This book was very good, was actually required reading for a cultural anthropology class I took. I found it to be very interesting and a good fast read.

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

released to mdm139

tbr

This book was really good. Made me appreciate western conveniences and medicine.

I love books written by or about actual midwives. I used to want to be a midwife myself, so thanks so much for sharing this books with me.

Monique Dembele, a most extraordinary woman in a very difficult setting. She is a young woman in the village of Nampossela in rural Mali, married to a self-centered and immature young man, she is trained and given the responsibility for midwifery and health care in the village. That doesn't lessen her responsibilities to her children, husband, in-laws and home. It is unusual for anyone to work as hard and consistently, let alone bringing improvements that are saving lives. She institutes weighing and charting babies and growing and making baby food for toddlers to transition to when their mothers become pregnant again and stop nursing.
Kris Holloway is a young peace corp volunteer assigned to Nampossela, Monique is her host. Kris works with Monique, learning from her and helping with improvements, getting resources for projects like fixing the birthing house, building covers for the wells etc.
What is so wonderful about this book is the friendship between Monique and Kris. Who would imagine that this young American woman would find her best friend in Mali in Africa. But this is what they are, best friends. Kris also found her husband in the peace corp, this is not uncommon but wonderful when it happens.
The sad thing of course is that Africa remains in very poor condition and its people are stuck there with their parasites, dirty drinking water, dirt floors, flies, malaria, hunger, etc. Kris, and the other peace corp volunteers are able to go home after 2 years (or before if they can't handle it). This is not to belittle the good work of the peace corp or the bravery and good-heartedness of the volunteers, G-d forbid. I have a good friend whose daughter was a peace corp volunteer in Mali. I have every respect.
This book is a beautiful tribute by Kris in memory of her friend Monique (who dies in childbirth ironically)

Requested in the non fic VBB, now on its way to Canada.

Arrived safely--thanks very much!

This is a lovely book, heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time. I am currently taking a course on global poverty issues, so it was the perfect time to read this book.

As a mother, I am amazed and humbled whenever I read about women having and raising their children in such difficult circumstances. There is so much we take for granted.

I offered this in bookstogive's General Literature virtual book box, but it wasn't chosen after a year, so I took it out and sent it to iwillrejoice as a wishlist RABCK. I hope you enjoy it!

Arrived safely in Florida. Thank you!