There was a time when the average American woman was more likely to die from childbirth than from any other condition except tuberculosis. This was especially true in areas where hospitals and quality medical care were scarce or nonexistent. But deep in the rolling hills of eastern Kentucky's Cumberland Range, one woman almost single-handedly changed those dismal figures. Her name was Mary Breckenridge, and her goal was to introduce quality, professionally trained midwifery to the United States. The Frontier Nursing Service, opened in 1925 in Leslie County, Kentucky, set out to meet the health needs of women and infants in one of the poorest regions of America.This book tells the story of Breckenridge's unparalleled dedication to midwifery and provides a historical overview of the first 40 years of the Frontier Nursing Service. The story is told in human terms, focusing on how such a successful organization was built out of commitment and compassion against all odds. It covers dozens of midwife cases, examining the fascinating interaction between the local residents and the brave nurse-midwives who rode first on horseback, later in Jeeps and other forms of transport, to improve the lives of eastern Kentucky families and to reverse the highest infant mortality rate in the country.

What do Chloe Sevigny, Molly Ivins, Allen Ginsberg, R. Crumb, Xaviera Hollander (the Happy Hooker), Yoko Ono, and Germaine Greer all have in common? They have all been guests at Jim Haynes's studio in Paris. A dynamic and loveable American ex-pat, Jim Haynes welcomes anywhere fifty to a hundred people for food, fun, and conversation every Sunday in his home. These informal parties, now approaching their thirty-year mark, are the inspiration for "Throw a Great Party" and illustrate how to entertain a crowd at home without being overwhelmed. Do you want to give a party that's fun and relaxed but also affordable? "Throw a Great Party" will show you how to give exciting parties that your friends will rave about. Inspired by Paris' best underground dining experience, the Jim Haynes dinners, this book celebrates the whole concept of hospitality and entertaining. From start to finish, this practical easy-to-follow guide offers complete planning, budgeting, shopping, storage, cooking, and serving tips. The collection of tasty international recipes and menus, range from traditional to exotic and are proven crowd pleasers. Tested many times, these recipes will work in any size home kitchen. "Throw a Great Party" will convince you that entertaining can be a joyful exuberant experience.

True account of a powerful story about a special needs boy and the remarkable "gifts" he left behind. Foreword by Winston Groom, author of "Forrest Gump."