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America at the Precipice
Restoring the Plummeting Middle Class Standard of Living
Gary R Patterson
2015 Finalist
368 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Gov/Politics
Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite
America at the Precipice: Restoring the Plummeting Middle Class Standard of Living by Gary R. Patterson casts light on the disturbing fact that America's middle class, which was known to be the most affluent in the world, has lost that honor. The author attacks the core issues that caused the pitfalls, but at the same time gives solutions that might be helpful to putting things back on the right track to a certain extent - helping the middle class to get out of the mess they are in. The author also tries to look at various aspects of American life by going down to the root causes, the angles that many experts tend to ignore and the political spin that makes matters worse.
The book has some great thoughts and ideas that the author has shared with readers. The hard hitting facts have been put down starkly with no frills attached, making the viewpoints crisp and clear to readers. The author's observations are honest and his views are bold, making an impact on readers. He has done a lot of research to share those facts and figures, which are useful and make readers aware of the grim reality that is staring at them. Chapters 3 and 5 that speak about Obama's Health Care give in-depth detail about the brunt faced by middle class Americans. Some of the suggestions made by the author are good and useful and he extensively covers the topic.
America at the Precipice: Restoring the Plummeting Middle Class Standard of Living by Gary R. Patterson casts light on the disturbing fact that America's middle class, which was known to be the most affluent in the world, has lost that honor. The author attacks the core issues that caused the pitfalls, but at the same time gives solutions that might be helpful to putting things back on the right track to a certain extent - helping the middle class to get out of the mess they are in. The author also tries to look at various aspects of American life by going down to the root causes, the angles that many experts tend to ignore and the political spin that makes matters worse.
The book has some great thoughts and ideas that the author has shared with readers. The hard hitting facts have been put down starkly with no frills attached, making the viewpoints crisp and clear to readers. The author's observations are honest and his views are bold, making an impact on readers. He has done a lot of research to share those facts and figures, which are useful and make readers aware of the grim reality that is staring at them. Chapters 3 and 5 that speak about Obama's Health Care give in-depth detail about the brunt faced by middle class Americans. Some of the suggestions made by the author are good and useful and he extensively covers the topic.
Recommend this book:
How to Survive the Worst That Can Happen
A Parent's Step by Step Guide to Healing After the Loss of a Child
Sandy Peckinpah
2015 Silver Medal
168 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Grief/Hardship
Reviewed by Dr. Oliva Dsouza for Readers' Favorite
Sandy Peckinpah has been through any parent's worst nightmare. Losing her son at the tender age of sixteen to an unexpected illness, within a day's time was not what she had ever thought about. The sadness and overwhelming grief that she had to deal with makes her what she is today. Life's true lessons are an outcome of tragedy. By sharing her life and helping a grieving parent to cope with life after the passing away of their child is what Sandy sets out to do with this book.
How to Survive the Worst That Can Happen: A Parent's Step by Step Guide to Healing After the Loss of a Child by Sandy Peckinpah is a "must read" book for those of us who are struggling to cope with the most heartrendingly painful tragedy. Through her step by step approach, she guides you on maintaining a journal that will act as your best tool to survive and go on. Her compassionate approach helps one feel that things will someday get better. Her words of wisdom encourage you to believe that love and healing wait around the toughest corner. Just pick yourself up and rally all the help that you can to mend your way back to life. The loss of a child is unfathomable and one always wonders if it will ever make any sense. Sandy gives you the much needed hope and reassurance to fight your fears. She gently tells you to accept the loss and celebrate the life of your child. Remember the joy that your child brought into your life. Preserve the essence of your child's presence in your life forever.
Sandy Peckinpah has been through any parent's worst nightmare. Losing her son at the tender age of sixteen to an unexpected illness, within a day's time was not what she had ever thought about. The sadness and overwhelming grief that she had to deal with makes her what she is today. Life's true lessons are an outcome of tragedy. By sharing her life and helping a grieving parent to cope with life after the passing away of their child is what Sandy sets out to do with this book.
