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A Girl Named Zippy: Growing Up Small in Mooreland Indiana
by Haven KimmelWhen Haven Kimmel was born in 1965, Mooreland, Indiana, was a sleepy little hamlet of three hundred people. <P><P> Nicknamed "Zippy" for the way she would bolt around the house, this small girl was possessed of big eyes and even bigger ears. In this witty and lovingly told memoir, Kimmel takes readers back to a time when small-town America was caught in the amber of the innocent postwar period-people helped their neighbors, went to church on Sunday, and kept barnyard animals in their backyards. <P><P>Laced with fine storytelling, sharp wit, dead-on observations, and moments of sheer joy, Haven Kimmel's straight-shooting portrait of her childhood gives us a heroine who is wonderfully sweet and sly as she navigates the quirky adult world that surrounds Zippy.
A Girl Returned
by Donatella Di Pietrantonio“One of the best Italian novels of the year” in a pitch-perfect rendering in English by Ann Goldstein, Elena Ferrante’s translator (Huffington Post, Italy).Winner of the Campiello PrizeA 2019 Best Book of the Year (The Washington Post Kirkus Reviews Dallas Morning News)Told with an immediacy and a rare expressive intensity that has earned it countless adoring readers and one of Italy’s most prestigious literary prizes, A Girl Returned is a powerful novel rendered with sensitivity and verve by Ann Goldstein, translator of the works of Elena Ferrante. Set against the stark, beautiful landscape of Abruzzo in central Italy, this is a compelling story about mothers and daughters, about responsibility, siblings, and caregiving.Without warning or explanation, an unnamed thirteen-year-old girl is sent away from the family she has always thought of as hers to live with her birth family: a large, chaotic assortment of individuals whom she has never met and who seem anything but welcoming. Thus begins a new life, one of struggle, tension, and conflict, especially between the young girl and her mother. But in her relationship with Adriana and Vincenzo, two of her newly acquired siblings, she will find the strength to start again and to build a new and enduring sense of self.“An achingly beautiful book, and an utterly devastating one.” —Minneapolis Star Tribune“Di Pietrantonio [has a] lively way with a phrase (the translator, Ann Goldstein, shows the same sensitivity she does with Elena Ferrante) [and] a fine instinct for detail.” ?The Washington Post“A gripping, deeply moving coming-of-age novel; immensely readable, beautifully written, and highly recommended.” ?Kirkus Reviews (starred review)“Captivating.” —The Economist
A Girl Walks into the Forest
by Madeleine RouxMidsommar meets The Shadows Between Us in this alluring mash-up of horror and fairy tale from New York Times bestselling author Madeleine Roux, where a girl must embark on a harrowing journey through a deadly forest filled with otherworldly creatures, supernatural forces, and one maniacal villain who will stop at nothing to bring her down. For as long as she can remember, Valla’s been told her beauty would give her a life most people only dreamed of. So when the mysterious Count Leonid calls on her to be his betrothed, Valla jumps at the chance to leave her small, bleak village. The only thing standing in her way? The journey through the dangerous Gottyar Wood that many don’t survive.Filled with deadly and cunning creatures, the Gottyar immediately delivers on its reputation with an attack that leaves Valla injured; her face torn to shreds. Barely making it to the castle in one piece, Valla is relieved to finally be safe. But things have changed. Valla’s face is no longer beautiful. And the Count is not happy…Valla thought making it through the Gottyar was a victory, but when she sees what awaits beyond the palace walls, the true battle begins.In this ruthlessly female-forward narrative that borrows from the best of horror, fairy tales, and folklore, a chewed-up-and-spit-out heroine must lean on the brutality of nature and her biggest fears in order to win back what’s she's been robbed of: her life.
A Girl in Three Parts
by Suzanne DanielA story of sisterhood, solidarity, and finding your place in a changing world, A GIRL IN THREE PARTS is part Eighth Grade, part Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood, and entirely original.Allegra Elsom is caught in the middle. Some days she's eleven, and others she feels closer to nineteen. Some days she knows too much, and others she feels hopelessly naive. Some days she is split in three, torn between conflicting loyalties to her grandmothers, Matilde and Joy, and her father, Rick--none of whom can stand to be in a room together since the decades-old tragedy that hit their family like a wrecking ball.Allegra struggles to make peace in her family and navigate the social gauntlet at school while asking bigger questions about her place in the world: What does it mean to be "liberated"? What is it about "becoming a woman" that earns her a slap in the face? What does it mean to do the right thing, when everyone around her defines it differently?As the feminist movement reshapes her Sydney suburb, Allegra makes her own path--discovering firsthand the incredible ways that women can support each other, and finding strength within herself to stand up to the people she loves.Readers will not soon forget Suzanne Daniel's poignant debut, or the spirit of sisterhood that sings out from its pages.
