I heard this book mentioned, over and over again, after I gave birth to my daughter and received her Ds dx. I assumed it was a memoir and perhaps not the kind in which I would have an interest. I totally judged this book by its cover. I mean that literally. The cover is kinda creepy.
If I recall correctly, the author, Martha Beck, Oprah guest/Life Coach, tried to sell this book as fiction at first. And I can see why. The story is somewhat unbelievable. Whether that's good or bad is for each person to decide.
But there was something about it that drew me in. I think Martha writes beautifully and she's obviously intelligent, even witty. I went along for the ride and I was disappointed when it ended. I wanted to know what happened next. And when I say "next" I mean up through yesterday.
I feel like I'm being cryptic, and maybe I am, because I don't want to give too much away. I sent the book to Lisa a couple of days ago and I really am looking forward to her perspective.
The basics are that Martha is a mom of a toddler, married, and pursuing her PhD at Harvard. She has an unplanned pregnancy and the little boy she's carrying is pre-natally diagnosed with Ds. And then a lot of stuff happens. The End.
Stand by for Lisa's review and, if you're still interested after my "stellar" review, be sure and put in a request to have it mailed to you.
One of my all time favorite books and would you believe that I read it many years ago. Another one of those weird coincidences. It was recommended to me by a friend, I read it, I loved it....never knowing that sometime in my life I too would follow a similar journey as Martha and have my own Adam :)!
ReplyDeleteYou're right... a lot of stuff happens! I hated the book at first, but was determined to get through it because it came highly recommended by an editor/writer friend who is encouraging me to write. It really took a many chapters before I can say I couldn't put it down. Harvard academics treated her horribly and she had a major turning point. The "miracles" or brushes with the supernatural were eerie (sp?). I can say I really liked the book by the end and wished to read more about Adam. I'd love to know more about him and what he's doing today. Her website reveals nothing.
ReplyDeleteI read this book when we had "risk factors" prenatally. It was the first book I read with any thought that my own child might have DS. I remember liking it, but now that I have more perspective I think I'd like to read it again.
ReplyDeleteI don't know anything about this book, but you make it sound very intriguing....
ReplyDeleteI got it in the mail yesterday - thanks Chrystal! I'll get started on it today and then pass it along :)
ReplyDeleteI started it today and so far having trouble putting it down . . .
ReplyDeleteIt's a really amazing book. I did find an update on Martha's blog about Adam and it was fascinating. He still proves to be a deeply profound human being and seems wise beyond his years. He has difficulty with speech as I recall but I need to find her post to verify. She even had an updated photo of him. I want to say he is like 19 or something now....
ReplyDeleteI want to read this now. Perhaps I can read it next week during my hospital stay with Gabs. Is it depressing? I can't have any of that!
ReplyDeleteIt's not depressing, Sheree. And the author writes with a lot of wit and sarcasm, which totally appeals to me ;)
ReplyDeleteI'd be happy to share my copy with you, Sheree, or anyone else.
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