Book Description
In
The Beauty Myth the fearless Naomi Wolf revolutionized the way we think about beauty. In
Misconceptions, she demythologizes motherhood and reveals the dangers of common assumptions about childbirth. With uncompromising honesty she describes how hormones eroded her sense of independence, ultrasounds tested her commitment to abortion rights, and the keepers of the OB/GYN establishment lacked compassion. The weeks after her first daughter’s birth taught her how society, employers, and even husbands can manipulate new mothers. She had bewildering post partum depression, but learned that a surprisingly high.percentage of women experience it.
Wolf’s courageous willingness to talk about the unexpected difficulties of childbirth will help every woman become a more knowledgeable planner of her pregnancy and better prepare her for the challenges of balancing a career, freedom, and a growing family. Invaluable in its advice to parents,
Misconceptions speaks to anyone connected–personally, medically, or professionally–to a new mother.
Customer Reviews:
OPENED MY EYES.......2007-09-20
If you're pregnant and don't care if your ob/gyn pumps you full of meds and performs an episiotomy on you and/or a c-section in order to better fit your baby's birth into his busy schedule, then don't read this book. My wife is probably as far from being a rabid feminist as a person can be. But she does happen to have this wacky idea that giving birth ought to be something a woman can do without a whole lot of unnecessary medical interventions, if she wants to. My wife has given birth naturally to all 3 of our kids -- no problems whatsoever for either mom or babies. And every time she's had to fight off the ob/gyn's suggested interventions. Interventions she might not have been able to argue against had she not read Naomi's book and other resources and educated herself about the American medical establishment's typical ob/gyn practices. To blow off this book as a lot of feminist hooey is akin to plugging your ears, covering your eyes and ranting NA-NA-NA-NA-NA-NA...I CAN'T HEAR YOU! Read this book, get informed and then make up your own mind as to how you want to approach your own berthing experience.
Fabulous reporting, no whining to be found .......2007-08-28
Hopefully, you've reached this review, because to read some of the other reviews on this page you might dismiss Naomi Wolf "Misconceptions." This book is a wonderful piece of reporting on the issues surrounding pregnancy, fertility, birth, and the issues that come after birth (no pun intended) for the women in this country. Although, some of the experiences described are uncomfortable and upsetting, it does not make the experiences any less true. All mothers either have had an experience or know a woman who has had an experience similar to the experiences described in this book. To report on these truths (which, by the way, doesn't mean she is reporting the truth for "all" women), is the first step toward remedying the problems.
The truth is that there ARE issues with OB/GYN and postpartum healthcare in this country. You need not look any further than your front page to know that something is wrong. In Pennsylvania, for example, the OB/GYN practices can not stay afloat because the practices can not pay the malpractice insurance. As well, the insurance companies refuse to pay the full cost for a woman's labor and delivery in hospitals. I repeat. Insurance companies will not pay the full cost for one of the most important hospital stays that a woman may ever have in her life, a hospital stay that is required for the propagation of the species and the insurance companies will not pay it. Does this sound like a problem to you?
It certainly isn't new reporting that the medical community sometimes takes the "easy" way out when it comes to women's medical issues. Thankfully, things have started to change, but we are not there yet. Reading this book will give a new mother a "leg-up" on what has been happening in these new areas of her life. Isn't better to arm a new mother with information before she gets started in the process so she can have a say in what happens during HER reproductive life?
By the way, the whole section on "Calling It Fair" is right on the money. The research on day-care during the time of "Rosy the Riveter" is fantastic - I would like to see a book on that topic alone! These gems give women a great perspective to change things for themselves from the beginning! Don't miss a great eye-opener and, hopefully, a catalyst for change.
