I have cerebral palsy too -- I was born premature, in 1994. I don't think I'd like this sort of book either, after actually reading some of it, and after reading this review. I think we need more stories from disabled people themselves, not from their parents or family. We have a lot to say, it's just that many people don't want to listen.
I haven't read this book, but even with the flaws you point out, it sounds like something I should check out. And it really is too bad that the author didn't include the information about creating the group, but I know I am glad that she did.
I read KAREN years ago, when I was a teenager. I read it more than once. I could never have brought to the reading what you have brought to it but even so, I was struck then by how Killellea bucked authorities and persisted.
Much later, in my twenties, I interviewed a couple with CP who had had a child together in defiance of all those who tried to stop them. They were not pie-eyed dreamers. They were practical and aware of the difficulties they had and would have with a toddler who could move so differently from them and whose speech would be so much more easily understood. They were doing what all parents do - approaching each day with a kind of courage and faith that they would have what they need when they needed it.
I have cerebral palsy too -- I was born premature, in 1994. I don't think I'd like this sort of book either, after actually reading some of it, and after reading this review. I think we need more stories from disabled people themselves, not from their parents or family. We have a lot to say, it's just that many people don't want to listen.
I enjoyed that you wrote this as a letter to the author. I never heard of the author or book before.
I haven't read this book, but even with the flaws you point out, it sounds like something I should check out. And it really is too bad that the author didn't include the information about creating the group, but I know I am glad that she did.
I liked your review. Tangential to this, I feel a weird tension sometimes when I read a book with which I can relate but it doesn't deliver the goods.
I read KAREN years ago, when I was a teenager. I read it more than once. I could never have brought to the reading what you have brought to it but even so, I was struck then by how Killellea bucked authorities and persisted.
Much later, in my twenties, I interviewed a couple with CP who had had a child together in defiance of all those who tried to stop them. They were not pie-eyed dreamers. They were practical and aware of the difficulties they had and would have with a toddler who could move so differently from them and whose speech would be so much more easily understood. They were doing what all parents do - approaching each day with a kind of courage and faith that they would have what they need when they needed it.
Such an interesting concept. I admire your honesty on all fronts in this piece.
Well said Kyle. I think you are an amazing dad. And ‘Em is blessed to have you. Keep writing