This book is an incredibly good read - in terms of its comprehensive content and its engaging style. The depth and breadth of the thought-provoking material has challenged, enlightened, disturbed and delighted me - and inspired me to do whatever I can to promote this book. I have been on an emotional roller-coaster - truly bearing out the author’s first sentence, ‘This book is not for the faint-hearted.’John Wilks writes courageously, in an unpretentious and sensitive way, to inform, encourage and support those who are creating new life and for all those in relationship with them. He draws the reader into a journey of exploration and awakening - from information, knowledge, intelligence, understanding and wisdom - towards huge potential for transformation. He encourages each to be well-informed, to stand with confidence and to own their unique process. Through sharing his extensive experiential learning, it seems that any risks to his personal vulnerability and professional reputation are worth it simply because he cares deeply, as an unashamed advocate for mothers and babies.It becomes clear, through his wide knowledge and transparent candour, that whilst he has great respect for both parents and professionals and realistic understandings of the many complexities they face, he also affirms each person’s right and capacity to make informed choices that are most likely to protect and enhance life. Choices is much more than a manual for pregnancy and childbirth; I believe every reader is likely to learn something new and to find some profound deepening of respect for the inherent dignity and value of human life.Somehow, a kind, caring and trusting relationship develops with his reader - perhaps through his empathetic writing style and that of his contributors? This is something of a rarity in my experience - even in face to face contact with professionals where such qualities are essential.I write now as a grandmother and wonder if I had known then what I know now, would that knowledge have better equipped me and those involved in my care towards safer and healthier outcomes? Would the births of my own children and those of my grandchildren (often good, sometimes bad and occasionally downright ugly) have been any better or safer? All I can say. having had my awareness raised significantly through reading this book, is that they might well have been. Some of the devastating effects of trauma might have been prevented or lessened if the likes of John Wilks’ sage wisdom had been heard and heeded at the time.And the cartoons interspersed throughout the text are superb; each image conveys explicit good humour to counteract the implicit seriousness of each of the chapter themes.