Great, but a little pessimistic.......2007-06-02
This book is great if you have never spent any time learning about how backwards the US medical establishment is concerning birth. Compared to (literally) the rest of the world, we are far behind in the level of care. What we call the "standard of care" is, in the case of most normal births, not good for mom or baby. This book tells that story. BUT. It is quite negative, and to read this book, you'll think its impossible to have a positive and SAFE birth in a US hospital. It IS possible to do so-- once you are well informed regarding which pieces of the standard of care pose a risk to mom and baby and/or exist merely for the convenience of the doctor or nursing staff. I highly recommend this book, so long as it is read cautiously and with an eye toward giving yourself a positive birth experience.
Contrary to my expectations ..........2007-05-15
I found this book in the Goodwill store and brought it home to read. I have only read one of Naomi Wolf's books (the one about the Treehouse) and have heard of her before, so I thought I would be in for a read. Little did I know that I would be in for a good read. It is controversial. It is stimulating. There are a lot of "ah ha" moments where I found myself nodding my head. There are quite a few moments where I was skeptical and found myself asking friends and family about their birthing moments and hospital stays. I even found myself rolling my eyes when she started talking about misplaced expectations about the birthing moments. Then I found myself counting my lucky stars that I am one of the very few women whose husband actually does help around the house with housework and taking care of the kids. While I am a stay-at-home mom, I do not feel demeaned in any way that I am just a mom at home ~~ no, I feel like a valued partner in a marriage that works. But that's not the point here!
I did have a hard time reconciling myself with the whole hospital institutional experience that she dwelled on for several chapters. Maybe it's luck. Maybe it's just my ignorance. I had excellent care while pregnant and I honestly was high risk since I was carrying twins. I was told upfront that chances are 50-50 that I would have a c-section. I delivered at 32 weeks. I didn't get the beautiful hospital room but I know that just about all of my friends have given birth in gorgeous rooms (even though they are hospital rooms, but they offer a lot more privacy than regular hospital rooms!). As for the high rate of c-sections, episiotomies, or anything like that ~~ I have no experience with statistics on these facts. It does seem to me to be more likely but I am not sure of what I think of that!
There are quite a few moments where I found myself relating to her experiences. Then again, there are times when I am amazed that she felt so different with her c-section than I did ~~ my problems were different than hers and yet, she struggled with her issues just like I did, just in different ways. There was not a doubt in my mind that I wasn't going to go back to work for several years so I was ok with staying home; whereas she struggled with it since she found out she was pregnant. Or her friends struggled with that issue, among others.
This is definitely a thought-provoking book. I wasn't expecting an array of emotions just from reading this book, nor was I expecting to poll my friends asking them if they've read this book. Nor was I expecting to feel guilty that I am one of those women who had a c-section ~~ though in my case, I didn't have much of a choice if I wanted to deliver healthy babies ~~ and they were breech as well. This book stirred up emotions, thoughts and ideas. It's been awhile since I've read something that hits rather close to home and so fascinating as well ~~ it made me wish that I had picked this book up several years ago before my twins were born! Now I wonder just how much have things changed since the first publication of this book.
If you like intellectual books that make you think, this book will definitely fit that bill. Yes, it does come across as whining in places but is it really whining or just stating facts? Isn't being a mother hard enough as it is without having to have others dismiss this book just as a typical whiner's book? We all deal with our issues in different ways and this book is definitely one that makes me think more as a reader and as a mother. It's worth exploring.
5-14-07
awful.......2006-08-31
This book is so whiny and self-indulgent that I am amazed that Wolf is actually a mother of two kids. It paints an unnecessarily bleak picture of pregnancy and motherhood, which are nowhere near as bad as she makes it out to be. The doctors and nurses and La Leche League and everyone else she complains about in this book are not out to get you, everyone is just trying to do their job the best way they can.
Average customer rating:
- Funny, but uninformative
- Best pregnancy book out there!
- honestly witty
- Fabulously Funny
- If you are pregnant- READ THIS BOOK!!!
