Disabilities Books

It's practically impossible to find a novel that offers an insider's view of a relatively untouched subject, via fictional characters who are as admirable as they are likable. Anne Black Gray did just that in "Laughing Sickness: A Medical Mystery." I allowed myself a flip-through read to see what Gray had done with this latest addition to the mystery shelf. Once started, I couldn't stop. I had to see how young, smart, healthy Jessica, benched by an undiagnosable disease, plows her way through the laughably (if it's not you) bungling medical system to a diagnosis she can live with. Good for Gray.
Harriet Rochlin

Laughing Sickness is a fiction-based story of medical hope based on actual events. It is about a young woman who suddenly at the age of 25, after receiving a tetanus shot, becomes ill with a disease that causes episodes of paralysis and the appearance of unconsciousness. The debilitating condition is especially brought on by her own laughter. From her point-of-view we experience the alarming frustrations of dealing with a life-threatening disease and the response of ignorant doctors, baffled specialists, and a majority of the outside world who view the handicapped as invisible, invaluable, or just pitiable.

Laughing Sickness contains veins of social consciousness. Ms. Gray's insistent message is a patient wants and needs financial security, social dignity, employment and the best health care possible. The author wants to eradicate the assumption that lack of evidence of a physical problem is evidence for lack of a physical problem. You may bristle, accept, or defend Ms. Gray's cynical attitude toward doctors as demonstrated in an article written for an alumni magazine by her characater.

"If there is a God, I hate to think he only laughs at my cries for help. But I've evidence he's never touched by my pleas to watch over me in doctor's offices. Doctors with failings they can't face, who malign my sanity to save their pride."

The story's ending satisfies the mystery and the morals converge with an uplifting feeling that sometimes answers can be found if your determination doesn't weaken.

I believe that many of us at different times have weird things going on in our bodies that we don't understand. Thankfully, these usually pass, and we go about our merry way. But what happens when they don't? What happens when the doctors that we turn to for help, don't give it? I can only imagine the panic and fear that must occur in such a situation.
In this outstanding novel by author, Anne Black Gray, we meet Jessica. She is a young hard working woman who loves to bring laughter into life; she didn't know this was her downfall; when without warning she falls prey to a mysterious illness that literally depletes her life force. Scary. We travel with Jessica as she battles to find an answer to what is happening to her, and hits one stone wall after another. But she is determined, and although her independent spirit pushes many away when she needed their help the most, it is the factor that finally leads her to uncovering what is going on in her body, and why.
I found this book to be a grabber from the beginning to the end. Although fiction, truth was there, and the author brought to light many problems faced by people who have illnesses not of the norm; and all the trials and tribulations, pain and suffering they go through seeking their answers. I truly recommend this read, great story, informative, and inspirational as well. Well worth your time.

"... another world where gravity was stronger and the atmosphere more viscous." Author: Anne Black Gray

This image, for me, is strikingly vivid and evocative of Jessica Shephard's struggles with a disease that mysteriously and intermittently drags from her the energy to speak, swallow, breathe and remain upright. A disease whose diagnosis so persistently eludes discovery that in some opinions may not exist except as a construct of Jessica's psyche. The author carefully chronicles the progression of Jessica's symptoms, the frustrations and disappointments attending her interactions with the medical and nonmedical communities, the eventual "aha" that rewards the research efforts of Jessica and family, pins the diagnosis and also, significantly, Jessica's relentless efforts to maintain her independence and gift of laughter.

As an RN, I sometimes bristled at the author's broad-brush, black-hat approach to the medical community, but I suspect the incidents, though presented as fiction, were actually experienced by someone, therefore inarguable. One wish I do have is that Jessica's gift for making others laugh, an attribute she equates with power, would have more explicitly developed. The reader is frequently reminded of Jessica's gift, but in retrospect, I remember only one laugh out loud. In Chapter 1 where Jessica, having collapsed, lies there watching shoes while their owners discuss her, and she finally calls out, "Hey, how about listening to me... I have the floor here." There I laughed.

Of all the relationships realistically drawn, I especially appreciated the author's depiction of the relationship between mother and daughter--sometimes contentious, distant, loving, always poignant. The garage scene is unforgettable. Ms. Black Gray shows us that the loved ones of the afflicted also have much to bear.

