The Couple’s Guide to In Vitro Fertilization
Authors: Liza Charlesworth
Publisher: De Capo Press
ISBN: 0-7382-0897-3
IVF for most people is a private event that they will learn as they go through each cycle on their personal road to parenthood. This is that journey’s guidebook. It is written very matter-of-factly with simple language even with technical terminology.
Written as a step by step “how to manual” of sorts, what it lacks in that personal touch it makes up for in sheer volume of information. It weighs in at 300 pages (at a bargain price of $16.95) and has 10 chapters with charts, graphs, sample calendars, resource guide, and a glossary of terminology.
For a “IVF for Dummies” type of book, I’d recommend this for its wealth of knowledge. I know I’m glad to have it in my arsenal of books when I understand this complex and nerve wracking procedure for myself. I believe most people will be able to use this guide and benefit from it. A great resource.
When Nature’s Not Enough
Authors: Diana M Olick
Publisher: Lyons Press
ISBN: 1-59228-542-2
Out of the three IVF books I was to review, this book is in the middle of the spectrum. One book was deeply personal to the writer (IVF: The Wayward Stork) and one was very clinical and matter of factly full of information on the procedure (The Couple’s Guide to In Vitro Fertilization). This book has several patient stories about their trials and tribulations as an IVF patient.
There is no glossary or resource guide list but it does have a very good way to touch your heart. While not every story will mirror the reader’s own story or reason behind exploring IVF, but it does have several accounts so that you will seethe similarities and the differences between the individuals.
At 16 chapters, it is very thorough. Out of the three, it is definitely one I’d keep near as a reference for further questions to the IVF doctor. It is one to keep with you at each stage of your own personal journey through IVF. It is a good solid guidebook that should be on every fertility-challenged person’s shelf.
IVF: The Wayward Stork
Authors: Sarah A Tursi M.S.W. and Lea McCarthy
Publisher: iUniverse
ISBN: 0-595-35784-9
When this IVF book came across my desk, I wasn’t expecting it to be my favorite. After all, it was from a vanity publishing house and there were two other books that were 2-3 times its size that I had previously reviewed. However, what it lacks in size and lacks in distribution, it makes up for in simple terminology and helpful information. Now those other two books are sitting on the shelf while IVF:The Wayward Stork is in my tote to take with me to my IVF appointments.
Where most IVF books tend to talk to you in a “patient” standoffish way, IVF:The Wayward Stork talks to you as if the authors are sitting across from you at a local coffeehouse.
At each stage of my cycle of IVF I will reread the chapter for that section and refresh myself on what to expect. This is the guide out of all the ones I’ve read that I will personally be taking with me, and be recommending to my friends who are in need of a bit of help in the fertility department.
Along with 6 simply constructed chapters on the before, during, and after of the IVF cycle procedure, IVF: The Wayward Stork has a glossary and a reference list. The book is written by two women who have gone through this mind wracking ordeal themselves, and they talk to you as a friend who knows that your experience may vary but wants you to be fully aware of what to expect. It is a huge hit with me, as it will be for you.
