Pink Manga Review

Author: Satosumi Takaguchi
Artist: Satosumi Takaguchi

Genra: Yaoi

Year: 1999

Original Publisher:

Tokuma Shoten 

Volumes: 

3 Volume (Complete)

 Licensed (in English)

No

English Publisher

Summary

Pink is the story of a young high school student named Usagi who is trying to become an adult porno manga artist. Who would've figured that out of a such a cute, innocent blond boy? Guiding him is Benio, the original artist of the story that Usagi is working on. Benio at first seems to just want to teach, but then finds himself getting a little too interested in teaching Usagi how to get into that, er, certain frame of mind for drawing adult porn.

Now enter in Usagi's father, an attractive, sexy man who is more than a little interested in Benio, and makes no move to hide it both from Benio and his own son. And who could resist that? Who would want to?

My Thoughts on the Manga
I laughed and giggled and moved around so many times while reading this book.

To see how the character Benio takes in a highschool student to be his manga drawer is just to surprising. Since the manga he wants the student to draw has bondage and sex in it. Which he relizes later that the kid Usagi doesn't know anything about sex or bondage or anything sexual at all. Then stuff happens that will leave you blushing and giggling. Usagi the manga drawer starts to ask Benio about those types of things and asks him to show him how it's done. So the very first situation is where Benio ties Usagi up in bondage style to see how it would be drawn. This manga took so damn long for me to finish because of how much I was giggling the whole time. Except when the serious parts came then I finished the manga more fast during those times.

What confused me was not know who was with who. After first I thought the main couple was Benio and Usagi but then Usagi's father came into the picture and started to advance on Benio. Not only that but Benio accepted Usagi's father and slept with him even though he was starting to like Usagi. I get the feeling most of this would have been explained if the Mangaka thought to make the manga longer to explain who the couples were and who the side people were. Cause now I think Usagi is with another manga drawer and Benio is with Usagi's father. I still like the manga though even if it was confusing at times.

Design



As you can see it's olden style drawings. The drawings isn't as detail or good looking as the manga coming out right now. It's simple but detailed in it's own way. Even if they were drawn this way I still liked everything about the manga. It drew me in fast with the funny plot line and the weird characters. This manga style also reminds me somewhat of the manga/anime "Hana Yori Dango" or better known as in english "Boys over Flowers".









Overall
Great story line, funny character interactions other then the confusing parts I did love this manga.

Rating
3.5 out of 5 Howling Wolves

Lovers Doll Manga Review

Author: Kazuhiko Mishima
Artist: Kazuhiko Mishima

Genra: Yaoi

Year: 2008

Original Publisher:

Libre   

Volumes: 

1 Volume (Complete)

 Licensed (in English)

No

English Publisher

Summary
When Shin hears about a doll known as the "bloody doll" from his friends, he can't help but be curious. Instantly falling in love with the figurine he decides to buy it, but there are rumors about the doll and how it got it's name. It can supposedly move and talk, one owner even claimed that it drank his blood.

Unfazed, Shin buys the doll anyway to find out that the rumors might not be as ridiculous as they sound...


My Thoughts on the Manga
This manga made me cry, laugh I was just so into this manga. The story line was great and even the way the characters were drawn was beautiful. It has the one of the best happy endings I have ever experienced in reading manga and let me tell you not many Manga books end as great as this one did.

In this manga you meet a boy name Shin, who is sitting with his friends one day when they start to talk about a doll that is always being put up for auction. They call it the bloody doll because it would start to move around making the owners freak out and put the doll up for sale. This catches Shin's attention and when he see's the picture of the doll he fell in love with it. He buys the doll and it wasn't to long when the doll suddenly moves and calls Shin his master. Shin is startled at first but unlike the dolls last owners he doesn't call the doll a monster. The doll is surprised by this but Shin's feelings never changed it still loves the doll. Shin soon names the doll Shimeji which means small mushroom, of course the doll did say for Shin to name him and he loved the name in the end. The doll can move around in small form but can appear in a larger form like a normal human, which makes it even more cute for the two of them because then you see them kiss and it's all adorable.

