Published: October 9, 2007 by Harper Perennial
First Published: February 14, 2006
Normally I do pretty good at reviewing books while they're fresh in my mind, but I feel like I failed a bit with this one. While as I'm writing this, it has been less than a week since I read it and I do still remember the story, I can't quite recall what it is I wanted to say about this one. But maybe that in itself says something about the book?
This is the second book I've read by Ami McKay, although this one is the first she's published. I absolutely loved The Virgin Cure and knowing The Birth House was supposed to be even better I went into this with high expectations. But yet, while I did overall enjoy it, it's clearly not one that left a huge impression, nor did I find it better than The Virgin Cure.
One of my biggest complaints was the numbers of minor characters and how difficult it was to keep them straight. It actually got to a point where I just stopped trying, since it didn't really seem to matter. I think the idea behind it was that Dora, our main character, had a close knit group of friends, yet their individual personalities didn't really matter, and while I understand it, I don't quite agree with it.
I do think reading this book while pregnant and after several birthing books did help me enjoy this more. It was really interesting recognizing some of the principles I've read about and seeing them in action, even if from a fictional viewpoint. I still do think this book is worth reading, and would definitely read more from McKay, but yet I'm not quite in agreement with all the hype.
4/5
Today I'm linking up with Blonde Undercover Blonde for Book Club Friday!
I really liked The Birth House but I did read it before The Virgin Cure. I also made the Groaning Cake after Rachel was born. I was going to make it while I was in labour with her but I had no time :)
ReplyDeleteI haven't heard of either of these book or the author. I'll have to do some research on them.
ReplyDelete