How to Survive the Worst That Can Happen: A Parent's Step by Step Guide to Healing After the Loss of a Child by Sandy Peckinpah is a "must read" book for those of us who are struggling to cope with the most heartrendingly painful tragedy. Through her step by step approach, she guides you on maintaining a journal that will act as your best tool to survive and go on. Her compassionate approach helps one feel that things will someday get better. Her words of wisdom encourage you to believe that love and healing wait around the toughest corner. Just pick yourself up and rally all the help that you can to mend your way back to life. The loss of a child is unfathomable and one always wonders if it will ever make any sense. Sandy gives you the much needed hope and reassurance to fight your fears. She gently tells you to accept the loss and celebrate the life of your child. Remember the joy that your child brought into your life. Preserve the essence of your child's presence in your life forever.
Recommend this book:
The Cancer Olympics
Robin McGee
2015 Finalist
368 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Grief/Hardship
Reviewed by Lit Amri for Readers' Favorite
Robin McGee’s The Cancer Olympics is a memoir of her battle against not only cancer but inadequate healthcare that she unfortunately received. The negligence of her delayed diagnosis – no thanks to Doctors One, Two, Three and Four – cause a late stage tumor that could have been prevented and treated earlier. The medical providers had, unbelievably, failed her. From my perspective, they were unprofessional, arrogant and shockingly naive. She reaches out to her community through her blog “Robin's Cancer Olympics” where she shares her story and gains allies to overcome bungling medical politics. Robin actively seeks medical help for two years before she is correctly diagnosed.
The important message of The Cancer Olympics is that every patient needs to be proactive in their own treatment and find doctors who are truly ethical in their practice. This should be priority number one. We have the right to demand the best healthcare possible, and we should not be intimidated by medical providers who use their position in the healthcare system like some kind of an untouchable law.
Robin’s ordeal and success in battling cancer, as well as the flaws of the medical system, is truly an eye-opener. This is also a beautiful story about her family’s dedication, husband Andrew and son Austin. Through her flawless prose and deft narration, readers will find her memoir exceptional and well-written. As harsh as her struggle was, this is not a depressing memoir, but one that gives hope and advocates a patient’s rights and well-being. This is a must-read for everyone.
Robin McGee’s The Cancer Olympics is a memoir of her battle against not only cancer but inadequate healthcare that she unfortunately received. The negligence of her delayed diagnosis – no thanks to Doctors One, Two, Three and Four – cause a late stage tumor that could have been prevented and treated earlier. The medical providers had, unbelievably, failed her. From my perspective, they were unprofessional, arrogant and shockingly naive. She reaches out to her community through her blog “Robin's Cancer Olympics” where she shares her story and gains allies to overcome bungling medical politics. Robin actively seeks medical help for two years before she is correctly diagnosed.
The important message of The Cancer Olympics is that every patient needs to be proactive in their own treatment and find doctors who are truly ethical in their practice. This should be priority number one. We have the right to demand the best healthcare possible, and we should not be intimidated by medical providers who use their position in the healthcare system like some kind of an untouchable law.
Robin’s ordeal and success in battling cancer, as well as the flaws of the medical system, is truly an eye-opener. This is also a beautiful story about her family’s dedication, husband Andrew and son Austin. Through her flawless prose and deft narration, readers will find her memoir exceptional and well-written. As harsh as her struggle was, this is not a depressing memoir, but one that gives hope and advocates a patient’s rights and well-being. This is a must-read for everyone.
Recommend this book:
Not in the Pink
Tina Martel
2015 Bronze Medal
192 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Health - Medical
Reviewed by Viga Boland for Readers' Favorite
Not in the Pink by Tina Martel is the most stunning and unusual memoir I have ever seen or read. Why do I say “seen”? Because when you read Not in the Pink, you actually SEE Tina Martel’s journey from her discovery of breast cancer, through to her chemotherapy and radiation treatments to her questionable recovery from both the physical and mental pain of the entire experience.