This work, admirably, shows the authorial intent to foster awareness of "orphan" diseases, the need for improved medical research and development of therapeutic approaches and a greater respect and understanding of those with disabilities. This novel is more than the sum of its parts.

As an avid fan of the medical genre, I found Laughing Sickness fascinating. If you enjoy the diagnositic series "House" - you will love this book because it is medically precise without the over-your-head-writing of a medical textbook. The facts of this strange case don't have to be stuffed into a one hour show, but extend over a hellish two years where the experts turn helpless as the patient collapses with no one in her life to keep picking her up off the floor. She is almost alone in her torture as she alienates everyone who tries to help her because of her unrelenting desire to remain independent.

Who knows, we all react differently to discomfort and pain, but this book allows you to imagine things that seem impossible: like being incapable of communicating, losing the ability to walk, and having no answers to why you are slowly losing everything valuable in life. It unravels at a fast pace and gives a side story of the main character's faltering career in the engineering environment (where the author also tackles high-brow issues with ease). It's a teaching story and it would be rewarding to medical show voyeurs, or people in the medical profession like myself.

this book covers many important aspects, and thouroughly discusses everything it has set out to. The chapters are broken down sensibly into meaningful sections, handy for speed reading. Not nearly as painful or dry as I had feared.

Great book, I needed it for class. It provided a lot of detail on the specific cases that have made the changes in special education through the years.

Excellent source book for both the novice or experienced pracitioner. Very helpful, concise and comprehensive

I bought it for one class and have used it for every class. I use it everyday and would not want to be without it.

This book is a must-have for educators. Since the push for inclusion means many students with disabilities are entering regular schools and classrooms with their peers, it is of great worth that the regular teacher as well as the special education teachers know the background of the laws that pertain to these students with diverse needs. It would be beneficial to both students, teachers, and parents to know and understand how the laws are applied in court, what an IEP is, what is expected of the teachers, and what can be expected of the students. I have the other major law books on disability laws, but this one is more geared toward other participants in the process besides lawyers. It is very readable and very understandable without having to go to law school to get a background in law first. I suggest this or rather recommend this to my friends and students who are interested in working with those with disabilities in regular school settings. Karen Sadler Science Education, University of Pittsburgh, klsst23@pitt.edu

I bought this book because it was required for a masters class. This is a book I will keep and not resell. It has many strategies for teaching students with learning disabilities.

I think the product was excellent. It came brand new and it was hard cover. I would recommend the book as well as the person who sold it to me. It came very quickly in the mail at a good price.

This is the textbook I used while in college. It is very easy to read and well organized. It covers all aspects of learning disabilities from history to teaching strategies. It covers all the characteristics of learning disabilities; perceptual problems, motor, reading, written language, math, social and emotional.

I am a teacher of students with mild to moderate specific learning disabilities and I have found this book to be of such a tremendous help, I call it my "special education Bible!"

Professor Lerner has put together a comprehensive book of approaches within the filed of learning disabilities; procedures for assessing and evaluating students; and teaching methods, strategies, and materials. This 8th edition is written with the new IDEA '97 regulations in mind.

Whether you are an undergraduate, or graduate student, pre-service special ed. teacher or an inservice teacher, this text is an invaluable resource that will benefit the novice and the veteran alike. I am in the process of completing my student teaching and I bought this text because I felt that there was so much I still needed to learn about learning disabilities. I am sincere when I say I was not disappointed!

This is an excellent book. It is very readable and quite informative. I used the book for one of my graduate classes in Learning Disabilities. It was also an excellent review source for Praxis II preparation. Get it if you can, especially if you are planning to be a Special Education teacher.

This is a professionally written text with excellent information about learning disabilities. It is appropriate for professionals in the field, as well as parents with a background knowledge of learning disabilities.

Having taught reading disabled children and subscribing to the MSL and VAKT methodology as well as Linda Mood Bell I LOVE being able to refer to a succinct well written resource.
The book to own ...if you are just starting out or have been in Reading a long time. Great resource!!

