No comments about Home Bound: Growing Up With a Disability in America.

3 comments about Finding a Different Kind of Normal: Misadventures With Asperger Syndrome.

1. I feel that these authors included the "Asperger Syndrome" subtitle simply to find a market audience. I think "Misadventures With Poor Parenting, Drugs, and Poor Choices" is more appropriate.
   
   I am trying very hard not to come across as judgmental, because I actually liked the "Jeanette Purkis" character in this story. She is both strong and honest, and I like that.
   
   I am not a mental health professional of any kind but my daughter and I have both been diagnosed with Asperger's and our lives have not even remotely taken the scary path outlined by these authors.
   
   This being said, the book is extremely well written and quite fascinating. The human touches Purkis includes are brilliant. For example, I think Jeanette was wise to become a lesbian, and foolish to choose such poor partners. This kind of foolish wisdom, found throughout the book, makes her story very touching and very believable.
   
   Want to find out about Asperger's? Look elsewhere. Want to read a marvelous autobiography? Look no further.



2. With all due respect to another reviewer here, I would not describe this as a humorous book. The themes of violence and drug addiction don't naturally lend themselves to comedy. Personally I think you'd have to be a bit sick to laugh at the author's very painful story. It definitely does not show "the fun side to having Asperger's Syndrome". If anything it is quite the opposite. Sorry Beetlebangs1964 but did you actually read this book?
   
   The author has succeeded in describing her life before she knew she had Asperger Syndrome and resisting the temptation to apply retrospective wisdom, capturing perfectly what it is like to see everything going wrong in your life and not knowing why. Neither does she shy away from dark thoughts and feelings... in that way most typical of people on the spectrum she is frank and honest, confronting the reader with sometimes harsh realities. A book like this should change you a little bit, and this one does.
   
   That said, this is still an accessible read and is ultimately very positive and hopeful. It proves that no matter how big a hole you get yourself in to or how desperate things may seem, there is always a way forward. I don't think you can underestimate what a big step it must have been for the author to talk so publicly about these most difficult times in her life, and hopefully her generosity in sharing her experiences will help others who have faced similar challenges.
   
   As with any auto-biography this is the story of part of one persons life, not a description of Asperger's syndrome, and I cannot stress enough to the casual reader that Asperger Syndrome does not cause or result in criminal or violent behaviour and is not at all characterised by such. The author explains herself "I tend to think we are all given a set of circumstances to deal with and that we have to do the best with what we have at our disposal". She has just happened to have a "somewhat dark and bizarre life". You probably have to already have some knowledge about what Asperger Syndrome is I think to see how it fits in to that picture, but nonetheless this is a very worthwhile read.



3. This book shows the fun side to having Asperger's Syndrome. Asperger's Syndrome is a neurobiological condition that is the spectrum partner to autism. As with any spectrum, there will be overlapping behaviors. Purkis does an exemplary job of describing those overlaps.
   
   This is a book that will make everyone, regardless of whether or not they have a place on the a/A spectrum laugh. Neurotypical and a/A alike will find plenty of humor and much to commiserate with and identify with in this book. I recommend this along with Kenneth Hall's book entitled "Asperger Syndrome, the Universe & Everything: Kenneth's Book."

5 comments about Andrea Bocelli: A Celebration.

1. His range and his clarity make him one of the best tenors of our generation.



2. I found the piece to be beautifully illustrated with very touching photographs that revealed the essense of a naturally talented vocalist and the protrayl of his life. An exceptional voice as many have stated "sings from the heart" and in my mind "the soul."



3. I appreciate the prompt and excellant condition of this item.
   I am very happy and am a huge supporter of amazon.com



4. "My blindness has never been a tragedy to me; I don't know why it should be a tragedy to others." This quote by Maestro Bocelli, out of many that are included in this interesting and well-written biography, cogently defines the man behind the beautiful voice.

   The author, Ms. Felix, takes the reader on an interesting journey. Her writing style is very engaging and educational, especially for those new to classical music. From his birth with a rare form of congenital glaucoma, all the way to White House to sing for President Clinton, Andrea Bocelli's story has the aura of a fairy tale. But the author firmly grounds the reader in reality. Maestro Bocelli is now a famous man; however, we see his life before and after, and perhaps come away thinking that it couldn't happen to a nicer guy.

   From his childhood in the hills of Tuscany, through his years in Pisa for law school, we see the struggle of a young man who never allowed his blindess to close his vision of the world. The author's recounting of his law school years, along with his early forays into piano bars, was very intriguing. The story how he met his wife, Enrica, will captivate the reader with its candor, along with his feelings after their first meeting. "When she touched my hand, I knew I had met the love of my life."

