The Best Worst Thing Summary, Characters and Themes

The Best Worst Thing by Lauren Okie is a deeply emotional and nuanced story about a woman, Nicole, struggling with the complexities of infertility, the breakdown of her marriage, and the pursuit of a child. As Nicole navigates IVF treatments, emotional turmoil, and betrayal, she faces moments of self-discovery and unexpected relationships.

The novel explores themes of love, loss, and resilience while highlighting the personal and emotional toll that fertility struggles can take on a person’s life. The journey toward motherhood is fraught with challenges, and Nicole’s story is a poignant reminder of the unpredictability of life and the importance of healing.

Summary

Nicole’s life is deeply entwined with the struggles of infertility and the emotional toll it takes on her relationship with her husband, Gabe. The couple has been trying to conceive for years, undergoing several rounds of IVF treatments, with each attempt filled with its own set of complications.

Nicole hosts a podcast called “Pretty Infertile,” where she shares the raw realities of her infertility journey, and Gabe helps her behind the scenes with the technical aspects of the podcast. Despite their efforts, the strain of the treatments takes a toll on their relationship.

Gabe becomes increasingly distant, focusing on his work while Nicole grapples with her deteriorating health and the deepening frustration of not being able to get pregnant.

Nicole is also dealing with the emotional weight of seeing others around her easily conceive while she continues to struggle. At a party hosted by Gabe’s colleague, Nicole feels isolated and unsupported by Gabe, and she retreats to a quiet room, where a breakdown ensues.

This moment marks a significant shift in their relationship, and though Gabe apologizes, Nicole feels more disconnected than ever. The emotional strain continues as Nicole undergoes an egg retrieval procedure, only to face more disappointments and frustration when they still fail to achieve the desired outcome.

In the midst of this turmoil, Nicole’s world shatters when she walks in on Gabe’s infidelity. The discovery is devastating, as she realizes that the man she has shared her life with has been unfaithful.

The lies Gabe tells to cover up his actions only deepen Nicole’s pain. She confronts him, and the truth of his betrayal leaves her heartbroken and questioning everything she thought she knew about their marriage and the future they had envisioned.

Seeking comfort from her friends, Nicole finds solace with Mari and Paige. Paige, who arrives from San Francisco, offers her support and encourages Nicole to reconnect with Logan, a former colleague with whom Nicole had shared a close friendship.

Nicole and Logan have always had an easy camaraderie, though nothing romantic had ever transpired. However, after a night of vulnerability, Nicole reaches out to Logan, and their connection deepens as they spend time together.

Logan provides a stable, comforting presence for Nicole as she begins to process the emotional devastation of her failed marriage and the betrayal she endured.

Nicole takes time to reflect on her failed marriage and her uncertain future. Gabe continues to send her apologetic messages, but Nicole remains firm in her decision to take space.

As she slowly starts to heal, her relationship with Logan grows stronger. Though she’s still uncertain about opening her heart to him, she finds comfort in his unwavering support and presence in her life.

Despite the emotional turmoil, Nicole’s life takes a turn when she learns that her surrogate, Valerie, is pregnant with their child. After years of trying to conceive, Nicole is finally pregnant, though the news is complicated by her fractured marriage.

Gabe remains distant, and Nicole struggles to reconcile her feelings about their broken relationship while preparing for the arrival of her child. The pregnancy also presents legal complications, as Nicole’s divorce could affect her parental rights.

Her lawyer advises her to delay the divorce until after the baby is born to avoid jeopardizing her legal standing as the mother.

As Nicole’s pregnancy progresses, the emotional weight of her situation continues to bear down on her. She tries to find moments of solace in her friendship with Logan, who has become an increasingly important figure in her life.

The connection between them grows, and despite her hesitations, Nicole starts to realize that she might have feelings for Logan that go beyond friendship. However, her personal life is still in turmoil, and she’s uncertain whether she’s ready for a new relationship amidst the challenges she faces.

Nicole’s journey takes her to Cancun, where she spends a few days with Logan. They share moments of joy, warmth, and intimacy, but their time together is also marked by a looming sense of insecurity and uncertainty.

