250/365: Baby Catcher

I started reading this book today and I have to say it is really fascinating. Now, I'm not planning on popping out babies anytime soon but this book (already) has made me think about what I want my birthing experience to be like.

Another really interesting part of this book is that the woman who is telling these stories started nursing school in the 1960s. Of course, that was a time of great change with the civil rights movement and all of that. She also got to see the change from childbirth being strictly "women's work" and men not being allowed into the delivery room to a time where that was accepted and even encouraged.

238/365: The Help, Take 2

I really cannot get enough of The Help. The book was absolutely amazing. Since Seth was gone all day I was able to finish the book and then we went to see the movie tonight. It was good, but I think I would have liked it more had I not read the book.

Reading the book and watching the movie has really made me think about the lines that we draw between people. The civil rights movement was over 40 years ago and I think a lot of people would like to think we've moved past that, but I don't think we have. Yes, our country has come a long way, but I think we still have a ways to go. And I'm willing to admit I like to draw lines in my own life about who I will and won't talk to and unfortunately I find that more often than not I'm more like Miss Hilly than Miss Skeeter.

I want to be like Miss Skeeter and I want to buck social norms and fight for change, but I find that, like Miss Hilly, I'm pretty comfortable right where I am and change is only going to make me uncomfortable. I pray that God would make me uncomfortable and show me places in my life where I need to advocate for change.

229/365: The Help

It's in theaters, everyone is talking about it, why not read it? Haven't finished Water for Elephants (I've barely started), so this will be waiting for me when I'm done.

228/365: Water for Elephants