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Frankly Pregnant: A Candid, Week-by-Week Guide to the Unexpected Joys, Raging Hormones, and Common Experiences of Pregnancy
Stacy Quarty , and
Miriam Greene
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Griffin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 General | Pregnancy & Childbirth | Women's Health | Personal Health | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
General | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
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Accessories:
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philosophy hope in a jar daily moisturizer
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Braun IRT 4020 ThermoScan Ear Thermometer
ASIN: 0312347278
Release Date: 2006-03-21 |
Book Description
While pregnant, Stacy Quarty longed to have someone she could comfortably ask embarrassing questions about what was happening to her body. But she found pregnancy books either too clinical or too lightweight and never candid enough. So Stacy took matters into her own hands and launched www.franklypregnant.com to connect with like-minded women. In this book, Stacy frankly discusses the symptoms of the week (morning sickness, hemorrhoids, enormous breasts), shares experiences of friends, and offers entertaining anecdotes. The book also contains a revealing QA section of embarrassing and unusual questions from real women.With warmth, humor, and no shame, Stacy Quarty and Dr. Miriam Greene take the myth and mystery out of pregnancy and tell it like it is!
Customer Reviews:
Funny, but uninformative.......2007-09-26
When looking at the description of this title, I assumed that the book would be much more informative on pregnancy symptoms (it seemed relatively few were mentioned, mostly headaches and the like as experienced by the author), and assumed a larger "question and answer" section on pregnancy. That said, it's not a bad book, just not what I feel it was presented to be by the synopsis. This is more suited for entertainment purposes than any significant "educational" value.
Best pregnancy book out there!.......2007-05-19
When I got pregnant for the first time I bought a ton of books. As it turned out, this was the only one that I ever read cover to cover. It is entertaining and informative. Also, while the author talks about complications to be aware of, she doesn't make it sound scary and impossible like some other books out there. It's just like talking to a friend. I highly recommend this book.
honestly witty.......2006-05-04
Finally, a book that tells it like it is !! A witty, entertaining account of all you will go through during pregnancy, and more ! Loved it !!
Fabulously Funny.......2006-05-04
This book is funny and enjoyable. It's not the typical "Do this" and "Don't do that" guide to pregnancy. It's more like a whole bunch of girlfriends getting together to compare, inform, and laught about the whole process. After I read Frankly Pregnant, I felt much more at ease about my pregnancy and less embaressed about the weird things my body is doing as this baby grows inside me. It's a good dose of common sense with a sense of humour.
If you are pregnant- READ THIS BOOK!!!.......2006-05-04
This book is a fantastic guide to the month by month trials and tribulations of being pregnant. It had the answers to all my crazy questions and I got a lot of relief from the author's candid writing about her own experiences. This is a MUST read for anyone who is pregnant. I only wish she had written it sooner!!! from a pregnant 2nd time Mom
Book Description
An illustrated parody of the multimillion-copy-selling pregnancy primer What to Expect When You're Expecting, and the perfect gift for everyone who has had a baby, is having a baby, or is even thinking of having a baby.
Customer Reviews:
Funny and too accurate!.......2001-02-10
I read this book during my first pregnancy, and honestly, it was more helpful than all the medical guides. It got me to laugh at myself, the perfect de-stressor for the tense expectant mother. From descriptions of the various kinds of birth attendants (like the Old Geezer, who actively dislikes women and treats pregnancy as a disease) to exercises you can do (walk like an Egyptian, waddle like a duck...) to what you'll be looking like this month (stuck in the bathtub) it covers everything (except the medical.) Most expectant mothers with sense of humor will appreciate the authors' gentle poking-of-fun at pregnancy, a laughter that never turns mean or hurtful. The only thing I didn't really like were the tax tips.
Book Description
Unplanned pregnancies happen to women in every season of life: the newly married, the never-married, the empty-nester, the teenager, the overworked mother, the career woman. Yet we rarely talk about how lonely and confusing this experience can be.
In Surprise Child, Leslie Leyland Fields, who experienced two unplanned pregnancies in her forties, lyrically weaves her own story with the stories of other women who understand the isolation you face as expectations and plans are turned upside down to make room for a child.
