BOOK REVIEWS

273 Amazing Days: The Story of Life Before Birth

By Peter Folb. AuthorHouse UK, 2014. ISBN (paperback) 978-1 4918-8814-8; ISBN (ebook) 978-1-4918-8815-5. Author email: peterfolb@gmail.com

This is a story of the marvel of human life from conception to birth. Although the book was designed for young readers, it is suitable for use by anybody who wishes to know about our conception, development and birth. It can be appreciated at several levels. Firstly, it is a fascinating story, told simply and with wise interspersed comments; secondly, the author's numerous colourful illustrations and line drawings are works of art (created on his iPad - previously he was noted for his woodcut art); and thirdly, and perhaps most importantly, the main messages are conveyed by exquisite poetry (mainly haiku, a Japanese form of poetry, examples of which have appeared in the SAMJ, and grooks - originally a form of short, pithy Danish poetry). Here is an example.

Blastocyst - life already planned

Life already planned

Like writing in the sand

Half-mum, half-dad I will be

And in larger part, just me

J P van Niekerk

Consulting Editor, SAMJ jpvn@iafrica.com