Conquering Chaos ~ Catelynn Lowell and Tyler Baltierra

Since Catelynn Lowell and Tyler Batltierra shared their story of teen pregnancy and adoption on MTV's 16 & Pregnant and Teen Mom, they've been known for their inspiring commitment to growing up right. How did two trouble making kids from the trailer park turn into positive role models? How did two childhood sweethearts build a long lasting relationship? How did placing their first child up for adoption teach them how to break away from bad influences? What really happened when the cameras weren't there? In their debut book, Catelynn and Tyler leave out nothing. From their wild behavior before appearing on MTV to their experiences with adoption, Catelynn and Tyler lay it all out on the table. 

Open, honest, raw, and real, Conquering Chaos is an incredible look at two young people who beat the odds and took the right path. 

Book Review: 

I was not an avid viewer of 16 & Pregnant or Teen Mom, but like most teenagers I am an avid internet kid; therefore, I knew of them all. I have watched a few episodes here and there, enough to understand each of the couples' and children's stories, but the only ones that really resonated with me were Catelynn and Tyler. Part of this is because I have seen people get pregnant young and keep their children, so the other stories just didn't have the same sense of wonder and mystery as Cate and Tyler's. I knew the struggle that came with it. The adoption process and the choice to get there really intrigued me, plus Cate and Tyler are so cute together that who can resist loving them?

I loved hearing about their terrifying upbringings, full of addiction, loss, trouble, drugs, alcohol, sex, single parents, etc in this book. I also really loved that they each gave their own account of the situations that they were discussing. Reading their stories, I had a further understanding of why they made the decision to place Carly in adoption (this is how you are supposed to say it!) I have so much respect for their courageousness, their selflessness, and their determination in such a terrifying and emotional time of their lives. They made the only decision that they thought that they could for Carly. It's really a beautiful and emotional story. 

I also love that throughout this novel they were able to educate us on the different bits of the adoption process, like the types of adoption, the interviews with parents, and so on. I'm so glad that they use their story to inspire and help others through their speaking engagements (if I ever get the chance I would love to see one) and I also can not be more inspired by Catelynn than when I found out that she has also been the adoption/birthing coaches for so many other young girls. I love that she does that!

The only thing that I felt was missing from this book were pictures. It didn't take away from the book at all, but I really do love memoirs with pictures, then again I could just stalk their social medias. 

Pages: 150                                                                        Rate: 5/5

Book Discussion: 

I don't really have anything in mind for a book discussion but if you want to know more of my thoughts, feel free to leave comments.

Favorite Quote:

“Children and babies are the most innocent, vulnerable, helpless creatures on the planet. They’re relying on you for everything. Their lives will be defined by the choices made by the adults around them.” 

TBR Update/ Book Haul

So my package from Amazon recently arrived and I will definitely be reading these books soon.

Just Arrived:

Catelynn and Tyler are the only couple from MTV's Teen Mom that I every respected and outwardly enjoyed. I loved the decision they made for themselves and Carly. I was never an avid watcher of the show  but I have watched some clips of the two on YouTube and follow them on social media. Nova is adorable. I just love what they stand for. And as I've mentioned in a previous post, I want to adopt through an open adoption one day.

I love Grace but I've never been a fan of self help books. But being as I am heading into my senior year of High School and will soon be entering the "real world" I figured it was about time that I read one. Maybe it will help, you know? And I figured that Grace would give me advice in a non condescending way with lots of comedy. The book is gorgeous. I love all of the color. The book is full of pictures and gorgeous pages. 

Along the same lines as what I said about Grace's book. But this time I have a best friend who has read the book and he recommended it to me. He said that it would be the best thing for me to read if it was the last thing that I read. So yeah.

After seeing some vlogs with Joey and his family I really wanted to know more about his journey. I want to know more about growing up with his mom's addictions and his autistic brother. My life has been anything but easy and I have experienced way more that I should have, so I think that this will be a very touching read for me. 

Pre-Ordered:

I love Dan and Phil so much. It doesn't matter to me, if they are best friends, secret lovers, or just plain boyfriends. I just love them. I love the individually and together because they are hilarious all around. 

I find Marcus so interesting. He seems to confident and insecure all at the same time and I want to know more. 

Now this isn't a memoir like the rest of these books but I read the first Girl Online and I absolutely loved it. I love the characters and the writing. The writing is easy to read and comprehend, there isn't much challenge to it at all, but I find that the story is so interesting that I need to read more. I will do a book review of the first one because I will definitely reread that before I dive into this one.

Who wouldn't pre-order this? It is the king of YouTube in book form. I mean seriously.

Already Own:

I am in love with Connor Franta. I have loved his videos for years. He pulled me out of a slump when I really needed it. So I have read his book thoroughly and when I say thoroughly, I mean it. I highlighted all of my favorite lines and then used sticky tabs so that I could open the book easily to them. My friend has had the book for a bit now and has loved it just as much as I do. She will be giving it back to me soon and I will definitely be reading it again. It is just so gorgeous, the pictures are beautiful, and his words are compelling. So be expecting a review on that.  

It is an amazing contemporary novel and I will definitely be reading it again before I dive into the second one. I love Zoe so much. 

 I read this book in 9th grade. I watched the movie the weekend it came out with some amazing friends and have probably re-watched it 100+ times. But I just need to read it again. So expect a review on that at some point and maybe I will watch the movie again and do a comparison too.