2 comments about Sassy: The Face of Courage.

1. First of all,this account had to be corrected by the publisher.It's quite understanding the author is not a writer,but how can a publisher allow the repetition of "Vicky" in each phrase,instead of "she"?
   Also I don't feel moved by this account,facing the obedience of parents to the desires of a spoiled child to go a few times a DAY to a retaurant only to spoil food or to go shopping when the financial state of the family is requesting the help of friends and co-workers....Page 177,I read:"Friends at church set up two bank accounts at home,and announced the family need on the radio.Vicky spent the evening shopping at Wal Mart".
   Sorry but at seventeen a child has to understand family problems...



2. This book chronicals victoria's battle with cancer, but focuses more on the technical aspects of what happened as opposed to her emotions and feelings about her struggle. It is mostly a list of food she ate, drugs she was administered, places she went, and so on. However, her father, Thomas, expressed his feelings as best he could and made tribute to his daughter publicly-to be commended for one who has lost a daughter. The book is highly detailed and realistic, lacking in romantic flowerly prose one has come to expect from tributary works. The end of the book left me in tears, almost wishing I could read mopre into the life of victoria. While much of who she was is shown in the book, one can't help but feel a good part of her personality was left unsaid. the novewl sheds a realistic light on the hurrendous effects of cancer without playing up on romanticism.

No comments about In and Out of Anorexia: The Story of the Client, the Therapist, and the Process of Recovery.

3 comments about Lost Innocence: A Daughter's Account of Love, Fear and Desperation (New Beginnings).

1. Reading this book brought memories of my own abuse to the surface. While reading, I understood the pain and the misunderstandings of what love is in a child's mind. Just knowing that another went thru the same emotional and physical abuse helps me to confront my own. Its a book worth reading.



2. This book is a gripping story that I could not put down. Cathy's an amazing writer who caught my attention with her powerful words.

   The story is narrated in a child's voice and Cathy consistantly maintains the childlike point of view throughout the book. The reader can truly see the tragic events through the eyes of a beautiful young girl. Several times while reading the story, I cried for this child who has fallen through the cracks of our society. As a mother, I desperately wanted to jump into the pages, rescue this little girl and hold her safely in the embrace of my adult arms.

   Cathy expertly shows the reader the reality of incest and child abuse. The details are disturbing and real. I look forward to reading Cathy's continued account of how she bravely overcomes these terrible life events at such a tender, young age.




3. Cathy Brochu's book is a moving account of a tragedy that ooccurs far too often in our so-called 'civilzed' society -- a child, whose innocence should be their birthright, selfishly turned into a victim, a sexual plaything, by a parent, the very person to whom she should be able to turn for protection, care, love, honesty and trust. This sort of treatment ruins the lives of many -- among those strong, determined ones who have the opportunity and courage to break out of the trap and reclaim their lives are people who are heroes in the truest sense of the word. They have learned that they are not to blame for their treatment -- that they did not receive it because they deserved it, or because they are somehow 'defective' -- and that, through education, therapy and hard work, they can take back what has been stolen from them. Cathy Brochu has written this book -- detailing graphic, grim events in her life as a young girl -- so that others may find that courage, that they may realize that they are not alone, and that there are many good people out there who care about giving them the help they need.

   Utilizing a technique unique among the books of this field which I have read, Brochu effectively gives her child-self a voice with which to relate her story. As I read this book, I was struck by the language, the syntax -- it was as if I was reading the hand-written journal of a young girl. I could easily close my eyes and imagine the words written in pencil on one of those old Big Chief tablets that I used in school as a kid.

   The story is admittedly heartbreaking, but there is a determination in this young narrator -- a determination to free herself from the situation that, as the book progresses, she knows more and more in her heart to be wrong. All of the symptoms and feelings with which victims must struggle and cope on the road to becoming survivors are here -- the feeling that this is the only way she will be loved; the fear of being seperated from her dad, even though he is abusing her; the feeling that she somehow is the one in the wrong -- but in this case, in this book, we see and feel these through the child herself, described in her own words and language.

   Cathy is planning a trilogy -- this book is the first installment -- detailing her abuse, finding her (physical) freedom, and taking the painful but necessary journey to making her life her own again. This story is a compelling one (all the more because it is true) -- I can wholehertedly recommend it not just to those who are survivors, or to those professionals who work in this vital field, but to the general public as well. The best chance we have to rid ourselves of child abuse, our greatest shame, is through education. This is an unpleasant subject to any right-thinking person -- but it is something that is horrifyingly real to far too many. The more we know about it, the more we learn to recognize the signs present in a child who is secretly being abused, the more light we shine on this topic -- the fewer places there will be for the perpetrators to hide.

