Book Description

Shortly after John Hull went blind, after years of struggling with failing vision, he had a dream in which he was trapped on a sinking ship, submerging into another, unimaginable world. The power of this calmly eloquent, intensely perceptive memoir lies in its thorough navigation of the world of blindness -- a world in which stairs are safe and snow is frightening, where food and sex lose much of their allure and playing with one's child may be agonizingly difficult. As he describes the ways in which blindness shapes his experience of his wife and children, of strangers helpful and hostile, and, above all, of his God, Hull becomes a witness in the highest, true sense. Touching the Rock is a book that will instruct, move, and profoundly transform anyone who reads it.

"John Hull goes a long way toward taking us with him through his descent into total blindness...He lets us see with no trace of self-pity or self-praise how blindness has become far him a genuine acquisition, an unforeseeably rich gift that has made of him what so few of us are: excellent watchers and hearers of the world...triumphant in the teeth of ruin". -- Reynolds Price ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Moving memoir
Heard the taped version of TOUCHING THE ROCK by John
Hull, a moving memoir of a university lecturer who slowly
lost his vision over a period of several years . . . he recorded
his thoughts in a diary, and I must admit to being touched
about how both he and his family dealt with his
condition . . . even typing this brings teary thoughts to
mind . . . imagine having seen a child as a youngster,
then not being able to see her again as she grows up . . . or
never having seen another child from the time he was
born . . . it makes me want to hug my daughter, Risa . . . and
to appreciate all that I do have!

A stunning picture of what it is like to become blind
This book was given to me as a gift a few years ago, and while I am neither going blind nor am actually blind, I found many of the ideas and experiences and thoughts and feelings expressed in this book to be very similar to my own. I have some particular cognitive difficulties (prosopagnosia, often called "face blindness") which give me a rather different outlook on life from most people, and I was amazed to see just how much in common my outlook on life was when compared with the author's life experiences. Well, maybe I wasn't that surprized, but it was still an eye-opening (no pun intended) experience for me to read this book in that context.

Needless to say, I enjoyed this book very very much. It reads more like a personal journal or diary than an actual book, and that gives the whole book a very personal experience when reading it. ... Read more

Book Description

Like a force of nature, Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli has soared to stardom and the top of the music charts with a voice that thrills the soul. Tuscany's most exciting and beloved export since Luciano Pavarotti is a phenomenon with an astonishing 30 million CDs sold, two World Music Awards, best-selling albums of both popular and classical romantic songs, and wildly popular sellout concerts on nearly every continent.

Andrea Bocelli: A Celebration reveals the entire story behind the man with a voice that the Washington Post describes as "radiant . . . with a soulful purity that is absolutely mesmerizing." This detailed biography chronicles the singer's childhood in the Tuscan countryside, his early ambitions and passion for singing, the disease and accident that caused his blindness at age twelve, the uncompromising philosophy of his strong and loving family, the Italian musical legacy that has shaped him, and the spiritual beliefs that sustain him. It is the story of one unique celebrity's step-by-step transformation from lawyer to piano lounge singer to greatest crossover artist of all time.

Lavishly illustrated, this book contains never-before-published photographsfrom the Bocelli family album and scores of photographs that depict everystage of Andrea Bocelli's career. Based on original interviews with family members, the mayor of his hometown, and several of the singer's closest colleagues-including conductors and costars who have performed with him extensively-author Antonia Felix weaves a fascinating portrayal of a compelling performer and remarkable human being.
... Read more

Reviews (12)

Very well done
This is a beautiful book, well written and lavishly filled with wonderful pictures of Andrea and His family, surroundings and special events. This book gives a nice short history of Bocelli's life and a detailed look at his musical career, it is very much a good biography and a good history of Bocelli, it is a good sister book to Andreas auto Biography "The Music Of Silence" which is really detailed about Andrea youth up to his young adulthood and gives his thought's about all the important events of his life, but is not detailed about his career. Felix's book Besides covering HIS Career up To 99 in Great detail she also gives us a nice understanding about those who influenced Andrea musically (the greats of Opera) and about Opera itself. I also agree with the last reviewer it is a nice coffie table book due to the size and the beatiful pictures. Together the books (Andrea Bocelli : A Celebration by Antonia Felix and The Slience of Music : Andrea Bocelli) give a great picture of ANDREA in so many ways, and are a must for every Bocelli fan.

A good overview of his life
I got this book first, then his he wrote (The Music of Silence). This one has many nice color and black and white pictures of his life and area he came from. I enjoyed it very much. For his die hard fans, I highly recommend getting his book also, you can find it at Amazon UK. You get a much more intimate picture of Andrea and his personal thoughts and aspirations and feel closer to him and have much more understanding of what makes the man that he is. Many more photos-only in black and white-but well worth it-and different than in this book. Not to take away from Felix's book, each one offers totally different things, both are excellent books to get to know Andrea- the first is more towards his career, the second is more personal of his growing up and in his own words. Buy both as you can. They are both well worth the price.

The Man Behind The Voice of An Angel
"My blindness has never been a tragedy to me; I don't know why it should be a tragedy to others." This quote by Maestro Bocelli, out of many that are included in this interesting and well-written biography, cogently defines the man behind the beautiful voice.

The author, Ms. Felix, takes the reader on an interesting journey. Her writing style is very engaging and educational, especially for those new to classical music. From his birth with a rare form of congenital glaucoma, all the way to White House to sing for President Clinton, Andrea Bocelli's story has the aura of a fairy tale. But the author firmly grounds the reader in reality. Maestro Bocelli is now a famous man; however, we see his life before and after, and perhaps come away thinking that it couldn't happen to a nicer guy.

From his childhood in the hills of Tuscany, through his years in Pisa for law school, we see the struggle of a young man who never allowed his blindess to close his vision of the world. The author's recounting of his law school years, along with his early forays into piano bars, was very intriguing. The story how he met his wife, Enrica, will captivate the reader with its candor, along with his feelings after their first meeting. "When she touched my hand, I knew I had met the love of my life."

Many would say that Maestro Bocelli, a former public defender, was lucky to achieve his fame. One of his countless demo tapes fell into the hands of the manager of Italian pop vocal star, Zucchero, who was looking for a tenor to accompany him on a certain song called, "Miserere." His inital choice was Maestro Luciano Pavorotti, who after hearing the demo, could not believe it came from an unknown piano bar singer. In the end, the Maestro told him, "This guy Bocelli will sing it better than anyone." And with that endorsement, the path was paved for Andrea Bocelli to become a household name in Europe.