“Each year, more than three million women discover themselves pregnant–at a hard time, the wrong time, at a difficult place in their lives. I am one of those women.…”
Together, these women walk with you month-by-month through the physical and emotional stages of pregnancy, voicing with startling honesty their own anxieties and struggles. Here you will find the companionship and hope you need to journey toward new life.
Customer Reviews:
realistic yet hopeful stories of so-called "surprise" pregancies.......2007-03-10
a much needed addition to the literature on pregnancy. Many sound examples of how it takes time to sort things out and why it is so important not to make quick and seemingly easy decisions that can be regretted the rest of our lives. Often what seems so unexpected and life altering can be one of the best things that ever happened to us. Shows self-sacrifice in a very positive light that enhances one's own life and also many others. Displays the strength of women and how an altered path sometimes ends up much more rewarding and successful even for a career.
Wish this Subject was Covered!.......2007-02-10
As I've been looking for a book on the subject of "Unexpected Pregnancy", I was interested in reading this book. But after some of the reviews describing what's in this book, while I'm sure this is a good book, I get the feeling that this book is not what I'm looking for. I wish there was a book (if anyone knows of one, please list it here if that's allowed) about married women with unexpected pregnancies who wish to adopt out the child. For the woman who knows her own mind (when the trite sayings of "Oh, it'll be alright," or "You'll love the baby anyway," or "You'll just have to live with it" don't work) and doesn't approve of getting rid of the baby through abortion, what choice does she have left? Instead of having to adapt to the idea of having another person around the home, why not allow an adoption. I've talked about this to so many other women, and while some of them look at me like I'm trying to start WWIII or I'm coming from la la land or something, there's some women who have told me that what I say is what they have thought of but were and are so afraid to mention. One woman told me that to mention adopting out her and her husband's baby would have made her family & in-laws totally turn away from her forever, and another said she was so very sick of being told that she was just suffering from post-partum depression that she could have screamed. (I've often wondered if a carpenter decides not to be a carpenter, if he or she would be labeled as suffering from post-carpenter depression, for instance, and relentlessly nagged until returning to the job as a carpenter against his or her wishes? - Just a thought.)
Anyway, if anyone knows of a book that covers this subject realistically, please list it here if you can. - THANX
Must-read for women in unplanned pregnancies.......2006-06-22
This is a truly fantastic book for women in unplanned pregnancies.
Whether you consider yourself too young, too old, too poor, too sick, or too overburdened to welcome a child right now, or you have some other special circumstance (such as rape) that makes you doubt your ability to be a good mother, you will certainly find a story you can relate to in this book. It's one of the few resources I've found that encourages women to look at an unplanned pregnancy as an opportunity rather than as a problem to be solved.
Fields acknowledges how easily pregnancy can seem like an inconvenience, a stumbling block, or even a tragedy. She knows, from personal experience, the deep anguish women feel when they find themselves unexpectedly pregnant. And she understands the feeling of fear and depression that accompany unsupported pregnancies, or those that occur in less-than-ideal circumstances.
I only wish more people would acknowledge how common this type of pregnancy is. (According to the National Institutes of Health, about 60% of all pregnancies are unplanned--that's three million women a year.) We can safely assume that not all of those three million women were overjoyed to learn of their pregnancy. But that's not something we talk about much in our society, is it? That's why it's wonderful to hear Fields and the women profiled in this book being utterly and completely honest about how they were anything but happy to find out they were expecting.
Fields' main point is that what initially seems like a crisis and the worst thing in the world can ultimately transform into a blessing, as you come to realize you can handle what you have been given, and that you actually do want and love the child you are carrying. She believes that the transformation happens at different times and in different ways, but almost always happens. Sometimes the transformation means embracing parenthood, and other times it means choosing adoption (which is given a small amount of attention here--but the real emphasis is on parenting.) In both cases, the ambivalence felt early on begins to change as a woman struggles through the solitude and difficulty of the pregnancy. Eventually, it turns into an acceptance of motherhood and love for the unplanned baby.