The reader sees this journey because Tina Martel is an artist. The page backgrounds of her memoir are paintings and photographs that illustrate what she is saying or describing in the text. Readers find themselves poring over the details in the graphics while they read the words depicting her long and difficult battle with the cancer, the treatment, the meds and, sadly, the attitudes of hospital staff and others along the way. This is not a page-turner in the regular sense of the word because one feels compelled to explore the illustrations before moving on to the next page. The entire concept is brilliant, a visual and writing feast for the eyes that leaves the reader seeing and remembering Not in the Pink long after the reading has ended.
According to an article published in 2014 by the Grand Prairie Daily Herald-Tribune, Tina Martel feels “there are many myths surrounding breast cancer” including that it’s not as difficult as other cancers. Well, she certainly debunks that myth in Not in the Pink. My reaction to what I was reading and after I’d finished was I hope I never have to go through what Tina Martel and so many other women do. There is nothing easy about breast cancer or the treatment of it. As Tina says, “It’s a profound and life-changing experience”. And yet, throughout the memoir, Tina has found moments to laugh at herself and her circumstances and share those with her readers.
I, for one, will never forget Tina Martel and how she has chosen to share her memoir, Not in the Pink. Consider me a lifelong fan of this artist and writer. Bravo!
Not in the Pink by Tina Martel is the most stunning and unusual memoir I have ever seen or read. Why do I say “seen”? Because when you read Not in the Pink, you actually SEE Tina Martel’s journey from her discovery of breast cancer, through to her chemotherapy and radiation treatments to her questionable recovery from both the physical and mental pain of the entire experience.
The reader sees this journey because Tina Martel is an artist. The page backgrounds of her memoir are paintings and photographs that illustrate what she is saying or describing in the text. Readers find themselves poring over the details in the graphics while they read the words depicting her long and difficult battle with the cancer, the treatment, the meds and, sadly, the attitudes of hospital staff and others along the way. This is not a page-turner in the regular sense of the word because one feels compelled to explore the illustrations before moving on to the next page. The entire concept is brilliant, a visual and writing feast for the eyes that leaves the reader seeing and remembering Not in the Pink long after the reading has ended.
According to an article published in 2014 by the Grand Prairie Daily Herald-Tribune, Tina Martel feels “there are many myths surrounding breast cancer” including that it’s not as difficult as other cancers. Well, she certainly debunks that myth in Not in the Pink. My reaction to what I was reading and after I’d finished was I hope I never have to go through what Tina Martel and so many other women do. There is nothing easy about breast cancer or the treatment of it. As Tina says, “It’s a profound and life-changing experience”. And yet, throughout the memoir, Tina has found moments to laugh at herself and her circumstances and share those with her readers.
I, for one, will never forget Tina Martel and how she has chosen to share her memoir, Not in the Pink. Consider me a lifelong fan of this artist and writer. Bravo!
Recommend this book:
The Biggest Picture
From the Formation of Atoms to the Emergence of Societies
Wendy Curtis
2015 Bronze Medal
311 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Historical
Reviewed by Roy T. James for Readers' Favorite
The Biggest Picture: From the Big Bang to the Development of the Big Bang Theory by Wendy Curtis presents the scientific community’s best theories about major events, from the Big Bang until present times. Beginning with the Big Bang and the creation of the simplest of the elements, it discusses the formation of stars and other heavy elements. Scientific theories of the birth of the sun and the solar system, as well as the concepts of evolution of life on earth are the topics to follow next. The path life takes, from the early dinosaurs to mammals, from control of fire to hunting and agriculture, and from civilization to civilization with different social stratification methodology is addressed both historically and practically, appropriate for any information seeker. The model of the universe presented here, the one evolving through time from a singularity, is in line with the theories extant on the subject.