   Many would say that Maestro Bocelli, a former public defender, was lucky to achieve his fame. One of his countless demo tapes fell into the hands of the manager of Italian pop vocal star, Zucchero, who was looking for a tenor to accompany him on a certain song called, "Miserere." His inital choice was Maestro Luciano Pavorotti, who after hearing the demo, could not believe it came from an unknown piano bar singer. In the end, the Maestro told him, "This guy Bocelli will sing it better than anyone." And with that endorsement, the path was paved for Andrea Bocelli to become a household name in Europe.

   This is a very vivid tale about a determined man. The reader may get the impression that he would prefer to sing to his horse, Gisele, rather than combat his admitted stage fright in front of his passionate fans. Or perhaps take to the slopes with gold medalist, Alberto Tomba, who taught Maestro Bocelli how to ski. Or parachute out of a plane on a dare. But this is a rare man with a lifelong passion for singing, and the author paints a complete portrait of him. The reader will come away with an added respect for the man with the angelic voice.

   Thank you for the opportunity to review this book.




5. This is a beautiful book, well written and lavishly filled with wonderful pictures of Andrea and His family, surroundings and special events. This book gives a nice short history of Bocelli's life and a detailed look at his musical career, it is very much a good biography and a good history of Bocelli, it is a good sister book to Andreas auto Biography "The Music Of Silence" which is really detailed about Andrea youth up to his young adulthood and gives his thought's about all the important events of his life, but is not detailed about his career. Felix's book Besides covering HIS Career up To 99 in Great detail she also gives us a nice understanding about those who influenced Andrea musically (the greats of Opera) and about Opera itself. I also agree with the last reviewer it is a nice coffie table book due to the size and the beatiful pictures. Together the books (Andrea Bocelli : A Celebration by Antonia Felix and The Slience of Music : Andrea Bocelli) give a great picture of ANDREA in so many ways, and are a must for every Bocelli fan.

3 comments about The Seeing Glass.

1. I am Jackie Gormans niece. I am friends with my cousin Kelsey and Ben and they visit a lot. And i have visited them. i am kylie mcbride.i have a brother william gorman mcbride and a sister emily woods mcbride. . i am sally's daughter. i am ten years old. i love this book because i know all of the characters and it was really good to know about jackie's life. it helped me understand some things.



2. As the parent of an autistic child this book touched every nerve in my body, from the mother who is tormented to the children (siblings) who don't understand, to the grandfather who says Robin must go to an institution to save the rest of the family. For a short time, the author goes blind (of course, when and if her sight returns is not known while she is struggling through this terrifying bout of blindness). While she is trying to navigate her own new world with her family, she dreams of her brother. While her world is black and white, she dreams in color and has vivid recollections of growing up with an autistic brother in a time when nothing was known about autism. I have had people tell me they cried at the end of the book from an overwhelming sense of sadness. But, I felt oddly at peace that this sister was able to develop a full blown appreciation for her brother and now, as an adult, has a tender memory of him and for his place in the family.



3. Jacquelin Gorman was born in a special family; her grandfather had been one of the world's best eye doctors, she has one brother and three sisters, all of the children on her family have watery blue eyes, and her brother, Robin, was [mentally handicapped]. This book is consisted of how Jacquelin recovered her eyesight and of valuable memories that has to do with Robin. Jacquelin had been scared of the dark ever since she was a little girl. After she lost her eyesight, Jacquelin went crazy. She had first tasted how it feels to be isolated. In the total darkness, she followed the footsteps of Robin's childhood by dreaming things that happened to Robin. She experienced several heart-breaking and heart-warming events that brought hope and light into her darkness.
   I don't really understand some of the feelings that the author described in this book, but I am sort of touched by some of the scenes that came up in her memory. Through these scenes, I can see a little bit of how [mentally handicapped] people are treated in real life. They are despised, treated unfairly, and always seem to be the target for bullying. But, I can also see how people can still be so passionate and nice even when they are [mentally handicapped]. I learned that being [mentally handicapped] is simply having to learn slower than most other people. Being [mentally handicapped] doesn't mean that one loses his or her ability to care and love other people. It also doesn't mean that a [mentally handicapped] person doesn't need to be loved and cared for.
   I think the best part in this book is when Jacquelin recalled a memory of Robin being taken away into Rosewood, a mental hospital. One time, Jacquelin witnessed the way Robin was brought into Rosewood hospital. At first, her mom drove Robin to the entrance of the hospital. Then Robin started to scream, trying to show how much he hated this place, but after a while, he calmed down. After he got out of the car, he said to Jacquelin, "I love you." But right before they entered the hospital, Robin screamed once again and ran back to the car. He told Jacquelin to unlock the door so he could get in, but her mom told her to keep Robin outside. Just when Jacquelin was about to open the door for him, two men came of the hospital and wrapped Robin in a big, white jacket; then they poked a big needle into his arm, which caused him to stop his struggling. Jacquelin didn't have the chance to tell him that she loves him too.