Some readers with different beliefs may be a little uncomfortable with the Christian viewpoint espoused in the book ("the Maker of life doesn't make mistakes," etc.), but Fields is essentially gentle in her writing and doesn't force her faith on others.
I applaud this book for talking about a topic that we as women don't talk about enough.
We don't always get to choose the circumstances of our motherhood, but we can and should inspire each other to rise to the occasion. As Field notes, unplanned pregnancies can feel like a kind of death, but they have the possibility, and the probability, of changing into something joyful.
the gift of truth.......2006-06-07
I have never been in a "surprise child" situation, but once I opened this book I couldn't put it down. Leslie Fields writes so compellingly and beautifully about the realities of pregnancy and birth, anyone involved in parenthood in any way will feel pierced to the heart by this book. Fields tells the true stories of many women here who have overcome the overwhelming challenges of unplanned pregnancy by clinging to hope and finding courage they didn't know they had. Hope and courage is required of all parents, but these brave women are especially inspiring. Most important, Fields gives us in this book the gift of truth. Without diminishing the wonder and joy of motherhood, she is willing to speak frankly about what any pregnancy costs in a woman's life. Women faced with the grief and pain of unplanned pregnancy will be greatly relieved to find that someone understands and is willing to speak of anger, pain, loss--yet still point the way to hope.
Katrina De Man.......2006-05-31
I like Leslie Leyland Fields on any topic. I was touched and fascinated at the first page and read it through in that setting. This book is honest, poignant, raw, helpful, and rich. Though I have never had a suprise child, I've been pregnant and have heard about the unexpected from friends who run the spectrum of excited to unsure and upset. I related to this book on both those levels and feel like I've been reminded to embrace my children and not just endure them, that the growth of a child within offers the possibility and delight of my own personal growth by giving life to and loving another. This books lets you know how the author and others worked through the surprise to the joy and it helps you believe that you will, too, whatever your circumstances (even rape). This book is a good read for anyone and an excellent resource for those helping others through the unplanned pregnancy!
Customer Reviews:
A woman mercenary - story has potential.......2006-06-04
I picked up this story as I thought it would be a great role reversal story with the mercenary being a woman and all. But, I have to say I was a bit disappointed. The woman is a kick but woman with a take charge personality etc. But, as soon as she meets Eli she seems to seek "her weaker side" in most things. In this case I think she gives in and looses a bit of who she is. But, that is my issue with the overall plot.
The book was well written. I do think that the ending seemed to be a bit rushed and things fell together quicker than normal in the last 2 chapter but, this is one of Fosters older novels and I think she has grown as a writer since then.
ODD.......2006-03-03
Not my favorite Lori Foster. The characters are very unique. Ray is one interesting woman and Eli is HOT!!! I liked the story but it wasn't my favorite Lori Foster (Just a Hint Clint) book... But it is a worthy purchase and read!!
Another cheesy, predictable romance from Foster..........2006-01-27
After reading "Saving Brian" and not quite liking it, I gave Foster a second chance as most of the reviews said it did not seem like her typical work. They were wrong! "Unexpected" had the same eye roll moments, where the main character is so unrealistic, the plot predictable and humor is far and few between. Foster is good at coming up with fresh and original story lines (although unrealistic) and a definite pro at writing sexual scenes. It's your modern day Harlequin romance novel so if that is your thing, this is up your alley. However, if you are into more of the chick lit scene, I suggest Janet Evanovich or Whitney Gaskell.
I don't usually read Lori Foster's books but............2005-10-27
I really liked this book, it was a fresh idea, I loved the heroine she was great. From her less than lady like approach to life to her show of love and devotion. Under all that camouflage and leather beats a true heart. Great book!!!
Steamy jungle romance and a kick butt heroine.......2005-05-13
After discovering that his brother has been kidnapped in Central America, Eli Connors sets out to hire the baddest mercenary he can find. Imagine his surprise when he comes face to face with Ray Vareker, a petite yt lethal woman. Soon she is beating up the bad guys in a bar fight, and Eli knows he has found his man (or rather woman) for the job.
