vverbatim7's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.75
soleadohmbt's review against another edition
4.0
IVF treatment for fertility challenges isn't what I first think of when I think "graphic novel," but Two-Week Wait manages to bring a meaningful, realistic human drama to the sketched pages of this entertaining, endearing read. Readers will root for the characters, will recognize the awkwardness of those around them trying to figure out what to say and what not to say, and will remain hopeful throughout the story, waiting on pins and needles, just like the characters, to discover the final resolution to the Two-Week Wait.
claire60's review against another edition
4.0
An honest portrayal of a couple going through IVF when they realise they are having problems as they try to have children. As well as outlining the process that they go through, which the graphic novel format allows for a realistic portrayal, particularly of the medical interventions. There is a good exploration of the various emotions that they go through, the ups and downs, the endless advice, most of it unhelpful, that they receive, none of which really affects the outcome. There is also some reflection on the impact of their relationship and how they open up to each other, which is also important to show. The books doesn't cover things in depth but is a believable overview of the challenges that this couple face. The drawings are presented in a lovely accessible style, good use of colour and adding warmth to the story. Recommended for anyone wanting to support someone going through IVF and wishing to understand more about the practical and emotional implications
With thanks to netgalley for an arc in exchange for a review.
With thanks to netgalley for an arc in exchange for a review.
dame_samara's review against another edition
4.0
This left me torn. Honestly doesn't entirely embody the way I felt when reading and completing this book. The reason I was left torn wasn't Luke or Kelly Jackson's story, but the reminder that this kind of financial strain isn't feasible for everyone, which leaves people both without the care they need, as well as leaving them without the kind of opportunities something like IVF can offer. While not something this book specifically touched on, it did spark me to think about it more in-depth.
Moving away from the tangential thoughts this book invoked.
I was honestly excited to read and support this book because I know that even today. Issues regarding women's health such as menstruation, miscarriages, and fertility problems are something that ends up being something that isn't really spoken about, so in turn, it can leave you feeling like you're alone with no one to reach out to.
This story is beautiful because it felt like someone sitting next to me telling their story. In full earnestness, no holds barred. Letting you know what their experience really and truly looked like and how it can affect every facet of a person's life.
The watercolor style and simplistic color choices honestly made the work pop in my mind; even after I stepped away, I found my mind returning to particular panels because the art there resonated with me so much.
Moving away from the tangential thoughts this book invoked.
I was honestly excited to read and support this book because I know that even today. Issues regarding women's health such as menstruation, miscarriages, and fertility problems are something that ends up being something that isn't really spoken about, so in turn, it can leave you feeling like you're alone with no one to reach out to.
This story is beautiful because it felt like someone sitting next to me telling their story. In full earnestness, no holds barred. Letting you know what their experience really and truly looked like and how it can affect every facet of a person's life.
The watercolor style and simplistic color choices honestly made the work pop in my mind; even after I stepped away, I found my mind returning to particular panels because the art there resonated with me so much.
awesometeefa's review against another edition
4.0
Two Week Wait: An IVF Story is a graphic novel about a couple, Conrad and Joanne, who met at university, fell in love and were inseperable ever since. As they grow comfortably in love, marriage, careers, and financial stability, they are ready to embark into another adventure together: parenthood!
What comes naturally for other people and their own family and friends is proven to be difficult for them. It turns out that the act of baby-making doesn't really make babies! Coming to term with their infertility, they decided that they need help in conceiving and started on their IVF journey. The story of Conrad and Jo take readers are on a ride through IVF processes with the whole package of medical, financial and emotional parts of it.
* * *
This book is a raw, emotional and factual story of an IVF journey and it was written by a couple who went through the ordeal themselves. It feels very personal. I could connect with the first part of the story- you know, the coupling, being-in-love, usual married couple parts up til the deciding to get pregnant part. While I can't confess to deeply relate to IVF part of the story, I feel Conrad and Jo's pain because since I was a little girl, being a mom is one of the important things I want to be when I grow up. To imagine that being out of reach is heart-wrenching for me.
