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The Binding Chair; or, A Visit from the Foot Emancipation Society
by Kathryn HarrisonIn poised and elegant prose, Kathryn Harrison weaves in The Binding Chair; or, A Visit from the Foot Emancipation Society a stunning story of women, travel, and flight; of love, revenge, and fear; of the search for home and the need to escape it. Set in alluring Shanghai at the turn of the century, The Binding Chair intertwines the destinies of a Chinese woman determined to forget her past and a Western girl focused on the promises of the future.Beautiful, charismatic, destructive, May escapes an ar-ranged marriage in rural nineteenth-century China for life in a Shanghai brothel, where she meets Arthur, an Australian whose philanthropic pursuits lead him into one scrape after another. As a member of the Foot Emancipation Society, Arthur calls on May not for his pleasure but for her rehabilitation, only to find himself immediately and helplessly seduced by the sight of her bound feet. Reforming May is out of the question, so love-struck Arthur marries her instead and brings her home to live with him, his sister and brother-in-law, and their two girls, Alice and Cecily. In Alice, May sees the possibility of redemption: a surrogate for a child she has lost. And it is to May that Alice turns for the love her own mother withholds. But when the twelve-year-old is caught preparing her aunt's opium pipe, she is shipped off to a London boarding school, far from the dangerous influence of the woman who will come to reclaim her and to control the whole family. The Binding Chair unfolds among scenes of astonishing beauty and cruelty, in a lawless place where traditions and cultures clash, and where tragedy threatens a world built on the banks of unsettled waters--from the bustling Whangpoo River to the lake of blood in the Chinese afterworld. By turns shocking, exquisite, and hilarious, The Binding Chair is another spellbinding literary triumph by the writer whose work Michiko Kakutani of The New York Times has called "powerful and hypnotic."From the Hardcover edition.
The Bipolar Child (Third Edition): The Definitive and Reassuring Guide to Childhood's Most Misunderstood Disorder
by Demitri Papolos M.D. Janice PapolosSince it first appeared on bookshelves, The Bipolar Child has made an indelible mark on the field of psychiatry and has become the resource that families rely upon. Now, with more than 200,000 copies sold, the first book about early-onset bipolar disorder is completely revised and expanded.Bipolar disorder—manic depression—was once thought to be rare in children. Now researchers are discovering not only that bipolar disorder can begin early in life, but that it is much more common than ever imagined. Yet the illness is often misdiagnosed and mistreated with medications that can exacerbate the symptoms. Why? Bipolar disorder manifests itself differently in children than in adults, and in children there is an overlap of symptoms with other childhood psychiatric disorders. As a result, these kids may be labeled with any of a number of psychiatric conditions: “ADHD,” “depression,” “oppositional defiant disorder,” “obsessive-compulsive disorder,” or “generalized anxiety disorder.” Too often they are treated with stimulants or antidepressants—medications that can actually worsen the bipolar condition.Since the publication of its first edition, The Bipolar Child has helped many thousands of families get to the root cause of their children’s behaviors and symptoms and find what they need to know. The Papoloses comprehensively detail the diagnosis, explain how to find good treatment and medications, and advise parents about ways to advocate effectively for their children in school. In this edition, a greatly expanded education chapter describes all the changes in educational law due to the 2004 reauthorization of IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act), and offers a multitude of ideas for parents and educators to help the children feel more comfortable in the academic environment. The book also contains crucial information about hospitalization, the importance of neuropsychological testing (with a recommended battery of tests), and the world of insurance. Included in these pages is information on promising new drugs, greater insight into the special concerns of teenagers, and additional sections on the impact of the illness on the family. In addition, an entirely new chapter focuses on major advances taking place in the field of molecular genetics and offers hope that researchers will better understand the illness and develop more targeted and easier-to-tolerate medicines.The Bipolar Child is rich with the voices of parents, siblings, and the children themselves, opening up the long-closed world of the families struggling with this condition. This book has already proved to be an invaluable resource for parents whose children suffer from mood disorders, as well as for the professionals who treat and educate them, and this new edition is sure to continue to light the way.