This is a very vivid tale about a determined man. The reader may get the impression that he would prefer to sing to his horse, Gisele, rather than combat his admitted stage fright in front of his passionate fans. Or perhaps take to the slopes with gold medalist, Alberto Tomba, who taught Maestro Bocelli how to ski. Or parachute out of a plane on a dare. But this is a rare man with a lifelong passion for singing, and the author paints a complete portrait of him. The reader will come away with an added respect for the man with the angelic voice.

Thank you for the opportunity to review this book.

Get 'Music of Silence' instead.
You can trust biographies some of the time, but you can't trust them ALL the time. As one of Bocelli's biggest admirers I was surprised when I received this book. Although the first in a line of biographies about him, it tells only part of the story of Andrea's life. Felix occasionally jumps off track and discusses operas he's sung, but not too off track. Still, this biography told me some interesting information I didn't even know about him and includes commentaries from people who worked with him or who have experienced him. If you love Bocelli I recommend you read 'The Music of Silence' instead. That book documents the handsome blind Italian tenor's life IN HIS OWN WORDS.

BOCELLI TOUCHES THE SOUL LIKE A GENTLE BREEZE IN SUMMER
Who could not possibly hear the strains of "Con Te Partir" from Romanza and not be filled with emotion. Andrea Bocelli is one of the world's most outstanding artists of all time. His voice is like a gift from Heaven sent on the wings of angels, and his charisma is magnetic and empowering.

There has been more than one book written on this extraordinary man; however, I found this one to be filled with more passion and exuberance than others. The reader will learn of Bocelli's faith, childhood, the accident which contributed to his blindness, his encounter with Zucchero (an extremely well-known Italian artist) and his rise to fame. The only flaws with the book are minor; while there are some coloured photographs, many are in black and white which rather distracted from the quality of the book. In addition, the author was rather vague in some parts, leaving the reader feeling that book is not entirely complete. However, the book is still an interesting account of how this talented artist achieved such acclaimed stardom and world-wide adoration. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Delicious Bread and Inspiring Words
This book was written by a beautiful woman who has made it her goal in life to make others happy.Kathy writes in a manner that is simple and humble.Her style allows the reader to not only learn to make delicious bread, but understand the peace that Kathy feels when she makes and shares bread.I am a long-time bread maker and love these recipes.They have been perfected to the point where a novice can easily learn and an experienced bread maker can start to develop new recipes.This is not just a book for bread makers or just a book for those with cancer.Kathy's experience with cancer and her love of making handmade bread is an inspiration to anyone. ... Read more

Book Description

Bill Davis is the father of Chris, who has autism.Breaking Autism's Barriers: A Father's Storychronicles Bill's fight to overcome the physical, emotional, public, educational, and therapeutic obstacles to his son's disorder. Few books about autism have been written from a father's perspective. None so effectively walks the reader through each moment of a family's experience. It is an honest, direct account from a father's point of view of bringing up a child with autism, and the pressures and pleasures this brings to him, his wife Jae and his daughter Jessica. Now a leading autism advocate, Bill Davis gives advice and support to families trapped in a frustrating, unyielding system. Every facet of daily life with autism - including potty-training, aggression, marriage, family support, and finances - is discussed, with humor and realism. Breaking Autism's Barriers gives useful information to help parents jump the hurdles necessary to get a diagnosis, effective education, skilled therapists, and funding.Professionals will gain great insight on how to work better with families struggling with autism. And families will take comfort in knowing they are not alone, and be inspired by an ordinary man like Bill who is overcoming autism's obstacles. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

the love of two wonderful parents
I think this book is amazing because it let's you go into the mind of the author who is a man full of love for his son. He writes this book as if he is sitting in the room talking to you, and I like that. It's easy to read and easy to understand. And that is what people look for especially on Autism. I applaud this man and his family for doing wonderful things for the Austism Society and I'm proud to say that I'm a part of his world. I hope more people will read his books and get to know the love and suffering he and his family have been through. If anything he should get a medal in his honor.

Revealing truth of homelife with an autistic child
Bill is so candid in his telling of the Davis family's life with Chris. He gives so much of himself and asks nothing in return. He is constantly out in the community advocating for not only his child but all children and adults with Autism. I'm proud to say I know him and I throughly enjoyed his book. If your child has been diagnosed you really should read this. Some parts will make you cry but many will make you laugh and say "Oh my god I'm not the only one!" It's an excellent book told from a point of view many never get to see. -Tracy Gipe, mother of a ten year old with ASD and his two younger siblings without.

A Fathers Story of Love and Commitment
When starting this book I felt it would be a technical rendition of an Autistics child's life. Boy was I surprised to read the heart felt story about a father, a mother and two children caught up in the baffling world of Autism. From the diagnosis, through the stress of daily life the commitment between these family members was so touching and compelling forcing me to reexamine my own life's priorities. The Davis' obstacle ridden devotion to further education and community awareness of this disease is nothing less than admirable, and hopes that through Mr. Davis' advocacy work he can compel others to open their eyes.

Life-Changing Book
You can't miss the hard-headed commitment, the dogged won't-take-no-for-an-answer determination of this father in his loving and relentless pursuit of appropriate services for his son with autism. Bill Davis "tells it like it is" -- no wishy-washiness, no pie-in-the sky, no empty promises or fairy tale endings. His book makes clear the unfathomable depth of his love -- his passion -- for his beautiful son Chris, and the unyielding belief that no work is too hard, no frustration too crippling, no sacrifice too great if the goals are to provide for his son avenues by which this child with autism can make sense of our complex, swirling, overstimulating world, and find ways to express his own rich perceptions, ideas, and wit.

Read this book if you have a child with autism. Buy it and give it as a gift (as I have twice already) to someone you know who has a child with autism.

Read this book, too, if you have or know a child with ANY disability, for in Bill and Jae Davis' story of working with educational authorities, "working the system", "fighting the system" , improving the system, and not "settling" for halfway measures is a model for all parents of ALL kids with so-called special needs.

But read this book if what you're looking for is just a good love story. The love that springs out of every page is real and unsentimental. The whole story is here -- the love of Bill and Jae for each other despite fatigue and frustrations and fights, the love for their daughter Jessica and Jessica's love for Chris, and the loving personality of Chris himself, the true hero of the book.

