This is a wonderful book with a thought provoking subject and interesting characters. It is in large part about racism, an issue that can be tough to discuss, and I appreciate the way the author tackled this with such empathy and careful thought.
This is the story of Ruth, an experienced African American labor and delivery nurse. One day on a routine shift, Ruth is tending to a newborn when she is notified by her boss that she must cease working on the infant at her parents request as they are white supremacists and don't want a person of color touching their baby.
Later that same baby has a cardiac issue when Ruth is the only person around. She hesitates. Should she perform CPR and possibly lose her job or comply with the parents and hospitals request not to touch the baby? The hesitating alone is enough to land her in deep trouble, accused of a serious crime that turns her life, and the life of her son, upside down.
She hires Kennedy, a white public defender, and throughout Ruth's trial, they become fast friends.
This is an excellent novel, one that I believe should be read in high schools all across the country.
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