Written by the expert team of Jack M. Fletcher, G. Reid Lyon, Lynn S. Fuchs & Marcia A. Barnes, Learning Disabilities: From Identification to Intervention is an evidence-based presentation of cutting-edge information about assessing and dealing with learning disabilities, with especial focus upon reading disabilities (word recognition, fluency, or comprehension-related), mathematics disabilities, and written expression disabilites. Though more of a scholarly assessment and description of the latest findings than a "how-to" manual per se, Learning Disabilities is sure to prove an invaluable, up-to-date resource especially for educators with responsibility for learning disabled-children, as well as anyone recognizing the "unexpected underachievement" that often signifies LDs and staging an appropriate intervention. A logical-minded, information-packed compendium.

This is an excellent book for the professional, researcher or serious student of learning disabilities. It is chock full of relevant research and gives divergent views fully and fairly. It nevertheless takes a stand on the assessment of and treatment for learning disabilities that differs markedly from the traditional approach commonly found in school districts and private clinician's offices. It provides a very good way to understand this perplexing and challenging field with up to date research. Most importantly, this book provides a refreshing willingness to challenge dogma and to give specific guidelines for future research and, most importantly, to guide remediation.

Excellent read. This book is informative, balanced, and will be uniquely valuable to health and education professionals, and the public in general. Fletcher and his colleagues offer an expert analysis as to where the field of Learning Disabilities has been, and where it must go, if we are to help the many children who struggle each day, trying to learn. Fletcher and his colleagues are clear; the IQ-Achievement Discrepancy Model is invalid and should be laid to rest once and for all, before more children are excluded from the educational intervention they need. They offer instead a thoroughly 'common sense' model of 'Response to Intervention (RTI), a model that, if adopted, will substantially increase the number of children getting help, sooner, and at a lower cost. The authors clearly understand the complex dynamic of science, clinical practice, educational instruction, and public policy. All must be aligned to move the field of LD ahead, and Fletcher and his colleagues are positioned to foster that needed change with this impressive contribution.

I highly recommend this book. If you are someone with a learning disability or just know (young or old) someone with an LD it is one of the best books you could purchase. It is very insightful and I was able to lock-in on many of the items discussed by Harry. Since I have a processing LD, this book, in particular, proved invaluable. I have learned so much about my own LD just from reading it and I know that it could prove just as beneficial to others. To go along with this book I also recommend Samantha Abeels book "My Thirteenth Winter: A Memoir.

Harry Sylvester has taken a subject that professionals have completed years of education to comprehend and puts it into a personal narrative about real people, including himself.
It's one thing to overcome or learn to live with a learning disability as a child. Discovering you have a learning disability as an adult is like solving a puzzle you've been assembling for decades.
As a professional working with adults who live various physical and mental challenges, I now have a new resource for understanding so that I may better serve my clients.
Harry takes us into his world of pain, struggle and self-discovery from his early school days to middle adulthood.
If we can take our own experience and turn it into solutions for others, we have doubled our self-discovery. Harry has done that. This is a book that will be used as a text of learning for years to come.

Professionally narrated by Dale Hill, Legacy Of The Blue Heron: Living With Learning Disabilities by Harry Sylvester is an audiobook presentation of his personal life experience of overcoming serious learning disability challenges in an ultimately successful pursuit of success as a mechanical engineer, business owner, and even boat-builder. Written by a dyslexic who became a president of the Learning Disabilities Association of America, Legacy Of The Blue Heron offers personal insight into a life with unexpected obstacles and triumphs. A welcome addition to any community library audiobook collection, Legacy Of The Blue Heron is especially recommended for anyone having to deal with a learning disability within themselves or within their family.

Harry Sylvester's struggle with learning disabilities is written in easy to understand and hard to forget language. The Legacy of the Blue Heron chronicles Harry's devastating educational experiences, his diagnosis of a learning disability and the incredible work he has done from that pivotal moment. Best of all Harry offers hope for anyone facing these difficulties. Harry also provides many solutions from someone who's been there and understands. Harry's work as an advocate for others has changed many lives for the better. Harry's story is an inspiration, one that must be shared. If you know of anyone with a learning disability or are planning on working or marrying anyone with a learning disability or just want a fantastic read this is the book.

This book provides a very realistic and easily read view of the school experience through the eyes of someone who was intelligent yet did not truly fit in the school model he endured. Harry certainly has proven his level of capabilities through his attainment of a college degree in engineering, state level advocacy and efforts leading to being elected as the President of the internationally known Learning Disabilities Association of America.

