Reviews with content warning for Pregnancy - Take My Hand

Trigger warnings: Racism, pregnancy, sterilization of children, brief insinuations of child abuse.

I passed on this book a couple years ago when I had the opportunity to choose it from Book of the Month, and then it recently showed up in my Little Free Library so I took it as a sign that I should give it a chance. I'm so glad I did. It's easily one of the most moving books I've read so far this year, and while it was often heartbreaking, it also left me feeling inspired and uplifted by the time it was over. The characters felt real, and learning at the end that the book was actually loosely based on true events felt like being punched in the gut. I cannot wait to pick up more from this author.

Content Warnings

aude's review against another edition

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challenging emotional hopeful informative reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

Content Warnings

esjackson's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional hopeful informative reflective sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Content Warnings

cdoubet's review against another edition

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dark emotional sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Content Warnings

ola_aleece's review against another edition

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challenging emotional inspiring reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Content Warnings

jaduhluhdabooks's review against another edition

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dark emotional informative reflective tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? N/A
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Civil Townsend is a Black nurse who committed to healing her community, particularly the community of Black women in Montgomery, Alabama. Taking place in the early 1970s, this novel takes us on Civil’s journey with two of her patients, Erica and India - sisters who are recipient care from the clinic located in their part of town. Civil discovers that this clinic is doing much more than the prevention care it is aimed to do. After a horrific event, Civil vows to support the families in need who are victims of this injustice.

This a story about conquering. Conquering fears - whether it’s the fear of man or society, or the fear of self. This is a book about unconditioned love. What does it mean to love someone so deeply you would go to ends of the earth for them? Even if they’re not your blood, you would still give them everything to watch them know just how loved they are. This is a story about the realities of healthcare and Black maternal health, shining a light on the inequalities and inequities that existed then and continue to exist now when it comes to reproductive care and justice for Black women. It was heart wrenching and informative and a reminder that we still have so much work left to do.

In the wake of Roe v. Wade being overturned, this is a powerful and critical book to read. I am grateful to have listened to this story. For the healthcare providers who are fighting for Black women’s healthcare rights and the justice that is indeed pertinent to the cause of safety and care when it comes to Black women.

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