The Biggest Picture: From the Big Bang to the Development of the Big Bang Theory by Wendy Curtis acquaints the reader with all that has happened in the past that leads to the present, and in a format that retains one's interest. A well formed index and intuitive internal organization of the book make it good for reference. This book is therefore useful both as study material for the uninitiated and as a source of consultation for the well informed. With high quality illustrations and a crisp and lively write up, this book is a worthy addition to the bookshelf of anyone interested in oneself or one's surroundings.
The Biggest Picture: From the Big Bang to the Development of the Big Bang Theory by Wendy Curtis presents the scientific community’s best theories about major events, from the Big Bang until present times. Beginning with the Big Bang and the creation of the simplest of the elements, it discusses the formation of stars and other heavy elements. Scientific theories of the birth of the sun and the solar system, as well as the concepts of evolution of life on earth are the topics to follow next. The path life takes, from the early dinosaurs to mammals, from control of fire to hunting and agriculture, and from civilization to civilization with different social stratification methodology is addressed both historically and practically, appropriate for any information seeker. The model of the universe presented here, the one evolving through time from a singularity, is in line with the theories extant on the subject.
The Biggest Picture: From the Big Bang to the Development of the Big Bang Theory by Wendy Curtis acquaints the reader with all that has happened in the past that leads to the present, and in a format that retains one's interest. A well formed index and intuitive internal organization of the book make it good for reference. This book is therefore useful both as study material for the uninitiated and as a source of consultation for the well informed. With high quality illustrations and a crisp and lively write up, this book is a worthy addition to the bookshelf of anyone interested in oneself or one's surroundings.
Recommend this book:
The Capacity To Believe
Race, Media and Politics In The American South
Marcus W. Williams
2015 Honorable Mention
114 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Historical
Reviewed by Michelle Robertson for Readers' Favorite
Most people know about the events and historically documented occurrences of African Americans in the United States as they went from slaves to being free citizens. That, however, is far from all that transpired. The black people of the United States, during the birth of the country and up through the time line, had not had a simple and easy time gaining their "true" freedoms and rights as human beings. Come read about the emotional, trying, disturbing, and heartbreaking times African Americans experienced in gaining their freedom and respect as human beings, and the incredible courage, perseverance, and grit they had when racial issues arose not only among average citizens, but also within the government and media of the United States.
The Capacity To Believe: Race, Media and Politics In The American South by Marcus W. Williams is an incredible time line of historical events, accounts, and experiences pertaining to racial issues in African American culture. Readers can expect much factual information relating to the life of African Americans, from the time of slavery up through present day. Author Marcus W. Williams touches your mind, heart, and soul with the way he presents the information to readers. The text is laid out and written in a very personable and descriptive way, and a reader will feel raw emotion as they read through the historical time line of events of American and black people, especially in the southern states. The Capacity to Believe is not for the faint hearted, although everyone should read this book to gain knowledge of what their fellow African American citizens of the past, or ancestors, had to overcome and mentally work through just to be perceived as "normal" members of society.
Most people know about the events and historically documented occurrences of African Americans in the United States as they went from slaves to being free citizens. That, however, is far from all that transpired. The black people of the United States, during the birth of the country and up through the time line, had not had a simple and easy time gaining their "true" freedoms and rights as human beings. Come read about the emotional, trying, disturbing, and heartbreaking times African Americans experienced in gaining their freedom and respect as human beings, and the incredible courage, perseverance, and grit they had when racial issues arose not only among average citizens, but also within the government and media of the United States.
