|
|
|
|
|
|
HomeShop at BookSurgeReligionBibleCriticism, InterpretationNew TestamentA Pebble To Polish |
|
|  |
| Customer Reviews: | | Average Customer Review:
Write an online review and share your thoughts with other customers.
The story of one mother coping with the birth of her autistic child Sep 08, 2009
Autistic children can be blessings of their own, but few parents truly understand this at first. "A Pebble to Polish" is the story of one mother coping with the birth of her autistic child. Following the road from pondered infanticide to renewed hope for the future, "A Pebble to Polish" is a story that will warm hearts as well as inspire mothers of autistic children to cherish the gift they may not know they have.
An entertaining and informative read Jul 04, 2009
Janet Lord Leszl's award winning book A Pebble to Polish is a delightful read. It is the story of a young mother who has the world at her fingertips only to discover that her son is autistic. Leszl humanizes the devastating experience of coming to terms with the implications of such a diagnosis by having her main character, Cassie, contemplate the unthinkable - ridding herself of the responsibility for her son - a concept so horrifying it brings the reader understanding for how difficult it is for Cassie to care for her child by herself, without support. Overwhelmed with the prospect of raising him, Cassie reaches out to a group of women who also have autistic children and finds invaluable respite and friendship. The author cleverly educates the reader on the complex disorder of Autism through dialogue, where the reader does not feel inundated with medical jargon too complicated for the lay person to understand.Leszl takes the reader on a wonderful journey from denial to acceptance and contentment. A Pebble to Polish is a constant reminder that a positive outlook on life can reveal joy that may be otherwise overlooked.
Great for yourself or as a book club selection Feb 13, 2009
I first read this book a while ago, but I keep thinking about it because the emotions that are so skillfully presented really stuck with me. The journey that the main character, Cassie, takes from a somewhat self-centered college student to a mom whose whole world revolves around her son is a stunningly beautiful transformation to witness. What really gives this novel so much power is the emotions that are encountered as we follow Cassie through the massive changes in her life. You also get a sense of the vast range different ways mothers cope with the common situation of trying to do the best that they can to care for their child with disabilities as Cassie meets other women with autistic children.
Many of the reviews point to the book's utility to those wanting to further understand autism in a non-textbook format; however, the book absolutely stands on its own as a wonderful work of fiction. It's definitely not another sappy, feel-good story about someone with disabilities overcoming the odds. Rather it is a strikingly honest portrayal of human emotions under extraordinary circumstances. This is a great book to read for a book club- there's lots to discuss and it reads pretty fast because you won't be able to put it down.
Wonderful read! Dec 19, 2008
I actually put aside other books to read this one. The story of Cassie and her autistic son, Brian, is a wonderfully easy read. At the same time, the reader learns a lot about autism through Cassie's interaction with Brian's doctors and the support group that she joins. The story has shown me a new way to cherish the two wonderful children that I've been blessed with. :)
A must read book! Aug 06, 2008
A pebble to polish is an excellent book for fiction, but also a helpful book for anyone taking care of a child who has autism.
This book will bring encouragement as well as helpful suggestions on how to deal with the disorder.
|
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