Harry's tender touch throughout the self exploration process makes the reader feel the emotions through his determination to find answers for himself. He then turns that new found energy into advocacy efforts for individuals with learning disabilities. His methods include reaching out to persons with substance abuse problems, juvenile offenders, and individuals struggling with underachievement.

One of his most important contributions through this book is the impact he has on future teachers and practicing educators. This book is not a textbook format but a humanistic challenge to rethink educational planning and support of students who learn differently. Harry challenges us to look at the social cost of failing to make changes.

Over 1/3 of the book is dedicated to solutions...solutions that are for persons like Harry who have the strength to look at their struggles but also for the wider audience of anyone who cares about education and empowering students to recognize their intelligence. Look around you and you will find someone who needs to feel supported by Harry's message. While you are at it, is there an educator you know that needs to hear this message?

Sollier is an amazingly talented writer! I found myself fully immersed in his first hand experiences at The Tomatis Center. As if the subject matter of the Tomatis Method isn't fascinating enough. Then to find this MASTERPIECE of a book, written with such grace and beauty, it was almost like a spiritual experience for me. If you are interested in the workings of sound therapy you simply must include this book in you studies.

Those of us who are familiar with the work of Dr. Alfred Tomatis have been waiting for this book for a long time. Finally, we have a comprehensive account of the fascinating work done by Tomatis and the science behind his theories. After working with the method myself for two years, I am thrilled that Mr. Sollier has given us a detailed yet readable account of the power of listening and the impact it has on all facets of our lives.

As a friend and colleague I tremendously valued Pierre Sollier's work with the Tomatis Method, and witnessed the elaborate process of writing "Listening for Wellness". Having had, like Pierre, Dr. Alfred Tomatis as my trainer and mentor, I can assert that this is the most in depth book about Dr. Tomatis' theories, methods, treatment strategies, and human development philosophy.

With this unique book Pierre establishes himself as a master of introducing any reader with ease and clarity to the complexity of the Tomatis Method. He illustrates the multiple facets of the Tomatis Method and its applications in education and healing, from the perspective of an exceptional practitioner and therapist. Pierre forcefully sets the stage for understanding that this method has great implications in both human excellence and well being, as well as in ameliorating and healing a number of problems. Liliana Sacarin, MS, RC - Sacarin Listening Movement and Development Centers - Seattle, Bellevue, Bellingham, WA.

In 1967 I was the the first person to use the Tomatis Electronic Ear in the United States at a time when the concept was truly "beyond the pale" in the Boston area.. I have known Pierre Sollier since the early 1990s. Although I have learned a great deal about this method over the years, I have eagerly awaited his book. Because of his rich association with Alfred Toamtis and his ability to translate his books, he is able to offer us insight that few others could have done or would have had the patience, perseverance and inclination to attempt. His book helps review what I know and has added immeasurably to my understanding. Having spent time helping out in Pierre's Californai center, I have known of Pierre's deep respect for all his clients and his joy in the work.. That approach and dedication shines forth in this extraordinary book. Elizabeth Verrill,

I have read many books written by Dr. Tomatis and have learned so much from them. I then read Pierre Sollier's book Listening for Wellness and was so surprised at the educational value of the book. I am a Tomatis Therapist and I am always trying to learn more about the Method. Pierre's book was concise, to the point, interesting, educational and revealing as to the basis for the Tomatis Method, how to evaluate a person for the Method, how to plan the treatment and what to expect from the treatment. It is easy to read for parents who wish to continue to learn more about the Tomatis Method so I would recommend it for parents as well as professionals. I refer to the book often and would recommend it to any new Tomatis Method therapist who wants to continue the educational process. It is also a good value for the price and the printing of the book is excellent with sewn binding not glued so it will last forever. Angela Sallerson RCTC

From CHOICE

As political, social, and economic factors cause the world to shrink, people of many diverse cultures find themselves interacting with each other. Americans no longer view the world with "ethnocentric" glasses, but are learning to value diversity. This new book comes at just the right time, showing through a compilation of works from authors around the world that sign languages from various nations, while different, can be a significantly unifying factor to the worldwide Deaf community. Not only does this work present surprisingly parallel stories of the different struggles and successes of the Deaf community throughout the world, it suggests that in compiling the material for their work, the researchers may have inadvertently set the stage for a more general understanding of world cultures and for valuing diversity. If the Deaf communities of the world can value each other, perhaps we all can. Recommended. All levels and collections.