A Girl is a Half-Formed Thing
by Eimear McbrideTaking the literary world by storm, Eimear McBride's internationally praised debut is one of the most acclaimed novels in recent years; it is "subversive, passionate, and darkly alchemical. Read it and be changed" (Eleanor Catton).Eimear McBride's debut tells, with astonishing insight and in riveting detail, the story of a young woman's relationship with her brother, the long shadow cast by his childhood brain tumour, and her harrowing sexual awakening. Not so much a stream-of-consciousness, as an unconscious railing against a life that makes little sense, and a shocking and intimate insight into the thoughts, feelings and chaotic sexuality of a vulnerable and isolated protagonist, A Girl Is a Half-formed Thing plunges inside its narrator's head, exposing her world firsthand. This isn't always comfortable--but it is always a revelation. Touching on everything from family violence to religion to addiction, and the personal struggle to remain intact in times of intense trauma, McBride writes with singular intensity, acute sensitivity, and mordant wit. A Girl Is a Half-formed Thing is moving, funny, and alarming. It is a book you will never forget.
A Girl is a Half-Formed Thing: Adapted For The Stage By Annie Ryan (Faber Drama Ser.)
by Eimear McBrideNow in paperback, Eimear McBride’s internationally praised debut is one of the most acclaimed novels in recent years; it is “subversive, passionate, and darkly alchemical. Read it and be changed” (Eleanor Catton).Eimear McBride’s debut tells, with astonishing insight and in riveting detail, the story of a young woman’s relationship with her brother, the long shadow cast by his childhood brain tumour, and her harrowing sexual awakening. Not so much a stream-of-consciousness, as an unconscious railing against a life that makes little sense, and a shocking and intimate insight into the thoughts, feelings and chaotic sexuality of a vulnerable and isolated protagonist, A Girl Is a Half-formed Thing plunges inside its narrator’s head, exposing her world firsthand. This isn’t always comfortable—but it is always a revelation. Touching on everything from family violence to religion to addiction, and the personal struggle to remain intact in times of intense trauma, McBride writes with singular intensity, acute sensitivity, and mordant wit. A Girl Is a Half-formed Thing is moving, funny, and alarming. It is a book you will never forget.
A Girl's Best Friend: A feel-good countryside escape to warm your heart
by Jules WakeWelcome to your new cottage in the country - complete with grumpy vet, village gossip and a very muddy dog . . . City girl Ella wants to take refuge in the country, lick her wounds and work out what she's going to do with the rest of her life. She certainly doesn't want to have a four-legged house guest or anything to do with village life. Unfortunately, the inhabitants of Wilsgrave have other ideas.Settling in to her godmother's house for a few months of R&R, Ella finds herself the reluctant babysitter of a badly behaved Labrador - and her plans of staying mainly indoors scuppered. But as she's forced into wellies and into the village's way of doing things, Ella meets people who make her think again about what she really wants out of life and love, starting with her new furry best friend . . .A gorgeously romantic tale set in an idyllic countryside village, from the author of ebook bestseller Covent Garden in the Snow. Perfect for fans of Trisha Ashley and Katie Fforde._____What everyone's saying about A Girl's Best Friend:'I loved this book! Thank you so much to Jules Wake for yet another brilliant story' NetGalley Reviewer'Enjoyable and charming, and perfect for anyone who needs a quick escape to the country' Amazon Reviewer'It seems Wake can write the perfect Summer, Christmas and now, Springtime books . . . light-hearted, warm and witty - it made me just want to stick my own wellies on, get outside for a walk and appreciate the outdoor life!' NetGalley Reviewer'Packed full of lovely characters, wagging tails, and self re-discovery' Amazon Reviewer'I was hooked from the first page and I loved it so much that I struggled to put it down! . . . Funny, heartwarming and lighthearted . . . a joy to read' NetGalley Reviewer
A Girl's Best Friend: A feel-good countryside escape to warm your heart