The Bipolar Disorder Workbook: Powerful Tools and Practical Resources for Bipolar II and Cyclothymia
by Peter Forster MD Gina Gregory LCSWBuild real-world skills for managing the day-to-day symptoms of bipolar II and cyclothymia through the practical strategies and exercises in The Bipolar Disorder Workbook. Finding stability and fulfillment while living with bipolar disorder or cyclothymia can be challenging. But with the right tools it's possible to overcome the symptoms associated with these diagnoses. In The Bipolar Disorder Workbook, clinical psychiatrist Dr. Peter Forster and clinical social worker Gina Gregory help you explore how symptoms like hypomania and depression show up in your daily life, and guide you to develop real-world skills for facing these everyday challenges. The Bipolar Disorder Workbook presents therapeutic ideas, tools, and techniques that draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Divided into 3 easy-to-follow parts, The Bipolar Disorder Workbook will help you identify the patterns of your symptoms, increase the stability of your mood, and successfully manage your bipolar disorder or cyclothymia. Based on the most up-to-date research on bipolar disorder and cyclothymia, The Bipolar Disorder Workbook offers: Compassionate, knowledgeable guidance for understanding bipolar disorder and cyclothymia, including the mood states that define them and an overview of different approaches to treatment. Practical checklists, self-assessments, writing exercises and other workbook features for managing the highs and lows, recognizing the warning signs of a mood shift, and minimizing the negative impact of bipolar disorder and cyclothymia on your life. Thoughtful suggestions for talking with friends and family and creating a support system through a variety of channels such as a treatment team, community resources, and loved ones. "Whole-Health Strategies" for enhancing the connection between your physical health and mood stability. Though it can take time, deciding to transform one's life is a brave and courageous thing to do. Here, in The Bipolar Disorder Workbook, you'll find the supportive, straightforward guidance you need to find relief from the symptoms of bipolar disorder or cyclothymia, and begin creating the kind of life you want and deserve.
The Bipolar Handbook for Children, Teens, and Families
by Wes BurgessThe most practical and current resource for children and teens affected by bipolar disorder. A practicing psychiatrist specializing in bipolar disorder for nearly twenty years, Dr. Burgess has helped countless children and teens navigate the minefield of mania and depression and lead successful, happy lives. Drawing on the real questions asked by patients and parents and families of affected children, The Bipolar Handbook for Children, Teens, and Families tackles every area of the disorder: causes; medical treatment and psychotherapy; strategies for creating a healthy lifestyle; and preventing, coping with, and treating bipolar episodes. More than five hundred questions and answers address: ? how to choose the right doctor or specialist for your child; ? what treatment and medication protocols are best; and ? how to reduce stress to prevent manic and depressive episodes. Special chapters on practical strategies for academic success, building healthy relationships, issues that specifically affect teens versus smaller children, and coping techniques for families and friends further explore the impact of the disorder on daily life. The Bipolar Handbook for Children, Teens, and Families also includes diagnostic criteria from the American Psychiatric Association and the National Institute of Mental Health, making this a versatile guide?perfect for both quick reference and in-depth study.
The Birchbark House (Birchbark House #1)
by Louise ErdrichA fresh new look for this National Book Award finalist by Pulitzer Prize–winning novelist Louise Erdrich! This is the first installment in an essential nine-book series chronicling one hundred years in the life of one Ojibwe family and includes charming interior black-and-white artwork done by the author.She was named Omakakiins, or Little Frog, because her first step was a hop.Omakakiins and her family live on an island in Lake Superior. Though there are growing numbers of white people encroaching on their land, life continues much as it always has.But the satisfying rhythms of their life are shattered when a visitor comes to their lodge one winter night, bringing with him an invisible enemy that will change things forever—but that will eventually lead Omakakiins to discover her calling.By turns moving and humorous, this novel is a breathtaking tour de force by a gifted writer.The beloved and celebrated Birchbark House series by Louise Erdrich includes The Birchbark House, The Game of Silence, The Porcupine Year, Chickadee, and Makoons, with more titles to come.