-- J. A. LeClair, SUNY Oswego

An article from the Deaf Base website (www.deafbase.com/article473.html)

"The challenges faced by deaf people in Sweden are quite different from those in Nicaragua and are set on a common global stage," explain Leila Monaghan and Constanze Schmaling, two of the contributors of Many Ways to Be Deaf: International Variation in Deaf Communities edited by Monaghan, Schmaling, Karen Nakamura, and Graham H. Turner. In this volume, twenty-four international scholars have contributed their findings from studying Deaf communities in Japan, Thailand, Viet Nam, Taiwan, Russia, Sweden, Austria, Switzerland, Great Britain, Ireland, Nigeria, South Africa, Brazil, Nicaragua, and the United States. Sixteen chapters consider the various antecedents of each country's native signed language, taking into account the historical background for their development and also the effects of foreign influences and changes in philosophies by the larger, dominant hearing societies.

"Key themes of this volume include how Deaf communities have survived despite opposition by those who thought and think that Deaf people should not be allowed to have their own separate communities outside of hearing cultures, how forms of education interact with and are reflections of larger sociocultural processes, and how signed languages are crucial parts of Deaf communities everywhere." The diversity of background and training among the contributors to Many Ways to Be Deaf distinguishes it as a genuine and unique multicultural examination of the myriad manifestations of being Deaf in a diverse world.

CHRONICLE OF HIGHER EDUCATION
New Scholarly Books
9/13/2003, A17
COMMUNICATION
Many Ways to be Deaf: International Variation in Deaf Communities, edited by Leila Monaghan and others (Gallaudet University Press; 326 pages; $69.95) Research on sign language in Austria, Brazil, Britain, Ireland, Japan, Nicaragua, Russia, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, and the United States.

A book notice from the Foundation for Endangered Languages:
OGMIOS Newsletter 2.9 (#21): Summer - 31 July 2003 (www.ogmios.org/2111.htm).

Many Ways to Be Deaf: International Variation in Deaf Communities: Leila Monaghan, Constanze Schmaling, Karen Nakamura, and Graham H. Turner, Editors

The recent explosion of sociocultural, linguistic, and historical research on signed languages throughout the world has culminated in Many Ways to Be Deaf, an unmatched collection of in-depth articles about linguistic diversity in Deaf communities on five continents. Twenty-four international scholars have contributed their findings from studying Deaf communities in Japan, Thailand, Viet Nam, Taiwan, Russia, Sweden, Austria, Switzerland, Great Britain, Ireland, Nigeria, South Africa, Brazil, Nicaragua, and the United States. Sixteen chapters consider the various antecedents of each country's native signed language, taking into account the historical background for their development and also the effects of foreign influences and changes in philosophies by the larger, dominant hearing societies.

The topics covered include, inter alia: the evolution of British finger-spelling traced back to the 17th century; the comparison of Swiss German Sign Language with Rhaeto-Romansch, another Swiss minority language; the analysis of seven signed languages described in Thailand and how they differ in relation to their distance from isolated Deaf communities to Bangkok and other urban centers; and the vaulting development of a nascent sign language in Nicaragua. ISBN 1-56368-135-8, 7 x 10 casebound, 288 pages, glossary, references, index, $69.95s

Collaboratively compiled and edited by Leila Monaghan (Lecturer in the Department of Communication and Cultural at Indiana University, Bloomington); Constanze Schmaling (Linguist at the Institute of German Sign Language at Hamburg University, Germany); Karen Nakamura (Professor of Anthropology at Macalester College, St. Paul, Minnesota); and Graham H. Turner (Senior Lecturer in the Deaf Studies Program at the University of Central Lancashire, Great Britain), Many Ways To Be Deaf: Internal Variation In Deaf Communities is a compendium of scholarly assessments of deaf communities and sign languages worldwide, ranging from Swiss German Sign Language; to the developing sign language of Nicaragua; the conflicts of hearing culture and deaf culture in various nations; some national tendencies to view the hearing improvements of cochlear implants as motive sufficient to dismiss the importance of sign language, and much, much more. An exhaustively researched and critically insightful resource, Many Ways To Be Deaf is an impressive work of scholarship and a ground breaking contribution to Deaf Studies reference collections and supplemental reading lists.