1 comments about Lessons in Laughter.

1. A book that is difficult to put down. Follows the life of an amazing actor who just happens to be Deaf. His battles & his loves. Giving a look at how society looks at the Deaf community & how the Deaf look at themselves & society.

No comments about A Test of Faith: The Ben Klassen Story.

4 comments about Saving Jack: A Man's Struggle With Breast Cancer.

1. SAVING JACK: A MAN'S STRUGGLE WITH BREAST CANCER provides an unusual first-person account of a man's experience of a disease normally associated with women. From being diagnosed to having a mastectomy and chemo, this provides the first book to address the issues of men who suffer from the disease. Health care and public libraries need it.
   
   Diane C. Donovan
   California Bookwatch



2. Saving Jack is THE book to read if you or a loved one has cancer. Although it covers the author's personal experience with one type of cancer, breast cancer in a male of all things, the lessons learned are invaluable. It is a personal, first person account by a brilliant, funny and often poignant man who takes you on the roller coaster of the cancer patient's inner world. This is an excellent read for those who treat cancer patients and their families. This book is engaging from beginning to end, and I too, read it straight through! It is the best book of this area for demystifying some very scary issues on a personal level. If life hands you lemons, this is the gourmet recipe for lemonade. This book had an unexpected effect on this reviewer on the most visceral level. It was comforting. Never saw that coming.



3. This is a heartfelt book. The author takes the reader along on his journey in dealing with a disease that many people do not think men can get. From finding the tumor to a missed diagnosis through a mastectomy and chemo therpay. Jack Willis is able to draw you in with his funny and warm writing to feeling that you actually know him and his family. He does a great job of including his family and thier struggle in dealing with a loved one going through cancer. It is a must read for anyone who has had cancer and anyone who has loved someone with cancer.



4. Jack Willis was my instructor and adviser for five years in Oklahoma and I was there through his ordeal with cancer. This book is the perfect mix of journalistic reporting, along with the charm of a memoir. Mr. Willis is sweet, sad, yet funny throughout the chronicles of his battle with cancer. Throughout his turmoil, he managed to produce several top notch journalists, and reading this book reminded me why he was the amazing teacher and friend that he is. I started the book one night and finished the entire thing- you simply can't put it down. Every page is heartfelt and the writing and editing is as strong as I've seen in any book.

1 comments about Beyond the Red Door.

1. This is an excellent book....To me, loss of vision would be the worst disability to suffer.
   
   Janet lost one eye as a baby due to cancer, and was told she would lose vision in the other eye in the near future. She was put into a blind school (which had a red door) when she was a child, and didn't understand why she was there. She was 33 when she finally lost her other eye - it had finally succumbed to the aggressive radiation that she was given as a child.
   
   Janet was also adopted as a baby, and wanted to find her natural parents to see if the retinoblastoma was hereditary. When she was 18, she met her mother, who said she didn't want anything to do with her. Her father is a high-profile media personality in Australia. He finally accepted Janet as his daughter, and they now keep in regular contact.
   
   This book is about Janet's journey through her childhood, and into adulthood with a vision disability. Worthwhile reading.

3 comments about I'm Black and I'm Sober: The Timeless Story Of A Woman's Journey Back To Sanity.

1. There are many imitations to the subject, but there's no replacing the classics. Even though the slang is straight from the 70's, Chaney Allen is one of the most honest and straightforward authors I've ever read. Her wisdom, courage and spirit was felt by this reader. Not only does she give wonderful advice on recovery, but is good for life, period. IMHO, college students should read this book, especially freshmen leaving home for the 1st time.



2. I'm male, white and sober and Chaney was part of it.

   I met Chaney in San Diego in the early 70's and she was a very powerful influence to me and many other struggling acoholics.

   If you're in need of help this book should be a must read.