The Bird House
by Cynthia RylantA young girl, alone without a home or family, comes across an amazing sight as she wanders through the woods. Cardinals, orioles, swallows, and wrens fill the sky above a bright blue house by the river. Sparrows sit on the windowsills. And a great barred owl is roosting above the front door. The girl is fascinated. And cautiously, secretly, she returns to the bird house day after day And then one day, without warning, the birds take flight--and find a way to change the girl's life forever. Newbery Medalist Cynthia Rylant and National Book Award-winning painter Barry Moser have woven magic into this modern-day fairy tale about loss, discovery, and the healing power of the natural world. Pictures in this tender book to read aloud with children are described. Check the Bookshare collection for well over sixty more books by Cynthia Rylant.
The Bird House: A Novel
by Kelly SimmonsFrom the critically acclaimed author of Standing Still comes a psychologically charged novel about the power and failure of family.
The Bird Singers
by Eve Wersocki Morris'The whistling had started on their first night. At first, Layah thought it was bird song - a high thin sound which became a melody, rising and falling. And each night, it returned.'Strange things have been happening to Layah and her younger sister, Izzie, ever since their mother dragged them to a rain-soaked cottage miles from anywhere in the Lake District: there is a peculiar whistling at night, a handful of unusual feathers appear and a sudden, frightening banging at the door. And their mother is behaving very oddly. Layah is mourning the loss of her dear grandmother in Poland - and can almost hear her voice telling her the old myths, legends and fairy tales from that place. And as the holiday takes on a dark twist, Layah begins to wonder if the myths might just be real.
The Bird Skinner
by Alice GreenwayFrom the award-winning author of White Ghost Girls comes an evocative tale of memory, loss—and the redemptive power of friendship. It is 1973. Jim Kennoway, a distinguished ornithologist and World War II veteran, has just left his work at the Natural History Museum in New York, turned his back on his family, and retreated to an island boathouse off the coast of Maine. His desires are simple: to be left alone with his cigarettes, gin, and battered copy of Treasure Island, and to forget. Jim's solitude is shattered when Cadillac Baketi, a tall, ebullient, and dazzlingly bright young woman from the Solomon Islands arrives on her way to study medicine at Yale University. Cadillac is the daughter of Tosca, an island scout Jim befriended during the war when they collected and skinned birds while spying on the Japanese. Jim curses the intrusion as he finds his thoughts catapulting back to his youth and a dark truth about his time in the Solomons. Yet it may be that Cadillac, from the Pacific islands Jim thought he'd left behind, can teach him to be human again.
The Bird in the Tree: Book One of The Eliot Chronicles
by Elizabeth GoudgeEssential reading for fans of E.M. Forster, Mary Stewart and Elizabeth Jane Howard.The first in the classic family saga about the Eliots of Damerosehay. Lucilla Eliot has spent a lifetime making the Hampshire estate of Damerosehay a tranquil haven for her family.When her beloved grandson, David, falls in love with an unsuitable woman, Lucilla sees her most cherished ambitions put at risk. But can she persuade David and Nadine to put duty and family honour before love?What readers are saying about THE ELIOT CHRONICLES'Goudge has produced a truly enchanting world with Damerosehay at its heart. Perfect' - 5 STARS'A delightful 'feel-good' family saga' - 5 STARS'A beautifully-written trilogy' - 5 STARS'Joyful, affirming and uplifting' - 5 STARS'A complete antidote to murder and mayhem!' - 5 STARS
The Birdhouse: A gripping domestic drama about one family's deepest-buried secrets
