A Universe from Nothing by Lawrence M. Krauss

A Universe from Nothing by Lawrence M. Krauss

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc (January 2012)

226 pages, Audiobook (purchased myself for $11.95)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

In a book filled with scientific theory and detailed observations, Lawrence Krauss weaves together an intricate picture of how there can be something from nothing.  Using the latest research and theory in cosmology and quantum mechanics, Krauss dives into much detail from the Big Bang to virtual particles in order to outline how the underlying physics of our universe requires that some will always come from nothing.

Another purpose of this book is to continue a debate between scientists and philosophers/theologians on the concept of first cause (that there must be a creator/god). This is an attempt to try to prove that by the current understanding of physics, that science can now prove that there is no longer a first cause. It's not quite there yet; there are many holes to be filled, but it provides a great deal to think about. 

The book is a thick read, I personally had to read it twice. One chapter I had to read 5 times.  It isn't an easy read, but well worth it in the end.

Farewell to the East End by Jennifer Worth

Farewell to the East End by Jennifer Worth

The Midwife Trilogy, Book 3

Publisher: Weidenfeld & Nicolson (January 2010)

240 pages, Paperback (purchased myself in an omnibus edition for $11.99)

Book Rating: 5 Stars

This memoir, much like the first in this trilogy, includes midwife and nurse’s stories from London’s East End. Many of the stories in this volume are arranged to highlight certain health issues of the day (twins/triplets, infanticide, tuberculosis, abortion), and include accompanying statistics and historical information. It is also worth noting that some of the stories included are of a bit more seedy nature than those included in the first two volumes, but I felt they were tastefully presented and the people therein were depicted with dignity. Happily, the last few chapters let you know what happened to all the nurses and nuns that you have come to know throughout the three volumes in this series. Wonderful series!

Movie Adaptations/Modern Retellings/Related Works:

Call the Midwife (TV Series 2012-)
Vanessa Redgrave, Jessica Raine, Bryony Hannah

My Rating: 3 Stars

Adaption: Verbatim-Tweaked-Veiled

Eye Candy: Plain-Pretty-Sultry

Shadows of the Workhouse by Jennifer Worth

Shadows of the Workhouse by Jennifer Worth

The Midwife Trilogy, Book 2

Publisher: Weidenfeld & Nicolson (January 2010)

223 pages, Paperback (purchased myself in an omnibus edition for $11.99)

Book Rating: 5 Stars

In her first book, Jennifer Worth introduced us to the life of a midwife in London’s East End in the 1950’s, and in this second book, we take up the stories of some secondary characters from the first book (Jane, Frank & Peggy, and Sister Monica Joan) as well as the story of an old soldier by the name of Joseph Collett. This book contains much less of Worth’s own experiences and more of the stories of others that she encountered while working as a midwife. Some of the stories within have more to do with the institutional workhouse than others, but most have some connection thereto. I enjoyed the layout of the stories, logically arranged into three parts and appreciated the author’s reflective, non-judgmental voice throughout the telling never condemning a person for actions or choices that were clearly a product of the times and the situations people found themselves in. Wonderful read and an excellent continuation of the first book in this series!

Movie Adaptations/Modern Retellings/Related Works:

Call the Midwife (TV Series 2012-)
Vanessa Redgrave, Jessica Raine, Bryony Hannah

My Rating: 3 Stars

Adaption: Verbatim-Tweaked-Veiled

Eye Candy: Plain-Pretty-Sultry

Call the Midwife by Jennifer Worth

Call the Midwife by Jennifer Worth

The Midwife Trilogy, Book 1

Publisher: Weidenfeld & Nicolson (January 2010)

279 pages, Paperback (purchased myself in an omnibus edition for $11.99)

Book Rating: 5 Stars

This is Jennifer Worth’s memoir of life as a midwife in London’s East End in the 1950’s. This story was not only interesting, but also very entertaining, and provides a look at 1950’s midwifery, the culture of the East End and a way of life that is now gone. The collection of anecdotes about patients, nuns, fellow midwives, and East End culture are threaded together in a seamless presentation that is at times poignant and others hilarious. It is worth noting that this book is the first book in a trilogy, followed by Shadows of the Workhouse and Farewell to the East End. Also, if you are watching the TV series currently airing on PBS, that TV series contains stories from all three books in the trilogy and is not confined to the content from the first book. Highly recommended read!

Movie Adaptations/Modern Retellings/Related Works:

Call the Midwife (TV Series 2012-)
Vanessa Redgrave, Jessica Raine, Bryony Hannah

My Rating: 3 Stars

Adaption: Verbatim-Tweaked-Veiled

Eye Candy: Plain-Pretty-Sultry