by Jules Wake'The perfect read to curl up with' Zara StoneleyA perfect slice of pure escapism - complete with a new countryside cottage and a very muddy dog . . .City girl Ella is taking refuge in the country, licking her wounds and working out what she's going to do with the rest of her life. She certainly doesn't want anything to do with local village life. But the inhabitants of Wilsgrave have other ideas.Settling in to her godmother's house, Ella finds herself the reluctant babysitter of a badly behaved Labrador and her plans for some much needed R&R are scuppered. But as she's forced into wellies and out of the house, Ella finds a community and a way of life that makes her thinking again about hat she really wants from life and love, starting with her new furry best friend and the handsome vet...A gorgeously romantic tale set in an idyllic countryside village, from the author of the bestselling Covent Garden in the Snow. Perfect for fans of Trisha Ashley and Katie Fforde.'A lovely, touching, uplifting read with a very likeable heroine and a dishy vet - and delightful dogs' Phillipa Ashley'A heart-warming tale of falling in love with life again' Debbie Johnson________________What readers are saying about A Girl's Best Friend:'Enjoyable and charming, and perfect for anyone who needs a quick escape to the country' Reader review'Light-hearted, warm and witty - it made me just want to stick my own wellies on, get outside for a walk and appreciate the outdoor life!' Reader review'Packed full of lovely characters, wagging tails, and self re-discovery' Reader review'I absolutely fell in love with this novel! The characters were brilliant, well rounded and so believable . . . I didn't want it to end' Reader review
A Girl's Best Friend: A feel-good countryside romance
by Jules Wake'A lovely, touching, uplifting read with a very likeable heroine and a dishy vet - and delightful dogs' Phillipa AshleyWelcome to your new cottage in the country - complete with grumpy vet, village gossip and a very muddy dog . . .City girl Ella wants to take refuge in the country, lick her wounds and work out what she's going to do with the rest of her life. She certainly doesn't want to have a four-legged house guest or anything to do with village life.Unfortunately, the inhabitants of Wilsgrave have other ideas...Settling in to her godmother's house for a few months of R&R, Ella finds herself the reluctant babysitter of a badly behaved Labrador - and her plans of staying mainly indoors scuppered. But as she's forced into wellies and into the village's way of doing things, Ella meets people who make her think again about what she really wants out of life and love, starting with her new furry best friend . . .A gorgeously romantic tale set in an idyllic countryside village, from the author of ebook bestseller Covent Garden in the Snow. Perfect for fans of Trisha Ashley and Katie Fforde.________________ What everyone's saying about A Girl's Best Friend:'The perfect read to curl up with' Zara Stoneley'A heart-warming tale of falling in love with life again' Debbie Johnson'Packed full of lovely characters, wagging tails and self re-discovery' ***** Reader Review'Pure escapism' ***** Reader Review'The author made me laugh and cry . . . A good read for a sunny afternoon' ***** Reader Review'I enjoyed it so much I finished it within 24 hours' ***** Reader Review
A Girl's Best Friend: A feel-good countryside romance
by Jules Wake'A lovely, touching, uplifting read with a very likeable heroine and a dishy vet - and delightful dogs' Phillipa AshleyWelcome to your new cottage in the country - complete with grumpy vet, village gossip and a very muddy dog . . .City girl Ella wants to take refuge in the country, lick her wounds and work out what she's going to do with the rest of her life. She certainly doesn't want to have a four-legged house guest or anything to do with village life.Unfortunately, the inhabitants of Wilsgrave have other ideas...Settling in to her godmother's house for a few months of R&R, Ella finds herself the reluctant babysitter of a badly behaved Labrador - and her plans of staying mainly indoors scuppered. But as she's forced into wellies and into the village's way of doing things, Ella meets people who make her think again about what she really wants out of life and love, starting with her new furry best friend . . .A gorgeously romantic tale set in an idyllic countryside village, from the author of ebook bestseller Covent Garden in the Snow. Perfect for fans of Trisha Ashley and Katie Fforde.________________ What everyone's saying about A Girl's Best Friend:'The perfect read to curl up with' Zara Stoneley'A heart-warming tale of falling in love with life again' Debbie Johnson'Packed full of lovely characters, wagging tails and self re-discovery' ***** Reader Review'Pure escapism' ***** Reader Review'The author made me laugh and cry . . . A good read for a sunny afternoon' ***** Reader Review'I enjoyed it so much I finished it within 24 hours' ***** Reader Review
A Girl's Guide To Guys (So Little Time #10)
by Nancy Butcher"A Girl's Guide to Guys". Don't accept a date on less than three days' notice. Make sure you're busy the second time he asks you out. No kissing until the fourth date -- at least. Never ever tell him how you feel before he does!