She reluctantly lets him go with her to Central America and after a little while, they succumb to the sexual tension for some sex in the jungle. After an exciting and harrowing escape, all return home. But Ray managed to bring a little something back from Central America when she discovers that she, the least maternal mammal on the face of the Earth is pregnant.
I thought that this was one of Lori Foster's best books. For one thing, it is a stand alone book, and does not have all those awkward paragraphs devoted to explaining relationships when characters from say the Winston books are re-introduced throughout the series. Also, the dialogue is fresh - not cliche-ridden like many of her books. And lets face it, Ray is one bad mama - a flawed heroine we can all admire.
For pure escapism, steamy romance, and an adrenaline rush, check this one out.
Customer Reviews:
Pregnancy Encouragement.......2006-08-14
This book covers a sensitive subject in a well-organized, easy-to-read and positive way. It would be helpful and encouraging for anyone affected by an unexpected pregnancy, either yourself, a friend or family member. The touching stories will bring tears to your eyes.
Young women talk about abortion.......2005-10-30
In all the hype around abortion rarely does one hear the young women involved speak for themselves. They do in this book (and at its companion website, www.standupgirl.com). From thousands of letters from young women around the world detailing abortion experiences Becky has distilled some common lessons. These are presented in chapters on exploring the various options a pregnant woman has, how to talk to parents and boyfriends, and what to expect in a pregnancy. In so doing she exposes the fallacy of "choice" as young women actually experience it, how pressured they usually find themselves to abort by the men in their lives and by their mothers. She also helps the reader see past the panic of the moment and the joy that the future can hold. This is a rare book, one anyone interested in abortion, teen pregnancy, fetal development, or the micro-sociology of abortion will find captivating.
Average customer rating:
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Embarazo Inesperado: (Unexpected Pregnancy) (Harlequin Julia (Spanish))
Christine Rimmer
Manufacturer: Harlequin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
General | Romance | Subjects | Books
General | Contemporary | Romance | Subjects | Books
Spanish | Foreign Language Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Literatura y ficción | Libros en español | Formats | Books | Autores, A-Z | Cartas y Correspondencia | Clásicos | Cuentos Cortos | Drama | Ensayos | Ficción de La Mujer | General | Género Ficción | Historia y Crítica | Libros y Lectura | Literatura Mundial | Poesía
Contemporáneo | Romance | Libros en español | Formats | Books
General | Romance | Libros en español | Formats | Books
Spanish | Foreign Language Fiction | Literature & Fiction | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
General | Contemporary | Romance | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
General | Romance | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
ASIN: 0373672381 |
Books:
- Night Embrace (A Dark-Hunter Novel, Book 3)
- Nights in Rodanthe
- Once Upon a Spring Morn
- Physik (Septimus Heap, Book 3)
- Pistol: The Life of Pete Maravich
- Promise of the Rose (Avon Romance)
- Promises Keep
- Red Lily (In the Garden, Book 3)
- Reposition Yourself: Living Life Without Limits
- Rhiannon (The Roselynde Chronicles, Book Five)
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
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- Calculus: Single and Multivariable
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- Your First Canary
- The Big Book of Painting Nature in Pastel
- Techno Textiles 2: Revolutionary Fabrics for Fashion and Design
- The St. John's-Worts of Canada
The Mask of Motherhood: How Becoming a Mother Changes Our Lives and Why We Never Talk About It
The Mommy Myth : The Idealization of Motherhood and How It Has Undermined All Women
Nurturing the Family The Guide for Postpartum Doulas
The Doula Book: How a Trained Labor Companion Can Help You Have a Shorter, Easier, and Healthier Birth
The Ultimate Breastfeeding Book of Answers : The Most Comprehensive Problem-Solution Guide to Breastfeeding from the Foremost Expert in North America
Health o Meter HDC100-01 "Grow with Me" Teddy Bear Scale for Babies and Toddlers
