Do you have a list of books you borrowed from the library, loved, and want to own? I have a decent list going, and this was swiftly added—before I'd even finished. It was one of those impulsive moments at the library when I picked this up. I'd gone by on my way outta town to pick up my hold of AMERICAN SPY. As I was leaving, I saw this staring out at me. My brain sparked, recalling the loving reviews from some trusted friends and I grabbed it and went back to the checkout desk. I was supposed to finish AMERICAN SPY on that lakeside excursion, but instead I finished this one.

All this lead up only because I am *that* person that recalls the moment a really great book came into my life. Rosenwaike's short stories are all centered on women. The protagonists of each of her tight, compact stories are at various points of change regarding pregnancy, birth, parenting, and/or babies. She winds these tales through the characters' intimate thoughts—funny, genuine, heartbreaking—I had such a strong emotional reaction to various parts.

The story "June" contained a 'birth story' scenario that so closely resembled mine I had to put the book aside for a minute. I wondered: if I had read this story while pregnant or before ever becoming pregnant—would I have felt less fear in the situation? I've said this before, but I tend to learn more about the world and relate to it through fiction than through textbooks. I read (and was utterly bored by) a bevy of pregnancy and birth and parenting books. They did nothing for me. But, maybe, if I had read this collection before as my younger self, maybe I would have felt just a ~tad~ less anxiety (lol I mean, no, but). But regardless, it came to me when it did, and that was the right time, too. When I finished it, I sent a copy of the novel to my three friends in Los Angeles; we all had our daughters within two weeks of each other. I hope they recognize the beauty in Rosenwaike's collection as I recognize the beauty in each of them and what we share. I hope the last line sears through their hearts the way it did mine. I'm so glad this book exists; and I can't wait to own it.