's roles during that time period is spot on. It's important information for all of us and a well-written book (Jane M). This is probably one of the most relevant books for many women to read at this time. I learned so much (Rebecca M). This book made me think about and contemplate the current plight of girls and women and the choices they may not have (Janice A).

They also thought it was an absorbing read with well-drawn characters.

By creating relatable, interesting characters, Kerri Maher helps the reader understand the issues and emotions surrounding the Jane Collective. It's also a good book — I flew through the pages in a couple of days (Angela W). I had a hard time putting this book down, I was excited to find out what would happen next. The book is divided into character chapters which really helped to understand the different perspectives. The women had very interesting lives (Carolyn B).

Some felt the story took a while to pick up, even if they thoroughly enjoyed it once it did.

All You Have to Do Is Call took a while to get into; it felt light and a bit too much like chick-lit as the characters were first introduced. But the author carefully builds her characters and fleshes them out. ... Halfway through I found it hard to put down (Elizabeth W). It took me a few chapters to become engrossed, but once it grabbed me, I was swept away (Mary S).

But overall, reviewers found Maher's novel engaging as well as inspiring.

This is an inspiring story of what a group of housewives can accomplish with the will, belief and courage to make change happen (Beth M). I was moved by the characters as they navigate the complexities of their goals and values, determined to live their best lives, however they define that for themselves. Maher inspires us by showing how strong women can be as individuals and, more importantly, how much stronger we can be when we work together (NM). I am so impressed with the Jane network and the brave women involved in providing those abortions. Their message of empowerment and freedom is one that women today need to be reminded of, and might need to be brought to the forefront in our current times (Michelle H).

This review first ran in the October 18, 2023 issue of BookBrowse Recommends.