Helpful Score: 4
This was a wonderful book from beginning to end. A story of how having an autistic child can just about ruin a family. Painful and sad at times, but written so well you cared for the characters and read on hoping it ends the *right* way. Highly recommend.
Helpful Score: 3
This is the story of a mom that knows deep down there's something "not right" about her 2 year old son. Her husband, her therapist, her friends all say she's nuts. And then comes the diagnosis. It is the story of frustration, guilt, but also of never giving up, of hope. I really enjoyed reading this and recommend it to anyone who has small children, and even those who don't (like me). It has a nice satisfying ending, and you'll think twice about the kid acting up in the grocery cart next to you.
Helpful Score: 3
I absolutely loved this book. Even though I am not a mother myself, I fell in love with Melanie's personality and could feel her heartache and joys as if they were my own. It was a quick, satisfying read.
Helpful Score: 3
This was a very thought-provoking book. If you have ever dealt with a child with a communications disorder, it will touch a nerve.
Helpful Score: 3
I really enjoyed this book - so much of what she described about dealing with having a child with a disability makes me think that she must have dealt with this on a personal level. The book really nails the emotional frenzy accompanying such a diagnosis. It was a sad book, but really, probably eye-opening for those who have no real experience in dealing with autism, Fragile X Syndrome, or any other developmental delays. I don't know how effective this play therapy would have in real life - I can certainly see it working for some kids, but the quick progress that Daniel made put the book firmly in fiction, based on what I have seen. Still, I don't know that you could really have a book be enjoyable with little progress made over a short time frame.
Actually, the best part of the novel, I thought was that in the end, the mother makes the right decision regarding her marriage. The author really did a terrific job of vilifying the husband - an understandable villain, I suppose, but a villain nonetheless. Still, this was a good, if rather sad book, that did a good job with a tough subject.
Actually, the best part of the novel, I thought was that in the end, the mother makes the right decision regarding her marriage. The author really did a terrific job of vilifying the husband - an understandable villain, I suppose, but a villain nonetheless. Still, this was a good, if rather sad book, that did a good job with a tough subject.
