Journal Entry 1 by ajsmom from Quesnel, British Columbia Canada on Thursday, May 25, 2006

The Blurb:

The Birth House is the story of Dora Rare, the first daughter to be born in five generations of Rares. As a child in an isolated village in Nova Scotia, she is drawn to Miss Babineau, an outspoken Acadian midwife with a gift for healing and a kitchen filled with herbs and folk remedies. During teh turbulent first years of World War I, Dora becomes the midwife's apprentice. Together they help the women of Scots Bay through infertility, difficult labours, breech births, unwanted pregnancies and even unfulfiling sex lives.... 

Journal Entry 2 by ajsmom from Quesnel, British Columbia Canada on Sunday, July 16, 2006

An interesting tale, though sparsely written. According to the notes at the end of the book, the author wanted a "scrapbook" feel to the book - there are period ads for things, and diary notes and letters to and from characters - but I felt that some things could have been fleshed out more. I liked the story.

This is going out as a ring. The participants are:

eicuthbertson
kayjay
rednumbertwo
kimmi
azuki
Llednyl
icanfly
boirina
cat207
boomda181
Antheras

Please journal the book upon receipt and journal again when released, letting us know what you thought. Try to have the book read within a month, but if you can't, just let the rest of us know where you're at so that I don't stress the book is lost!! :)

Enjoy! 

Journal Entry 3 by ajsmom at mailed to next reader in Postal release, A Bookray -- Controlled Releases on Saturday, July 22, 2006

Released 5 yrs ago (7/21/2006 UTC) at mailed to next reader in Postal release, A Bookray -- Controlled Releases

WILD RELEASE NOTES:

RELEASE NOTES:

Sent to eicuthbertson to get this ray on the road! 

Journal Entry 4 by eicuthbertson from Burnaby, British Columbia Canada on Tuesday, July 25, 2006

Just received in the mail.
Thanks, ajsmom! 

Journal Entry 5 by eicuthbertson from Burnaby, British Columbia Canada on Friday, August 11, 2006

Enjoyed this novel, along with the ads, letters & other pieces shown with the text. Would have liked to see more---perhaps there was more originally, as the author mentions she wanted a 'scrapbook' feel for her book. Will there be an 'illustrated' version someday?

Dora Rare isn't the easiest character for a more 'modern' woman to understand---why did she feel she had so few choices--even with all those brothers & so little family money. Miss B., the healer-midwife, was, during earlier times, a well thought of & well looked after person in her own community. Her life could have been seen as an alternative. (And why did Miss B. wait so long to find herself an 'apprentice'?)

Dora 'grows' during the time of the novel though...& of course, the world, & Scots Bay, Nova Scotia, is changing some at the same time.

Usually I find the period before WW I the most interesting for women's history, but this novel held my interest throughout.

Ami McKay, the author, has an interesting (& fun) website: TheBirthHouse.com

Thanks, ajsmom, for starting up this bookring! 

Journal Entry 6 by eicuthbertson from Burnaby, British Columbia Canada on Friday, August 11, 2006

Packing this book up now for kayjay33.
Happy reading! 

Journal Entry 7 by kayjay33 from Langley, British Columbia Canada on Monday, August 28, 2006

This book arrived in my mailbox today. I am almost finished my current book so will begin this one very soon. It is interesting to me that the book takes place in Scots Bay,Nova Scotia as I grew up in a place called Scotch Bay in Manitoba.
Thank you,Ajsmom for including me in this ring. 

Journal Entry 8 by kayjay33 from Langley, British Columbia Canada on Friday, September 01, 2006

I enjoyed this book very much, with all it's homey little remedies. Some of the midwife actions were a bit shocking. One wonders how often they actually worked.The previous readers felt the book could have been fleshed out more and I agree that it was a bit sketchy in places.One of the little verses that the midwife quoted made me smile." If your husband smokes, be thankful he doesn't chew;if he smokes and chews both,be thankful he doesn't drink,if he does all three,be thankful he won't live long.
I will get the book in the mail to the next one on the list next week. 

Journal Entry 9 by kayjay33 from Langley, British Columbia Canada on Wednesday, September 06, 2006

The book is on its way to Rednumbertwo in Halifax by Canada Post, a controlled release. Enjoy. 

Journal Entry 10 by rednumbertwo from Ottawa, Ontario Canada on Friday, September 15, 2006

It arrived yesterday. The cover is so beautiful. I can't wait to read it!
Thanks kayjay33! 