SuperDad
Bill Davis is the most loving, giving father and certainly deserves the title of superdad. Breaking Autism's Barriers is a realistic glimpse into the everyday life of a family dealing with autism. The book is a balanced combination of useful educational advice, family coping strategies, and heartwarming stories. Professionals in the fields of education, psychology, and medicine who deal with the social and scientific aspects of utism will benefit by learning a father's perspective on the human side of autism. Families of special needs kids will take comfort in the progress the Davis family has made and can learn what steps to take to ensure their own progress. Bill Davis's attitude of absolute acceptance and his efforts to educate others are an inspiration to anyone who will take the time to read this book. Davis has become a voice for so many who can't speak. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Waiting for Home
This is a painful book to read, but interesting and important.I know Richard Prangley, and his positive outlook and love of life are amazing, given the pain he's endured throughout his entire childhood.This book helps the reader to understand that it's possible to survive unspeakable horror and yet live a life full of joy and community.This book forces us to think about how we label and separate people who don't meet our standards in some way, and how we do so with what we believe to be "good intentions."

A well written story about a remarkable person
John Schneider uses an easy-to-read style and an insight into the life of the developmentally disabled to document the tragic, but true, story of a special child who was sentenced to grow-up in a Michigan institution for the retarded.Richard Prangley's remarkable growth into a man and a mental health advocate is due to his determination for justice and belief in doing what is right.Richard's positive attitude is an inspiration to us all.

An eloquent account of a remarkable life.
Anyone who has even the slightest interest in biographies of people who have been "labeled" will find this book to be not only a treasure for the field of human services, but a masterpiece literary glimpse into a life. A very remarkable life. Given to the reader for better or for worse. But,definitly for our better! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Who would have thought a memoir about going blind and suffering from severe depression could be so funny? From the opening scene, when an uncle who has the same degenerative eye disease warns 12-year-old Jim, "You better start learning Braille now," Knipfel defies all the conventional responses to adversity. You can't help but laugh when a doctor "who had obviously been playing hooky when they were teaching sensitivity in medical school" tells a wailing woman who has just learned her son is dying, "Please sit down... [he] has a good two or three weeks yet." The hard-edged humor comes naturally to a guy who as a grad student formed a band called the Pain Amplifiers; we're not exactly surprised to learn that his column for an alternative newspaper prompted hate mail as well as fan letters. Knipfel's complete lack of self-pity conveys the particulars of failing vision with blunt immediacy (he wears a wide-brimmed hat so he'll feel impending lampposts before he knocks himself senseless against them). His zest for the world's absurdities makes this book an exhilarating guide to "the weirdness parade I have been marching in my whole life." --Wendy Smith ... Read more

Reviews (34)

Sometime depressing, often hilarious look at an unusual life
I had read a lot of this book already when its pieces were originally published in the NY Press, but Knipfel ties it all together nicely with some new notes that really illuminate his truly interesting life experiences. I often wonder how much of his storytelling is true and how much is embellishment, but in the end I don't really care because his stories are intriguing and his sense of humor is a strong and important respite from the struggles with his various ailments (retinitis pigmentosa, a brain lesion that induces "rage seizures" if he misses his meds, etc.). I highly recommend this book, not as a story of "one man's struggle with blindness," I think that would insult the author. Look at it more as a compelling series of anecdotes from a man who's been through more than anyone really deserves.

Grad Student Drunk Goes Blind In An Entertaining Way
Although I rarely read Knipfel's columns in the New York Press, I read this book in one sitting. As an oft-suicidal drunk I certainly related to much of what Knipfel wrote in this blackly comic memoir. He certainly does seem to be a bad-luck magnet. And I personally don't care if his stories are embellished--what writer doesn't, after all? (To Knipfel's neighbor: he makes it quite clear that he is not entirely blind and often does not use the cane. And he is extremely detailed, both about the retinitis pigmentosa and the brain lesions...WHY would he make that stuff up??) The writing is that of a smart, under-employed dude who prefers living on the dark side. We all know lots of folks like that. My only cavil is that Knipfel would probably feel a lot less depressed if he addressed his alcoholism frontally, but at this point it seems too interwoven into his world view and self-characterization for him to attempt that. (Believe me, I've been there.) Perhaps when he's older and the body stops being able to tolerate it. In any event, I recommend this book highly.

Like reading a fifteen-year-old's journal
Jim Knipfel is an idiot, truly. He's the type of person that delivers stories on characters like Werner Herzog and Ed Gein, very self-aggrandising, and, most significant to his idiot status, fails to understand anything at all. Want to be like Jim Knipfel? Quickly read a story in the newspaper, spend the next ten years watching The Nanny, then write a story based on what you read in the newspaper, and then assume the role of expert on the whole thing.

Inheritor of the Beats?
I like this book. I like Jim Knipfel's writing in general. He's quite good, and seems to be a naturally gifted author who's learned the ropes from his years as a columnist. In a strange sort of way, I consider him to be yet another link in the line of writers first described in the 1950s as the Beats. He measures up to many of those great truthsayers, and I always look forward to more work from Mr. Knipfel.

Long may he linger.

HURRY - BUY SLACKJAW, YOU WON'T REGRET IT
Slackjaw is an entertaining memoir about the author's past. Jim writes with raw honesty and the book has a contagious personal quality that makes it hard to stop reading. Even though people may go through different hardships than the author, he writes in a way in which all people can relate. Through all the hard times, Jim takes the time to look at the ironic, hilarious details that make life, life.
This book is highly recommended... ... Read more

Book Description

When Aaron Alterra's wife was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, the diagnosis radically altered the author's role in a vital partnership that had spanned 60 years. Husband became caregiver, and gradually came to think of himself as his wife's "primary physician," managing her care assisted by aides and medical specialists as needed. In this account, Alterra describes his attempts to find new ways to connect with his wife and to help her live at peace with her condition. He explains how caregivers can better understand the symptoms of Alzheimer's if they recognize that the patient struggles to adapt not to individual memory loss but to a loss of relationship, a lost sense of how things connect. He also shares practical information about support groups, patients' rights, and financial matters. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Very informative
I was very touched by the way he cared and loved his wife. He did a lot of trial and error and gave 110%.

Reality and Humility
This is a most thoughtful insight from both the point of view of the Caretaker and the one for whom care is given.Many of your own thoughts, questions, fears, victories, frustrations and actual experiences are seen and lovingly, yet honestly, shared by a gifted writer.Thought provoking, calming, and a real companion for a Caretaker who feels alone -- as we all do from time to time.Well worth the read!

Preserving Dignity
Thank you, Aaron Alterra, for sharing your very insightful experiences while giving such loving care to your dear wife, Stella.Your touching recount of Stella's final days as a cellist and your countless successfulefforts at preseving her dignity brought tears as I (a sexagenerian)empathized with your many dillemmas.

I would certainly recommend thisbook to anyone with elderly parents or who themselves have becomecaregivers. ... Read more

Book Description

Rescuing Jeffrey is a harrowing and eloquent story about tragedy and love and the choices we make.It's the story of how life can change in an instant.

