Gay Courter

It was a disturbing, but completely necessary read. Why care about other people’s abused or disadvantaged children? If a blind eye is turned toward the most vulnerable in our society because our children are fed, sheltered, clothed, and loved, then it is unacceptable to complain down the line about that same child being a parasitic criminal mooching off the system we all collectively pay into. At the risk of sounding like a bleeding heart liberal socialist, I’ll own up to the fact that show more I’d rather help to pay for a child’s education than spend double that imprisoning them to ensure my family’s future safety.

This book sheds light on some unfortunate truths. Abused unloved children grow up angry and powerless. The strength to act out against their misery is often found with a weapon. Couple that with some indiscriminate rage and we are dealing with the repercussions of our dismissive attitudes. show less

A good story, but the author includes details about Judaism when it suits her, but ignores them when it would interfere with what she wants the story to do. The whole thing doesn't ring true.

I loved this book. The main character, Hannah, is a midwife in the early 1900's-the book follows her training and experiences and is just fascinating. I have no idea how historically accurate it is, but it covers the change from babies being delivered largely by female midwives to male doctors taking over. As a mother-it is fascinating to see how things come full circle. My daughter was born in a hospital but delivered by a midwife:)

This is an excellent read. It tells the story of Hannah Blau, a midwife in training in the beginning of the book, and then a professional midwife as the story continues, as she helps bring babies into the world in Russia. She then makes a life for herself in America by using her excellent skills as a midwife. It is an inspiring story of a woman who is passionate about her profession, and who uses her passion to make a difference in her life and those around her.