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tlctbr's review against another edition
3.0
This book didn't grip me like Erdrich's novels do, but I don't think she meant this memoir to be a real page turner. I enjoyed getting some insite into some of her characters (did you know her grandmother was a butcher's wife?).
jwinchell's review against another edition
3.0
I loved her holistic take on pregnancy, nature, the cycle of life, identity... with so much pregnancy and child-bearing non-fiction out there, it was refreshing to read a pregnancy and birth memoir that folded in more than just THE BABY. It's beautifully literary and helped me meditate on concepts like pain, growth, partnership, and parenthood.
springallie's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
5.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Suicidal thoughts
akooda7's review against another edition
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
Louise Erdrich thankfully made space to write. It’s wonderful to read her work. This book brought back in a healing and beautiful way, my experience alongside those she’s sharing. A great read for anyone but especially new parents.
sundaydutro's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
4.25
jazpb's review against another edition
3.0
This book just wasn't for me. Erdrich is a wonderful writer, but as a child free woman, I just couldn't relate to the often overly sentimental feelings about motherhood found here. I have enjoyed her other novels, though, so if you are looking for a book that gives you the feels about being a mommy or a daddy, then you should disregard my review.
blueskygreentreesyellowsun's review against another edition
3.0
This book was fine. I preferred the parts that dealt with the concrete experiences - animals crossing the lawn, writing while nursing a baby - rather than the philosophical parts. The section that dealt with birthing a baby, especially those moments right after giving birth where there is now a new person in the room, those were interesting and powerful. I thought of the women I know who have birthed babies and who are soon to birth babies and I let the awe of it flow over me. I thought about her point that we have epics describing famous battles, difficult battles, but no stories describing epic and difficult births; and this lack seems as true a proof of society's hatred of women as any around.