On a sunny July 4th afternoon, Richard Galli and his family were celebrating the holiday at the home of some friends.The kids were playing in the pool and the grown-ups were relaxing.Then the unthinkable happened.Galli's seventeen-year-old son dove into the pool, struck his head, and nearly drowned.Jeffrey's parents jumped in, heaved their son out of the water, and Galli saved his life.But Jeffrey had suffered a devastating spinal cord injury that left him paralyzed from the neck down.

Rescuing Jeffrey is a compelling look at the next ten days.With disarming honesty and stark emotional intensity, Galli confronts these facts: His son will never be able to walk.He will never be able to use his hands.He will never be able to breathe without mechanical help.Jeffrey will be dependent on others for the rest of his life.Suddenly, Richard Galli is forced to see a future he never imagined for his son and has to decide whether to "rescue" him again-this time by removing Jeffrey's life support.

"I had brought my son back to life," he writes, "and then I had to find a way to kill him."

Galli presents a case to end Jeffrey's life-to his wife, to the doctors, and to the hospital ethics committee.But, in the end, he comes up against a force greater than any argument he can make.Battered by bad luck, unable to even move a finger, Jeffrey reclaims his own life.

Rescuing Jeffrey is a story about adversity, strength, and the support an anguished community shows at a time of crisis.It's a story that asks what, after all, is a life worth living? ... Read more

Reviews (18)

A very honest and heart warming story.
I thought Resuing Jeffrey was a very honest story about when life deals you a rotten hand. Having gone through my own experience with my son who came down with Bacterial Meningitis and was left unable to move or speak at the age of 14 I can truly understand how Richard Galli was feeling. Not everything that goes through your mind is always pleasant. You are in store for so many things that you probably never though you would have to deal with. Rescuing Jeffrey made me cry because nobody knows how hard it is when it is your child. A very moving book.

Sharing Experiences
When my son was also injured in a diving accident in 1991 just pior to his 29th birthday, one of the counselors talked with me about the variances in each level of injury... and the variances within each level. This book relates totally ... and likewise, not at all. Such injuries do encompass such huge differences and yet still create huge bonds amongst SCI families and their friends. In 1991, I didn't have the availability of all the resources that can now be found so easily on the web... this improvement in availability is an additional tool in helping us learn and in helping us share/teach; alongside the medical improvements that increase the quality of life for those in wheelchairs. The wheelchair is what people see; the reality is so much more. As a mother, I appreciated reading the reactions from the other side of the parenting role... a father's honesty and truth... I know it was not easily exposed. Different angles of perception; same levels of love. Thank you, Jeffrey, as your father wrote... for sacrificing your privacy so he could tell the story.

Brutally honest and brave
When a tragedy such as the one Richard Galli experienced in his family occurs, the family is expected to nod in agreement at platitudes from well-meaning aquaintences such as , "At least he's still alive." But sometimes we're not truly glad our loved one is alive. Sometimes our love is so deep and the prognosis is so bad that we want to say, "NO!" But it is rare to have the courage to admit it if our society would be more cmfortable otherwise.

Richard Galli obviously shared his feelings with rare honesty. He didn't tell a sappy story that would make us feel better. He told the truth. It is apparent that he didn't write for the popular commercial success, but for more personal and intimate reasons. Those who dare to read it with an open heart can benefit from his bravery in sharing his thoughts and feelings with no regard for what anyone not in his situation might think.

Shame on Richard Galli!
For Richard Galli to think of killing his son because he became paralyzed is bad enough, but to write a book about it too is over the top! Who does he think he is to make the decision that, because his son's body is no longer perfect, he shouldn't be allowed to live? Are disabled people less than human? Unable to enjoy life?

This book is revolting.

All doctors and most parents should read this
To do justice to this book, read it with an open, searching heart. Then ask yourself, as this author did, what would YOU feel and what would YOU do if your child, an adolescent, was left paralyzed from the neck down? In those first days when your child couldn't even speak what would you think about? That's the painful situation author Richard Galli found himself facing after his son Jeffrey was paralyzed after a freak accident in a swimming pool, an accident which left him unable to move from the neck down.
This account is a heartfelt, painfully honest description of the first ten days after the accident (when Jeffrey is basically unconscious) and what many readers have found hard to believe is how Jeffrey's father could contemplate ending his son's life. But I understood how his understanding of the life his son had lived before the accident and the horror of the life his son would lead afterwards, in all their limitations, could lead him to contemplate his son's death.
In the end, it is Jeffrey himself who is the final determinant of his life or death. I won't give away the ending but simply recommend you read this one. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Discoverer/Publisher speaks up
This book is a literary masterpiece. We submitted Mr. Marchesi's autobiographical book to the Frankfurt ebook awards 2000, thinking that he would surely receive the recognition this book deserves-instead, while taking nothing away from those who did win hard-earned recognition, true e-book authors like Mr. Marchesi were ignored in favor of print authors whose works were digitized as an afterthought to make them eligible for the e-book awards. This is the book that should have won at least one major prize in that competition. This is an important milestone, a 50-year unhealth check on the mores and the drug habits and the literary scene of the 1950's Beat Poets. This beautiful prose/poem book tells a wrenching story of a sojourn in hell on a *bateau ivre*, actually a Spanish Foreign Legion prison on Ceuta, an island on the cusp of Europe and Africa. Diagnosis: the white lady is deadly and dangerous as ever, insinuating herself into lives, ruining worlds, destroying decency. The author, Robin Marchesi, a true survivor of those trenches, is later able to rescue a fellow addict in San Francisco's Mission District. When this book first crossed my virtual desk as a submission from Mr. Marchesi, I read the first few sentences and was hooked (no pun intended). I still consider myself lucky that an original literary work of this quality should be my great fortune to discover and publish to the world. If I do nothing else with my publishing career, this one slender volume will be worth all of it, and more. Right on, Robin Marchesi, for this update from the road-shoulder between heaven and hell.

poetry and prose blended with artistic genius
This book is autobiographical and the English writer/poet, Robin
Marchesi's journal was written within two concentrated periods in his
life. There is a 20 year span which separates the two events. The
first of two chapters deals with his 6 week imprisonment in a Spanish
prison for possessing drugs. In it, he describes the loneliness and
struggle of his confinement. It is a sanctum from which he cannot
escape from, but is a resource from which he draws no self-pity, but
articulates some fantastic poetic imagery. I was drawn into his
literate gift for words which he freely spins and blends with amazing
skill and talent.

The second chapter deals with his flight to San
Francisco to secure a fellow English friend in the throes of his drug
addiction and to bring him back to England. He wanders the streets of
Haight Ashbury in search of his friend and again blends his magical
poetic and prose style in depths that I have never read or experienced
before.