It's cute when the doll(Shimeji) starts to feel things for the first time, like love. Shimeji doesn't know what love felt like until he met Shin and would always tell Shin he loved him. Another emotion he experience for the first time is Jealousy. Which happen when Shin was with his friends and was laughing with them but Shimeji couldn't do anything but sit as still as a doll so he reacted by pushing over a vase. It was a cute reaction but it got Shin mad at Shimeji, causing Shimeji to react by hitting Shin. I can't spoil any more because what happens next is so sad and cute you would want to read it yourself. Not to mention the secret ending was surprised by who is on top and who is on bottom.

Then there was the story at the end of the manga that was so cute,
I have to write it down for you guys:

Once upon a time,
There was a doll that only needed
his master’s love to develop a soul.

But because he was so unique,
he was feared by the people around him,
and became very lonely.

Then oneday, he met someone who would accept all of him for who he was,
a master gave him many new experiences and emotions.

After many trials,
the two discovered their mutual love for one another,
and swore to remain together forever.

Many long years later,
the master’s life was finally nearing its end… and even then,
the doll remained at his master’s side.

…And when his master finally passed away,
the doll never moved again.

Those Two must have gone to heaven together.

Design




Very cute style of drawings, you can see how the author took time in the design of the characters. She put lots of detail in the character Shimeji with his style of clothes especially. You can see how cute the characters are and how their emotions show well on their faces. Though the backgrounds are not always drawn your main focus is on the characters and how they react towards one another.









Overall
It's a cute story and you will like it, it's cute and funny and even sad near the end. You will love every moment of this manga and I highly recommend it.

Rating
5 out of 5 Howling Wolves

As the Death God Dictates Manga Review

Author: Ao Mimori
Artist: Ao Mimori

Genra: Romance, Shojo,
Supernatrual, Tragedy

Year: 2003

Original Publisher:

Shueisha   

Volumes: 

2 Volume (Complete)

 Licensed (in English)

No

English Publisher

Summary
Ayumi is a 16-year-old who has a crush on her classmate, Musashi. One day, the God of Death appears before her, and announces that she has only one month left to live. There's no stopping the hourglass of fate! Life is short, girl, so love with all your might!

My Thoughts on the Manga
I gotta say I'm so disappointed that this manga hasn't been license yet even thought it's such a great story. The one company that could have probably license it (Tokyopop) went out of business here in North America. Since I love this manga a lot I will give you a link on where to read it below.

Ayumi is kind of a silly girl who lets the guy she has a crush on push her around. It's funny how she reacts to Musashi because first she thinks he's just using her for stuff but he's just being a boy who picks on the girl he likes. She also starts to think she's going crazy when she starts to hear and see things no one elses can. Soon she is told by the god of death that she has a month left to live and then she will die. At first she doesn't know how to react, she tries to ignore thoughts of that but then it starts to effect her school work. It isn't long before Musashi notices her acting weird and starts to help her think of something they could do to help each other. Musashi is like any high school boy, he picks on the girl he likes. Though when he learns about Ayumi's problem with the god of death, he starts to help her in any way that he can. As for the god of death he isn't the bad guy, he's just doing is job. He's really nice and a kind person who has always been alone. He really shows his emotion when he's upset, it shows when he cries for a cat he had to bring to the other word. He sweet and caring even though he has a bad job. He even falls for Ayumi and though his jealousy hurts Ayumi he soon learns this and backs off so that Ayumi can be with Musashi. There is a scene after the cat dies that Ayumi and the god of death is talking and she doesn't know what to call him. So she tell's him that she would give him a name but she didn't get the chance to because she was late for class. Though before Ayumi goes he tells her how he's excited to hear her name for him.

