The Book
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In her beautiful debut novel, Charlene Beswick has told her story of grief and triumph in raising her twins, Harry and Oliver.
Harry is her sweet special needs son with Goldenhar Syndrome and Autism. Oliver is his fiercely protective brother. And Charlene is the strong and courageous mother moving mountains to bring her boys the best life she possibly can.
I cannot imagine the hurt and pain of being "welcomed to Holland," because my own child is a thriving, typical little one. But Charlene does a careful job of crafting a recipe of pure honesty with dashes of hope to which any mother can relate. She never shies away that the beginning was hard, or that life is sometimes still hard. She also spends quite a bit of time on how everything affected Oliver as the typical child. And her adoration for her children absolutely shines through the words on the page.
It isn't a long memoir, and it certainly does not drag. By the end of it, I felt like I had become a part of her inner circle and felt incredibly privileged to be given this door into her life. I cried with her, I laughed with her, and I found myself constantly wanting to reach out and say "You're not alone! I've felt this way as a mom, too. Keep rocking it."
For any mother that has been delivered news that your incredible, beautiful child isn't "typical." For any friend of that mother. Read. This. Book.
For any mothers to incredible, beautiful, typical children that need to know they aren't alone when they feel like they've failed their child or that they aren't giving enough (when really they're giving it their all): you, too, will find this book rejuvenating.
It was my true pleasure to read an ARC provided for free by Charlene Breswick in exchange for an honest review.
I have to wait over a week?! Well, I'm following the author on facebook now so I'll get a post when it's out.
ReplyDeleteOh good! It will also be on the Booking Your Weekend post next Friday to remind everyone. :)
DeleteAs the mother of a teen who was diagnosed at 6 as having Autism, and having a younger son with a life threatening incurable illness, I can fully understand this mother.
ReplyDeleteMy heart goes out to you, warrior. I can't imagine how difficult it must be.
DeleteAs a non mom and a non memoir fan, this book intrigues me. Thankfully, I have some days to make up my mind about whether I want to buy it or not.
ReplyDeleteI think it is interesting even if you don't fit into those roles. It's just more relatable if you do. So you should enjoy it for different things anyways!
DeleteThis one sounds like a heart-squeeze
ReplyDeleteIt REALLY was. But at least we end with hope.
DeleteThis looks like a must-read. I am giving some serious thoughts to devoting next year to just biographies and memoirs. There are just so many incredible people out there.
ReplyDeleteThere are! I think I'm going to be setting aside more time for them, too.
DeleteBeing a parent is hard enough, I can't imagine parenting a special needs child on top. I have deep respect for her and moms like her.
ReplyDeleteMe, too! They leave me in absolute awe.
DeleteI have a little guy who has complex learning disabilities and watching his struggles can be heartbreaking and his successes sheer joy. This just made me a tad bit teary eyed. I'll definitly be reading this!
ReplyDeleteDo, do, do! It is FANTASTIC and I think you'll end up feeling like Charlene should be a part of your mom tribe. I give you all the credit in the world for being a great mommy to your wonderful son.
DeleteI feel there are still so many unknown things about this topic. My neighbor friend had Autism, lost him out of my eye when we relocated, wonder how he is doing in his life as adult.
ReplyDelete