I was fascinated from the first page and mesmerized by the
last page. After I put the book down and went back to reread the
memorable passages I had remembered in my mind, I looked to find that
the words were gone or perhaps were never there. This book stirred my
imagination because it went beyond the written word. It ignited my
imagination. I will surely enjoy reading this book again and strongly
recommend this book as nourishment to anyone's imagination.
... Read more

Book Description

So many of our dreams at first seem impossible, then they seem improbable, and then, when we summon the will, they soon become inevitable. If we can conquer outer space, we can conquer inner space, too.

Christopher Reeve has mastered the art of turning the impossible into the inevitable. In Nothing Is Impossible, the author of the bestselling autobiography Still Me shows that we are all capable of overcoming seemingly insurmountable hardships. He interweaves anecdotes from his own life with excerpts from speeches and interviews he's given.

Reeve teaches us that for able-bodied people, paralysis is a choice -- a choice to live with self-doubt and a fear of taking risks -- and that is not an acceptable one. Reeve knows from experience that the work of conquering inner space is hard and that it requires some suffering -- after all, nothing worth having is easy to get. He asks challenging questions about why it seems so difficult -- if not impossible -- for us to work together as a society. He steers the listener gently, offering his reflections and guidance but not the pat answers that often characterize inspirational works.

Published on the eve of both his fiftieth birthday and the seventh anniversary of his spinal cord injury, Christopher Reeve's Nothing Is Impossible reminds us that life is not to be taken for granted but to be lived fully with zeal, curiosity, and gratitude. That is a powerful message in itself, but it is the messenger who gives it its full resonance. ... Read more

Reviews (32)

Nothing Is Impossible - By Ben
The title speaks for itself Nothing Is Impossible. Christopher Reeve is just the person that can prove this point. After a tragic accident he became paralyzed. This book talks about how he has dealt with his new life and how he helps others with the same disability he has.
Chris wrote this book to make people aware of paralysis. He wanted the public to understand what it was and for people to want to find a cure. As you read this, stem cell research (something that could help save people who have been paralyzed) is a big controversy. Should it be legalized? Should it be illegal? Bush gave scientists a few stem cells to work with to try and help progress the technology of stem cell research. But scientists needs more, and that is a point Chris tries to get across.
Superman. We all know him as the hero who fights for "Truth, Justice and the American way." Many of us may know Christopher Reeve who once played Superman on screen. In the first chapter of this book we are introduced to Chris and the decisions he had to make when he became paralyzed. When he was first paralyzed he considered suicide was the way to go. He didn't want to be a burden for the ones he loves. He thought the only way he could make it easier on the people he lived with, and on himself, was suicide. However, his wife convinced him otherwise. His kids are one of the reasons his wife asked him to think twice. How would their life be with no father? Would anyone want to go through life with no Dad? Probably not. Chris realized this and it made him think that being there for his kids would be better then not being there.
As he adapted to being paralyzed, his kids did too. He helped them get through things when they were having trouble. His son Matthew was going through some stressful times during his first year in College, so Chris decided to invite him to come back home and spend a weekend there. He told Matt they were going to see a Rangers game but the real thing he wanted to do was talk. He was there for Matt when he needed someone to talk to which is very important in a someone's life. Chris was always there for his kids whether they wanted him to be or not. Often it is tough for people to deal with it when someone they know is hurt badly. If someone you knew and loved was paralyzed it would be not only a burden on them but you as well because you would have to help them through their lives. Everyone in Chris's life deals with his accident; well they are all willing to help and none of them make him feel bad about what happened to him.
In my opinion this book was great. It made me think about many things in life. One of them being how lucky I am to not be paralyzed. Everyday that I realize this, I'm grateful for people like Christopher Reeve who are paralyzed and who deal with it and try to help others. So someday if this happens to me or someone I know there will be better technology that can help them through it. Chris also makes some really good points about life and why people shouldn't take it for granted. His words truly inspired me to think about life itself and the fact that 'Nothing is Impossible'. No book is flawless, and this book can't break that rule. I believe almost every aspect of this book is good. The one thing I don't like about it however is that since he is a celebrity he gets better treatment then everyone else who is paralyzed he can do things that people who aren't famous can't do, and that isn't how it should be.
If someone is looking for an inspiring book, or a book that really shows you how lucky we all are, then this is a great book for you. If you find reading about other people boring and dull, this is still a great book. I don't like reading, and I don't like autobiographies but I like this book and recommend it to anyone who is willing to give some time to read it.

Inspirational Writings
Christopher Reeve's second major book is an attempt at the inspiration/self-help genre. While the book is a little unbalanced at some points, I found that Reeve is successful in communicating an inspiration message to his readers.

Being two years removed from my father's life altering stroke and currently undergoing some burdens of my own, I found the book's relevance to go beyond those who are paralyzed. Reeve begins the book by reminding the reader of the preciousness of life. Reeve admits to wishing for death after his accident. But he was reminded that those close to you would rather that you be around irregarless of your condition because they love you.

Further chapters discuss topics including humor, mind and body relationship, and parenting in the face of a major life alterations. In his chapter on recovery, I found his discussion of stem cell research to be one of the more articulate statements on the issue that I have read. Reeve takes the time to thoughtfully write counterpoints to the arguments against the medical issue. At the same time, he respects those who area against the research for religious reasons. Also, included at the end of the book is Reeve's inspirational essay "The Lighthouse". All of the themes flow together surprisingly well.

The one detractor I found in "Nothing is Impossible" is the chapters on religion and faith. While I respect Reeve's beliefs and I am happy that he has God in his life, the chapters on religion seem unfocused. In his chapter titled "Religion", he spend most of the pages talking about his experiences with Scientology. Only at the end of the chapter titled "Faith" does he discuss finding the answer to his spiritual journey. While the journey is interesting, I suspect most readers thirst for solutions with Reeve as an inspiration. This omission left me believing I should the book a score more like 4 1/2 stars.

I found the writings of Christopher Reeve to be touching and uplifting. Aside from the one theme I discussed, Reeve does an excellent job of creating an uplifting read with the use of the changes in his life as a background story.

Audio Review - "Nothing is Impossible"

The AUDIO VERSION of this book is A REAL DELIGHT to listen to.

Mr. Reeve has such a kind voice and just to be able to hear him talk regularly now, without having to pause for a breath every 5 seconds or so,like he did years ago, brings a big happy smile to my face.

I do not know anyone suffering from paralysis personally, but still found the book very interesting. I DID NOT want to MISS out on A WORD HE SAID.