by Kelly Simmons'A beautifully paced novel that will keep you guessing right until the end' Pam LewisWhen Ann's granddaughter Ellie, asks for her help on a school project on family history, Ann thinks this will be the perfect opportunity to spend time with her. But as they work together uncovering the past, questions about Ann's early life begin to emerge. What did happen to Ann's first child? Was her life with Theo quite as idyllic as it seemed from the outside? And what happened to cause her mother and father's acrimonious split, can she really trust her mother's version of events? And as secrets from the past seem in danger of being exposed, new secrets emerge about Ann's son and daughter-in-law, secrets which threaten to tear the whole family apart.As events unfold in the present day and we learn what happened during a summer thirty years ago, Simmons depicts the unravelling of a family in this gripping psychological thriller.Praise for Kelly Simmons' writing...'Twisty, psychologically deft and wildly original, it'll have you guessing until the very end. Utterly mesmerizing.' Megan Abbott, author of The Fever and Dare Me'A smart, simmering page turner' New York Journal of Books'Gorgeously written and fully immersive.' Kate Moretti, author of The Vanishing Year and Blackbird Season'Electrifying . . . The perfect read for a stormy night, Simmons's suspenseful tale contains nary a wasted word' Publishers Weekly
The Birds
by Tarjei VesaasA tale of delicate beauty and deceptive simplicity by one of the greatest Scandinavian writers of the 20th century The Birds tells the story of Mattis, who has mental disabilities and lives in a small house near a lake with his sister Hege who ekes out a modest living knitting sweaters. From time to time Mattie encourages her brother to find work to ease their financial burdens, but her attempts come to nothing. When finally he sets himself up as a ferryman, the only passenger he manages to bring across the lake is a lumberjack, Jørgen. When Jørgen and Hege become lovers, Mattis finds he cannot adjust to this new situation.
The Birds of Summer
by Zilpha Keatley SnyderSummer is just a teenager, but sometimes she feels like the parentFifteen-year-old Summer McIntyre lives with her mother, Oriole, and seven-year-old sister, Sparrow, in a trailer in Alvarro Bay City, overlooking the Pacific. Oriole is a Northern California flower child who fantasizes about being at one with nature and forgets about needing money. Even though she's only fifteen, Summer is good at being Mom.That is, until Oriole's new boyfriend upsets the precarious balance in their lives. Suddenly Summer has to protect her family as she copes with the dangers of drug-smuggling, blackmailing, and even terrorism.Set during the 1980s, The Birds of Summer is the story of a teenager with the responsibilities of adulthood thrust upon her shoulders, who learns how to adapt . . . and how to survive. Winner of the PEN Literary Award and the Parents' Choice Award.This ebook features an extended biography of Zilpha Keatley Snyder.
The Birth Book, 2nd Edition: Your Ultimate Guide to Safe and Confident Childbirth
by Professor Stephen TongEverything You Need to Know to Prepare for Labour and BirthThe Birth Book is the ultimate guide for expectant parents-to-be. From one of Australia&’s leading obstetricians, this best-selling book combines expert information, real stories and up-to-date research to earn its reputation as the essential &‘birth-bible&’. Packed with vital information – the stages of labour, modern pain relief options, vaginal birth, inducing labour, caesareans, monitoring the baby and post-birth recovery – your birth options are expertly explained and demystified. With new chapters examining birthing of twins and options for those who have previously had a caesarean section, The Birth Book simplifies complex medical information to transform childbirth anxiety into empowerment. Professor Stephen Tong has guided thousands of births and is renowned as a leading specialist obstetrician in Australia and internationally. He steers global research programs chasing discoveries to make pregnancy and birth safer for mothers and babies. His mission is to prepare you for an informed, confident and safe birth experience.A warm, wonderful and reassuring birth day companion.Praise for &‘The Birth Book&’ From Mums..."Stephen's unique way of approaching birth, steeped in science but swathed in soul, is an uplifting one that brings joy and laughter instead of fear and tears to the birthing suite." Dani Venn, Celebrity Chef, mum of two &“It&’s like no book that I read before the birth of my three children, and without a doubt the one book that I needed.&” Melissa Wilson, teacher, mum of three &“It was INCREDIBLE! One minute I was wowing, then I was LOLING and at times even crying- especially at the end! This book honestly gave me goosebumps.