Journal Entry 1 by therubycanary from Portland, Maine USA on Thursday, February 12, 2004

Found on the library free shelf. This looks like a very interesting account of a woman's struggle to decide what is precious in life when her unborn son is discovered to have down syndrome. Against everyone's advice she keeps the baby and "had to unlearn vitrually everthing Harvard had taught about what is precious and what is garbage." 

Journal Entry 2 by therubycanary from Portland, Maine USA on Monday, April 12, 2004

This was a great book. Touching and humorous, it chronicles the pregnancy of a woman carrying a down syndrome baby. The narrative goes back and forth in the time line between the pregnancy and after he was born, keeping the story moving quickly. It was heartbreaking to hear stories of the prejudice she faced, especially from the "educated" people in her life. There is also a sense of the mystical in some of the unusual events surrounding Adam's birth... 

Journal Entry 3 by caretta from Lynchburg, Virginia USA on Saturday, April 17, 2004

This book arrived yesterday - thanks, therubycanary. This book has been on my wish-list for a while, so I look forward to reading it. 

Journal Entry 4 by caretta from Lynchburg, Virginia USA on Saturday, February 25, 2006

I tried to read this book but could not get into it at all. I was very put-off by Martha Beck's assertions that so many events that occurred during her pregnancy could only be explained by some divine intervention. Half the time, I felt as if I were reading the words of a spin doctor who was making up a story that she wanted to believe. I'm not sure how far I read before I decided that this book wasn't worth my time. I hope the story improved after Adam was born. I'm disappointed, because I really wanted to read about a real mother's experience with having a child with Down's Syndrome, but ended up just questioning what was real and what was just a figment of the author's imagination. 

Journal Entry 5 by caretta from Lynchburg, Virginia USA on Friday, March 17, 2006

I'm sending this book on to a paperbackswap.com member in Provo, UT. I hope the next reader enjoys the book more than I did. 

Journal Entry 6 by rootmartin from Marlborough, Massachusetts USA on Monday, July 31, 2006

Caught via paperbackswap.com

Have heard great things about this book and am looking forward to diving into it.

 

Journal Entry 7 by rootmartin from Marlborough, Massachusetts USA on Friday, September 08, 2006

I just finished up this book. I truly loved it. The author treated the subject with such wit and insight that I could not stop turning the pages. In addition, I appreciated her storytelling about Harvard as I was a student there and worked at the University after finishing my degree.

I had children while completing my graduate degree though I had far better support from the faculty, administration and fellow classmates than Martha Beck encountered. However, ambition will always remain a key driver within Harvard.

The book was beautifully written and such a wonderful testament to her son's life and the beauty and richness that he has bestowed upon his family.

I'm passing the book along to my mother-in-law who expressed some interest in reading it. 

Journal Entry 8 by rootmartin from Marlborough, Massachusetts USA on Thursday, July 26, 2007

Mailed today to AnOtterChaos. Enjoy! I found this book wonderful. 

Journal Entry 9 by AnOtterChaos from West Lawn, Pennsylvania USA on Friday, August 03, 2007

Thanks!! I''m looking forward to reading this book. 

Journal Entry 10 by AnOtterChaos from West Lawn, Pennsylvania USA on Sunday, September 30, 2007

A beautiful and beautifully written book. I have many markers in of quotes and passages I want to reread and contemplate at leisure. This book won't be traveling again for awhile while I digest it!