I found the information he gave on stem cell reasearch so interesting and informative, that I now plan to support the effort for research in the United States.

I used to hope that he would walk someday, but AFTER LISTENING to what he had to say, I TRULY BELIEVE THAT HE WILL WALK AGAIN.

He'll never walk again
This is not ever gonna happen. Reeves ain't ever gonna walk ever again. He fell over the horse - I bet you won't see him gettin back on any time soon. He fills the hearts of parapalegics with false hopes. Don't read it - no one else has!

-Review by Martin Owens
mrj82387@aol.com
E-mail me with any questions or comments on any of my reviews.

Nothing Is Impossible
Nothing is Impossible is a book about Christopher Reeve's life after becoming a quadriplegic, paralyzed from the shoulders down, after a horse riding accident. His amazing attitude in dealing with this horrific tragedy is truly remarkable. The struggles he must face just to attempt the basic activities of daily life are mind-boggling. He is truly an inspiration. He would wake up every morning, "to emerge from the dreams in which I'm completely healthy and able to do anything and adjust to the reality of paralysis." Thinking that living life like a "fourty-two-year-old infant" wouldn't be acceptable he had thoughts of suicide. His wife and children still thought of him as the same man, only different, so he decided to forget about suicide. Chris learned to find humor in everyday life. By developing some motor skills and being able to move his left fingers he has shocked doctors and provided hope for many people.
This novel exposed a lot of the ideas Chris has on life, religion, and the world. He writes, "I firmly believe that medical research is the key to eliminating disease, reducing human suffering, and lowering health care costs." He has made a big impact on raising funds for spinal cord research and working to raise lifetime caps on insurance and make the cost decrease.
I like how the different stories he included make the book flow nicely. One example of a story he tells is about a nurse that was helping him. She asked how he was doing that day and he replied, "Well, my throat's a little scratchy, I have an itch on my nose, and my fingernails need cutting. Oh-and I'm paralyzed." The parts of the book I didn't like were the chapters about faith and religion. I don't think that these chapters fit into the message the book was sending.
I would recommend this book to other readers. It's a fast book that's easy to read and it holds your attention throughout the entire book. The book also sends a message and really makes you think about how hard it would be to live with a spinal cord injury. ... Read more

Reviews (36)

April Fool's Day: A modern Love Story
I bought this book when we lived in Australia from 1993/1994. I have since read the book over and over again and have lent it to family and friends under the strict mandate that they must return it to me upon completion. This is the most moving book I have ever read and it will be one that I will keep forever. I cried, I laughed, I cheered and I was inspired by Damon's courage and determination to not only live a normal life but to overcome the stigma associated with HIV/AIDs. Bryce Courtney has written a beautiful testimonally to his son's life. I hope every parent loves their child as much as the Courtney's did to not only let him live his life but to also allow him to die with dignity. His girlfriend, Celeste, was also amazing. How many of us could stand by our significant others knowing what she did about the ultimate outcome.

This book is a must read on everyone's list, I am only sorry that it is out of print.

A Real Masterpiece
April Fool's Day is the most moving book I've read this year. I find it really important that Courtenay decided to share such a personal thing to share with us. Although Damon died when he was only 24, I believe he was very lucky to have known really love (I wish every man had a loyal and wonderful girlfriend like Celeste) and have had constant support from his parents and brothers. Despite the acute and neverending pain he was in all the time, I believe, Damon was very strong, stronger than most of the people I've met or heard of, because he didn't want anyone to pity him for his illness. He tried everything he could to lead a normal life and has made me aware that nothing in this world is more important than health. Thus we should treasure every single minute in our lives. Bryce Courtenay is one of the best authors, and if there are better authors than him I'm afraid I haven't read them yet. Thank you.

You will cry while reading this book, for it's all truth.
I am a fan of Bryce Courtenay, and have read all his books. This one tells the true story of his last son, Damon, who was born with haemophilia and went through a very hard life, still one full of love and joy. I found myself crying for what happened to Damon, from the purple head episode in hospital to the AIDS he caught during a blood transfusion. And I do completely agree with what Damon said, whatever your problem is, HEALTH is a gift, the most precious one we possess, together with LOVE. The book is about love against the odds, the prejudice, the injustice of a health and political system in Australia in the 1980s; it is full of details and vivid images, and I can imagine how hard it was for the author to write about his own experience, and the suffering in trying to explain in a clear way what exactly happened to him and his family those days. Everyone who has been through a quite serious illness will love this book, as I did. Thanks, Bryce.

A little overrated, but still a wonderful, touching book
Before you bash me for not giving this book 5 stars, please listen to me first.

I truly loved this book. Bryce's family and the suffering that his son, Damon, went through nearly broke my heart and it was vividly written with plenty of emotion.

On the downside, the book was at least 30 pages too long. There were unnessecary parts, such as going on about the lighthouse light in the apartmenmt window and Damon's junk-bucket car that really got to me because they were repeated and dragged out too much for my liking. Also, the graphic descriptions of Damon's injuries and infections are not really something good to read with you lunch.

Also, I found the book to be a little bit overrated.

I don't consider it a masterpiece like "The Power of One" but it's definitely not a cold fish like Courtenay's "The Potato Factory," which bored me to tears. I'd rate it at about a 7.5/10 or 8/10, putting it in the same league as "Tandia."

One book you will never forget...keep a kleenex handy!
This is BC's non-fiction novel that tells the story of his son Damon - in heart-wrenching detail - about his plight with AIDS. Oh, and lest I forget, AIDS that was injected into him by the Australian medical community, thanks to their lax policies on blood donorship.

For those not up on BC, a short history - BC was under a deadline to produce TANDIA (the "Power of One" sequel), and many fans were lukewarm about Tandia - well, it was because everything you read in 'April Fools day' was going on while he had to finish it!

Back to this novel - it is a must-read for anyone with a curiosity about what a family goes through in the face of tragedy, and one that doesn't mind LIVING through the REAL life drama and frustration of a father and mother doing EVERYTHING they can to save their son dying of a disease. It got this grown man some major lumps in my throat, fists on the table, and some tears here and there - I cannot say that about anything I have ever read before in my life. Bryce really puts all his heart and soul to make you, the reader, feel his anger, pain, helplessness and sorrow about someone you will never know. This is a major literary achievement for one of the most brilliant authors of our time.

As I have said in some of my other BC reviews - it is a shame that he does not get more 'exposure' in the US. My wife and I have read everything he has ever done, and not 1 page is a dud amongst the thousands he has written - and we can name thousands of duds out there right now on your supermarket shelves... ... Read more

Book Description

A boy born without arms or legs tells his own amazing story!

