Just wondering if anyone has read this book. My mum has just picked me up a copy.
Thought I would have a search for a discussion , I couldn’t’ find one.
Anyone read this book? What can you share with me?

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Aden's montage

I haven't read this book, but I hope someone who has will add their thoughts. Thanks for starting this thread!

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Jennifer Graf Groneberg

I read this book a few days after our daughter Beth was born (13 weeks today). My wife read it a year ago before she knew how relevant it would be.

It was bizarre how many experiences and emotions the author wrote about were similar to our own so far.

One of the features of this book is the level of the writing which provides for some intricate descriptions and powerful images. The author is a journalist and the book evolved from a series of newspaper pieces, and for this reason some readers might find the style of writing unecessarily vivid and complex. I certainly found some of the metaphors she used to describe her child wth DS to be confronting. Behind the intricate writing though is a very honest story. I was very taken with her discussion on ethics and the social implications of prenatal screening and termination. I would definitely recommend this one.

Jennifer, I have also just finished your book and was very taken with your honesty. Thanks for giving us insights into your private life (and for your friends/relatives being willing for you to share theirs). This will be an excellent resource for giving our friends and relatives some insight and understanding. I also thank you for taking the time to include descriptions of the 'ordinary' things going on around you and your son ... the sunsets, the moutains, the flowers. You live in one of my favourite parts of the U.S. and I have a mental picture of the lake and the mountains and the forests. Perhaps you could come to our part of the world one day to share your experiences in person.

Hello, BethsFamily!

Thank you so much for your kind words about my book, and about my beloved home state. Someone told me Montana is like another character in the story and I had to laugh...it's true!

I've always had a special place in my heart for your part of the world. I have a dear friend who lived near us in Montana for many years and she's now back in Australia. Hearing her descriptions made me long to visit for myself, even more. It's a long-held dream of mine....

Thanks again for reading, I really appreciate the support, and all my best to you and your beautiful family.

xo

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Jennifer Graf Groneberg

I did not like this one. K Evans wrote some beautiful essays "Pure Love" comes to mind - tha tI have recommended to parents of newborns with a diagnosis of DS> I found her journalistic style not compassionate enough and to be honest her research suffered a bit in favour of the cheap headline point - EG no child models with DS - when I know of at least 4 (2 living in my local area - and they aren't a major part of the population!!!!!!!!!).

I much more enjoyed the raw honesty without the subterfuge (or so it seemed to me!) of Roadmap.

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Mum to Hannah (ds) and Kit 15/10 /04