By Hannah Armentrout—
On Thursday October 13th, Miami Regionals’ Center for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion held a
book discussion led, by Dr. Theresa Kulbaga, over “Girls Like Us” by Randi Pink. The book
discussion at Hamilton took place in Rentschler 114 and the discussion at Middletown took place
in Johnston 100. There was also an option to attend on zoom. The Hamilton turnout was
successful; over fifteen women showed up and were eager to discuss Randi Pink’s thought-
provoking book. The girls broke off into three different groups and shared their ideas and
interpretations of the book. Then, they came back together and shared what they talked about in
their groups.
This book breaks the stereotypes of teen moms. It shows that there is not a “certain type” of girl
who gets pregnant at a young age, and everyone has a different story, background, and
experience. It is also an interesting pick from the Center for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion,
considering the overturning of Roe v. Wade several months ago.
This book takes place in the 1970s and tells the story of four teenage girls: Izella, Ola, Missippi,
and Sue. Izella is Ola’s younger sister, and she is the only main character that is not a teen mom,
but is going through the motions vicariously through Ola. This book is unique in the way that it
is set up. Each chapter focuses on one of the girl’s stories and is told in third person point of
view. This narration is effective because each girl gets attention and her story is told in detail, but
the third person narration still allows the reader to experience a much wider point of view. If the
book was narrated in first person point of view, we would hear the girls’ thoughts, anxieties, and
fears about giving birth or being teen moms, and that is not the point Pink is trying to make when
she wrote this book.
Another girl, Missippi was molested by her uncle, which resulted in pregnancy. Sue and her
boyfriend did not use adequate protection, and her dad is a pro-life senator. Ola also did not use
adequate protection, but doesn’t feel comfortable telling her judgmental mom she is pregnant,
which then results in her getting an abortion from her neighbor, Mrs. Mac. Missippi and Sue get
sent off to a “camp” that they are told is for girls “like them,” which is a clear connection to the
title of the book. The camp is led by Ms. Pearline, who guides the girls through their pregnancy
in secret. The girls connect with one another at this “camp” and make the most of their situation.
Once their babies arrive, the girls leave the “camp” and the book fast-forwards to the future
when the girls and their kids are older.
One of the girls that attended this event made a comment about how she wished the book went
more in depth about the teens raising their kids, instead of jumping to the future when their kids
are all grown up. Dr. Kulbaga then responded, “It’s like a movie that focuses on the wedding but
not the marriage.”
Miami Regionals provided a free copy of “Girls Like Us” to anyone who was interested in
joining for the book discussion. The next book discussion will be held in the spring!