The First Part Last by Angela Johnson
After his girlfriend tells him she is pregnant Bobby has alot to think about. At only 16, neither of them are ready for a baby. Both their parents are not very supportive. The format of the book leaves you rushing to find out how Bobby ends up with sole custody of his daughter, Feather. The chapters alternate between “Now” and “Then.” We see how difficult life is for Bobby with a new baby at home. As the father, he does not get any “maternity leave,” so he continues to go to high school while having to stay up late every night with Feather. He lives alone with his mother and she tells him from the start that Feather is his responsiblitiy alone. Despite how much his life has changed, Bobby loves Feather so much and appreciates this gift he has been given. The plot jumps back and forth and we watch as Nia and Bobby remain close throughout her pregnancy. We see both their parents convincing them to give the baby up for adoption. So the reader cannot believe it when everything is set with an adoptive family, yet still Bobby ends up with Feather and Nia is no where to be found. The shocking reason why Nia is not in Bobby and Feather’s life will keep you reading until the end.
