The Gift of Giving Life: A review and GIVEAWAY! *Contest Closed*

This post is a stop on the Virtual Book Tour for The Gift of Giving Life. 

I'm glad you've stopped by because I want to share something with you.

~Stick with me for a Giveaway and discount code for readers~

I don't say this lightly because I know your time is precious, and your choice of reading material must meet a high standard. But if you only read one book over the next year, read this one.

I'm serious.
It's that important.

A few weeks ago I was contacted by Lani, one of the co-authors, to review The Gift of Giving Life. While I did have hopes for the book to be fantastic, I was also cautious. I've read my share of books on the topic and a majority of them just cannot adequately express the importance and divine nature of womanhood . I was tired of feeling dis empowered after shutting their covers. Frustrated at the notions that women are not strong enough to handle our experiences; That we are not smart enough to make our own decisions regarding prenatal care, birth and even infertility---That we must be shielded or saved from these sometimes very difficult choices--- That we must leave these decisions to someone more educated in the eyes of the world.
TGOGL is a refreshing look at the many questions and ultimately the answers that a lovely variety of women (and a few men) have encountered in their journeys through life. Oh! The inspiration and eternal nature of the education we are entitled to receive when we search with an open heart and mind for learning regarding our bodies and spirits! Our creator fully intended for these experiences to deepen our understanding of his love and concern for us. This book, The Gift of Giving Life is itself a gift to all who will receive it.
When I met up with Lani to receive my copy, I was curious to know more about her involvement with its writing. She likened her experience to pregnancy and birth which I thought was a fitting description; One in which the first trimester was new and exciting, yet exhausting. The second trimester brought renewed energy and much progress while the third felt slow as molasses-- I imagine the details of getting it to the printer must have been tedious. She conveyed that this book, their baby, and the labor of love has been an incredibly rewarding experience for everyone involved. A blessing, as birth always is.
The day following, I left on a trip for New York City. I looked forward to having the long trip to read and ponder. About 4 hours into the flight, Heather, the woman next to me seemed curious about my reading material. This very well groomed and clearly educated woman wanted to know why I was reading a book about birth. I told her that I was profoundly and eternally affected by my birth experiences and that I had since become involved in birthwork through doula service and childbirth education. It was then that a broad smile spread across her face. Heather is a registered nurse and also a trained birth doula for her close friends and family. She had thought long and hard about her options and decided that for her it was right to have her babies naturally at home. I'm embarrassed to admit that 5 years ago, before serving as doula to women of all faiths and walks of life, Heather's high end clothing, expensive hand bag, fresh from the salon hair and perfectly manicured nails would have hindered me from seeing she would be one to care deeply about her choices in childbirth. Thankfully, the women I serve have taught me differently.
At the end of our flight we exchanged information and I said a silent prayer of thanks that I was carrying TGOGL and that she was interested enough to bring up the topic of birth and motherhood.

This is just a small part of the value I see in this book. It unites us as women. It unites us as mothers. No matter the details or differences in our stories, we all have stories. We can all learn from each other's paths and choices and wisdom to help us make our own way. The Holy Spirit can direct us in our thoughts when we are open with each other. Isn't that a blessing?

Now, I had planned on sharing some of the passages from the book that have meant so much to me personally, but my book is marked up like crazy and I'm working to condense my thoughts. So I've decided to do so along with a The Gift of Giving Life book Giveaway! (Winner to be chosen tomorrow, Saturday the 16th, 3 pm Arizona time). To enter, simply comment below why you would love to win this book. For an extra entry, share this post on your Facebook page and tell me in a separate comment that you did so. In the meantime, notice the discount code for readers-- Don't miss out because the code expires on Sunday! Stock up. Seriously. It makes an awesome gift for a woman of any age!

Visit The Gift of Giving Life site to sign up for their newsletter and to receive a free Meditation MP3 as well as tips to help increase spirituality in your pregnancy and birth. 

For my readers I have a coupon code for 10% off a copy of The Gift of Giving Life.   Click here and after you add the book to your cart use this coupon code.  GWFWXR3F  This code is good until Father’s Day 2012.