&” Kristie Gatanios, professional singer, mum of Pia " Humorous anecdotes coupled with a clear, unbiased and supportive view on what to expect makes this a must-read for every soon-to-be Mum and her birthing team." Sarah Ng, banker, mum of three &“I loved the book, it was fantastic! It was very informative and easy reading without getting lost in technical talk.&” Gaby Cahill, teacher, mum of three &“A complete & comprehensive journey through labour & birth. Filled with current evidence, witty humour and raw honesty.&” Cassie Penca, mother of threeFrom doctors, midwives and pregnancy researchers …&“This is the birth-bible for expecting parents. It will provide you with all the knowledge that you need to feel safe throughout pregnancy and when giving birth.&” Associate Professor Lina Bergman, Obstetrician, Eminent Pregnancy Researcher, mum of twins Uppsala, Sweden "We assume all will go to plan but during birth things can change in an instant. What better way to be prepared than to have all the information in an entertaining and easy to read book …Funny, entertaining and educational. Read it and thank me later." Associate Professor Cathy Cluver, Obstetrician, Eminent Pregnancy Researcher, Mum of three. Cape Town, South Africa. &“Using humour and plain language, Professor Tong details how obstetricians think, and why. A great read for doctors; a must read for expectant parents. &“ Dr Nick Walker, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Auckland "An absolute gem in the jungle of obstetric (mis)information, and laugh-out-loud easy reading. Accurate and passionate writing. Loved it!" Dr Aleide Vandewal, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Belgium. &“A great book explaining the workings of an obstetrician&’s mind! A must read for soon-to-be parents&” Dr Prathima Chowdary, Gynaecologist, advanced laparoscopic surgeon, Auckland &“Hugely informative, witty and compassionate, this book completely demystified birth…&rdquo
The Birth Book: Your guide to a positive birth experience
by Professor Stephen TongEVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW TO PREPARE FOR BIRTH Many parents-to-be and their support people have little knowledge of what to expect in the birthing suite. Drawing on his extensive experience as a leading obstetrician and international researcher into safe childbirth, Professor Stephen Tong guides you through vital information to help prepare for a safe and happy birth day. Simply written and accessible, the pages are packed with information and real life stories covering: • The stages of labour and birth • How different forms of pain relief, including epidurals, work • Induction of labour, ceasars and assisted birth • Monitoring of the baby and mother • Post childbirth recovery Professor Tong carefully and simply breaks down the evidence and facts to provide you with everything you need to know to turn anxiety and trepidation about childbirth into confidence, empowerment and cherished, life-long memories. The Birth Book is a warm, wonderful and reassuring companion for birth.
The Birth Debrief: Reflecting on pregnancy, reframing birth, redefining post-partum
by Illiyin Morrison'As I worked through the chapters, I felt as if I were picking up pieces of myself again. An incredible book!' Kelechi Okafor'I wish I could gift every woman this book!' Anna Mathur'Wonderful, warm and engaging.' Hollie de CruzWhether your birth plan got thrown out of the window or the birth was straightforward on paper, childbirth and early parenthood are some of the most transformational experiences you can ever undertake, and yet so often we aren't afforded the time and space to reflect and reframe those experiences. The pressure to adjust, to be ok, to ignore any difficult emotions and to get on with it can be stifling. The Birth Debrief is here to help. In her work as a midwife specialising in post-partum recovery and care, Illiyin facilitates birth debriefs, seeking to empower women and birthing people of all backgrounds to take control of their experiences, feel seen and centred in their pregnancies and births, normalising conversations around birth trauma and healing and examining the nuances that are associated with it. Time and time again, it is the lack of advocacy, autonomy, control or consent, rather than the physical aspect of the birth that lingers and informs parenthood. The Birth Debrief will offer practical solutions to navigating pregnancy and transitioning into postpartum life, well beyond those first six weeks.
