Look at You Now

My Journey from Shame to Strength

By: Liz Pryor

Narrated by: Liz Pryor

CHICAGO TRIBUNE BESTSELLER • For readers of Orange Is the New Black and The Glass Castle, a riveting memoir about a lifelong secret and a girl finding strength in the most unlikely place

In 1979, Liz Pryor is a seventeen-year-old girl from a good family in the wealthy Chicago suburbs. Halfway through her senior year of high school, she discovers that she is pregnant—a fact her parents are determined to keep a secret from her friends, siblings, and community forever. One snowy January day, after driving across three states, her mother drops her off at what Liz thinks is a Catholic home for unwed mothers—but which is, in truth, a locked government-run facility for delinquent and impoverished pregnant teenage girls.

In the cement-block residence, Liz is alone and terrified, a fish out of water—a girl from a privileged, sheltered background living amid tough, street-savvy girls who come from the foster care system or juvenile detention. But over the next six months, isolated and in involuntary hiding from everyone she knows, Liz develops a surprising bond with the other girls and begins to question everything she once held true. Told with tenderness, humor, and an open heart, Look at You Now is a deeply moving story about the most vulnerable moments in our lives—and how a willingness to trust ourselves can permanently change who we are and how we see the world.

Praise for Look at You Now

“A funny, tender and brave coming-of-age tale.”—People

“A poignant, often funny reminder that we learn who we are when we’re at our most challenged.”—Good Housekeeping

“Searingly honest.”—Family Circle

“Readers will swiftly be drawn into the author’s compassionate retelling of her teen pregnancy—her fear, shame, regret, joy, and even her forgiveness of her parents for sending her away. This coming-of-age memoir is authentic and unforgettable.”—Publishers Weekly

“[Liz] Pryor’s refusal to bury the truth of her experiences is the greatest strength of her book. Her honesty about a youthful error and desire to let that honesty define the rest of her life are both uplifting and inspiring. An unsentimental yet moving coming-of-age memoir.”—Kirkus Reviews

“Pryor has vivid memories of her time in the facility, and her straightforward, unvarnished narrative, written as if by her seventeen-year-old self, rings true. Her story is well worth sharing.”—Booklist

“I started reading this book thinking it was a compelling, honest, sometimes funny, sometimes poignant look at the world of teenage pregnancy, and knowing it would offer an inside look at the places where girls used to be hidden away until their babies came. I finished it damp-eyed and understanding that Look at You Now is much more than that. It is a story about how family dynamics work. It is about how wrenching it is to give away something born of your flesh, even if you know it’s the right decision. It’s about how much we can learn from people very much different from us. Most of all, it is a subtle, graceful story about how sometimes the worst things in our lives work best to shape our characters into something shining and true, something that will serve us for the rest of our lives.”—Elizabeth Berg, author of The Dream Lover

“Liz Pryor’s story is shocking, moving, riveting, and, ultimately, inspiring. She writes like a natural, can balance humor and sorrow perfectly, and in Look at You Now, has written a pitch-perfect memoir.”—Darin Strauss, author of Half a Life

Critic reviews

“A funny, tender and brave coming-of-age tale.”—People

“A poignant, often funny reminder that we learn who we are when we’re at our most challenged.”—Good Housekeeping

“Searingly honest.”—Family Circle

“Engrossing . . . Readers will swiftly be drawn into the author’s compassionate retelling of her teen pregnancy—her fear, shame, regret, joy, and even her forgiveness of her parents for sending her away. This coming-of-age memoir is authentic and unforgettable.”—Publishers Weekly

“[Liz] Pryor’s refusal to bury the truth of her experiences is the greatest strength of her book. Her honesty about a youthful error and desire to let that honesty define the rest of her life are both uplifting and inspiring. An unsentimental yet moving coming-of-age memoir.”—Kirkus Reviews

“Pryor has vivid memories of her time in the facility, and her straightforward, unvarnished narrative, written as if by her seventeen-year-old self, rings true. Her story is well worth sharing.”—Booklist

“I started reading this book thinking it was a compelling, honest, sometimes funny, sometimes poignant look at the world of teenage pregnancy, and knowing it would offer an inside look at the places where girls used to be hidden away until their babies came. I finished it damp-eyed and understanding that Look at You Now is much more than that. It is a story about how family dynamics work. It is about how wrenching it is to give away something born of your flesh, even if you know it’s the right decision. It’s about how much we can learn from people very much different from us. Most of all, it is a subtle, graceful story about how sometimes the worst things in our lives work best to shape our characters into something shining and true, something that will serve us for the rest of our lives. Liz Pryor says she will never forget the girls she shared that time of her life with. I will never forget this book. I really, really loved it.”—Elizabeth Berg, author of The Dream Lover

“Liz Pryor’s story is shocking, moving, riveting, and, ultimately, inspiring. She writes like a natural, can balance humor and sorrow perfectly, and in Look at You Now, has written a pitch-perfect memoir.”—Darin Strauss, author of Half a Life

Highly recommend.

Liz, truly a page turner. Thanks for letting the reader experience your journey as if they were right there with you. Sandy P.

Poignant story.<br />

I was attracted to this book because I was the same age as Liz Pryor in 1979 and remember a girl I knew who was pregnant whose strict Catholic parents hid her away until she had her baby. The baby was adopted through Catholic services. I often wondered how this changed the young mother's life.
I loved this book, especially as narrated by Liz. I would have loved to have known more about her life and if she had found a mate and had more children she would raise. Was she ever reunited with her child or even know the gender, etc., etc?
I guess a good book wants you yearning for more.

Story of triumph

This is a compelling story of strength and truth. One of which I will never forget.

Remembering times were so different not long ago

I felt interestingly connected to the story. My mother had me at the same age only a few years after this story takes place. Its interesting to see how times have changed in such a short time. I also identify with Liz in how she feels about her parents at the end, two odd bookends that somehow manage to hold her up in their own way. Great read and a powerful story for someone to be brave enough to share. I'd be interested in knowing if she ever got in touch with any of the other girls...

Soooooooooo GOOD!!!!!!

I listened to the whole book in one day. It was that great! It is full of truth, love, grace, hope, unexpectedness, courage and more. It is for every woman and more so, every man should read it. Way to go Liz! I am so proud of you.

What a story....

I only wish I could add stars!!! I enjoyed this book very much. My chills got chills!! Well done Liz Pryor.

An awesome read

I truly enjoyed this story and found a relatable interest in every character in it.

I will remember this one!

I wish it hadn't ended so soon. Very real characters. one of my favorite books.

Love!

What an incredible story. I enjoyed every word. Liz Pryor does an excellent job reading.

An Excellent Read!

An Excellent Read! I thoroughly enjoyed Liz Pryor's story. Such a heart wrenching story.