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nocuplongenough's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
tense
medium-paced
4.0
tani's review against another edition
3.0
I listened to this one, and it was fine. I didn't connect as hard as I thought I would, as a lot of the memoir-like aspects to this are based on the author's upbringing as a conservative Christian, followed by her marriage to a conservative douchebag. I have also been fortunate enough to experience a mostly positive pregnancy, and have been able to choose the level of intervention I want with remarkable consistency. So definitely a bit of disconnect for me. I also felt like this was a bit too disjointed, with too much emphasis on snark, and not enough on concrete actions that could be taken to improve the lot of pregnant women. Still an okay listen, but not one that I would recommend strongly.
maralyons's review against another edition
5.0
‘Belabored’ is a fascinating feminist treatise on contemporary pregnancy, labor, and motherhood. The text is a well-researched but incredibly readable meditation that combines memoir, history, religion, science, and most notably cultural criticism. Though pregnancy and motherhood are extremely common and often have profound changes on individuals psychologically and physiologically, it is often overlooked in a meaningful way. Meanwhile, superficial opinions, contradictory information and observations are practically endless in our society. Lenz explores these ideas in a very inclusive way, touching on the myriad of issues and problems related to pregnancy and motherhood, from inadequate medical care, lack of bodily autonomy, and societal expectations. As a thirtysomething mother of two young children and long-time feminist, I felt so connected to the author as our status is similar though our journeys through life are very different. Lenz relates her personal experiences with vulnerability, thoughtful observations, and humor and documents the endless contradictions that make up the experience and perception of pregnancy, labor, and motherhood in the western world.
Thank you NetGalley and Perseus Books / Bold Type Books for providing this ARC.
Thank you NetGalley and Perseus Books / Bold Type Books for providing this ARC.
balletbookworm's review against another edition
4.0
Really well-written. A combination of memoir (she's given birth to two children but also suffered a sexual assault in college) and the many ways the deck is stacked against pregnant people in America, starting from perceived virginity or sexual availability through pregnancy and then post-pregnancy (the "fourth trimester"). Lenz covered historical aspects really well, and also makes a real effort to cover racial disparities and LGBTQ+ issues in pregnancy and parenthood, but I thought that perhaps there could have been a stronger conclusion or presentation of issues facing pregnant people/parents/etc to tie everything together. Her own story was concluded well.
gm111111's review against another edition
4.0
Enjoyed, and thought she did a great job highlighting the struggles of being a woman. I would definitely read more from this author.
nuhafariha's review against another edition
4.0
Thank you to Perseus Books and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader's Copy!
Available August 11 2020
Before I read Belabored, I had no idea who Lyz Lenz was. By the end of the book, I am hoping we will one day cross paths and share a good laugh. Part political commentary, part medical history, part autobiography, Belabored discusses various aspects of pregnancy from conception to postpartum care. With a keen eye, Lenz hones in on various medical, social, and political "innovations" which greatly restrict pregnant women's rights and freedoms. Anything is game from vaginal secretions in pregnancy to a critique of Dr. Sims to Lenz's own upbringing in a conservative Christian household. Lenz's unique conversational, almost conspiratorial tone made it a far more enjoyable book than I would have expected. Definitely recommend!
Available August 11 2020
Before I read Belabored, I had no idea who Lyz Lenz was. By the end of the book, I am hoping we will one day cross paths and share a good laugh. Part political commentary, part medical history, part autobiography, Belabored discusses various aspects of pregnancy from conception to postpartum care. With a keen eye, Lenz hones in on various medical, social, and political "innovations" which greatly restrict pregnant women's rights and freedoms. Anything is game from vaginal secretions in pregnancy to a critique of Dr. Sims to Lenz's own upbringing in a conservative Christian household. Lenz's unique conversational, almost conspiratorial tone made it a far more enjoyable book than I would have expected. Definitely recommend!
niniane's review against another edition
4.0
Organized by trimesters.
She was Mormon and expected to refrain from premarital sex. She had two kids and got divorced which caused her to become overloaded with being busy.
The description of how doctors pushed out midwives and doulas was informative and seemed well-researched.
She described how her body changed during pregnancy, and how much her children cling to her as small kids.
She was Mormon and expected to refrain from premarital sex. She had two kids and got divorced which caused her to become overloaded with being busy.
The description of how doctors pushed out midwives and doulas was informative and seemed well-researched.
She described how her body changed during pregnancy, and how much her children cling to her as small kids.