All You Have to Do Is Call

By: Kerri Maher

Narrated by: Lauryn Allman

“[A] powerful, thought-provoking novel… not only important and timely, but deeply humanizing.” —Good Morning America

“Remarkable.” —The Washington Post

“Powerful. Dramatic. Insightful…. It’s not only a timely novel, but storytelling at its finest – a must-read.” —NPR

An NPR Books We Love selection for 2023

A gripping and uplifting novel based on the true story of the Jane Collective and the brave women who worked in the shadows for our right to choose, from the USA Today bestselling author of The Paris Bookseller.

Chicago, early 1970s. Who does a woman call when she needs help? Jane.

The best-known secret in the city, Jane is an underground health clinic composed entirely of women helping women, empowering them to embrace their futures by offering reproductive counseling and safe, illegal abortions. Veronica, Jane’s founder, prides herself on the services she has provided to thousands of women, yet the price of others’ freedom is that she leads a double life. When she’s not at Jane, Veronica plays the role of a conventional housewife—a juggling act that becomes even more difficult during her own high-risk pregnancy.

Two more women in Veronica’s neighborhood are grappling with similar disconnects. Margaret, a young professor at the University of Chicago, secretly volunteers at Jane as she falls in love with a man whose attitude toward his ex-wife increasingly disturbs her. Patty, who’s long been content as a devoted wife and mother, has begun to sense that something essential is missing from her life. When her runaway younger sister, Eliza, shows up unexpectedly, Patty must come to terms with what it really means to love and support a sister.

In this historic moment, when the personal was nothing if not political, Veronica, Margaret, and Patty risk it all to help mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends. With an awe-inspiring story and appealing characters, All You Have to Do Is Call celebrates the power of women coming together in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.

Good book but..

I loved so much about this book. The characters and the historical elements especially. So thankful for all of the brave women who fought so hard for reproductive rights.

My complaint about this book was mostly the pacing. There were long portions that didn’t seem to have much plot development. Would have loved a quicker pace.

Very interesting given the Dobbs decision by the Supreme Court.

An important read. Topic is on highly relevant to young women in today’s political environment

inspirational

Well-written, excellent character development and story development around historical events that we didn't learn in high school.

History Repeats

As I read this in 2023, Roe vs Wade has been overturned. Women’s rights have gone backwards. When will it be a women’s right to have autonomy over her own body as men with there’s. This book points out where we’ve been & now right back. Sad!

Engrossing and Emotive

A wonderful listen. Tackling the ever-contentious topic of abortion, this book does it from a historical point of view, based on the true story of the Jane Collective, with a sensitivity I admired. I loved all of the characters, and I especially enjoyed how the topic of abortion was explored from all of their viewpoints, and those of their families. A great exploration of female friendships, and the way the courage of a few can change history.