The romance is cute but sad because Ayumi only has a month left to live and being with Musashi is all new to her. It's cute when Ayumi firsts confesses to Musashi since it was a mistake at first and the next day Musashi ignores her. She doesn't know why Musashi ignores her but when she confronts Ayumi afterwards and she learns that he ignored her because he was embaressed. He confesses to her as well and they start dating. During this time the god of death falls in love with Ayumi and it's cute how he tries to deal with it. You will fall in love with the god of death even more so when you learn his name.

The plot is great, it's both funny and so sad. For one thing Ayumi isn't suppose to see the god of death but for some reason she does and the god of death is confused at first. Though later he tells them it doesn't matter if she can see him or not she still has to die in a month. This causes problems with Ayumi that she has to go through. During the two volumes you see how Ayumi and Misashi deal with her having a god of death on her and how Musashi would do anything to protect her. During this time of being able to talk to Ayumi the god of death falls in love with her. Even when he gets jealous and starts to say how Ayumi would die soon anyway so why be with Musashi. He ends up learning that she belongs with Musashi and that he would do anything to save her from death and the consequences is quite high. . .

Design




It's a cute simple style this mangka has. She loves her details simple and yet you know what your seeing. There is lots of talking in this manga but it doesn't take away from the images. It also shows lots of chibish parts but those are cute to see. As you can see the characters are drawn cute both in the design of the boys and the girls. They are a simple design but you will love the characters either way.









Overall
I highly recommend this manga, you will fall in love with the characters and especially the god of death. You might cry but that's what makes the ending so very good. Here is the link if you wish to read the manga:
http://www.mangareader.net/1258/as-the-death-god-dictates.html

Rating
5 out of 5 Howling Wolves

Unicorn Keep by Angelia Almos Blog Tour!!!

I would love to say I'm so happy to be part of the Unicorn Keep Blog Tour. It's my second time being part of a blog tour and it's very exciting to have been able to read this book! Now onto the more important stuff hehe!!!

Unicorn Keep

Author: Angelia Almos 

Release Date:  April 30th 2012
Format: ebook

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

Summery:
Jiline of Ainsley is dismayed when her best friend is selected by the mages to become a unicorn keeper at the Keep, an isolated mountain fortress. Especially since Madelen is in love and engaged to the richest boy in the village. Jiline on the other hand has no prospects of marriage or a trade in their small village. So, she comes up with a plan to take Madelen’s place at the Keep and hopefully flunk out of unicorn keeper training before the mages can discover the deception. Unfortunately, the unicorns have their own plans for her.

Mage Herrick, son of the Keep Mage, returns home to the Keep as the trainee keepers arrive. A chance encounter with Jiline, who he believes is Madelen, on the trail sparks a magical connection between the two. Knowing he can’t feel a magical draw to someone who has no magic, he tries to prove Madelen (Jiline) has magic within her. His attention brings unforeseen complications for both of them.

My Thoughts on Book
It's the first time I read a book that had Unicorns in it. I also don't usually read books with magic in it, so this was all so new to me. That being said, I loved every moment of this book.

Jiline is brave and a kind person who wanted to help her friend who was chosen to go to the keep. Many people had always confused her and Madelen for being sisters or even twins, that's how much they look alive. So with that knowledge she and Madelen change places while on the road. Even with the risk of getting caught and repermended she still wanted to help her friend. The reason she took her friends place was because for one Madelen was in love with a boy name Will. Will is the mayor's son Wilm and was going to marry Madelen. In addition., Jiline's family didn't want her around anymore because they couldn't afford a full house of children. Her sisters are still stuck at home because no one has married them or taken them on as an apprentice. This has left the family too poor to be able to take them all. The book takes place in an era where the horse and buggy is still the main way to travel. This also means they have old fashion clothing and work areas. Jiline is 15, old enough to get married or find a job or apprenticeship. Since she can't find work or marriage, she decided it would be easier for her family if she left them. She goes to the Keep where she pretends to be her friend Madelen. Everyone believes it true, except for Herrick. Herrick is a full fledge young mage. He's only a couple years older then Madelen (Juline) when he meets her on the trail to the keep. He feels drawn to her and the need to protect her and be around her over takes him.  He's not the only one who feels the drawn, though a bit slower Jiline also feels a drawn to the young mage. Your going to have to read to find out the real reason.