The Capacity To Believe: Race, Media and Politics In The American South by Marcus W. Williams is an incredible time line of historical events, accounts, and experiences pertaining to racial issues in African American culture. Readers can expect much factual information relating to the life of African Americans, from the time of slavery up through present day. Author Marcus W. Williams touches your mind, heart, and soul with the way he presents the information to readers. The text is laid out and written in a very personable and descriptive way, and a reader will feel raw emotion as they read through the historical time line of events of American and black people, especially in the southern states. The Capacity to Believe is not for the faint hearted, although everyone should read this book to gain knowledge of what their fellow African American citizens of the past, or ancestors, had to overcome and mentally work through just to be perceived as "normal" members of society.
Recommend this book:
Abby's Road, the Long and Winding Road to Adoption
And how Facebook, Aquaman and Theodore Roosevelt Helped
Michael Curry
2015 Finalist
200 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Humor/Comedy
Reviewed by Charity Tober for Readers' Favorite
Abby's Road, the Long and Winding Road to Adoption: And how Facebook, Aquaman and Theodore Roosevelt Helped by Michael Curry is much more than just a book with a long and quirky title. The story follows the journey of the author Michael and his wife Esther as they undergo infertility treatments and ultimately adoption in their endearing quest to become parents. Curry is refreshingly honest, descriptive and raw when describing this roller coaster of a time in his family’s life. As you can tell by the book’s title, Curry also has a sense of humor, which he demonstrates throughout the story (so many fun geek and pop culture mentions in this book). The quest to bring Abby home is an endearing and enlightening read to say the least.
Anyone going through infertility, difficulties conceiving or the adoption process will find a kindred spirit in author Michael Curry. And even those who have zero issues adding to their family will find this book informative regarding the real life struggles of other parents. The POV of a male will probably appeal to readers who are expectant or struggling fathers-to-be and I found the light-hearted tone throughout the book enjoyable. I applaud the author for revealing to readers not only the happy times but also the dark and heartbreaking moments that he and his wife endured. The author’s use of quoting his and his wife’s Facebook posts throughout the story was an accurate reflection of the current digital age and added a realistic tone to the book. Highly recommended!
Abby's Road, the Long and Winding Road to Adoption: And how Facebook, Aquaman and Theodore Roosevelt Helped by Michael Curry is much more than just a book with a long and quirky title. The story follows the journey of the author Michael and his wife Esther as they undergo infertility treatments and ultimately adoption in their endearing quest to become parents. Curry is refreshingly honest, descriptive and raw when describing this roller coaster of a time in his family’s life. As you can tell by the book’s title, Curry also has a sense of humor, which he demonstrates throughout the story (so many fun geek and pop culture mentions in this book). The quest to bring Abby home is an endearing and enlightening read to say the least.
Anyone going through infertility, difficulties conceiving or the adoption process will find a kindred spirit in author Michael Curry. And even those who have zero issues adding to their family will find this book informative regarding the real life struggles of other parents. The POV of a male will probably appeal to readers who are expectant or struggling fathers-to-be and I found the light-hearted tone throughout the book enjoyable. I applaud the author for revealing to readers not only the happy times but also the dark and heartbreaking moments that he and his wife endured. The author’s use of quoting his and his wife’s Facebook posts throughout the story was an accurate reflection of the current digital age and added a realistic tone to the book. Highly recommended!
Recommend this book:
Conversations on the Bench
Life Lessons from the Wisest Man I Ever Knew
Digger Cartwright
2015 Silver Medal
304 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Inspirational
Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite
Conversations on the Bench: Life Lessons from the Wisest Man I Ever Knew by Digger Cartwright is an uplifting and inspirational book based on real life events. This insightful conversation is also an example of timeless friendship that transcends everything and motivates readers to look into their lives and effect positive changes that will make their living more interesting and fulfilling. The bond between Robbie and Sebastian and their words of wisdom will show readers how to live life using the basic lessons that we all are aware of but have forgotten to incorporate into our lives. It's a truly inspiring and moving story where Robbie and Sebastian give a new perspective on living a contented life to readers.
