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from the Reviews:
"More than
merely exploring 'issues,' Bearing Life provides experiences of
recognition, catharsis, possibly even healing, in a powerful and
exemplary realization of the anthology form."
- Susan Edmiston, The San Francisco Chronicle
(read
the full review)
"Here, 52 women tell me
through poetry, short stories, and essays that it's acceptable to
not want kids. I do have a choice in the matter, and if I decide
against having children, I don't have to feel selfish. I don't have
to apologize... Searing, at times raw and unapologetic throughout,
Bearing Life is, as Ratner states, a "pro-choice book." It will
soon be passed around my circle of friends like all the other books
we've shared. I want them to know they're free to make that choice,
too."
- Samantha Spinrad, St. Petersburg Times
"Together, these writings
illuminate the complex issue of childlessness and the social stigmata
that can be attached to women who are not mothers... This fine,
fascinating collection of sensitive literature, appropriate for
bibliotherapy and book discussions, is highly recommended for all
libraries."
- Library Journal (starred review)
"A justifiable slap
in the face to every individual who proclaimed to instruct or to
voice his or her opinion as to a woman's health, life, and own personal
bliss. The women who write of their experiences do so in tender,
saddening, and brutally honest ways as to defile any myths still
clinging to that of the last century... As Ms. Ratner writes in
her introduction, "Reading these pages, we see ourselves, our
friends, members of our families, and we take away something-love,
understanding, maybe deeper knowledge-to pass on, if not to our
own children, then to the children of others. It's an important
legacy." This is an equally important gesture for these writers
to contribute what will be required reading in days to come."
- Chril Mansel, The Muse Apprentice Guild
Sample Selections
Read selections by Evelyn C. Rosser, Denise Duhamel,
Irena Klepfisz and Mary Mackey on Barnes
& Noble website
Full
Table of Contents from Barnes &
Noble Website
Read
an excerpt from the Introduction
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Listen
to Rochelle Ratner on "Total Wellness Radio"
|
Listen
to Rochelle Ratner
discuss
Bearing Life
on Total
Wellness Radio
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