Journal Entry 11 by rednumbertwo from Ottawa, Ontario Canada on Sunday, September 17, 2006

Thanks to a nice, quiet weekend, I finished this lovely book already. I found myself engaged in the story, and how Dora lived her life. The home remedies and midwife work really got me thinking about modern medicine and women's bodies. Dr. Thomas was the best (worst?) villan I've come across in a while! I was ready to deck that guy! I also got a thrill out of it being set in an area of Nova Scotia with which I am familiar. I love reading about places I've been! The only part of the book that I wasn't really into was the section in Boston, which I didn't feel really added much to the plot. I'll definitely be recommending this novel to others. 

Journal Entry 12 by rednumbertwo from Ottawa, Ontario Canada on Tuesday, September 19, 2006

Mailed to Kimmi today! 

Journal Entry 13 by Kimmi from Kelowna, British Columbia Canada on Wednesday, September 27, 2006

This arrived today. YAY! I'll start it this weekend. Thanks for sharing! 

Journal Entry 14 by Kimmi from Kelowna, British Columbia Canada on Monday, October 09, 2006

This is one of the best books I have read in a while. I loved the development of Dora's character and I enjoyed reading about the little town with all its gossip. It was beautifully written and a quick read which, to me, shows the talent of the author.

Thanks for sharing ajsmom! 

Journal Entry 15 by Kimmi from Kelowna, British Columbia Canada on Tuesday, October 10, 2006

This is heading to Azuki tomorrow (Wednesday). Happy reading! 

Journal Entry 16 by azuki from Miami, Florida USA on Monday, October 23, 2006

Book has crossed the border! Thanks for the lovely postcards fm Nova Scotia and Kelowna. To kimmi for mailing the book and ajsmom for sharing it. 

Journal Entry 17 by azuki from Miami, Florida USA on Monday, November 06, 2006

I had a quiet Sat evening and was able to finish this sooner than I thought. A very interesting book indeed and I learned a lot about medicine in early 20th century, the area and its history. I had no clue what the Halifax Explosion was before this. -_-... yeah, shame on me. Thanks eicuthbertson for telling everybody about the interesting website.

ETA: This book was mailed to Llednyl Nov 8.
 

Journal Entry 18 by Llednyl from Richwood, Ohio USA on Monday, November 13, 2006

Rec'd today! Very excited to read this, had it on my wish list and ajsmom was kind enough to ask if I'd like to be added to the ring. My Thanksgiving break is next week, so I'll hopefully be able to read it when I'm home. 

Journal Entry 19 by ajsmom from Quesnel, British Columbia Canada on Monday, November 13, 2006

I just want to poke my nose in here to say a big THANK YOU to everyone for keeping this book moving at such a good clip. This must be a record, 6 people in 4 months. 

Journal Entry 20 by Llednyl from Richwood, Ohio USA on Tuesday, November 28, 2006

I thought that this was... maybe not the best writing I've ever read, and I agree that some parts could have been fleshed out a bit better, but I really loved the premise of the novel. I found it really fascinating to read about the battle between home and conventional medicine - something that still goes on today, really. Very interesting the mix of science and faith that went into midwifery, especially Miss B's. I live near a somewhat rural area, close to Amish country, where a good deal of midwifing still goes on. I also know a lot of people who have chosen to have home births (including my best friend's mom, who worked as a doula for many years), especially since I was a homeschooler and exposed to more of the "alternative" crowd growing up. I thought the addition of the whole Boston scene, with the historical events such as suffragette marches and the molasses flood, was a little bit out of place, like the author was just sticking that in there for time period reference. Nevertheless, it was kind of a fun addition. Thanks for sharing this read! Makes me want to start a chapter of the "Occassional Knitters Society"...

Will be sending to icanfly as soon as I recieve an address.

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Sent this book via media mail on 11/28 

Journal Entry 21 by icanfly from Grand Blanc, Michigan USA on Friday, December 22, 2006

I received this a while ago but didn't forgot to acknowledge. I started reading it last weekend and it looks to be a good read. Thanks for sharing. Later... 

Journal Entry 22 by icanfly from Grand Blanc, Michigan USA on Friday, January 12, 2007

I really enjoyed this book. It had such a wonderful small-town feel to it reminiscent of stories you hear about in Appalachian America. Women have been taking care of women forever and the intrusion of modern medicine hasn't always been an improvement. There certainly were some interesting cures coming from both sides of the medical arena! The book is on it's way to boirina in Portugual. I'm sorry I didn't include a postcard but I didn't have one and even a couple of shopping trips didn't clue me in on where to purchase one. Apparently I don't live in a popular tourist destination. Thanks you very much for sharing, ajsmom. 