The interaction and dialogue between Sebastian and Robbie in the initial chapters set the tone for the rest of the book. The stories and the words of wisdom shared by author Digger Cartwright are relatable and readers can connect well with the author's words. All the lessons are valuable, true and useful and the friendship between two different people will inspire and motivate readers in different ways. Many of the lessons shared will make readers look within themselves. The story is original and the author is hopeful that the wisdom shared in the book will enrich, improve and inspire everyone's lives. These conversations shared on the bench will definitely be useful to all readers, to find a purpose in their lives and also guide them during their journey of life.
Conversations on the Bench: Life Lessons from the Wisest Man I Ever Knew by Digger Cartwright is an uplifting and inspirational book based on real life events. This insightful conversation is also an example of timeless friendship that transcends everything and motivates readers to look into their lives and effect positive changes that will make their living more interesting and fulfilling. The bond between Robbie and Sebastian and their words of wisdom will show readers how to live life using the basic lessons that we all are aware of but have forgotten to incorporate into our lives. It's a truly inspiring and moving story where Robbie and Sebastian give a new perspective on living a contented life to readers.
The interaction and dialogue between Sebastian and Robbie in the initial chapters set the tone for the rest of the book. The stories and the words of wisdom shared by author Digger Cartwright are relatable and readers can connect well with the author's words. All the lessons are valuable, true and useful and the friendship between two different people will inspire and motivate readers in different ways. Many of the lessons shared will make readers look within themselves. The story is original and the author is hopeful that the wisdom shared in the book will enrich, improve and inspire everyone's lives. These conversations shared on the bench will definitely be useful to all readers, to find a purpose in their lives and also guide them during their journey of life.
Recommend this book:
Girl with the Crooked Smile - Stuck In A Moment
...and the Pearls of Wisdom that pulled her through it
Darah Zeledon
2015 Bronze Medal
280 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Inspirational
Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite
Girl with the Crooked Smile and the Pearls of Wisdom That Pulled Her Through it is Darah Zeledon’s story, a memoir of how life can throw you not one curve ball, but several in a row. Darah, pregnant with her fourth child, is diagnosed with a life threatening brain tumor. Her doctor tells her she will either lose her own life or that of her child, and will more than likely experience some sort of paralysis. That is enough for any person to go through in their entire life. But not Darah. No, Darah and her family are also up against an armed robbery, a suicide, financial ruin that forces them to flee their home and a near-fatal accident to boot. Darah tells her story with brutal honesty, with a touch of humor thrown in for good measure. She tells how she and her family pulled through everything that life threw at them and how they survived to tell the tale. Her pearls of wisdom should serve as a message for anyone that life is for living and nothing on earth was going to stop her.
Darah Zeledon’s Girl with the Crooked Smile was a wonderfully inspiring read. It was painful and yet funny. There was none of the “poor me” syndrome about it – it was more like Darah telling us to come with her on her journey and experience everything for ourselves. And, boy, did she manage to draw you in to the extent that you felt as if you were there. No reader will be able to put this book down – you will laugh, you will cry, you will experience the pain and the joy that Darah and her family went through. And, you will be glad you did. I read this book in four hours flat – I could not put it down.
Girl with the Crooked Smile and the Pearls of Wisdom That Pulled Her Through it is Darah Zeledon’s story, a memoir of how life can throw you not one curve ball, but several in a row. Darah, pregnant with her fourth child, is diagnosed with a life threatening brain tumor. Her doctor tells her she will either lose her own life or that of her child, and will more than likely experience some sort of paralysis. That is enough for any person to go through in their entire life. But not Darah. No, Darah and her family are also up against an armed robbery, a suicide, financial ruin that forces them to flee their home and a near-fatal accident to boot. Darah tells her story with brutal honesty, with a touch of humor thrown in for good measure. She tells how she and her family pulled through everything that life threw at them and how they survived to tell the tale. Her pearls of wisdom should serve as a message for anyone that life is for living and nothing on earth was going to stop her.