Did you know that marijuana has plenty of medicinal usages. Most of the people would say no because of this crazy "war on drugs". But this time please don't "just say no" and spend some time to read the "forbidden facts" about hemp. A very well researched and written book on the medicinal usages of hemp.

I truly appreciate the heartfelt anecdotal cases that he presents. He does not say anything that I can disagree with, it is not that kind of a book. His scholarly approch to what cases it has been found useful is helpful to me because I practice in a state where it is legal for medical use, and I knew almost nothing. Robert P. Doughton MD.

I bought the book 6 days ago in Amherst and I'm already finished it as it is brilliantly written as it taught me alot of things I needed to know. It wakes you up to the real facts of marijuana for medicine and as a medical marijuana user,I realized that everything in the book is facts and truth.The doctor who wrote it is pure genius and I hope he follows up with another book as he has made the most positive changes in my life. Thank You Dr.Lester Grinspoon

During a Drugs and Society class at Northeastern University, my professor recommended this book as extra reading. The book ends all myths and disputes in regards to marijuana, and raises some serious questions about America's drug policies. Why would a substance that has been around before the age of men be illegal? It is because the synthetic drug manufactures cannot make any money off of it. What happened in 1937 that caused the U.S to condemn use of marijuana and prohibit it? Read the book, and then truly ask yourself how democratic the U.S really is.

Probing, illuminating, inspired insights from a qualified researcher and intellectual pioneer. A seminal cannabis tome to invigorate your library!

This was fascinating to read. Three characters deliver a monologue relating to Molly's experiences temporarily regaining her vision through surgery. In addition to the clear & interesting portraits of these people, scientific information is presented in an easy to understand manner.
However, unlike other good plays I have read I have no interest in seeing the play performed. What does seeing this play add to the experience of reading the play? But definitely read it!

This year i have had the privalege of not only reading Molly Sweeney, by Brian Friel, But also playing the part of Molly. Never have i read such a brillant work of literature. The heroine,strong willed and enchanting goes through a series of operations to try and restore her vision. Through the sucesses and pitfalls of this procedure Molly shows us what true vulnerability and dreams are made of. She posesses an inner strength that can be understood only by those who have been caught between two worlds, never to re-enter either of them. She has taught me to appreciate everything I see. For she relished the world and all the beauty in it.. while those of us with vision are blind to its miracles. indeed, We are the ones with blindsight. I have never played a character I have loved as much as Molly. She took over my body and soul on stage until i existed only as her vessel.... her unique personality shining through teaching us all to value what we have, to love what we are given, and to venture into the unknown.. even if it means loosing everything we've ever understood. Brian Friel is a modern day shakespeare. Truly my favorite playwright of the 20th century, he is also my mentor, and my inspiration. Molly Sweeney is truly a miracle in print.It will change your life.

Brian Friel, Ireland's premier modern dramatist, produces a minimalist ensemble drama in this 1995 play, presenting a story of immense dramatic power with no dramatic action on stage at all. Molly Sweeney, a forty-year-old woman who lost her sight when she was a baby, is the central character, the two others being her husband Frank, and Mr. Rice, a man whose surgical skill can return partial sight to her. When the play opens, all three characters inhabit their own spaces on stage, and each tells his/her story directly to the audience, the characters having no interaction with each other at all.

In a brilliant example of dramatic irony, the play comes fully to life through their stories and achieves a poignant reality though the audience never actually sees any action. In this way, the play's structure parallels the life of Molly, a woman who sees nothing but fully experiences the joy of life. Molly is fully independent, works as a massage therapist in a local health club, and, in fact, supports her husband, who is unemployed, considering her life completely "normal." When she has the opportunity to regain partial sight, she accepts the surgery at the behest of her husband and the surgeon, a man so dependent on alcohol that he sees the surgery as his last chance to restart his career.

Through the story of the surgery and how it changes the lives of the three characters, Friel forces the audience to consider important aspects of reality and how we interpret it. As he points out during the play, a functioning person without sight has created "engrams" of reality based on the other senses and must be taught how to connect new visual knowledge with the tactile engrams of his/her life if s/he is to be successful in understanding a sighted world. The gaining of sight involves the loss of the blind person's known world and the creation of a world in which everything is constantly moving and changing, "all the consolations of...the familiar" gone forever. Friel brilliantly recreates the drama of all three main characters as they try to cope emotionally with the changes wrought by Molly's surgery.