The romance in this book is small, with most of the plot line focus on the unicorns and Jilian helping them. There isn't a time to focus on the relationship between Herrick and Jilian. There is a few romantic moments, and the ending that is lovely and sweet. You will have to read it to learn what becomes of the two of them.

The plotline is lovely and it will draw you in from start to finish. It all centers around Jilian and the Unicorns who tell her she is the only one who can free them from them being captives near the mages keep. Jilian didn't think they were captives, based on how the mages act, but soon realizes she trusted the wrong people and she started to help the unicorns. In the story there is two different sets of people at the keep. Mages are people with magic and can cast spells, while keepers are just normal humans with no magic at all. The Unicorns need to be protected from the mages and from the ordinary humans who are unaware of magic.


Overall
I highly suggest you pick this book up and read it because you will love it as much as I do. I recommend it for people who love magic and unicorns. Not to mention some romance and adventure!

Rating
4 out of 5 Howling Wolves

Author

Angelia Almos formed a lifelong passion for horses at the age of five when she talked her parents into riding lessons. Horses often play a prominent role in her young adult fantasy books. She also write horsey nonfiction and space opera. She lives in the Sierra Nevada Mountains with her husband, two daughters, two dogs, two cats, and one pony (she often thinks of bumping that number up to two).

Visit her website: http://www.angeliaalmos.com/
Twitter:  www.twitter.com/angeliaalmos
Facebook:  www.facebook.com/AngeliaAlmosAuthor

Book Excerpt

Excerpt 1 - Beginning of Book:
    The mages would judge all children between the ages of ten and fifteen at full light. Jiline hesitated outside the village square. Her stomach fluttered as she stayed in the dark corner of the livery stable. The village of Ainsley was not quiet. Voices wrapped around her. Some of the voices belonged to her friends. Any of them could be selected by the mages.

    Rain clouds covered the sky. There would be no pretty dawn for the selection.

    “Jiline,” a voice whispered behind her.

    She jumped, so focused on the square, she missed her best friend coming up behind her. “You scared me.”

    “Sorry,” Madelen whispered. “What are you doing?”

    “Watching,” she whispered back.

    Their fingers intertwined as they held hands. Jiline checked her friend over closely. Those in the village joked that the two girls looked more like sisters to each other than to their own siblings which was true. They were both fifteen years, same height, brown hair, green eyes, even the same mouth, but Madelen was the pretty one.

    Madelen had been scared when word came out about the arrival of the mages coming into the village last night. So scared she had cried. She didn’t want to be chosen for a life of servitude. Not when the mayor’s son was in love with her. The mayor had made an offer for her a few months ago and her parents had accepted. In a little over a year, Madelen and Wilm, the mayor’s son, would be wed. Even without the prospects Madelen had Jiline wasn’t any more thrilled about the prospect of being drafted by the mages.

Excerpt 2:
    “No, you’ll go with Wilm.” She spoke fast before she could talk herself out of her sudden scheme. “You’ll leave for the Keep just as expected. Wilm can head off for his apprenticeship. You two will meet up and go together.”

    “But they’ll know I didn’t come.”

    “No, they won’t.” She took a deep breath. The plan would not only help her friends, but benefit her family as well. “I’ll go in your place.”

    “The crystal didn’t glow for you.”

    “We’ll just have to hope they don’t have a giant crystal at the entrance or if they do they’ll just assume that I, Madelen, did something between today and then that ruined my soul.”

    Madelen turned her head to stare directly at her. “You’ll go as me?”

    “Of course, I can’t go as me. My name isn’t written on that parchment.” She brushed Madelen’s hair out of her face with her fingertips. “You know how everyone always jokes we look more alike than different. How we could almost be twins?”

    “You’re my best friend, if they discovered our deceit...”