Logan’s ex-girlfriend, Kara, who is pregnant, arrives during their trip, triggering feelings of jealousy and inadequacy in Nicole. However, Logan reassures her, and they share a beautiful evening together at a wedding.

Yet, when Logan’s secret job interview in Chicago is revealed, Nicole is hurt and frustrated. Their argument highlights the tension between Nicole’s inability to provide the family Logan wants and his desire for a future with her.

The confrontation with Logan leads Nicole to a painful realization. Despite her deep feelings for him, she knows that she cannot give him the family he deserves, especially with her infertility struggles.

She decides to walk away from their relationship, believing that their love cannot survive her inability to provide him with the life he wants. After an emotional conversation with her sister, Nicole finds herself reconciling with the choices she’s made and the emotional baggage she still carries.

Meanwhile, Nicole’s relationship with Gabe continues to evolve. After an emotionally charged confrontation, she faces the truth about her failed marriage and decides to move forward with her life, focusing on her child and leaving the past behind.

Despite her ongoing feelings for Logan, Nicole accepts that their relationship cannot work. But Logan surprises her by returning, confessing that he never left and is ready to build a future with her.

The novel concludes with Nicole embracing the future, both as a mother and in her relationship with Logan. They reconcile and move forward together, ready to face the challenges that lie ahead.

Nicole’s story is one of healing, self-discovery, and love, finding resolution as she embarks on a new chapter of her life, both as a mother and as a partner. The final chapters reflect the complexity of life, showing that even amidst heartache, there is always the potential for new beginnings.

Characters

Nicole

Nicole is the central character in The Best Worst Thing, and her journey is filled with emotional turbulence and personal growth. She is a woman navigating the complex challenges of infertility while dealing with the strain of her failing marriage to Gabe.

The physical and emotional toll of IVF treatments weighs heavily on her, leaving her exhausted and frustrated, particularly when contrasted with the seemingly effortless pregnancies of others. Nicole’s vulnerability is heightened by her struggles with her marriage, where she feels increasingly isolated.

The discovery of Gabe’s infidelity shatters her, intensifying her emotional turmoil. Despite her grief, Nicole shows resilience and strength as she seeks support from her friends, Mari and Paige, and finds solace in her growing connection with Logan.

As Nicole’s journey progresses, she grapples with the conflicting emotions of wanting to move on from Gabe while trying to preserve her rights as a mother, especially with her pregnancy through surrogacy. Ultimately, Nicole is a woman learning to reclaim her agency, her identity, and her capacity for love, as she navigates the delicate balance between her past, her present struggles, and her hopes for the future.

Gabe

Gabe is Nicole’s husband, whose role in the story is marked by emotional neglect, distance, and betrayal. Initially, Gabe appears supportive, helping Nicole with the technical aspects of her podcast and standing by her side during the IVF process.

However, his increasing work hours and emotional detachment create a rift between him and Nicole. His infidelity comes as a devastating blow to Nicole, and his lies only deepen the hurt she feels.

Gabe’s character is a portrayal of emotional avoidance and betrayal. While he apologizes for his actions, the damage to his relationship with Nicole is irreparable.

Gabe represents the broken promises and lies that Nicole must ultimately move on from as she confronts the reality of her marriage and begins to forge a new path without him. His character is a catalyst for Nicole’s personal growth and her eventual decision to prioritize her well-being over the remnants of her toxic relationship.

Logan

Logan is Nicole’s colleague and friend, who becomes a source of emotional support and eventual romantic interest. He is introduced as someone who shares a deep, platonic bond with Nicole, but as she faces the aftermath of her failing marriage and Gabe’s betrayal, Logan’s presence becomes more significant.

Logan provides Nicole with a sense of stability, understanding, and comfort, contrasting sharply with the emotional chaos of her life. His genuine care for her allows Nicole to begin healing, offering her a safe space to process her emotions.

Over time, their friendship blossoms into something deeper, and Nicole is torn between her unresolved feelings for Gabe and her growing affection for Logan. Despite Nicole’s fears about not being able to give Logan the family he desires, he remains steadfast in his support, and his love for her becomes a key factor in her healing process.

