Review of Against the Glass

[Darrell G King]

Right away: this is not my usual recreational reading fare. More an action story kind of guy, I am not typically drawn to the quieter dramas of personal and social struggles. I am also a nurse and the hardest rotation for me was the perinatal practicum. In that, I experienced being an outsider as relatively few males enter nursing (the estimate was 7% of the total nursing force, back in the day) and very few of those enter women's health. The poor patients stared at me when I entered their room! In the end, however, I walked away with a bit more knowledge of what it means to bear children and what it means when tragedy strikes an expectant family.

I sampled the book and found within a few pages that the writing would carry the story for me despite my reading preferences. I wanted to know more about the story, however, from someone who had read it and given a fair review. Yours worked for me. You gave me an idea where it would go and who the person taking the journey was. Your noting of the use of reflections piqued my interest unexpectedly, leaving me wanting to experience that. The emphasis on the protagonist's struggles also resonated as I appreciate when that is well-done in any story. I am not saying I would be able to read this story, but it certainly has a better chance than it did, thanks to this review.

A special note: I have a friend who miscarried and I know how easily triggered she still is by references. Your warning of sensitive scenes in the book is appreciated.

[Ram Uday Mahajan]

Your review beautifully captures the essence of "Against the Glass." Your insights into Candy's journey and the symbolism of glass are captivating. The way you highlight Candy's resilience and growth despite adversity is inspiring. Your appreciation for the historical and thematic elements shines through. A thoughtful review that adds depth to the novel's impact.

[Sushan Ekanayake]

'Against the Glass' by Linda M. Habib is a poignant journey through the life of Candy Krzyzanowski, capturing the challenges faced by women in the '60s. The poetic intertwining of the fragile nature of glass with Candy's life is captivating. A powerful reflection on women's rights, equality, and the enduring spirit to break societal molds. This historical fiction is an ode to every woman who dared to be different. A gripping read that evokes deep emotions and gratitude. Congratulations on being BOTD!

[Mauzi Kenneth]

Well, the Janus tradition sounds intriguing with their women fighting to be the first to birth a January baby girl. Did Candy fulfill her mother's expectations? Good review.

[Bertha Jackson]

A story about a strong female character seeking equality in a male-dominated world sounds intriguing and one I would enjoy reading. Thank you for your review.

[Gillian Walter]

Oh well, her motivation to pursue a career in medicine sounds so sad. Indeed, bad medical care can affect individuals in risky ways. I feel sorry for Candy, and I hope she makes it to being a doctor. Nice review.

[Jorge Leon Salazar]

This story set in the 1960s presents Candy as a strong female character who is determined to break the mold of the traditional female role. She faced heartbreaking situations such as an abortion but worked hard to overcome the challenges. Sounds inspiring.

[Ams Strong]

This is a good review of an inspirational story for young women. You did not seem to clearly state what you did not like about the book.

[Trungdn]

The character of Candy is another highlight of the book. She exhibits incredible resilience and growth despite facing numerous tragedies and heart-wrenching situations. Whenever she bravely confronts her pain, readers can't help but cheer for her. There is no doubt that Candy's experience with abortion makes the book the most difficult to read. In particular, it sheds light on the harrowing conditions women faced while pregnant out of wedlock during that time. Habib does not shy away from depicting the gritty reality of these situations, adding depth and authenticity to the story.

[Phoebe Emile]

This Linda M. Habib review of "Against the Glass" is incredibly captivating. The tale of Candy Krzyzanowski's resolve to reject conventional roles and the difficulties she encounters is both heartwarming and inspiring. The visual components of the book combine with themes of glass to produce a vivid and poetic experience. As she faces challenges and expands, Candy's character development is admirable. The narrative gains depth as historical struggles are depicted, particularly those involving abortion and societal attitudes. The book's mature themes and emphasis in the review on how it can illuminate women's rights and gender equality make it a worthwhile read. Overall, four out of four stars, which is justly deserved.

[Domeseo Camus Meda]

A BOOK BY LINDA M.HABIB ABOUT CANDY WHO DECIDED TO GO TO UNIVERSITY AGAINST HER MOTHER'S WISH TO GET MARRIED
AND PRODUCE THE HEIR JANUS, OF HIS ILLEGAL ABORTION, HIS DEPRESSION...
A BOOK FOR FANS OF HISTORICAL FICTION ON WOMEN'S RIGHTS AND GENDER EQUALITY .GOOD REVIEW

[Sanju Lali]

A women's rights based historical fiction book "Against the Glass" by Linda M. Habib, which follows Candy Krzyzanowski, who was determined to break the mold of the traditional female role. I want to read this book.

[Moisés Alcántara Ayre]

A book on gender equality and the struggles of a woman to become a doctor in a time where the field of medicine was widely dominated by men. Thanks for the review!

[María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda]

In 1966, young Candy Krzyzanowski was determined to break the mold of the traditional female role. But her plans to go to college and pursue a career conflicted with her mother's plans for her: get married and produce the Janus heir. For thousands of years, the women of her family competed to be the first to birth a daughter in January to receive the coveted family heirloom, the Janus coin necklace.

That's one odd competition.

That dream shatters when she must terminate her pregnancy through an illegal abortion. Her body broken, Candy falls into a devastating depression. Her traumatic experiences under the hands of a heartless black-market surgeon make her wonder if there is a better choice for women when it comes to health care. A compassionate doctor encourages her to find a new path in the medical field. Unfortunately, the process to become a female doctor in a male-dominated field may be just as daunting as the unsterile conditions that left her broken in the first place.

This seems especially meaningful now that Roe vs. Wade was overturned.

I loved how the storyline incorporated so many reflections of glass, whether it was the glassy surface of the ice-skating pond, the glass particles within the kaleidoscope, or even the glass jars that housed Candy's insect specimens in her early days studying entomology. The writing was poetic and realistically painted the struggles a young woman faced trying to step outside the mold and find equality with men.

What a lovely detail to mention. It takes an attentive reader to notice this.

I enjoyed each of the four sections of the book and found very few minor errors. Against the Glass made me appreciate the sacrifices and struggles of the women who paved the way for me to attend college and have the opportunity to pursue a career. Therefore, I give this excellent novel four out of four stars.

We all owe them the many freedoms we take for granted.

Fantastic review!

[Moisés Alcántara Ayre]

The character of Candy is another highlight of the book. She exhibits incredible resilience and growth despite facing numerous tragedies and heart-wrenching situations. Whenever she bravely confronts her pain, readers can't help but cheer for her. There is no doubt that Candy's experience with abortion makes the book the most difficult to read. In particular, it sheds light on the harrowing conditions women faced while pregnant out of wedlock during that time. Habib does not shy away from depicting the gritty reality of these situations, adding depth and authenticity to the story.

It's been a while since I last read a book like this one one the struggles of a woman in times when dominance of men in society was the norm.