A Girl's Guide to Military Service: Selecting Your Specialty, Preparing for Success, Thriving in Military Life
by Amanda HuffmanFor any young woman considering a job or career in the military.With information, tips, and perspective gathered from a variety of women who serve, this introductory guide will help you:Discern if military service is the right choice for youEvaluate enlisting or commissioning as an officerSelect a service branch and career fieldPrepare for training, mentally and physicallyIntegrate personal life, relationships, and motherhood with military serviceManage stress and increasing mental toughnessNavigate unique challenges as a woman in the military Thrive in your military career!Applicable for enlisted and officer careers in any US Armed Forces service branch and type of service commitment, including:Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, Navy, Space ForceActive duty, National Guard, Reserves"... a solid, factual, and practical guide to help young women make a major life decision with confidence ... Strongly recommended."—Mari K Eder, Major General, US Army (Ret)"... a perfect guide to help any woman considering life in uniform get straight talk on how it all works ..."—Jose Velazquez, Sergeant Major, US Army Public Affairs (Ret)
A Girl's Life Online
by Katherine TarboxKatherine Tarbox was thirteen when she met twenty-three-year-old "Mark" in an online chat room. A top student and nationally ranked swimmer attending an elite school in an affluent Connecticut town, Katie was also a lonely and self-conscious eighth-grader who craved the attention her workaholic parents couldn't give her. "Mark" seemed to understand her; he told her she was smart and wonderful. When they set a date to finally meet while Katie was in Texas for a swim competition, she walked into a hotel room and discovered who-and what-her cyber soul mate really was. In A Girl's Life Online, Tarbox, now eighteen, tells her story-an eye-opening tale of one teenager's descent into the seductive world of the Internet. Tarbox's harrowing experience with her online boyfriend would affect her life for years to come and result in her becoming the first "unnamed minor" to test a federal law enacted to protect kids from online sexual predators. In an age when a new generation is growing up online, Tarbox's memoir is a cautionary tale for the Internet Age.
A Girl, a Ghost, and the Hollywood Hills
by Lizabeth ZindelWhen Holly's mother dies unexpectedly, she thinks things can't get much worse. But then her dad starts dating again. And his new girlfriend is Holly's aunt-her mom's sister! Aunt Claudia is known in Hollywood as the Queen of B Movies. Horror films, zombie flicks, she's made them all. Holly never liked her aunt, but now she positively can't stand her. Especially once the ghost of her mother appears and tells Holly that Claudia was to blame for her death. Inspired by Hamlet, this funny novel about the danger of family secrets is a modern comic take on a classic Shakespearean tragedy. .
A Girl’s Life in New Orleans: The Diary of Ella Grunewald, 1884–1886
by Hans C. RasmussenA Girl’s Life in New Orleans presents the diary of Ella Grunewald, an upper-middle-class teenager in New Orleans at the end of the nineteenth century. Grunewald, the daughter of one of the Crescent City’s leading music dealers, used her journal to record the major events of her day-to-day life, documenting family, friendships, schooling, musical education, and social activities. Her entries frequently describe illness, death, and other tragedies. Though attentive to the city’s classical music scene, Grunewald also recounts theater shows, Carnival balls and parades, Catholic religious observances, and the World’s Fair that the city hosted in 1884.Expertly annotated and introduced by Hans Rasmussen, Grunewald’s journal is a rare window on the life of a young woman in the South between 1884 and 1886. Adding depth to that account, Rasmussen includes a shorter journal Grunewald kept of her family’s travels in Italy and Germany in the spring of 1890. In it, she describes visits to Catholic churches, museums, Roman ruins, and other tourist attractions. Tragically, Grunewald contracted malaria during the latter part of the journey and died overseas at age twenty-two.
A Glass Of Blessings (Virago Modern Classics #307)
by Barbara PymWilmet Forsyth is well dressed, well looked after, suitably husbanded, good looking and fairly young - but very bored. Her husband Rodney, a handsome army major, is slightly balder and fatter than he once was. Wilmet would like to think she has changed rather less.Her interest wanders to the nearby Anglo-catholic church, where at last she can neglect her comfortable household in the more serious-minded company of three unmarried priests, and, of course, Piers Longridge, a man of an unfathomably different character altogether.
