The First Part Last

By: Angela Johnson

Narrated by: Khalipa Oldjohn

Bobby is a typical urban New York City teenager--impulsive, eager, restless. For his sixteenth birthday he cuts school with his two best buddies, grabs a couple of slices at his favorite pizza joint, catches a flick at a nearby multiplex, and gets some news from his girlfriend, Nia, that changes his life forever: He's going to be a father. Suddenly things like school and house parties and fun times with friends are replaced by visits to Nia's pediatrician and countless social workers who all say that the only way for Nia and Bobby to lead a normal life is to put their baby up for adoption. Then tragedy strikes Nia, and Bobby finds himself in the role of single, teenage father. Because his child--their child--is all that remains of his lost love.

With powerful language and keen insight, Johnson tells the story of a young man's struggle to figure out what the "right thing" is and then to do it. The result is a gripping portrayal of single teenage parenthood from the point of view of a youth on the threshold of becoming a man.©2003 Angela Johnson; (P)2004 Random House, Inc. Listening Library, an imprint of the Random House Audio Publishing Group

Never gets old

This has been my favorite book since middle school. Such a beautifully told story that tugs at your heart.

Only wished it was longer

Read this book as a preteen.. now an adult and it’s still a beautifully written story about facing life’s adverse realities. The narrator was awesome and sound as you’d imagine the character would.

Great story for such a small book

I read this book for an assignment and expected it to be dull and simplistic because of it's length and target audience. However, I was intrigued by the slightly mysterious plot and admired the main character's choice to raise his daughter instead of placing her up adoption. Overall, I really enjoyed listening to this book and want to read the whole series now!!

All teenagers should take a listen to this

Very well narrated. This book is a must read for all teenage boys and girls. Maybe teenage sex would be looked at a little more closely by some of the teens today.

pretty alright

I think it was a good quick life lesson and kinda went quick since it is a small book