The Birth House: A Novel
by Ami McKayIn this breathtaking debut novel, Ami McKay has created an unforgettable portrait of the struggles that women have faced to control their own bodies and to keep the best parts of tradition alive in the world of modern medicine.The Birth House is the story of Dora Rare—the first daughter in five generations of Rares. As apprentice to the outspoken Acadian midwife Miss Babineau, Dora learns to assist the women of an isolated Nova Scotian village through infertility, difficult labors, breech births, unwanted pregnancies, and even unfulfilling sex lives. During the turbulent World War I era, uncertainty and upheaval accompany the arrival of a brash new medical doctor and his promises of progress and fast, painless childbirth. Dora soon finds herself fighting to protect the rights of women as well as the wisdom that has been put into her care.A tale of tradition and science, matriarchy and paternalism, past and future, The Birth House is "a dazzling first novel." (Library Journal), and a story more timely than ever.
The Birth Of A Mother: How The Motherhood Experience Changes You Forever
by Daniel N. Stern Nadia Bruschweiler-Stern Alison FreelandAs you prepare to become a mother, you face an experience unlike any other in your life. Having a baby will redirect your preferences and pleasures and, most likely, will realign some of your values. As you undergo this unique psychological transformation, you will be guided by new hopes, fears, and priorities. In a most startling way, having a child will influence all of your closest relationships and redefine your role in your family’s history. The charting of this remarkable, new realm is the subject of this compelling book. Renowned psychiatrist Daniel N. Stern has joined forces with pediatrician and child psychiatrist Nadia Bruschweiler-Stern and journalist Alison Freeland to paint a wonderfully evocative picture of the psychology of motherhood. At the heart of The Birth of a Mother is an arresting premise: Just as a baby develops physically in utero and after birth, so a mother is born psychologically in the many months that precede and follow the birth of her baby. The recognition of this inner transformation emerges from hundreds of interviews with new mothers and decades of clinical experience. Filled with revealing case studies and personal comments from women who have shared this experience, this book will serve as an invaluable sourcebook for new mothers, validating the often confusing emotions that accompany the development of this new identity. In addition to providing insight into the unique state of motherhood, the authors touch on related topics such as going back to work, fatherhood, adoption, and premature birth. During pregnancy, mothers-to-be talk about morning sickness and their changing bodies, and new mothers talk about their exhaustion, the benefits of nursing or bottle-feeding, and the dilemma of whether or when they should return to work. And yet, they can be strangely mute about the dramatic and often overwhelming changes going on in their inner lives. Finally, with The Birth of a Mother, these powerful feelings are eloquently put into words.
The Birth Of The Family: An Empirical Enquiry
by Jerry M. LewisIn the Birth of the Family, Dr.Lewis continues one of the most important research projects in clinical psychiatry. It gives a picture of the interweaving of three relationships systems before, during and after the birth of the first child: the martial relationship of the parents, and the parental relationship with the new child. First published in 1990. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.
The Birth Order Book: Why You Are the Way You Are
by Kevin Leman"Your birth order molds your personality ... Here's how to use it to get the most out of life." - The National Enquirer
The Birth Partner - Revised 3rd Edition
by Penny SimkinSince the original publication of The Birth Partner in 1989, new mothers' mates, friends, and relatives and doulas (professional birth assistants) have relied on Penny Simkin's guidance in caring for the new mother from the last few weeks of pregnancy through the early postpartum period. Fully revised in its third edition, The Birth Partner remains the definitive guide for preparing to help a woman through childbirth and the essential manual to have at hand during the event. This completely updated edition includes thorough information on: Preparing for labor and knowing when it has begun;Normal labor and how to help the woman every step of the way;Epidurals and other medications for labor;Non-drug techniques for easing labor pain;Cesarean birth and complications that may require it;Breastfeeding and newborn care;And much more. For the partner who wishes to be truly helpful in the birthing room, this book is indispensable.
