4 comments about Wheelchair Around the World.

1. I found this book extremely disappointing. The title suggested one would read about the author's experiences as a wheelchair traveler, the obstacles faced, the solutions available, and the recommendations to other such travelers. Instead, the author was healthy, and although his wife had a physical impairment, she did not appear to be disabled (her activities of daily living were not restricted). She did use a wheelchair, but she was not wheelchair-dependent. The book suggested she could walk, climb steps, use normal restrooms, drive, use normal hotel rooms, and public transportation, where a truly wheelchair-dependent individual can do none of these. The book is not focused on `wheelchair travel'; just on `travel'. As such, the title is misleading to wheelchair-dependent individuals who are considering travel, as it presents a rosy picture that I do not find realistic. I am an internist who has been wheelchair-dependent for a long time, and who has also traveled considerably. I am not a pessimist; it can be done, but it requires enormous, pre-trip, homework and planning to the smallest detail, a very large checkbook, and a very strong and very, very loving companion. I just returned from two weeks in Europe and this is some of what I found:

   * Transferring from your wheelchair to an aisle chair to get to and from your seat is very cumbersome and time consuming. Allow ample time for connecting flights.
   * Airplanes' restrooms are not wheelchair accessible; a transatlantic flight is a real challenge in this sense. A `Foley' leg bag could help.
   * My wheelchair was totally wrecked on arriving at our destination. Consider taking a backup.
   * I could not find one single wheelchair accessible restroom in London's Gatwick airport. Again, consider the leg bag.
   * Access to public transport such as buses, trains, and boats is extremely limited to very new ones with adequate ramps, etc. do your homework before you leave, and not on airport arrival. I frequently had to rely on limo services. Taxis are frequently reluctant to load the wheelchair in the trunk.
   * There are steps everywhere and few curb cuts. A travel chair with four small wheels handles much better than your standard wheelchair.
   * There are few wheelchair accessible restaurant restrooms. Do your homework.
   * Wheelchair accessible hotel rooms in Europe frequently address the toilet but not the bathing facilities. Ask before booking, or bathing will be a mayor obstacle. Usually, the newer, more expensive hotels offer better facilities.
   * Cruise ship gangplanks are usually in steps, impossible to manage in a wheelchair. There are bumps and lips everywhere in the floor of most ships. Again, the travel chair is helpful- not the wheelchair.
   * Many of the monuments, churches, etc. are simply not accessible and you will have to limit yourself to watching from your vehicle.
   * The Americans With Disabilities Act does not apply to Europe. What may be your right in America is merely a courtesy in Europe. Don't expect to be moved to the front of the line everywhere.
   * Avoid arrivals at night when services are limited.

   Good luck!




2. "Wheelchair Around the World is the Simpsons' inspirational story of how this husband and wife team fulfilled their lifelong dream to travel around the world. A light, entertaining travel log, Wheelchair Around the World is a daily account of the couple's adventures-and-misadventures-from the glorious sights they visited to the obstacles they faced due to Anne's handicap. Through stunning photos and vivid detail, Simpson teases each of our senses, beginning with images of Ireland's dazzling spray-covered Cliffs of Moher, Hawaii's breathtaking volcanoes, and the daunting height of Japan's infamous Mt. Fuji. The Simpsons' advice serves as a resourceful guide for all, yet their story exudes an addictive spirit of adventure and faith in God that makes Wheelchair Around the World a motivational, delightfully fun read." Malverne, NY National Amputation Chapter #76, Disabled American Veterans. About the Author: A resident of North Carolina, he has written travel articles for "Fifty Plus" and has served as editor and publisher of the North Raleigh Gideons International Newsletter. A retired IBM information developer, he is a former IBM instructor and a lay speaker at a local Methodist Church.



3. Life wont stop me either,just like Anne.Painful as life might be they proved you can never give up! When is the next book due?



4. At the NC Writer's Network conference, I saw others pick up this book, published by Pentland Press, and found that they were just as intrigued as me by the fact the book offers a new glimpse of travel in a very difficult fashion. The book offers hope and sound advice for the senior traveler as well as a profound wealth of knowledge for the young traveler based on the experiences supplied by this couple who love travel. Each and every part of the book exmplifies their love for adventure and travel. I hope to see more writings by this author.

No comments about Keep Smiling and Never Give Up!.

No comments about Autobiografia De Una Desconocida.

3 comments about A Desert Daughter's Odyssey.

