Thursday, July 23, 2009

Expecting Adam


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.

10 comments:

  1. 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 :)!

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  2. You'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.

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  3. I 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.

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  4. I don't know anything about this book, but you make it sound very intriguing....

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  5. I got it in the mail yesterday - thanks Chrystal! I'll get started on it today and then pass it along :)

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  6. I started it today and so far having trouble putting it down . . .

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  7. It'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....

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  8. I 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!

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  9. It's not depressing, Sheree. And the author writes with a lot of wit and sarcasm, which totally appeals to me ;)

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  10. I'd be happy to share my copy with you, Sheree, or anyone else.

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