Shana R. (LynniePennie) reviewed Don't Kill the Birthday Girl: Tales from an Allergic Life on + 169 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
As someone who has lived with a horrible food allergy I could really relate to this book. Since I was a child I had a horrid allergy to walnuts, pecans and other tree nuts. When I was a child a nut allergy was unheard of (at least to my doctors) and considered "strange". It was so hard as a child & is hard as an adult, to be so very careful... you'd be so surprised where you'd find nuts and in the author's case other food allergens.
This book is the author's story of growing up as another food allergy "pioneer". I am thankful for Sandra Beasley's honesty, humor and insight into her own food allergies. Ms. Beasley tells of the problems that have plagued the "allergy-ridden" and she does it all with a sense of humor. I could relate to the author carrying around a suitcase of Benadryl on any trip she took. I ended up in the ER near death myself, so I could understand where Ms. Beasley was coming from.
Honestly, I would have given this book five stars, but the historical background got in my way at times. I would have preferred to read more about Sandra Beasley's life with her allergies and not about the men who discovered antihistamines(though, I'm so thankful to them!). Beasley has an audience, I'm sure every food allergy sufferer and the parents of children with allergies will pick up this book and totally relate to it like I did.
This book is the author's story of growing up as another food allergy "pioneer". I am thankful for Sandra Beasley's honesty, humor and insight into her own food allergies. Ms. Beasley tells of the problems that have plagued the "allergy-ridden" and she does it all with a sense of humor. I could relate to the author carrying around a suitcase of Benadryl on any trip she took. I ended up in the ER near death myself, so I could understand where Ms. Beasley was coming from.
Honestly, I would have given this book five stars, but the historical background got in my way at times. I would have preferred to read more about Sandra Beasley's life with her allergies and not about the men who discovered antihistamines(though, I'm so thankful to them!). Beasley has an audience, I'm sure every food allergy sufferer and the parents of children with allergies will pick up this book and totally relate to it like I did.
Aimee W. (peculiarway) -
Helpful Score: 1
A quick read that contains not only a personal account of what life is like with multiple food allergies, but information about the discovery of food allergies, current research, both historical and modern treatments, and a bit of what the political and social climate is like for those with multiple food allergies. I was especially interested in reading about the different programs and safety ideas available to school age children with multiple food allergies--they've certainly come a long way from when I was a kid! The author has an excellent sense of humor, and has definitely had an interesting life. Recommended.
Kristin D. (kdurham2813) reviewed Don't Kill the Birthday Girl: Tales from an Allergic Life on + 753 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
As I am the girl with no allergies, other than the occasional red bumps on the legs from a picnic in the grass, I am that skeptic that thinks that the world is overreacting and too accommodating to those who have allergies. After reading this book, I am a little more empathetic but also don't think our schools need to go to the drastic measures that they sometimes do.
A memoir that takes place right around the corner from where I live, in Arlington, VA with a little girl who is growing up with a long laundry list of allergies to many food groups. As the title suggests, many traditions and events revolve around food where a child with allergies may feel left out because they can not partake in the complete ritual due to an allergy to one food group or another.
A book that I would definitely recommend as a great memoir that may open your minds to how families must cope if a child or parent has any kind of food allergy or illness that may limit the foods that they may eat.
A memoir that takes place right around the corner from where I live, in Arlington, VA with a little girl who is growing up with a long laundry list of allergies to many food groups. As the title suggests, many traditions and events revolve around food where a child with allergies may feel left out because they can not partake in the complete ritual due to an allergy to one food group or another.
A book that I would definitely recommend as a great memoir that may open your minds to how families must cope if a child or parent has any kind of food allergy or illness that may limit the foods that they may eat.