    “They won’t. They won’t remember me from today. I’ll be you and you’ll be me.” The plan solidified in her head and became more possible with each passing second. “I’ll tell my parents I learned of an apprenticeship for myself. They’ll be happy to see me go. Wilm will go to the apprenticeship he’s been waiting on. I’ll travel with him for safety. You’ll go to the Keep. We’ll meet on the trail. You become me and go with Wilm.”

Divergent by Veronica Roth Book Review

Divergent

Author: Veronica Roth   

ISBN: 0062024027 (ISBN13: 9780062024022)

Release Date:  May 3rd 2011
Format : paperback
Pages: 487

Genre: Young Adult, Dystopian, Romance,
Science Fiction, Fantasy
Series: Divergent #1

Summary
Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue—Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is—she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.

During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles to determine who her friends really are—and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes infuriating boy fits into the life she's chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers a growing conflict that threatens to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves… or it might destroy her.

My Thoughts on the Book
The first thing I must mention is that there is no written summer on the back cover of the paperback book. i had to find the summery online. I think that the cover designer dropped the ball on this one. Even if the book is popular, it should still include a summary for new readers. That being said, this book was amazing! I loved every minute of this adventure. I couldn't stop reading this book, and when I finally did it left me wanting more. I can see myself doing things in this book, such as facing my fears of heights and needles. However, since the Dauntless fortress is mostly of heights I would probably get kicked out. You see, part of the initiation is facing your fears. It shows how strong Tris is though, as she's able to face her fears.

You can tell right away with our main girl Beatrice that she doesn't belong to the fraction she lived with for 16 years of her life. She always is curious, which isn't allowed in the Abnegation fraction. Nor is she suppose to speak unless spoken too. She wants to learn things, and that's one of the reasons she chose to be in a new fraction. She knew she didn't belong and that she would be better off in another fraction.  When she goes to a simulation to learn of the other options to pick for the ceremony, something wrong happens that changes everything for her life. It's only in the end of these problems that she chooses Dauntless, a fraction based on fighting you fears and being brave. As you read through the books you see her go through some hard times, making her look weak on the outside, but inside she's strong. She wants to get back and show everyone who she really is. It's because of this reason that she changes her name to Tris. This strong side is seen by Four, a member of the Dauntless assign to teach the students for initiation. Four is a strong character and drawn to Tris. He starts to look after her, though he doesn't show much kindness towards her. You know he's worried for her and wants to care for her in his own way. It's cute seeing how this strange pair react to one another and I love the moments they are together.

The Romance in this book is slow, but it's really cute how Tris and Four act towards each other. You see small hints from Four towards Tris and you know he has a thing for her. Tris doesn't realized her own feelings towards Four until later in the book. They have to be strong, supporting each other and covering one another's weaknesses. When they do start to relax and teach and kiss each other, I just couldn't help but celebrate. You know they love each other, but Tris doesn't seem to realize it yet. I hope she does soon.

As I mentioned before, the book centers around Beatrice (Tris), an Abnegation fraction child, and her life as she goes in for her testing to see what fraction she belongs to. From they day you turn 16 you take a test to give you options of what fraction you could choose to be in. On the main choosing day, you pick the fraction you most want to be in, either your own fraction or a different one. Beatrice picks the Dauntless as the fraction she would be staying with from now on, which makes her abandon her family. She changes her name and she can be who she wants to be, not someone she's not. The Erudite dislike the Abnegation because they are in charge of the government. Throughout the book there has been lots of made up stories about the Abnegation and soon it gets worse then the stories when the Erudite come up with something that is worse then anyone could have imagine and it involves the Dauntless. While not quite so serious, young readers can identify with this. From the moment they start high school, they're forced to pick their subjects to allow them to go to college or university.  It forces them to go down a certain path, shutting the door for other options if they change their minds. You may start high school thinking you want to be an actor, but change your mind to be a biologist. By grade 11, most biology options may be locked out for students, forcing them to retake classes.