3. In May, 1989, my sister met this woman, Chaney Allen, and told her that her sister, me, was in a treatment center hoping to recover from the disease of addiction. Ms. Allen autographed a copy of her book, "I'm Black & I'm Sober" and my sister mailed it to me. I read it and marvelled at the the content thereof. I had never read anything so personal and honest. It indeed gave me the identification and courage I needed to believe that I, too, could recover from a disease which wrecked such havoc in my life. I applaud Ms. Chaney Allen for sharing her life with me through the pages of "I'm Black & I'm Sober." As I approach a decade drug/alcohol-free I thank God for using you to give me and many others hope - you see, I passed on your book to those I met.

5 comments about Only When I Sleep: My Family's Journey Through Cancer.

1. The pouty look on the author's face on the cover of the book should be enough for anyone to know exactly how the book will read.
   As a current Hodgkin's patient, I was highly disappointed in Only When I Sleep. I kept reading it only because I wanted to be able to write a review here to counter those that convinced me I should buy the book. I am experiencing how personally devastating cancer can be, however, I am ashamed (and a little bit angry) that people might think that all cancer patients behave like spoiled children, moping around in search of pity and verbally abusing those who love them.
   There are certain emotions and ideas about cancer which the author writes about that I do agree with; however, it's mind-boggling why someone would want to actually put their selfish and immature behavior on display like this. Shaw-Brawley wasn't happy unless everyone was coddling her; she had to see everyone cry over her before she was happy. Her poor parents and husband deserve some kind of award for putting up with her--they were probably exhausted by the time her treatments were over. I agree that families experience cancer right along with the patient--there's no denying that--but none should have to suffer like Shaw-Brawley's.
   I don't doubt that keeping a journal throughout her ordeal was beneficial and cathartic to Shaw-Brawley, it was not something I feel she should share with the world. In no way am I saying that what she was feeling was wrong or that she should have kept it bottled up...it just wasn't worth publishing. Journals are meant for personal reflection and should be kept in a box in the back of the closet.
   I gave the book two stars only because it must have took some kind of gumption to show this side of herself in a book. Do yourself a favor and don't buy this book...neither the writing or the editing is that good anyway.



2. Lisa is a brave and intelligent person. The words she writes of her cancer experience are from inside her soul, they are real. She dares to speak of her fear. You can hear her fear and her courage to fight fear. She insists on explaining this life changing event. She describes cancer's potential and how paraylzing an experience can be. I myself am a (2) time Hodgkins Disease survivor. I can relate to Lisa in many, many ways. The title, "Only When I Sleep," says it all. I strongly encourage anyone to read this book to hear words of a cancer experience and the meaning of a cancer survivor. Those who have experienced cancer and read this book will applaud Lisa for her strength to overcome adversity and commend her for not letting her experience go unnoticed. That yes, Cancer is life changing, it will try to take you down, but for many not without a fight. With a loving support system, you can overcome.
   Thanks Lisa, and happy healthy - life to you and yours.
   Patti Nowak



3. This is a wonderful book. It will make you cry, but will also bring joy to your heart and a smile to your face. It makes you realize the "choices" Lisa and her family had to make to survive where very hard for her and her family. You will admire her strength, courage, and her determination to beat this. You see first hand how it effects everyone in her family. How the love of her husband, parents, family members and friends are unconditional. It shows us how the small things we all take for granted can be taken away from us in seconds and our world can be turned upside down. How Lisa never gave up and if you "believe" anything is possible.

   I highly recommend this book to everyone, not just those dealing with cancer. There is a "lesson" for everyone to learn from Lisa's experience. It's a WONDERFUL story of love, courage, faith and determination of a young woman who is fighting to survive cancer.




4. This is a wonderful book. It will make you cry, but will also bring joy to your heart and a smile to your face. It makes you realize the "choices" Lisa and her family had to make to survive where very hard for her and her family. You will admire her strength, courage, and her determination to beat this. You see first hand how it effects everyone in her family. How the love of her husband, parents, family members and friends are unconditional. It shows us how the small things we all take for granted can be taken away from us in seconds and our world can be turned upside down. How Lisa never gave up and if you "believe" anything is possible.

   I highly recommend this book to everyone, not just those dealing with cancer. There is a "lesson" for everyone to learn from Lisa's experience. It's a WONDERFUL story of love, courage, faith and determination of a young woman who is fighting to survive cancer.




5. Only When I Sleep: My Family's Journey Through Cancer is an intensely personal, candid, and compelling account of then 24-year-old Lisa Shaw-Brawley's battle to overcome Hodgkin's disease and give birth to a child. This superbly written and presented biographical account is an inspiring testament to the human spirit in overcoming adversity and striving for a dream against all the odds. Highly recommended reading.