Logan’s character embodies hope, growth, and the possibility of new beginnings, offering Nicole a chance at a future that she had almost given up on.

Valerie

Valerie is the gestational carrier who plays an important role in Nicole’s journey toward motherhood. Although her involvement is primarily through the surrogacy process, Valerie represents a crucial part of Nicole’s quest for a child.

She is kind, compassionate, and understanding, always willing to support Nicole in her emotional and physical struggles. While Valerie’s role is more practical than personal, her friendship with Nicole grows throughout the story, and they both find common ground in their shared experiences related to fertility.

Valerie’s willingness to go through the surrogacy process for Nicole is a powerful act of kindness and selflessness, which allows Nicole to fulfill her dream of becoming a mother despite the challenges she faces with her marriage. Valerie’s character serves as a reminder of the importance of community and the different forms that motherhood can take.

Mari

Mari is Nicole’s close friend who offers unwavering support throughout the novel. She is a comforting presence, providing emotional stability and sound advice to Nicole during some of her most difficult moments.

Mari’s support is invaluable, as she helps Nicole navigate the aftermath of Gabe’s betrayal and the complications of her surrogacy journey. She is also instrumental in encouraging Nicole to reconnect with Logan, offering advice on how to move forward with her emotional healing.

Mari’s friendship highlights the importance of having a strong support system when facing personal crises. She is a grounding force for Nicole, helping her through the emotional storms with patience and love.

Mari’s character emphasizes the significance of friendship in times of hardship, offering Nicole the strength to face her future.

Cynthia

Cynthia, Gabe’s mother, represents the external pressures and judgments that Nicole faces in her marriage. Her visit to Nicole’s home serves to further isolate Nicole, as Cynthia criticizes her choices and insinuates that she has failed as a wife and mother.

This visit highlights the toxic influence of familial expectations and adds to Nicole’s sense of inadequacy. Cynthia’s character is an embodiment of societal pressures on women to conform to traditional roles, further complicating Nicole’s emotional state.

Her interaction with Nicole serves to push Nicole further into isolation, exacerbating her feelings of alienation and self-doubt. Cynthia’s role in the story is to represent the external forces that contribute to Nicole’s struggle to find her own voice and sense of self-worth.

Themes

Fertility Struggles and the Emotional Toll of Infertility

The theme of fertility struggles and the emotional burden of infertility is central to The Best Worst Thing. Nicole and Gabe’s journey through IVF symbolizes the profound physical and emotional toll that infertility can take on a couple.

For Nicole, the process involves not just the physical side effects of hormone injections and surgeries but also the mental strain of hope and disappointment with each failed attempt. Her frustrations are compounded by the societal expectations placed on her as a woman trying to conceive, making her feel isolated in her struggles.

The pain is not just about the inability to conceive but about the constant comparison with others who are able to have children effortlessly. Her podcast, “Pretty Infertile,” becomes both an outlet and a source of comfort, where she can openly talk about the intense feelings of failure and helplessness.

The IVF journey is not just a medical process for Nicole; it serves as a metaphor for her relationship with Gabe, which is increasingly strained due to their emotional disconnect. Gabe’s growing neglect and the strain of the treatments contribute to Nicole’s sense of isolation, as her health deteriorates and the pressure on their marriage escalates.

This theme is a poignant exploration of the often unseen emotional battles that accompany infertility, emphasizing the challenges that are not only physical but deeply personal, affecting relationships, self-worth, and the future.

Betrayal and Trust

Betrayal is another significant theme that shapes Nicole’s emotional landscape throughout The Best Worst Thing. The discovery of Gabe’s infidelity devastates Nicole, shattering the image of the life they were building together.

Gabe’s betrayal is not just about his actions with Cassidy; it is the culmination of a series of lies that erode the trust between him and Nicole. This betrayal highlights the fragility of trust in relationships, especially when one partner is already vulnerable due to the emotional and physical toll of fertility treatments.