Design


The book cover is rather plain, but they work with it to make it very eye catching. I love how the flames in the center of the book reflect when you tilt the book to the side. As I said above, I don't like the fact that the paperback version has no summary anywhere on the book cover, but besides that it's nicely done. The title and the placement of the author's name is very lovely and I can see the connection there is from this book to the next book. As the symbol changes when the placement of the characters change.




Overall
Great dystopian novel I loved everything about this book, from the facing your fears to the main plot line that will surprise you. I really recommend reading this book if your a big Dystopian fan.

Rating

5 out of 5 Howling Wolves

Tsuki ni Hoero Manga Review

Author: Sei Takenaka
Artist: Sei Takenaka

Genra: Yaoi

Year: 2009

Original Publisher:

Shinkousha  

Volumes: 

1 Volume (Complete)

 Licensed (in English)

No

English Publisher

Summary
1-2) Howl at the Moon
Miki is the bodyguard of the super-model, Ran. He’s also the only person who knows that the golden-eyed Ran is in fact a werewolf. Not only does Ran have an animalistic sex-drive, he’s also inhumanly strong. “Then, why does he need me as his bodyguard?” Miki wondered… And then, Ran was stabbed by a fan while protecting Miki...

3) Intoxicated by the Moon - A different werewolf this time.

4) LOST

5) Secret

6-10) Start with a Kiss
Super popular high school student Nishimura Jun has a beautiful face, a great body and women lining up to have sex with him! So why is Jun still a virgin? The romantic Jun wants nothing more that a sweet and pure love. Hiding his virginity is becoming tiring, especially since kouhai Machida seems to be onto his ruse...

My Thoughts on the Manga
To say this manga is hot is a understatement, it's so damn sexy!!! It's my first time reading a manga with gay werewolves in it. I've read a straight one before which I should do a review for in the future since I love it so damn much. I will show you below in the design area why I love this manga so much.

I will talk about the first story since it's the main story of the whole manga. Miki is a shy kind man who finds a wolf one day, it attacks him and later finds out that it's actually a werewolf. The wolf/Ran asks Miki to be his body guard just to keep Miki around him. On nights of the full moon Ran goes into heat and can't control himself around Miki. Ren works as a model and that's also why he needs Miki as a body guard. The first two stories of this manga is with working as a model and about werewolves the other stories are random.

The romance is fast but needed for this two chapter story, the same with the other manga story's in this manga. It's all very cute and sexy how they get together and I'm sure you will love every moment of it.

I do hope it gets license soon, the author's other manga series is already license to Digital Media so this should hopefully be licensee soon. Then you will be able to see why I love this manga so damn much.

Design




















As I was saying, Look at how damn hot this manga is with the way it's design. The characters have a lot of detail put into them and the eyes just draw you in so damn much. It captures your attention from the start to the finish. The mangka puts detail in the background as well and on how she does her wolves. Just to tell you the werewolf Ren is the guy with black hair and Miki is the light hair guy.

Overall
Great stories great design you will love this Yaoi manga as much as I do.

Rating

5 out of 5 Howling Wolves

The Birth House by Ami McKay Review

The Birth House

Author: Ami McKay  

ISBN: 0676977731 (ISBN13: 9780676977738)

Release Date:  March 6th 2007
Format : paperback
Pages: 408

Genre: Historical Fiction, Canadian Literature,
Adult Fiction

Summary
The Birth House is the story of Dora Rare, the first daughter to be born in five generations of the Rare family. 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 the turbulent years of World War I, Dora becomes the midwife's apprentice. Together, they help the women of Scots Bay through infertility, difficult labors, breech births, unwanted pregnancies and even unfulfilling sex lives.

When Gilbert Thomas, a brash medical doctor, comes to Scots Bay with promises of fast, painless childbirth, some of the women begin to question Miss Babineau's methods - and after Miss Babineau's death, Dora is left to carry on alone. In the face of fierce opposition, she must summon all of her strength to protect the birthing traditions and wisdom that have been passed down to her.

