I was drawn to Rebecca Walker's pregnancy memoir because I find myself suddenly quite ambivalent about motherhood. While I've always thought I would have children and have never really imagined adulthood without them, I recently came to the conclusion that I could also have a happy, fulfilling life if I did NOT have a child.

This book shows a major shift in Rebecca - B.C. (before child) to A.C. (after child). During the first half of the book, Rebecca B.C. and I didn't have much in common. I'm pretty "generic" or typical in that I would probably never consider going with a doula and midwife over the best OB/GYN I could find in my city. I used to live in San Francisco so as I was reading I kept thinking, "Why isn't she going to one of the Cal-Pacific or UCSF hospitals?"

However, it was fascinating to read about pregnancy from Rebecca's perspective and to see her 180 degree change of heart - from fantasizing about and planning *her* birthing experience to being solely concerned with the health and safety of her child. It was educational and enlightening to experience pregnancy in an alternative way than how I will in my own life and then, in the end, realize that moms-to-be - no matter who they are - probably have more in common than not.

Black & White is incredibly well-written and enjoyable to read. Shapiro's descriptions of the photo shoots, while disturbing, are captivating. The reader can visualize the scenes (and the characters) so easily. In my opinion, the image of Clara's father is the most heart-breaking; all he wanted to do was protect his daughter and her innocence from the masses. While I was surprised by the minimal sympathy I felt for Ruth near the end, I was never entirely convinced that she deserved it. I'm sure the book will leave readers debating Ruth's motives and her love for her children.

The Power of One is one of my all-time favorite books. I'm finally making the trip to South Africa this year and I'm thrilled. I only wish I could read something else *just like* this while I'm there.

One of the most amazing reads. Heart-breaking *and* heart-warming. I still choke up thinking of the friendship in this book.