The Birth Partner - Revised 4th Edition
by Penny SimkinSince the original publication of The Birth Partner, new mothers' mates, friends, and relatives and doulas (professional birth assistants) have relied on Penny Simkin's guidance in caring for the new mother from the last few weeks of pregnancy through the early postpartum period. Fully revised in its fourth edition, The Birth Partner remains the definitive guide for preparing to help a woman through childbirth and the essential manual to have at hand during the event. This completely updated edition includes thorough information on: Preparing for labor and knowing when it has begun;Normal labor and how to help the woman every step of the way;Epidurals and other medications for labor;Non-drug techniques for easing labor pain;Cesarean birth and complications that may require it;Breastfeeding and newborn care;And much more. For the partner who wishes to be truly helpful in the birthing room, this book is indispensable.
The Birth Partner Handbook
by Carl JonesThe Birth Parter Handbook is a concise, contemporary guide for today's birth partners, showing them exactly what they can do to help create a positive birth experience, whether the mother gives birth naturally or with medication, at home, in a childbearing center, or in a hospital.With a special emphasis on the psychological changes of labor, this guide also introduces a new approach to understanding labor made popular through the author's nationwide childbirth workshops, called the "laboring mind response." Birth partners will gain new insight into the mother's altered state of mind and altered behavior during labor, and be given an easy-to-follow, eight-step method that teaches the mind to cooperate with the body and will help make childbirth less stressful and more natural for the mother.
The Birth of Surrogacy in Israel
by D. Kelly WeisbergThis is the first book that explores the controversial dilemmas posed by surrogate motherhood--the practices that help infertile couples to have a biologically related child--and connects them to events that led to passage of a revolutionary surrogacy law in Israel. As D. Kelly Weisberg discusses the country's surrogacy legislation, passed in 1996, she reveals a unique regulatory scheme that blazes a trail for those who wrestle with the complex legal, medical, and ethical aspects of new reproductive technologies. At the same time, she illuminates the roles of key players in the enactment of that program--barren wives challenged the government, childless couples who participated in a lawsuit against the Israeli Parliament, the family law practitioner who championed the cause before the Israeli Supreme Court, the academics who served on the law reform commission, and the feminist legal scholar who drafted that commission's controversial recommendations. Surrogacy has led to the birth of more than 10,000 babies worldwide. Yet the practice challenges our notions of motherhood, fatherhood, family, and procreation. With surrogacy, the family has become a creation of the marketplace: children come into being as the product of contractual arrangements between perfect strangers. And serious disputes sometimes arise as a result. Conservative religious and political influences at play in Israel make it an unlikely setting for progressive reform; however, the Surrogate Mother Agreements Act catapulted Israel to the forefront of public attention as the only country where surrogacy is legal, remunerated, and government-supervised. No other law exists that is as comprehensive as Israel's. Weisberg examines the social forces that contributed to the law, documenting the clash between religious groups, which paradoxically favored a law on reproductive freedom, and feminist groups, which opposed it. She assesses the new law, discusses what other countries can learn from Israel's example, and explores its implications for the globalization of surrogacy. She also considers generally the role of religion and law in social change.
The Birth of a Grandfather: A Novel
by May SartonMay Sarton's 7th novel is about marriage, family, life's cycles, and the regeneration of love Frances and Sprig Wyeth have come to the old Wyeth house in Maine for the summer. In a house filled with lively members of her husband's extended family, Frances feels alienated from everyone, including Sprig. A night of passion breaks down the growing barriers between them, yet Frances feels it is more a "desperate moment of possession" than the true "flowing together of two deeply joined selves." And although she's the mother of two grown children, in many ways she still feels like a child, waiting to mature into adulthood. Sprig adores his wife. But now, at 50, he both wants her and wants her to leave. He longs for freedom and is haunted by memories of his youth. His son, Caleb, is hostile; his unmarried daughter, Betsy, is pregnant. Sprig feels as if he is "walking in the dark," and has begun to doubt himself as a husband, father, and friend. The Birth of a Grandfather is the story of a marriage and a family, of friendship and the love that reminds us that we are alive and that we matter. It's about the small domestic moments and the defining events that make up a life.