Kris Holloway writes well of her experience as a Peace Corps volunteer living in a village in southern Mali and working alongside Monique a partially trained midwife and the most remarkable woman. It is a story of friendship and gives quite an insight into Malian rural life.

Highly recommended ( )

Basic Reason for Beginning: Er... I forget, actually. But I adore the title.
Basic Reason for Finishing: This is such an honest, moving story...
Texture: Soft linen-y. Pliable.

Full review here

Book Rereadability: This is non-fiction, which makes this more difficult to talk about in a way. If this were a story I'd be rereading it, certainly. Knowing it isn't a story... I'm not sure. It feels... awkward to reread it, though there are plenty of reasons to do just that.
Author Rereadability: Holloway isn't an author-author, but this is a captivating read.
Recommendation: Aah! I don't know. I'm tempted to say I think it makes a good homeschooling book for a teen, but... Seeing how my experience and understanding of the requirements is zero, I can't really make that statement. I do know I want to recommend this to everyone, though. It's such a moving story. ( )

Kris Holloway travels to Mali, West Africa as a Peace Corps volunteer. She is assigned to work in Nampossela (a remote village) assisting Monique Dembele, the area's midwife. Kris works with Monique as she births babies, and as she attempts to educate Mali's women about nutrition, pregnancy, and general healthcare. They do all this without electricity, running water, or doctors. Kris spends two years in Mali and during this time not only do they become friends, they become family.

I found this book very interesting and quite informative. It really makes you appreciate all the things we take for granted in the United States, like running water and electricity. It also opens your eyes to the hardships that women, especially, face in countries such as Africa. I loved learning about Monique, her work and her people. The only thing I would have liked is more information about Kris Holloway and John Bidwell, not much was mentioned about their own personal lives. This is a book to cherish always. ( )

Intriguing memoir that provides insight into both midwifery and life outside the US. The author is not a professional writer but that makes the story more intimate. ( )

Beautiful!