Nicole’s world unravels as she grapples with the harsh reality of Gabe’s infidelity, and his attempts to cover up his actions only deepen her hurt. The emotional pain of infidelity is compounded by the disappointment and anger Nicole feels about their shared dreams of parenthood, which are now tainted by Gabe’s dishonesty.

The betrayal creates an emotional rift that becomes difficult to repair, and Nicole’s struggle with how to move forward reflects the long-lasting impact of broken trust in a relationship. This theme also explores how betrayal affects one’s sense of self, as Nicole’s relationship with Gabe had been an integral part of her identity, and now she must face the painful reality of starting over.

Self-Discovery and Healing

Self-discovery and healing are prominent themes in The Best Worst Thing, especially in the aftermath of Nicole’s emotional devastation. The breakdown of her marriage, combined with the strain of infertility and betrayal, forces Nicole to confront her deepest fears and insecurities.

She starts to question her worth, her decisions, and the future she had envisioned with Gabe. This period of turmoil is a catalyst for Nicole to reconnect with herself, as she leans on friends like Mari and Paige for support.

Their encouragement helps her to see that her life is not defined solely by her marriage or her struggles with fertility. Nicole begins to realize that she can still pursue happiness and a sense of fulfillment outside of the life she thought she was meant to lead.

Her evolving relationship with Logan, a supportive friend who becomes more emotionally significant, provides a platform for Nicole to explore new possibilities. Logan’s presence in her life acts as a balm for her wounds, offering her the space to heal emotionally and rediscover her desires.

The theme of self-discovery is not just about moving forward from the past but about learning to navigate a new and uncertain future with a renewed sense of purpose. Nicole’s growth is not immediate; it is messy and complex, but it ultimately leads her to a place of acceptance and peace, as she begins to embrace her journey as a mother and as an individual.

The Complexity of Relationships

The theme of complex relationships is explored throughout The Best Worst Thing, particularly in Nicole’s interactions with Gabe, Logan, and her friends. Nicole’s relationship with Gabe is fraught with tension and miscommunication, stemming from their shared trauma of infertility and the emotional distance that grows between them.

Gabe’s emotional neglect and eventual betrayal leave Nicole feeling betrayed not just by him but by the life they had tried to build together. The breakdown of their marriage forces Nicole to reconsider what she values in relationships and what she is willing to tolerate.

Her growing connection with Logan, who offers unwavering support and care, serves as both a healing force and a complication. Nicole’s feelings for Logan evolve from friendship to something deeper, but she is conflicted, caught between her emotional attachment to him and her unresolved feelings for Gabe.

The relationships Nicole has with her friends, especially Mari and Paige, offer a different perspective on love and support. These friendships serve as a contrast to the dysfunction in her marriage, showing Nicole that genuine love and care can exist outside of a romantic partnership.

The theme of complex relationships underscores the idea that love, trust, and emotional connection are not always straightforward. The emotional journeys of Nicole, Gabe, and Logan illustrate the different ways people navigate relationships, whether through betrayal, healing, or the hope of starting anew.

Motherhood and Personal Identity

In The Best Worst Thing, motherhood is both a desired dream and a complicated reality for Nicole. Her journey toward motherhood is marked by years of infertility struggles, emotional setbacks, and eventual surrogacy.

Her desire to become a mother is deeply tied to her identity, and the challenges she faces along the way complicate her sense of self. The theme of motherhood is not just about biological motherhood but about the emotional and psychological aspects of becoming a parent.

Nicole’s surrogacy journey with Valerie, while a hopeful step, also underscores the emotional complexity of motherhood when it involves external factors. The emotional rollercoaster of pregnancy through surrogacy forces Nicole to reconcile her dreams of motherhood with the reality of her fractured marriage and the emotional baggage that accompanies it.

The novel presents motherhood not as a singular experience but as a layered process, where personal identity, relationships, and societal expectations intertwine. Nicole’s evolving understanding of motherhood reflects her growth as a person, as she learns to navigate the uncertainty of her personal life while embracing the possibility of becoming a mother.

Her relationship with her unborn child and her connection with Valerie, the surrogate, add another layer to the theme, highlighting the diverse ways in which motherhood can be experienced and defined.