1. In this age of high technology in all fields the average person is aware of both the ravages of cancer and of the remarkable cures which give heart to the public at large as well as to the medical profession. Sharon Wanslee's book is not really about cancer but about the wonderfully full life which is possible to be lived by the long term cancer patient. Ms. Wanslee's book is lively and easily read. She is honest and unafraid to share her journey ... not only the pain and fear, but also the hope and joy of her remarkable life. There are dark moments, but so many, many times of delight and joy. I believe this book will be an inspiration for all its readers.



2. In this age of high technology in all fields the average person is aware of both the ravages of cancer and of the remarkable cures which give heart to the public at large as well as to the medical profession. Sharon Wanslee's book is not really about cancer but about the wonderfully full life which is possible to be lived by the long term cancer patient. Ms. Wanslee's book is lively and easily read. She is honest and unafraid to share her journey...not only the pain and fear, but also the hope and joy of her remarkable life. There are dark momments, but so many, many times of delight and joy. I believe this book will be an inspiration for all its readers.



3. Although this book is primarily about cancer and cancer recovery, Ms. Wanslee's memoirs transcend illness -- this book is a triumph of the human spirit. I would compare it to William Styron's "Darkness Visible," his memoirs of depression so deep it nearly killed him. In this book, Ms. Wanslee's love and spirit glow on each page -- her voice is strong and deep and her compassion for others who are ill is simply overwhelming. It is a must for anyone with cancer or with any other serious disease. And it is a must for their families and, friends -- and anyone who cares and loves others in this world. I think this is an instant classic -- a memoir so pure and clear it deserves a special place in the heart -- It echoes with laughter, sadness, tragedy, deep spirituality, joy and every human emotion in between.

No comments about Unfinished Miles.

5 comments about Kelley's Journey: Facing A Rare Disease With Courage.

1. As a member of the medical profession I was able to identify most of the "types" of people presented in this remarkable book! Yes, I could put a face and name to them--but it would not match the face and name in the story! This is how I know it is true! Just as there are many heroes in medicine, so are there many others who I would not want near me nor my loved ones!

   I heartily recommend this book to anyone suffering from any kind of handicap. Kelley is such a source of inspiration! She deals with whatever comes her way and does so without fanfare or self-pity. What an example to us all! I was humbled by her bravery and her deep faith.

   Give someone the gift of hope--give them Kelley's Journey!




2. This is an terrific book that tells an inspiring and accurate story about someone who has faced life's challenges with faith, endurance, love and an indominable spirit. It offers encouragement to anyone confronting a personal crisis by its positive and common sense approach to what would seem insurmountable circumstances.



3. This is a terrific book if you are looking for true inspiration, common sense application to life's problems and a model of someone who has accepted life's challenges with faith, endurance and an indominable spirit.



4. As a mother of a young child with the same illness as Kelley, Denises words have been an awesome source of strength and wisdom for me to follow. My feelings are that any parent, family member or friend going through any illness will experience so much widsom and support through reading this book. Her words keep you riveted to Kelleys story, at times making you laugh and other times making you cry.
   She is positive and matter of fact, showing that good can come from even the very worst of situations.
   This book really is a journal of a mothers unconditional love for her daughter. I would recommend this book to as many people as I possibly can.



5. As a mother of a young child with the same illness as Kelley, Denises words have been an awesome source of strength and wisdom for me to follow. My feelings are that any parent, family member or friend going through any illness will experience so much widsom and support through reading this book. Her words keep you riveted to Kelleys story, at times making you laugh and other times making you cry.
   She is positive and matter of fact, showing that good can come from even the very worst of situations.
   This book really is a journal of a mothers unconditional love for her daughter. I would recommend this book to as many people as I possibly can.

No comments about Complex Sorrow Cl.

No comments about Hell on Wheels: An Autobiography.

No comments about Joy in My Heart: My Journey from Hopelessness to Happiness.

1 comments about Wings Born Out Of Dust.

1. In Wings Born Out Of Dust, Russ Turner gives the reader an up close exposure to homeless life on the streets of Los Angeles through letters and phone calls to his mother in Texas. From a musical prodigy who worked with the likes of Buddy Rich, Lainie Kazan and Smoky Robinson to the proverbial prodigal, Russ Turner experienced the highs and lows of both ends of the creative spectrum. Time-after-time, he recovered from alcohol addiction only to yield repeatedly to the lure of the streets. Was it alcohol? Was it low self-esteem? Was it genius gone mad? Or was it a condition of man that has yet to be logically explained? How does a mom survive the endless mental torture of failed promise? A must read for anyone interested in the human psyche.