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Labor of Love: The Story of One Man's Extraordinary Pregnancy
Labor of Love The Story of One Man's Extraordinary Pregnancy
Author: Thomas Beatie
Thomas Beatie electrified the world in April 2008 with his announcement that he was seven months pregnant and due to give birth in July. The news made headlines across the globe, but it's only one chapter in a fascinating saga.  — Labor of Love reveals Beatie's unique life experiences: his less-than-idyllic childhood in...  more »
ISBN-13: 9781580052870
ISBN-10: 1580052878
Publication Date: 11/10/2008
Pages: 280
Rating:
  • Currently 3.2/5 Stars.
 11

3.2 stars, based on 11 ratings
Publisher: Seal Press
Book Type: Hardcover
Other Versions: Paperback
Members Wishing: 0
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

PBSmaven avatar reviewed Labor of Love: The Story of One Man's Extraordinary Pregnancy on + 107 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 13
I wasn't sure what to think when I picked up this book but I was pleasantly surprised by the way the author presented his situation. The book is written from the heart and explains the full story of the first "man" to become pregnant. Put aside any prejudices you might have and read this book. I think it's well worth it.
candieb avatar reviewed Labor of Love: The Story of One Man's Extraordinary Pregnancy on + 239 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 10
What a surprising read. I remember hearing about this and being surprised, to say the least. Then I read more and thought "well, it's a woman living as man, kinda sorta, but it's a man... wow, that's confusing". I first will say that I think reproductive organs should, in fact, have some say in your gender, but at the end of the day, who really cares? If Thomas feels more like himself as a man, did it legally (pretty intense step for someone to take I would think), then more power to him. He isn't hurting anyone. His wife, Nancy, seems happy to be with him, his kids will only know that he loves them.

Do I agree with him? I dunno - but do I have to? Does it truly matter what you or I think? I have tremendous respect for he and his wife for talking about their unique circumstances. I would gladly shake his hand and consider him a good neighbor. He seems like a genuinely good guy who is trying to make his own way in the world, like the rest of us.

I was amazed at how well written this book was. I lived in Hawaii for several years in the mid-90s and he took me back there again, to the beaches, to the roads of Honolulu, to the outstanding beauty. But more than that, it felt honest. I never thought he was glossing over anything, not even about his own family. This was written from the heart with a lot of feeling.

My heart does go out to Thomas and Nancy, and I hope the hub bub of their recent announcement of another baby dies down quickly. I understand and respect their decision to go public, but I also worry about the crazy people in this world. Even people I consider friends have said things that made me do a double-take.

While I've always been ultra liberal, some of this story pushed even my own boundaries, but ya know... at the end of the day, it doesn't matter. He's happy, she's happy. What business is it of mine, really?

Give it a read, it did give me some unique insight into Thomas. An extraordinary story for sure.
lildrafire avatar reviewed Labor of Love: The Story of One Man's Extraordinary Pregnancy on + 117 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
I really enjoyed this fast paced, well written book, which explains why Thomas Beatie and his wife, Nancy, decided to bring a child into this world, using Thomas' reproductive organs, after he had transitioned from a woman to a man. From teenage beauty queen to muscle-bound young man, learning about his gender identity journey was interesting. I wish this family nothing but the best and have no doubt that all of their children (I believe they have 2 now) will be well taken care of and loved.
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