Oto came home from school one day and told his parents he had signed up to play basketball. Most parents would be delighted; his were shocked. After all, Oto was born with no arms and no legs. But as this extraordinary young man has proven again and again, hard work, humor, versatility, and an upbeat approach to life are as valuable as limbs. No One's Perfect is his true account of how he slam-dunked one challenge after another, including basketball.

In a style purposefully meant to reach all ages, Oto writes about his unique childhood in Japan, a country that traditionally has shielded the disabled from the public eye. But hide Oto? Try hiding the sun! From his earliest days, he brought such a winning optimism into the crowds around him-curious kindergartners, skeptical members of the public school board, gaping passersby-that it was hard to resist him.

Now, as a young adult, Oto has taken on the work of establishing a "barrier-free" environment for others, in the government, in the media, in the eyes of all he meets. His book has sold over four million copies in Japan, where he has utterly changed the way people view the disabled.

Unsentimental and understated (you know the day-to-day routine can't have been as easy as he makes it sound), Oto's message nonetheless hits the heart. And though you need bravery and constant energy to overcome disabilities, you also need the understanding of those around you. Strong parents and unconventional teachers bucked the rigid status quo to give Oto a chance at a normal life, and he took it from there. Running races, learning to swim, even getting into fights, he made his classmates feel "He's one of us," so they were willing to join forces with him to help break down the barriers he faced.

No One's Perfect is the story of one guy's incredible courage and delight in what life can offer. It's also a campaign to illustrate how acceptance of other people's imperfections can make our own lives less imperfect. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Stupid thing for English
No One's Perfect a book about Hirotada Ototake the man with no arms or legs. It takes place in Japan where Oto grows up and deals with the trials and tribulations of life. As kid without a disability most people don't see the reality of the hardships for the disabled or elderly. In this book you follow a young man as he grows up and faces these trials. The book shows us that everyone can do something if we just give it a try.
Imagine what it is like to be two or three feet tall in elementary school with stubs for arms and legs and having your teacher tell you, you are going to learn how to swim. To use at first we think no problem but that's because we don't think of the disability, and for him it was hard. But through it all he still tried his hardest and never gave up. Through out the book he faces many obstacles like this, and he faces them and never gave up.
The story teaches us more then to never give up. It also shows that we all have potential for something, and if we all work together we can reach it. It also shows that the reason people are called disabled is because the way things in society are set up. If people would just take 5 extra minutes to think of ways to set things up to help disabled people they wouldn't be disabled. This many-themed book deals with lots of issues that need to be addressed.
This book is written in an excellent way that captures the hearts of readers of all ages. The language is simple enough for younger people, but complete complex and complete enough to keep adults' attention as well. This all works because he writes in a way that every one can understand and relate to. He does this by putting things in the view of a younger person relay. As you read it you don't think hey some adult wrote this you think that it is written by some one your own age no matter how old you are. Along with being able to get through to younger generations he is able to reach out and touch the lives of adults at the same time.
One thing that didn't work, however, was the way he sometimes jumped around in time. This does not work because he doesn't give enough detail to figure out at what time every thing is happening. But also at the same time he never seems to lose the attention of the reader, through laughter and what he is trying to get through peoples heads.
This book is wonderful for all ages and types of readers. It's full of humor, sadness, pride, hope, love and the want to make your own life better. Along with all the emotions you get to feel, you also get the chance to see some of the issues that some people face every day. Reading this book you begin to realize that life isn't as bad as you had thought it was. After all if this great person could make the best of his life and be happy with out arms, legs or the opportunities of normal people then I think that you can make your own life better. I recommend this book to any one who has a caring heart of the thirst for a wonderful and emotional experience. I also challenge you all to try and do some thing that will help you reach your potential or help make life a little easier for some one you know that cant always do for them selves. Thank you.

A Spiritual Lift
A Spiritual Lift

This is an autobiography of a great soul.

The author Oto (Hirotada Ototake) was born without arms and legs( a disease called tetra-amelia). Thanks to his great parents who didn't grieve over his disability, Oto was brought up in a way no different from the able-bodied kids(I bet you are interested in knowing how).In addition, through his experience of being often denied the school opportunities under an explanation that the school didn't have full facilities for wheelchair users, he developed his unique viewpoint - able-bodied people cannot cater to social welfare for the disabled from a more thoughtful perspective than the disabled people themselves. Motivated by this idea, he became actively involved in a campaign for a "barrier-free"society( namely, to make public facilities accessible to those in a wheelchair) as an undergraduate at Japan's prestigious Waseda University.

Enormously amazed by the reassuring tone of Oto, I sailored into a chain of touching stories. A particularly contagious one,to me,was about fashion shopping. Oto is a fashion lover and wouldn't miss any chance to shop on sale at a favorite store.On Jan 15,1998, he took the risk of travelling in a blizzard for a sale starting that day. His rationale was,"I wish that people with disabilities would take more pleasure in the way we dress,both to change society's image of us,and to give a lift to our own lives." Oto,thank you,I did get a lift here.

Ten pictures of Oto can be found in this book.In most of them,Oto smiles so shiningly,which seems to be proving his words" Even with a disability, I am enjoying every single day. No one's perfect."

Another person I must mention is the translator Gerry Harcourt, winner of the 1990 Wheatland Translation Prize. Without his efforts,I couldn't have had so much enjoyment in this book.

Inspiring story
One of the main points of the book is that it really shouldn't matter whether or not someone is disabled. That said, being disabled gave Hirotada Ototake many challenges and opportunities which are uncommon. You can imagine the challenges, but what really struck me was how the author took advantage of his opportunities, working hard to get into excellent schools and taking on leadership roles throughout his life... and he's only 4 years older than I am! It seems like an awful lot to accomplish in such a short time.

The best part of this book, however, is not the story or the accomplishments, but the attitude. It's very difficult to read this book without being inspired. When I was younger, I read "Anne of Green Gables" whenever I wanted to remind myself that hard work and dedication can make all sorts of things possible. "No One's Perfect" has the same message and the same kind of inspiration.

The only reason I gave this book 4 stars instead of 5 was that, like some other reviewers, I was hoping for more emotional insight. In some ways, the story is a little too abstract, and I'd like to know how the author FELT, since I know that most of the time, my situation cannot be completely expressed in logical thoughts alone.

Great book!

