Halfway: A Journal Through Pregnancy

by Katherine Cottle

This memoir is an exploration of the state of transition. Existing both with and without a child, Cottle reinforces the challenges of residing between two worlds of human experience. She compares the halfway parallels of addiction, recovery, and terminal illness, as the lives of those around her mirror her own journey through the entrance to motherhood.

236 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2010

Reviews

[Shannon Rowan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly provocative and poignant! Even for (or maybe especially for) someone like me who has never had the opportunity to experience the joy and pain of pregnancy and giving birth. But this book is far more than 'merely' a book about the intimate experience of pregnancy, it is far more than that. It offers rich insights into the often challenging, sometimes strained, but always important, deep bonds between family members, and most especially between sisters while they each experience their own difficult inward journeys. A real tour de force!

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This journal was written by my sister-in-law recounting her experience with pregnancy. During this time her sister was struggling and recovering from addiction and her uncle was dying of cancer. Everyone seemed to be "halfway"...halfway to a new life whether the life was ending, continuing down a different path, or just beginning.

She tells the story honestly from her perspective. Her fears, her memories and how she perceived those people close to her in her life. The book takes you through some emotional experiences but just when things start to get serious, you find yourself laughing out loud. Kathy's descriptions of people she encounters and her honest and seemingly accurate recounting of their appearances, flaws and what they must be thinking are hilarious.

Kathy is a writer of poetry and prose. Here she blends the two seamlessly. I could not put this book down and read all 219 pages in just two sittings. I feel closer to her having read this story and am so proud of her for this and all her accomplishments.