   In 1995, Cathy Brochu was awarded the Women of Courage Award by the Syracuse (NY) Commission for Women -- not only for having the courage and determination to reclaim her own life, but for openly and frankly speaking out on the subject, in order to encourage and empower others to do the same. She and others like her (and thank God, they're out there) are the reason that this battle will one day be won.

   I'm eagerly awaiting NEW BEGINNINGS, the second volume in the trilogy, as well as the third. We know the story will have a happy ending -- Cathy Brochu is a happy, healthy, productive woman who cares about helping others -- how she got there is the inspiration.

3 comments about No Limits: Legendary Blind Athlete Leads the Way to New Horizons.

1. - He is not as great as everyone makes him out to be.
   - He depends on other people to do things for him, even though he claims he is independent.
   - He is a tight-wad and only spends money on himself.
   - When his brother was in the hospital for heart complications, he demanded that SOMEONE read his mail, take him shopping, etc.
   -Last, and most importantly...everyone who meets him ends up ignoring him after a few months because they become tired of listening to his self-absorbed, egotistical babble.

   You be the judge of how great and inspiring Harry Cordellos is...




2. It is hard to imagine the determination and skill Harry Cordellos brings to life. Harry demonstrates his faith and willingness to try new things and how to never give up. This book is a true inspiration to anyone who has ever tried to overcome a problem. It is well written and covers a lot of material, keeping you interested in learning more about this motivational winner! When you belive it, you will see it.



3. A blind guy excelling at water-ski jumping, diving off the 10-meter board, driving an ATV in the mountains, snow skiing, running marathons! This is the perfect gift for anybody prone to whining about their problems.

No comments about The Story Of My Life.

No comments about Neither-Nor: A Young Australian's Experience with Deafness (Deaf Lives Series, Vol. 5).

No comments about Down Syndrome, One Family's Journey: Beth Exceeds Expectations.

4 comments about Nobody Nowhere.

1. At the age of four Donna's main carers are gone when her grandfather dies and her grandmother is sent away. Now, with her surreal and eccentric father basically banned from contact with her, she becomes the possession of a disability-phobic, obsessive, disturbed and alcoholic mother who is determined to play out her own lost childhood and make her seemingly deaf, somewhat 'psychotic' and disturbed idiot daughter a pretty and perfect dancing doll.
   
   But inside of Donna there are other people she has collected along her road to survival; Willie who is like a civil rights activist on steroids and the smiling facade of Carol.
   
   Carol plays the mother's doll to protect the soul of the real Donna. Intertwined with Willie's violent and defensive outbursts and paranoic protection and Donna's often bizarre and quite Autistic responses and behaviours, Carol, behaving like people on TV sit-coms, goes to school,even goes through the motions of 'friends', and develops a broad range of mimicked speech, stored phrases and charicatures, saving Donna from a life in an institution and often from the very real threat of death.
   
   As the teenage years approach Carol and Willie fight it out for control of the body with the real Donna on the sidelines as the lot of them drift into homelessness, poverty and domestic prostitution passed from stranger to stranger.
   
   After an attempted suicide she falls into the care of a psychiatrist and goes on to get a university education. But knowlege is not wisdom and without independence skills, Donna follows a stranger across the ocean where, on arrival, he abandons her to an itinerant bag-lady existance throughout Europe. This second journey begins with a man who will change her life and sense of self forever as she meets and falls in love with a real life 'mirror'with the same challenges as her own and, later faced with the loss of this first deep love, goes on a desperate and dangerous quest to find out 'what kind of mad' she is in the hope there is hope she can change it and as a result finds out she is Autistic; a realisation that ends up changing the entire field of Developmental Disabilities forever.
   
   An international bestseller, in over 17 languages throughout the world, Nobody Nowhere is a moving, gripping, surreal, myth-shattering, sometimes hilarious but ultimately uplifting book and one that will stay with you as one of the most moving and exceptional works you will ever read.
   
   Life, normality and reality will not be the same after you read this book.



2. This is my favorite book. I read it in less than a day wich is rare for me. Some other books I love are Catcher and the Rye, and The Sound and the Furry. Donna Williams is amazing. This book is amazing.



3. This is my favorite book. I read it in less than a day wich is rare for me. Some other books I love are Catcher and the Rye, and The Sound and the Furry. Donna Williams is amazing. This book is amazing.



4. I think Donna Williams is one of the world's greatest authors. Although she suffers from pervasive developmental disorder, (autism related), she has shown great courage and will be of great benefit in the future for other people with disabilities.

   I suffer, myself, from Asperger's Syndrome (I am 23 years old) and I have benefited from Donna's three autobiographies written.

   I am trying hard to find information and correspondence with other autistic people like myself; but the process has not been a walover. I recommend reading of the books, from "Nobody Nowhere"(first) to "Like Color to the Blind" (third) because all three books run in sequence.

   I have rated Nobody Nowhere a perfect 10!

   Adrian Pooley

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 Helen Keller: Selected Writings (The History of Disability Series).