Caragh Reviews // Conquering Chaos by Catelynn Lowell & Tyler Baltierra

Published - 15th March 2015
Publisher - Post Hill Press
Format - Kindle
Synopsis - Since Catelynn Lowell and Tyler Baltierra shared their story of teen pregnancy and adoption on the MTV's 16 and Pregnant and Teen Mom, they've been known for their inspiring commitment to growing up right. Between their experience placing their first daughter for adoption, and their struggle to cope with problems in their families, Catelynn and Tyler were challenged in every imaginable way. But against all odds, the childhood sweethearts rose above the dysfunction to become responsible adults whose story has inspired many others.
How did two troublemaking kids from the trailer park make it through the storm of family dysfunction, teen pregnancy, and adoption without letting go of each other? What gave them the strength to conquer the chaos of their lives and go on to become people their children could be proud of? And what really happened when the cameras weren't there?

This will be a quick one! So in order to review this book, it must come with a confession: I love Teen Mom. There, I said it. Catelynn and Tyler have overcome so many incredulous things in order to become birth parents that their daughter Carly, will come to respect. Carly was placed in the care of adoptive parents Brandon and Teresa just days after she was born because her 17 year old parents made a brave and selfless decision.

I have so much respect for these two parents. I can't even begin to imagine the trauma they must have experienced. So when they released their book, describing what life was like growing up under the care of addict parents, drug-fuelled and alcohol filled parties and how all of this led to their decision to place Carly for adoption - I knew that I would have to read it.

It was never going to be a piece of literary art. Catelynn and Tyler are self confessed 'bad kids'. Catelynn tells all about how she completely failed middle school and had to fight to get an education. So the writing style of this book isn't something that should be paid attention to. Catelynn and Tyler are brave young adults who have experienced more in their short lives than most adults (and most definitely me!). This book, along with the MTV show Teen Mom really only serves one purpose - to show the world what adoption really means, and that is powerful.

They have a great relationship with Carly's parents and they undoubtedly made the best decision for their daughter at that time. Catelynn and Tyler are now also parents to their newborn Nova and are parenting for the first time.