Let Me Hear Your Voice: A Family's Triumph over Autism Review

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(More customer reviews)When my fourth child was diagnosed with "PDD", I was happy. That was how ignorant I was--I thought it meant he wasn't autistic! Six years and one more autistic child later, I still credit this book with giving me a foothold and a way of grasping how to deal with the educational interventions that I feel continue to remain most viable for so many autistic children. I had nothing but my own gut feelings, one other book called "Children with Autism", and this book to guide me in the beginning stages of what would prove to be the longest, most incredible journey I have ever made in my life. It's still evolving, and so are we, in my family.
Because of this book, I garnered the strength to look into educational intervention for my first autistic son in the way of a "home program". I didn't know anything about what a "home program" entailed until I read this book. I didn't know that the optimal time you must devote to a program such as this has been set at 40 hours a week! I didn't know that there wouldn't be any trained therapists available--I had to be trained myself, in fact! I found babysitters, one high school girl, you name it--at one point I was so desparate I dissolved in tears and said, "I CAN'T DO THIS! " But you have to. YOU JUST HAVE TO. And you will, too, because you must.
As my supervisor said to me when she "okayed" us for the program, "Look at it this way--two years of your life will make such a difference." And it did. Not the sucess story the author had, but at least a sense of control over things and an awareness of my son's potential.
This book gave me something to hang on to. I realize now, especially after having a second autistic son, that not all things go as planned, and not all "programs" turn out as ideally as Maurice's did. On the other hand, you must have hope when you are an autistic parent. This book gave me that. And it gave me an understanding of an invaluable way of teaching young autistic children that is still the primary way they are taught most sucessfully (it is called Applied Behavioral Analysis now)that I needed, just to get started in the right direction. Buy it and read it. Use your brain when you read it and accept the fact that all these kids are different and you are not this woman. But be thankful. She wrote THE GROUNDBREAKING BOOK on this type of intervention.
best wishes, Jean

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She was a beautiful doelike child, with an intense, graceful fragility. In her first year, she picked up words, smiled and laughed, and learned to walk. But then Anne-Marie began to turn inward. And when her little girl lost some of the words she had acquired, cried inconsolably, and showed no interest in anyone around her, Catherine Maurice took her to doctors who gave her a devastating diagnosis: autism.In their desperate struggle to save their daughter, the Maurices plunged into a medical nightmare of false hopes, "miracle cures," and infuriating suggestions that Anne-Marie's autism was somehow their fault. Finally, Anne-Marie was saved by an intensive behavioral therapy.Let Me Hear Your Voice is a mother's illuminating account of how one family triumphed over autism. It is an absolutely unforgettable book, as beautifully written as it is informative."A vivid and uplifting story . . . Offers new strength to parents who refuse to give up on their autistic children." -- Kirkus Reviews"Outstanding . . . Heartfelt . . . A lifeline to families in similar circumstances." -- Library Journal

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Learning to Sing: Hearing the Music in Your Life Review

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(More customer reviews)I was amazed to see people writing reviews before reading the book, both overly enthusiastic fans and sarcastic non-fans. I have read it, and will read it again. There is a lot to absorb in it, but the first thing that I found is that there is a strong message for young people struggling with acceptance in school. This is a major issue in schools today, and here is someone who has been through it. Aiken is young enough to remember it vividly, and can relate to those going through it now.
The book also has a strong message for those children of broken homes and abusive family situations. If parents in these situations read this book, they may also get a good look at the pain they are causing, and realize that they have the ability to change.
This book challenges young people to consider a life of service, and talks about the great rewards of helping others. It encourages young people to consider the less glamorous, but equally or more rewarding career of teaching.
I found the book to be sad, funny, and encouraging, written by a young man with a pretty level head on his shoulders.

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"My mother prophesied years ago that my voice would take me places. She was certain that there was a reason I was able to sing. I am still discovering what that reason is, what it is that God wants to happen."–CLAY AIKEN, from Learning to SingWhen he was a kid singing in his church choir, Clay Aiken never dreamed of becoming a pop music star. His ambition was to be a teacher, maybe even a high school principal. But Clay's mother was right, and the music that was Clay's joy in life was destined to lead him to unexpected triumphs.In Learning to Sing, Clay details what his astonishing success has meant to him. He writes from the heart about his life before and since his instant stardom on American Idol, how he has changed, and how he struggles to adapt to life in the public eye. He speaks candidly about his lonely childhood: the father who abandoned him, the school bullies who tormented him, the mother who taught him to be strong, and the friends and teachers who–more than they ever knew–kept him going. He describes his new high-profile life in Los Angeles– the awards shows, the free clothes, the unfortunate presence of avocado on all the food. More significant, he reveals what he has discovered from diving into the white-hot center of pop culture: what it takes for him to stay true to himself and remember the lessons he learned growing up in Raleigh, North Carolina.Clay shares his struggle to remain a man his mother can be proud of, and writes about the faith that sustains him today just as it did when he was an awkward, unpopular outsider. "I believe God has a direction for me. He did not give me this life just so I could buy a big house and an SUV. My job is to give back and to be a decent human being no matter how many people cheer my name."Clay's friends–the old ones from North Carolina and the millions of new ones who love his voice–will hold this inspiring memoir as close to their hearts as they do his music. Learning to Sing reminds you that anything is possible. Like a perfect song, it will send your spirit soaring.From the Hardcover edition.

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Divided Minds: Twin Sisters and Their Journey Through Schizophrenia Review

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(More customer reviews)While the book is fairly well written, it was a little bit disjointed and one-sided. I thought there could be a better balance of the points of view of the two sisters.
As the mother of a schizophrenic, I am always looking for different views from both sides of the disease - from the afflicted as well as the family members who are also affected by this terrible condition
It would have been more informative and enlightening to hear more from the sister who was not schizophrenic, to hear more of her point of view and how she coped with her sister's affliction. There seemed not to be very much on that side of the coin.
Although I realize that this book obviously is not meant to be a text book and was most likely written to be simply an interesting observational read, I think a little more information and a clearer timeline would have been better. I would not recommend this book to people looking for better clues to understand a schizophrenic family person's thoughts and perceptions when in psychotic "mode".
Check this book out of the library if you want an afternoon's interesting read. Or buy it, but not for an in-depth look into a schizophrenic's mind. It simply does not fit that bill or answer that need if you are looking for that, as I always am.

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