Teenage Pregnancy in New Hampshire; Circa 1965

Meredith Hall's book Without a Map tells a stunning story of exile and exclusion. Meredith grew up on the seacoast of New Hampshire and became pregnant at age 16, in 1965. Her memoir is a rare and clear glimpse into the social mores of the mid-60's, and reveals the state of shame many families faced when an unmarried daughter became pregnant. We'll talk with Meredith about the scope of her life which was framed decisively by the events of her teen years. Meredith teaches English at the University of New Hampshire.

We'll also listen-in as a son interviews his mother who gave him up for adoption when he was born 28 years ago. Mary Lou Maher and her son, Brad, spoke in a StoryCorps booth in New York City. You listen to the piece at the Public Radio Exchange, or you check out the StoryCorps website.

This show originally aired May 10, 2007