"Unplanned" by Abby Johnson is an incredibly important book in the pro-life discussion. Abby Johnson was involved with Planned Parenthood for eight years, initially being recruited as a volunteer while as a college student. She worked her way through the ranks, eventually becoming the director of the Bryan, Texas, clinic.

Despite growing up in a pro-life family, Johnson never really thought critically about her position on the matter. She was captivated by the lofty ideals of Planned Parenthood: reducing the number of abortions by increasing access to birth control. Drawn in by this proposition and by the chance to help women in crisis, Johnson started her career path at Planned Parenthood. During her time there, she came into frequent contact with volunteers from the Coalition for Life who gathered outside the fence surrounding the clinic to pray for an end to abortion. Through compassion and gentle discussions, Johnson began to see that maybe the people on "the other side" weren't as bad as they were portrayed by Planned Parenthood.

Then came the day she was requested to assist with an ultrasound-guided abortion. As she watched what happened to the unborn baby, she was horrified. It was that particular instance that caused a crisis of belief for her. She began to question everything she had ever done at Planned Parenthood. Her first stop was the nearby Coalition for Life who had won her over by their genuine care and concern for her, as well as their daily prayers for her.

"Unplanned" is a riveting book and an incredible look at the issue of unborn life from both perspectives. Because of Johnson's role with the organization, she offers a unique look at Planned Parenthood from the inside, revealing things that they would probably prefer to remain hidden (for instance, that they need to increase revenue by increasing abortions, something that goes completely contrary to their main talking point).

It is fascinating to read the thought process and beliefs behind why she wanted to work for Planned Parenthood. Her transformation from believing the pro-choice rhetoric and semantics to a Bible-believing pro-life Christian is amazing.

This book was initially published in 2010. It was recently re-released with an additional chapter containing follow-up information that has occurred since the book was previously published. Johnson and her husband launched a non-profit ministry called And Then There Were None, with the goal of assisting abortion clinic workers who wish to leave their work. So far, they have helped over 100 workers who chose to leave the abortion industry. Throughout the book, Johnson helps the reader to see that it's not just women seeking abortions who need help, care, and prayer; abortion workers are in just as much need.

"Unplanned" is an important book in the conversation of unborn life. Johnson is able to offer a unique look from both sides of the discussion. I highly recommend this book for anyone seeking to understand the "other side", no matter which side you may be on.

(I've received this complimentary book from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for a review. A positive review was not required and the views expressed in my review are strictly my own.)

Ever feel like your riding the fence? Maybe trying to understand each side and not quite getting it? Abby Johnson knows that exact feeling. Unplanned is the story of Abby Johnson as Director of Planned Parenthood. Abby shares her own personal journey and what a journey it has been. Ever think God can't use you? He can and will for His glory. He used Abby to bring glory and honor to Him today. He was working and planning in her life when she didn't think He was watching. As I opened the first pages of this book tears did not stop falling. It simply broke my heart. Abby shares her life before Planned Parenthood and all the facets that lead up to her working there. She shares intimate details of her work and just how it not only effected her, but the impact it left on others who walked through the gates of the center. Abby had good intentions. She wanted to help women. She wanted to serve with passion. She shares how she left the center and what her life is now. I love seeing how God works all for His good. He was bringing people around Abby together while they thought they were apart. Being Pro-Life myself, there were parts of this book that broke my heart. I was broken for Abby and those around her. She knows what it is like on both sides of the fence. She knows the fear and heart ache personally. For so long she used the word fetus until she too was carrying her child. Then all things began to change, but things really changed for her at the first ultrasound abortion she took part in. She is sharing now to make a difference. To bring awareness. If we could only come together at the fence and meet with love for all the children and women instead of creating evil we could bring new life to those who are searching for answers. My hat goes off to Abby for sharing details of her life that she doesn't have to. But by grace, she knows that this book has purpose and will touch all those who read it. This is a must read. No matter where you stand on this issue, this is a book that is well written and brings us right to the heart of the matter. It took me a while to make it through some parts. It is a difficult read, but many journeys are. Abby's journey is not over yet and she is still bringing change and awareness to ending abortion. Praise God for those who are not afraid to stand for the unborn. May the Lord bless you Abby for being so honest and sharing your heart.

This book was a gift from Revell for it's review along with Focus on the Family.

This book by: Abby Johnson is the personal story of a former Planned Parenthood director. She tells, from her perspective, how she came to work for Planned Parenthood, her beliefs and values, her personal experiences with abortion, her job responsibilities, etc. She explains both the pro-choice and pro-life perspectives when addressing personal, political, ethical issues. She describes her experience of assisting during an actual abortion for the first time and how that experience completely changed her worldview.

This book is a must read for anyone who has any interest in the abortion debate. While Abby Johnson is now clearly pro-life, she very delicately addresses the viewpoint from the pro-choice side. As someone who has had abortions, worked for the abortion industry, and now is a pro-life advocate, she is able to give a unique perspective on the subject. She now has a heart for the women and men who work in the abortion industry and her ministry involves helping those who want to leave the industry. I highly recommend this book. It gave me insight into the mind of someone who had the pro-choice perspective that I may not have otherwise considered. When I discuss abortion and my very pro-life views with people who do not agree with me, I often reference Abby Johnson's story and recommend this book.

In accordance with the Federal Trade Commission I am required to disclose that Tyndale House provided this book for free in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own.

This book is one of the choices in an online book club I'm in for April. The synopsis of the book caught my attention. As a Christian I have my own opinion about abortions. I absolutely believe in the sanctity of life and that it starts at conception. However, I also believe that our lives are made up of many choices and they're not always black and white. I've always believed anyone considering or being council to have an abortion needs compassion, respect and all the true facts in order to make this irreversible decision. I believe people on both sides of this "fence" need plenty of prayer mixed with humility and a willingness to help.

What I saw as I read, was she and others wanted everyone treated with compassion no matter which side of the "fence" they stood on. Through this book I also witness again, the power of prayer.

This book is a good reminder that no matter what "fence" you're standing at, you don't have to stand alone. God as well as people with an honest heart care care about you. I'd highly recommend reading this book.

This book transports the reader into the life and mind of a college age girl and how she got involved in volunteering at Planned Parenthood and then went through the ranks to become a Planned Parenthood leader in a facility in Bryan, TX. This book keeps the reader on the edge of his seat. The story moves rapidly as you turn each page. It's interesting to see how the hand of God was at work in the life of Abby Johnson and how He moved her out of the abortion industry and into the pro-life community. This book clearly shows that people on the abortion side of the fence will know that we are Christ's disciples when we show Christ's love to them.