A Glass Of Blessings: A Novel (Virago Modern Classics #307)
by Barbara Pym'I'd sooner read a new Barbara Pym than a new Jane Austen' Philip LarkinWilmet Forsyth is well dressed, well looked after, suitably husbanded, good looking and fairly young - but very bored. Her husband Rodney, a handsome army major, is slightly balder and fatter than he once was. Wilmet would like to think she has changed rather less.Her interest wanders to the nearby Anglo-catholic church, where at last she can neglect her comfortable household in the more serious-minded company of three unmarried priests, and, of course, Piers Longridge, a man of an unfathomably different character altogether.
A Glass of Blessings: A Novel (Virago Modern Classics #485)
by Barbara PymBarbara Pym&’s early novel takes us into 1950s England, as seen through the funny, engaging, yearning eyes of a restless housewifeWilmet Forsyth is bored. Bored with the everyday routine of her life. Bored with teatimes filled with local gossip. Bored with her husband, Rodney, a civil servant who dotes on her. But on her thirty-third birthday, Wilmet&’s conventional life takes a turn when she runs into the handsome brother of her close friend. Attractive and enigmatic, Piers Longridge is a mystery Wilmet is determined to solve. Rather than settling down, he lived in Portugal, then returned to England for a series of odd jobs. Driven by a fantasy of romance, the sheltered, naïve Englishwoman sets out to seduce Piers—only to discover that he isn&’t the man she thinks he is. As cozy as sharing a cup of tea with an old friend, A Glass of Blessings explores timeless themes of sex, marriage, religion, and friendship while exposing our flaws and foibles with wit, compassion, and a generous helping of love.
A Glimpse of Scarlet: And Other Stories
by Roxana RobinsonA New York Times Notable Book: Fourteen exquisitely crafted tales of love, betrayal, loss, and renewal among the upper class. Acclaimed author Roxana Robinson&’s collection runs the gamut of emotion, with characters facing shifting family dynamics and moments of personal crisis: marriage and remarriage, the delights and struggles of raising children, the lure of illicit romance, and the bitter acrimony of divorce. Robinson draws her characters—including disaffected stepchildren, seemingly well-meaning in-laws, and adult children coping with aging parents—with compassion and a deep understanding of the heart&’s capacity for pain, hope, and growth. &“Second Chances&” examines the complications of arranging a Thanksgiving dinner in a family of second marriages, former spouses, and stepchildren, where connections are tenuous at best and spiteful and destructive at worst. In &“Graduation,&” a woman dreads attending her son&’s boarding-school festivities, where she will see the vindictive ex-husband she hasn&’t spoken to in years. And another mother finds her own desires threatened by her young daughter&’s blossoming independence in &“Daughter.&” Through the nuanced experiences of the complex and flawed characters in her debut story collection, Robinson expertly probes the universal complexities of friendship and forgiveness, love and devotion, separation and reunion, echoing the wit and grace of John Cheever, Henry James, and Edith Wharton.
A Glimpse of the Mersey: A touching saga of love, family and jealousy
by Anne BakerWith the promise of happiness on the horizon, can a young woman help those she loves to achieve the same? A heart-warming and touching saga, Anne Baker's A Glimpse of the Mersey follows a young woman's eventful search for happiness and belonging. Perfect for fans of Dilly Court and Sheila Newberry.Daisy Corkill has never known who her parents were - or why they left her to be brought up by the couple she calls 'Uncle' Ern and 'Aunt' Gladys. Daisy yearns for the love and security that a family of her own would give her, but she finds comfort in her relationship with Brenda, her older 'sister'. One day in 1919 Brenda arrives home flushed with excitement. She has agreed to marry businessman Gil Fox. Daisy is horrified, for she doesn't trust the handsome Gil. And soon after their wedding, Brenda realises that Gil isn't the man she thought he was. But Daisy's dreams are about to come true; a family of her own is finally within her reach. But will it be enough to get her through some stormy times? What readers are saying about A Glimpse of the Mersey: '[I] got through it so quickly; I couldn't put it down with its thrilling storyline and charm. Praise for Anne Baker as always''Great author, gets you right into the story and keeps you enthralled!'