Ultimately, the play raises complex questions about fantasy vs. fact, and imagination vs. reality and suggests that these concepts may not be the opposites that many of us think them. The unusual format of the play itself is perfectly suited to this subject matter, asking us to imagine each character's invisible, but nevertheless completely real, inner life. Mary Whipple

I Just finished this play and loved it. In fact, I found it so moving and powerfull that I was anable to close my eyes because of the haunting ramifications described in this play. I had no choice but to write this review at 2:30 AM. This play tells the story of a women who undergoes a surgery in order to regain her sight, and the aftermath of that surgery. It is told in a seris of monologues by the three central characters in the show to brilliant perfection. Read this play, it will change the way you look at the world forever

Anyone interested in the neuropsychology of vision must see or read this play! *Molly Sweeney* is great drama by an award winning playwright. It tells more of the truth about failed attempts to restore vision in those blinded by cataracts in early childhood than "To See and Not See" in *An Anthropologist on Mars*. "Molly Sweeney" should be required reading for anyone interested in "Discourse between Anthropology and Medicine."

I am a special education teacher, and My Best Friend Will is a great story about having friends with Austism Spectrum Disorder. It can be a great tool for teaching disablity awareness in classrooms. The book also illustrates the importance of creating an inclusive atmosphere in schools starting with Integrated Play Groups. As an added plus, the pictures are amazing!

I found this book heart breaking only because I wish that my son had a Jamie in his life. We all are happier when we have a friend or friends in our life yet people with Aspergers Syndrome often go without this blessing.

Jamie, the 11-year-old narrator talks about being friends with Will, who has autism. These beautiful photographs will certainly move all readers regardless of age.

Jamie accepts Will unconditionally; he does not have to jump through any hoops or pass any tests with her. I like the way Jamie talks about the fun she and Will have together; this will hearken to mind Peralta's book about her brother, Evan.

I just love the inclusion that is so much a part of the friendship of these two children; I just love the overall tone of this book. As someone who has an invested interest in autism, the author deserves special kudos for portraying autism in a logical, clear and straightforward way that promotes tolerance. Hats off to this book! I am going to ask my library to order a copy of this book. I also feel educators will get a lot out of it as well.

Their friendship makes me think of the Cole Porter classic, "Friendship." They have beautifully demonstrated that "while other friendships go up in smoke, ours will still be oak, rah da da da da, be beepoom baa."

This book about the frienship between two children, one who has autism, one who doesn't, is touching and beautiful. To look at this book in the catalogue or online doesn't do it justice, but when you hold it in your hands you will find it is incredibly unique. The black and white photos of Jamie and her friend, Will, will make you wish you had a friendship like that as a child because you can see the acceptance and caring they have for each other. And the fun! The message is in equal measure as succesful in conveying what it is to be a friend as the pictures are. It explains characteristics of autism in a simple way that is easy for children and adults to understand. This is a book of inclusion, of acceptance, of loving each other for who you are as an individual. As a parent of children with autism the beauty of this message makes me cry. I wish for friends like the 11 year old author, Jamie, for my children. I'm going to read this book to my children's classmates, but I won't loan it out. It's one of those keepers I want to be perfectly selfish with! However, I did purchase a second copy for the library. I'm already thinking ahead to Christmas, it would make a perfect gift, not only for the parents of childen with autism, and teachers, but for ALL children. It is such a powerful message that both children and adults will find this book endearing.

Kristi Sakai, parent of 3 with Asperger Syndrome and author of
Finding Our Way: Practical Solutions for Creating a Supportive Home and Community for the Asperger Syndrome Family

This is a wonderful introduction to autism for children. I am a school pyschologist and use it in a Kindergarten-2 grade elementary school to begin a discussion about autism with the children. The black and white pictures are expressive and sweet. The text was written by a 10 year old girl about her friendship with a child who has autism. It is told in simple, informative language and is sensitively written. It is a great discussion starter and has done wonders in my school building to begin relationships between typically developing children and children on the autistic spectrum.