The illustrations are in hues of grey, black, orange and white - it's simple. To me it represents the sombre mood of going through infertility. While I wish there were more of Conrad and Jo's pregnancy journey, I understand that that will shift the focus on the real subject here; the IVF journey. Deeply moving, severely emotional, thoroughly factual, it's a must read for anyone age 21 and above. Even if you can't relate to it, it might remind you to have empathy for couples who are yet to be parents. Maybe they are trying, or maybe kids are not in their plan so we should just zip it
What comes naturally for other people and their own family and friends is proven to be difficult for them. It turns out that the act of baby-making doesn't really make babies! Coming to term with their infertility, they decided that they need help in conceiving and started on their IVF journey. The story of Conrad and Jo take readers are on a ride through IVF processes with the whole package of medical, financial and emotional parts of it.
* * *
This book is a raw, emotional and factual story of an IVF journey and it was written by a couple who went through the ordeal themselves. It feels very personal. I could connect with the first part of the story- you know, the coupling, being-in-love, usual married couple parts up til the deciding to get pregnant part. While I can't confess to deeply relate to IVF part of the story, I feel Conrad and Jo's pain because since I was a little girl, being a mom is one of the important things I want to be when I grow up. To imagine that being out of reach is heart-wrenching for me.
The illustrations are in hues of grey, black, orange and white - it's simple. To me it represents the sombre mood of going through infertility. While I wish there were more of Conrad and Jo's pregnancy journey, I understand that that will shift the focus on the real subject here; the IVF journey. Deeply moving, severely emotional, thoroughly factual, it's a must read for anyone age 21 and above. Even if you can't relate to it, it might remind you to have empathy for couples who are yet to be parents. Maybe they are trying, or maybe kids are not in their plan so we should just zip it
vaiomo's review against another edition
4.0
Thank you to the publisher for giving me this book in exchange for an honest review!
This was such a moving story! I've never read anything really so focussed on the topic of becoming pregnant and how difficult it can be for someone to even conceive a child, in my head it was always like "If it breaks you're fucked" type of deal. But it was so interesting and inspiring to see the story of a couple that does have problems with it.
You never really know where you stand before you try having a child, just like this couple didn't know how hard it was going to be, so it was very refreshing to actually read about the problems it gives along the way and how long it would take to become pregnant for so to say "Problem couples".
I learned a lot and not only was a story like this told in a refreshing manner, there was still so much to learn along the storyline and I am glad I read it.
Definitely recommend.
This was such a moving story! I've never read anything really so focussed on the topic of becoming pregnant and how difficult it can be for someone to even conceive a child, in my head it was always like "If it breaks you're fucked" type of deal. But it was so interesting and inspiring to see the story of a couple that does have problems with it.
You never really know where you stand before you try having a child, just like this couple didn't know how hard it was going to be, so it was very refreshing to actually read about the problems it gives along the way and how long it would take to become pregnant for so to say "Problem couples".
I learned a lot and not only was a story like this told in a refreshing manner, there was still so much to learn along the storyline and I am glad I read it.
Definitely recommend.
ljrinaldi's review against another edition
5.0
Trying to conceive is really hard, especially if you are close to 35 years old, and Kelly is in this story. Your eggs start getting old, and like chickens, you don't produce quite as much as you did when you were younger. And the world makes you check your temperature, and harvest eggs and take drugs to produce more eggs. And each two week wait after you have gone through whatever you have gone through, while waiting to find out if you are pregnant is the worst time you could ever spend. You want to not think about it constantly, and you do.
I never had to go through IVF, but I did have to go through bits of it, such as the drugs for the egg producing, and the being artificially inseminated.
It is grueling, because you want to keep it to yourself, and not share until it is good news. And Kelly and Luke go through all the roller coaster that this is. That the heartache. All the pain.
Very truthful, and very tearing at the heart strings. Good book.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
I never had to go through IVF, but I did have to go through bits of it, such as the drugs for the egg producing, and the being artificially inseminated.