Filled with details that are as compelling as they are surprising-childbirth in the aftermath of the Halifax Explosion, the prescribing of vibratory treatments to cure hysteria and a mysterious elixir called Beaver Brew- The Birth House is an unforgettable tale of the struggles women have faced to maintain control over their own bodies and to keep the best parts of tradition alive in the world of modern medicine.

My Thoughts On the Book

'The Birth House' follows the life of Dora Rare, the first girl born in five generations of Rares. Dora is the fourth of seven children (Albert, Borden, Charlie, Dora, Ezekiel, Forest and Gord) and often struggles with being a lady around six brothers. Dora's often called a witch, or changling, due to being the only Rare girl. The book mainly follows Dora between 1916-1918, between her being 17 and 19 but does touch on her childhood and her adult life. She and her family live in an isolated Nova Scotia village, leaving her both naive in life, but wiser and stronger than a city girl would be.

The book opens with Dora being recruited by the local midwife, Miss Babineau (Miss B.) into helping her with a premature birth. Miss B. sees that Dora has a talent with helping in childbirth, and begins to informally teach her traditional medicine and midwifery. This is important, as a new doctor, Dr. Gilbert Thomas, has moved into the village. Straight from the start, Miss B. and Dora clash with him over traditional and modern medicine.

While Dora does grow in the book, she remains herself. Given that the book takes place in a time when women were expected to cook, clean and have babies, the biggest growth that Dora sees if that she grows wiser and learns to use her voice. She faces a traditional family, an abusive husband, and Dr. Thomas. While she has no problems in questioning and confronting them, it's her realization of her role in the world that's most important.

Some readers may have trouble with reading how causally women are abused and raped by their husbands in this book. While it doesn't happen to every woman, it is clear that everyone knows it happens yet does nothing to stop it. It usually takes the woman running away or dying that it causes it to end, then her eldest daughter takes the abuse. If she runs away, she's shunned as being unable to take care of her husband's needs, or painted as having provoked her husband into snapping. (Tragically, this happened in my own family, with my great-grandmother and grandmother when my great-grandmother fled the abuse of my great-grandfather, then with emotional abuse between my mother and myself, showing that it still happens today and does run in families.) While the violence isn't directly shown, descriptions of the aftermath is shown. In the case of Dora, she accepts the rape as her chance to have a child, which she desperately wants.

Other hard ideas are brought up in the book, mainly the idea of stopping an unwanted pregnancy from happening, and naturally ending it if it does happen. Moral ideas, like if revealing affairs is best or not, are also brought up. The characters seem to fear conflict, and just accept things as they are. The decline of traditional medicine over modern medicine is one that's still in debate today, although readers may find some practices (such as using a doctor using a vibrator on a woman to help 'balance' her blood and emotions) odd in today's modern world, while it was acceptable then.

Readers will be satisfied with the ending. Everything comes together in a way that shows the beginning of woman's rights, within the proper historical context. The book is written in a mix of first-person, diaries, letters, and newspaper clippings and ads, which can be confusing at the change, but make sense as read. Major events such as World War I and the Halifax Explosion take place. Some events, such as the Halifax Explosion, are best understood by a Canadian audience as part of Canadian history. Writer Ami McKay's journalism background really shone through, researching real details as the wrote the book. The book itself includes a recipe for a Groaning Cake (which is mentioned in the book), interviews with Kelly Hill, who designed the book's cover, background history of the real birthing house that inspired the book, and notes on the herbs and medicines mentioned in it.

Design



The artwork for the book is simple, but powerful. It shows the belly and legs of a barefoot pregnant woman, cradling her belly and the baby inside. It really captures the idea that a woman is kept 'barefoot pregnant' by her husband, but also the hope that each new generation can change and bring freedom from unneeded pregnancy and abuse.





Overall
This book really hit home for me. I usually avoided historical fiction, cringing at the mistakes. McKay nailed it though. It's clear why 'The Birthing House' is a #1 best seller.

Rating
5 out of 5 Howling Wolves


Review By: Cassandra Halikas