We need more books like this. 
 My actual rating for this is 4.5 stars. It's compelling, it's dark, and it's mysterious. Allegedly is the kind of book everyone should read at least once in their life, but never will: it's disturbing and harsh in all the right ways. 
 Tense and suspenseful, Mary's story had me on the edge of my seat. Everything, from her mother's crimes, to her baby's adoption, is chosen for her, which would make anyone frustrated, no? When she gets pregnant with a boy who isn't ready, she wants to keep her baby. Not a surprise. But her foster home's reaction? Also not a surprise. But so damn irritating that if it had been me, I would have wrung their necks and ran away. 
 All in all, a beautiful message, heartbreaking moments, mind-blown scenes, and the overall sadness of what happens to a girl who has to pay for her mother's crimes.