It is grueling, because you want to keep it to yourself, and not share until it is good news. And Kelly and Luke go through all the roller coaster that this is. That the heartache. All the pain.
Very truthful, and very tearing at the heart strings. Good book.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
zabacitanovine's review against another edition
4.0
This was a pretty emotional read about a couple who's desperately trying for a baby. The characters are real, impatient, miserable, but luckily, all turns out good and I'm happy for them.
A big thank you to Scribe UK and NetGalley for providing me with an early copy in exchange for an honest review.
A big thank you to Scribe UK and NetGalley for providing me with an early copy in exchange for an honest review.
lyzz's review against another edition
5.0
Title: Two-Week Wait
Author: Luke Jackson; Kelly Jackson
Genre: Graphic Novel
Pages: 160
Publication Date: 5/4/2021
Two-Week Wait is a beautiful graphic novel that tells the story of Conrad and Joanne’s relationship. It begins with their initial meeting and then proceeds to when they are attempting to start a family. They are unable to conceive naturally so they go to a fertility specialist and pursue in-vitro fertilization. The graphic novel follows them through several rounds of IVF.
This was a well-done graphic novel about an incredibly sensitive topic. As someone not terribly familiar with the process, I learned a lot about all aspects of the in-vitro process including the emotional challenges and the toll it takes on the relationship. While I have opted not to have children, I do have many friends who starting families. I’d highly recommend this to folks to build empathy and understanding of the feelings and experience of IVF. It provides a general overview of the medical aspect of it as well.
The illustrations and color palate are subdued but striking. These selections fit nicely with the plot of the graphic novel. The novel uses baby blues and pinks which feels appropriate. There was also an excellent balance of text to graphics. I love when graphic novels allow the illustrations to help tell the story.
The book also explores the idea of having a child being one’s life mission and how to make meaning in your life if that is not possible. Joanne and Conrad meet a couple that teaches in India that opens their eyes to possibilities. I wish it had gone a little further with this topic as it was a fascinating discussion of motherhood. I also liked the exploration of what having children means to each spouse and how one may go along with the other to make them happy.
I’d highly recommend this book for readers looking for a different format of a memoir about a really important topic. This would be a great book for folks who have never read a graphic novel and want to see what this medium is all about.
ARC provided to me by Scribe UK, via Net Galley, in exchange for an honest review.
#TwoWeekWait #NetGalley
Author: Luke Jackson; Kelly Jackson
Genre: Graphic Novel
Pages: 160
Publication Date: 5/4/2021
Two-Week Wait is a beautiful graphic novel that tells the story of Conrad and Joanne’s relationship. It begins with their initial meeting and then proceeds to when they are attempting to start a family. They are unable to conceive naturally so they go to a fertility specialist and pursue in-vitro fertilization. The graphic novel follows them through several rounds of IVF.
This was a well-done graphic novel about an incredibly sensitive topic. As someone not terribly familiar with the process, I learned a lot about all aspects of the in-vitro process including the emotional challenges and the toll it takes on the relationship. While I have opted not to have children, I do have many friends who starting families. I’d highly recommend this to folks to build empathy and understanding of the feelings and experience of IVF. It provides a general overview of the medical aspect of it as well.
The illustrations and color palate are subdued but striking. These selections fit nicely with the plot of the graphic novel. The novel uses baby blues and pinks which feels appropriate. There was also an excellent balance of text to graphics. I love when graphic novels allow the illustrations to help tell the story.
The book also explores the idea of having a child being one’s life mission and how to make meaning in your life if that is not possible. Joanne and Conrad meet a couple that teaches in India that opens their eyes to possibilities. I wish it had gone a little further with this topic as it was a fascinating discussion of motherhood. I also liked the exploration of what having children means to each spouse and how one may go along with the other to make them happy.
I’d highly recommend this book for readers looking for a different format of a memoir about a really important topic. This would be a great book for folks who have never read a graphic novel and want to see what this medium is all about.
ARC provided to me by Scribe UK, via Net Galley, in exchange for an honest review.
#TwoWeekWait #NetGalley