A Glimpse of the Mersey: A touching saga of love, family and jealousy
by Anne BakerWith the promise of happiness on the horizon, can a young woman help those she loves to achieve the same? A heart-warming and touching saga, Anne Baker's A Glimpse of the Mersey follows a young woman's eventful search for happiness and belonging. Perfect for fans of Dilly Court and Sheila Newberry.Daisy Corkill has never known who her parents were - or why they left her to be brought up by the couple she calls 'Uncle' Ern and 'Aunt' Gladys. Daisy yearns for the love and security that a family of her own would give her, but she finds comfort in her relationship with Brenda, her older 'sister'. One day in 1919 Brenda arrives home flushed with excitement. She has agreed to marry businessman Gil Fox. Daisy is horrified, for she doesn't trust the handsome Gil. And soon after their wedding, Brenda realises that Gil isn't the man she thought he was. But Daisy's dreams are about to come true; a family of her own is finally within her reach. But will it be enough to get her through some stormy times? What readers are saying about A Glimpse of the Mersey: '[I] got through it so quickly; I couldn't put it down with its thrilling storyline and charm. Praise for Anne Baker as always''Great author, gets you right into the story and keeps you enthralled!'
A God Bless Book 5-Minute Bedtime Treasury (A God Bless Book)
by Hannah HallSweeten up bedtime with your favorite books from the bestselling A God Bless Book series (about 1.5 million copies sold)! The simple 5-minute format makes bedtime easy, and your child is sure to drift off to sleep feeling blessed and loved. A God Bless Book 5-Minute Bedtime Treasury from beloved author Hannah C. Hall will transform your busy days to a peaceful retreat at bedtime.With just five minutes, your active little one will settle down and be captivated by these adorable animals who thank God for His amazing blessings in all parts of life. Kids will love seeing puppies playing dress-up, bear cubs tying their shoes before school, giraffes wearing fun pajamas, owls singing about God's love, and so much more! Full of soothing rhymes and cuddly artwork from Steve Whitlow, this keepsake collection of bedtime stories featuresGod Bless You and Good Night,God Bless My Friends,God Bless My Boo Boo,God Bless My Family,God Bless My School, andGod Bless My Home, a brand-new story that families will cherish.With six favorite stories combined into one beautiful book, this treasury of bedtime stories will make nighttime routines easy and sweet! Share this for Christmas or at a baby shower or gift it to a friend who is looking to create peaceful memories at bedtime.Check out other titles in the A God Bless Book series:God Bless Our BabyGod Bless Our Bedtime PrayersGod Bless Our ChristmasGod Bless Our CountryGod Bless Our EasterGod Bless Our FallGod Bless You and Good Night: Touch and Feel
A Golden Age: A Novel
by Tahmima Anam“Spellbinding . . . . Anam has written a story about powerful events. But it is her descriptions of the small, unheralded moments . . . that truly touch the heart.” —San Francisco ChronicleTahmima Anam’s deeply moving debut novel about a mother’s all-consuming love for her two children, set against the backdrop of war and terror, has led critics to comparisons with The English Patient and A Thousand Splendid Suns.Rehana Haque, a young widow transplanted to the city of Dhaka in East Pakistan, is fiercely devoted to her adolescent children, Maya and Sohail. Both become fervent nationalists in the violent political turmoil which, in 1971, transforms a brutal Pakistani civil war into a fight to the death for Bangladeshi independence. Fair-minded and intensely protective of her family, but not at all political, Rehana is sucked into the conflict in spite of herself. A story of passion and revolution, of family, friendship and unexpected heroism, A Golden Age depicts the chaos of an era and the choices everyone—from student protesters to the country’s leaders, and rickshaw wallahs to the army’s soldiers—must make. Rehana herself will face a cruel dilemma; the choice she makes is at once heartbreaking and true to the character we have come to love and respect.
A Good Birth
by Anne LyerlyDrawing on a landmark study involving more than one hundred pregnant women and mothers, a renowned OB/GYN synthesizes the secrets to a good birth--medically and emotionally. Most doctors are trained to think of a "good" birth only in terms of its medical success. But Dr. Anne Lyerly knows firsthand that there are many other important elements that often get overlooked. Her three-year study of a diverse group of over one hundred expectant moms asked what matters most to women during childbirth. The results, presented to the public for the first time in A Good Birth, show what really matters goes beyond the clinical outcome or even the usual questions of hospital versus birthing center, and reveal universal needs of women, like the importance of feeling connected, safe, and respected. Bringing a new perspective to childbirth, the book's wisdom is drawn from in-depth interviews with women with a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences, and whose birth stories range from quick and simple to complicated and frightening. Describing what went well, what didn't, and what they'd do differently next time, these mothers give voice to the complete experience of childbirth, helping both women and their healthcare providers develop strategies to address the emotional needs of the mother, going beyond the standard birth plans and conversations. Transcending the "medical" versus "natural" childbirth debate, A Good Birth paves the entryway to motherhood, turning our attention to the deeper and more important question of what truly makes for the best birth possible.