I Was Hoping for a much better Literary Piece of Work...
I was curious as to what was going on in the mind of this person. Unfortunately, you don't get into the underlying PERSONAL feelings, emotions and thoughts of the main character/author. The title really caught my eye (No One's Perfect) and I thought it would explore more facets of human imperfection. While you initially feel sorry for Oto just from seeing the photo on the cover of the book...by the end, you come to visualize him as a real and regular person. I found the book to be a more of a scrap together simplistic journal of his life so far. I suppose I have never discriminated against the disabled as it's obvious they've lacked something through life. Each individual finds their own way and it's clear that Oto points out how we must value ourselves more & enjoy every single day no matter what. This book is ideal for a little inspiration for any one (at any age) because it is easy to read & helps one examine 'What one should do to make a difference in improving their life'.

Limitation and Help
As a Chinese, I can't read the Japanese version, so I can't rate the writing technique of this book. But, base on the Taiwan vesion, I think that the book tell me "a lucky person need many persons to help and support". From the book, I find that, every person will have their limitation, base on the different limitation, we could pick our positive life style and just for these different limitation, we should help others. ... Read more

Book Description

Dyslexia affects more than 40 million American children and adults. Reading David presents an intimate look at the child behind the label of dyslexia and the mother who was desperate to help him.

Incorporating the direct and honest voice of her son, Reading David expresses a mother's fear and hope, as well as the bewilderment and courage of a child who cannot learn along with his peers. It is the story of a journey that not only taught David to read, but also brought mother and son to a deeper understanding of each other. ... Read more

Book Description

Several decades after her death in 1968, Helen Keller remains one of the most widely recognized women of the twentieth century. But the fascinating story of her vivid political life—particularly her interest in radicalism and anti-capitalist activism—has been largely overwhelmed by the sentimentalized story of her as a young deaf-blind girl.

Keller had many lives indeed. Best known for her advocacy on behalf of the blind, she was also a member of the socialist party, an advocate of women's suffrage, a defender of the radical International Workers of the World, and a supporter of birth control—and she served as one of the nation's most effective but unofficial international ambassadors. In spite of all her political work, though, Keller rarely explored the political dimensions of disability, adopting beliefs that were often seen as conservative, patronizing, and occasionally repugnant. Under the wing of Alexander Graham Bell, a controversial figure in the deaf community who promoted lip-reading over sign language, Keller became a proponent of oralism, thereby alienating herself from others in the deaf community who believed that a rich deaf culture was possible through sign language. But only by distancing herself from the deaf community was she able to maintain a public image as a one-of-a-kind miracle.

Using analytic tools and new sources, Kim E. Nielsen's political biography of Helen Keller has many lives, teasing out the motivations for and implications of her political and personal revolutions to reveal a more complex and intriguing woman than the Helen Keller we thought we knew. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A powerful social, political and literary biography
Kim Nielsen's Radical Lives Of Helen Keller is part of the New York University Press "The History of Disability" series and provides a powerful social, political and literary biography of Helen Keller's life based on research into both literary sources and FBI files and military intelligence. The result is an unusual focus on Keller's involvement in disability rights and activism a focus which has been lost in other concentrations on her blindness and literary achievements. Radical Lives thus is an important, essential guide for any who would receive a well-rounded survey of her life. ... Read more

Amazon.com

In The Music of Light, Lindsley Cameron chronicles the Japanese writer Kenzaburo Oe's remarkable relationship with his son Hikari.Although Hikari was born with a severe brain deformity that resulted in retardation, autism, near-blindness, and poor coordination, he has become an accomplished composer of classical music. Kenzaburo Oe, the winner of the 1994 Nobel Prize for Literature, has written much about Hikari and the rest of his family over the years. Cameron studies the intersections between Oe's life and work in this volume. She also discusses the nature of creativity, the scientific theories about brain injuries, and the history of musical savants.

Oe's close relationship with his son is unusual, especially in Japanese society, where men do not usually get very involved with raising their children. While helping Hikari deal with his health problems, the Oe family struggled to cope with their culture's severe discrimination against disabled people. Cameron describes Hikari's musical development and his amazing ability to memorize songs. Hikari's life story is an inherently fascinating one--a man who cannot express himself very well verbally somehow figured out how to do something most people cannot do: make up songs. Cameron interviewed both men and other family members for this book, and has done a good job of capturing their personalities on paper.Hikari and Kenzaburo Oe influence each other's work tremendously, and the elder Oe's writing and fame have had an enormous impact on the family's life. Fans of Kenzaburo Oe and people who are interested in the roots of creativity will find a lot to like in this book. --Jill Marquis ... Read more

Book Description

"Deprived of oxygen for two hours at birth, Christopher Nolan almost died, but he lived to write, at age twenty-one, this award-winning autobiography, told as the story of one Joseph Meehan. Nolan's birth injuries left him quadriplegic and completely unable to communicate, so for years no one suspected that his mind, though imprisoned in an inert body, was burning to express his innermost thoughts and ideas to not only his family but the world. Whether he is fighting with the authorities for the right to go to an ordinary school, or going on a "normal" vacation for the first time, Nolan's story has a touching, often breathtaking intensity. Nolan recounts his ultimate triumph of finally being able to share with others the insight and whimsy of his inner world, unlocking the inventive wordsmith and gifted storyteller within. The result is astonishingly lyrical, filled with powerful description, touching moments of triumph, sadness, and anger, and above all disarming wit. " ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Because Of "The Banyan Tree"
I found my way to this book after I had read "The Banyan Tree" by Christopher Nolan. This was a book that I read and reviewed back in February, and ever since I have been mystified why the book never seemed to gain the wide acceptance of readers. All of the reviews that have been posted by readers for "The Banyan Tree" have been 5 star reviews, and the same is the case for "Under The Eye Of The Clock".

If you read you understand how difficult it is to write anything, much less a full book, and then have it selected for and win a prestigious award. In the case of the book I review now it was the 1987 Whitbred Award that was awarded to Mr. Nolan. All very impressive, but that's just the start.

This is an autobiography written by a very young man who next wrote the book "The Banyan Tree" and would take 12 years to do so. This is a painfully candid, but uplifting book about a man with the support of a wonderful Family overcomes extreme realities that are his life to become an Author of international renown.

Mr. Nolan cannot speak, he can barely move at all. He types with what he calls his "Unicorn Stick" that he wears on his head, and even then his head must be supported while he works.

An Autobiography is a courageous work if honestly presented. When you add Mr. Nolan's additional challenges he faces as a writer, and as a person living with his physical issues it becomes an extraordinary autobiographical book.

I hope more readers find Mr. Nolan, he is a unique writer of immense talent, and if you pass by his work you deprive yourself of great literature.

Wonderfully uplifting !
Christopher Nolan's "Under The Eye Of The Clock" is an autobiographical account of his incredibly awe-inspiring and miraculous life. Born a cripple, he could have b