Darah Zeledon’s Girl with the Crooked Smile was a wonderfully inspiring read. It was painful and yet funny. There was none of the “poor me” syndrome about it – it was more like Darah telling us to come with her on her journey and experience everything for ourselves. And, boy, did she manage to draw you in to the extent that you felt as if you were there. No reader will be able to put this book down – you will laugh, you will cry, you will experience the pain and the joy that Darah and her family went through. And, you will be glad you did. I read this book in four hours flat – I could not put it down.
Recommend this book:
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The Book about James
Julia Gray
2015 Finalist
104 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Inspirational
Reviewed by Ashley Tetzlaff for Readers' Favorite
In her work, The Book About James, Julia Gray shares her thoughts on raising her son born with Down Syndrome. The book is broken into twenty-one “articles” – chapters that can be read as stand alones or in conjunction with the rest of the book (just like a magazine article). In each article, Julia Gray deals with a particular issue or experience: her reaction to James’ birth, schooling James, trusting in God when things are rough, side-effects of Down Syndrome, etc. Julia is honest about how her feelings were and what they are now. For those who are just starting to walk this road, this book will offer encouragement and hope. For all others, it's a peek into the ups and downs of life with Down Syndrome and God’s grace for it all.
Wow! Julia Gray’s The Book About James blessed me so much! I confess, I have always had this little fear in the back of my head that I would have a “forever child” – a kid with Down Syndrome or something like it. This is funny since as a kid I had friends who had DS and I loved to be around them. Who doesn’t enjoy a forty-year-old who plays like someone who is six? But I was afraid of having one myself. Julia Gray came face-to-face with her own fears when James was born: what would others think of her? Of him? How would her other children be affected? I really appreciated Julia’s honesty. She is willing, not only to share her joy in James NOW, but the feelings of fear she had THEN. I was encouraged that even if I do have a forever child one day, DS can be a blessing and not a burden.
Even though my two children are “normal”, I still found much encouragement in this book as a mother: no matter what our kids do or don’t accomplish, they are special just the way they are. And God gives us the grace to deal with everything – no matter how overwhelmingly big it seems to us. He really does work all things together for good and The Book About James shows us that. Beautifully written. Wonderful witty style. Well edited. Altogether highly recommended. Is there such a thing as a dozen stars?
In her work, The Book About James, Julia Gray shares her thoughts on raising her son born with Down Syndrome. The book is broken into twenty-one “articles” – chapters that can be read as stand alones or in conjunction with the rest of the book (just like a magazine article). In each article, Julia Gray deals with a particular issue or experience: her reaction to James’ birth, schooling James, trusting in God when things are rough, side-effects of Down Syndrome, etc. Julia is honest about how her feelings were and what they are now. For those who are just starting to walk this road, this book will offer encouragement and hope. For all others, it's a peek into the ups and downs of life with Down Syndrome and God’s grace for it all.
Wow! Julia Gray’s The Book About James blessed me so much! I confess, I have always had this little fear in the back of my head that I would have a “forever child” – a kid with Down Syndrome or something like it. This is funny since as a kid I had friends who had DS and I loved to be around them. Who doesn’t enjoy a forty-year-old who plays like someone who is six? But I was afraid of having one myself. Julia Gray came face-to-face with her own fears when James was born: what would others think of her? Of him? How would her other children be affected? I really appreciated Julia’s honesty. She is willing, not only to share her joy in James NOW, but the feelings of fear she had THEN. I was encouraged that even if I do have a forever child one day, DS can be a blessing and not a burden.
Even though my two children are “normal”, I still found much encouragement in this book as a mother: no matter what our kids do or don’t accomplish, they are special just the way they are. And God gives us the grace to deal with everything – no matter how overwhelmingly big it seems to us. He really does work all things together for good and The Book About James shows us that. Beautifully written. Wonderful witty style. Well edited. Altogether highly recommended. Is there such a thing as a dozen stars?
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