LaRaie is a bard, mom and now, librarian, who, though she no longer works for us, will always be our bookseller emeritus.
Ina May Gaskin is a founding member of Midwives Alliance of North America and has been practicing midwifery since the 1970's. Her book is for all women, and birth partners, who are interested in having a natural childbirth. One of the many wonderful things about this book is the first third of it consists of birth stories from women who have all had vastly different experiences. Birth is a very intensely personal experience, and this book seeks to educate women about their birthing options. In essence, it helps to empower women and birth partners who may be unclear of what is involved in the natural childbirth experience. Pregnancy and childbirth can sometimes be treated as an illness by some medical professionals, even when medical intervention is unnecessary. Based on scientific evidence, Ina May's book takes the reader through each stage of labor, and gives information on prenatal care as well. I found the chapter on medical tests very helpful when deciding whether or not to receive certain tests, such as amniocentesis. I found this book to be an informative guide, full of wisdom, and positive encouragement.
A novel about homelessness, told from the point of view of a schizophrenic man nearing the end of his life, and his dog. More emotive than other Auster novels.
A short story collection that is as hilarious as it is surreal.
Professional swimmer, Lynne Cox, is in the Pacific Ocean very early one morning and finds a lost baby whale. This extraordinary true story is about their journey to find the whale's mother.
Coming-of-age novel meets murder mystery. The story is complete with footnotes, literary allusions and a few drawings which made the characters that much more fascinating and believable.
A beautiful memoir told via Graphic Novel. Darkly humorous, confessional work.
A quirky, lonely, and poetic novel about a young girl who misses her dead father, a widow translating a lost work of fiction, and a lonely old man who wishes to be noticed.
Chris McCandless gave away everything he owned to live in the wild. The author retraces his adventures through those that knew him and journal entries left by Chris. The book challenges notions of the quality and meaning of life.
Dark psychological surreal/historical fiction, with epic journeys through various time periods. Also a great love story.
