It's strange, the things that stick with you from your childhood. This book was published in 2000, so it must have been shortly after that I borrowed it from the library. Can't have been older than 12 when I read it. I never found it again after I returned it, but certain elements of the story have remained embedded in my mind. Just a shame the author and title weren't amongst them! Thankfully, the members of the Facebook group The Book Hangout Spot were able to point me in the right direction so I could see if my memories matched up to the reality.

Stepping into this book, you're very quickly aware of its place in time. It hasn't aged badly, but what would have been seen as up to date references when published, e.g. Tommy Girl perfume, Discmans, Blockbuster Video, now just make it feel like an 'old' book.

While I know I never admired the main character for her actions (way too much of a good geek girl for that!), I could at least sort of understand her mentality when I was of a similar age. Now however... wow does she come across as naive, petulant and immature! I found myself asking the 'adult' questions about where the money was coming from for all the things she dreams of; about what she was going to do with the baby while she and her boyfriend went out and lived it up; and about how she felt when she realises how isolated she becomes because all her friends are out having a 'normal' teenage experience.

At the same time, there is something about this that feels very relevant and reflective of modern society. By no means is it all, or even a majority, of young people, but I do see young people I've met reflected in Lana's attitude towards the wider world and how it works.

My opinion of Lana's mother has changed a bit, though not necessarily for the better. As a young reader, you just see the boring adult who couldn't possibly understand your life and who can'tsee you as anything but a little kid. But now it's far easier to recognise that Mrs Spiggs was not a very good parent or role model; a questionable relationship with her partner, a bit of a drinking problem, a constant barrage of criticism and a couple of cases of physical assault don't paint the healthiest of pictures. Adding on to that the descriptions of their flat, including broken and dangerous appliances... there's a lot more to unpack there!

Teen pregnancy isn't the headliner it was when this book was first released, but I feel like it does still paint a picture of how poor our Sex and Relationship Education classes in the UK are. Equally, it feels like this book could be a useful tool; delving into the fact that sex and love are not necessarily the same, and illustrating just how hard becoming a parent, especially at a young age and on your own, really is. I think it does a good job of balancing the idealised view of a teen with the stark reality.

I've never forgotten the name Shinola. And I don't care if it is a shoe polish (is it?), I've always liked it!