Journal Entry 23 by boirina from Calvià, Illes Balears/Islas Baleares Spain on Friday, March 23, 2007

The book arrived today, at last. :)
See? It wasn't lost, it only takes a long time. :) 

Journal Entry 24 by boirina from Calvià, Illes Balears/Islas Baleares Spain on Tuesday, April 24, 2007

A truly enjoyable read. I must say I loved every minute I was reading the book. :)

The book left for cat207 today. The postcards and my contribution go in a separate envelope. This is because I can only pay the book rate if ONLY the book goes in the envelope.

Thanks for the ring, ajsmom! 

Journal Entry 25 by cat207 from Gladstone, Queensland Australia on Tuesday, May 01, 2007

Arrived in today's mail - only one day behind the other envelope. Now it all makes sense! Thank you boirina, and ajsmom for sharing. X 

Journal Entry 26 by cat207 from Gladstone, Queensland Australia on Wednesday, May 02, 2007

An absolute treasure of a book. Should be compulsory reading for all women!

Birthing is women's business. I've had two home births with a midwife to 'catch' the baby, and know what a joyful experience it can be.

Thank you so much, ladies, for sharing this exquisite book. Thank you to boirina for the beautiful bookmarks - I have the same philosophy as Groucho!

It's off to boomda181 in today's mail. Enjoy. X 

Journal Entry 27 by boomda181 on Monday, May 21, 2007

The Birth House arrived in my milbox on Friday. I began reading it today, I have already been mesmerized by the story, so I will be journaling more very soon. Thanks for passing this book along.

YIKES! The book arrived at it's next destination before I journaled. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I had never imagined what women went through almost a hundred years ago to bear children. I was intrigued by the battle between midwifery and obstetrics. Thanks for passing this book along for all to read! 

Journal Entry 28 by CynthiaA from Brantford, Ontario Canada on Tuesday, June 05, 2007

Acquired this book through Bookmooch. Thanks Boomda! I'll read it and pass it along in proper bookcrossing style.
 

Journal Entry 29 by CynthiaA at Brantford, Ontario Canada on Thursday, July 15, 2010

I'm embarrassed that I've kept this so long without reading it. I finished it yesterday and it was fantastic. I loved it in every way possible. The writing, the characters, the story, the setting -- everything was perfect. Well done Ami McKay -- now where is her next book??

Excellent book!

This one is being sent to kerbam1421 as part of the First Sentences Virtual Bookbox. I hope you enjoy it!  

Journal Entry 30 by CynthiaA at Brantford, Ontario Canada on Monday, November 08, 2010

Released 1 yr ago (11/8/2010 UTC) at Brantford, Ontario Canada

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

This book is being sent to kerbam1421 as part of the First Sentences Virtual Bookbox. Enjoy the book!  

Journal Entry 31 by kerbam1421 at Halethorpe, Maryland USA on Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Received this in the mail yesterday as part of the first sentence VBB - thanks so much! :)  

Journal Entry 32 by kerbam1421 at Halethorpe, Maryland USA on Friday, January 14, 2011

Began reading yesterday, 1/13/11 

Journal Entry 33 by kerbam1421 at Halethorpe, Maryland USA on Wednesday, January 19, 2011

I really enjoyed this book. I enjoyed reading about a simpler time, and the home made remedies and just the "silliness" of Dr. Thomas. I'm sure people will look back years from now on how we practice medicine and laugh at us as well ;)

Thanks for sharing this book! I plan on possibly including it in a future VBB.  

Journal Entry 34 by kerbam1421 at Halethorpe, Maryland USA on Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Released 11 mos ago (6/14/2011 UTC) at Halethorpe, Maryland USA

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

Saw that secretariat had this on her wishlist, so I sent it along to her as a RABCK. Enjoy! :)

DC# 03103490000069606070 

Journal Entry 35 by Secretariat at Carlsbad, California USA on Thursday, June 30, 2011

Arrived safe and sound and quite a surprise. I'd totally forgotten about this book on my wish list, but reading the flyleaf of the book I know why I put it on there. I'll try to get to it soon and then pass it on to someone else to keep the karma of the bookring going. Thanks so much for thinking of me.