Specific Disabilities Books

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"While everyone else was praising his [Dr. Stephen Hawking's] courage [since S. Hawking is seriously disabled by a motor neuron disease called ALS, commonly labeled Lou Gehrig's disease] and brilliance [in theoretical physics]...she [the organizer of this event honoring S. Hawking] had said to herself that there must be someone equally courageous behind him or he simply would not be here."

The above is found in this interesting, extremely well written and sometimes humorous book authored by Dr. Jane Hawking who was Stephen Hawking's wife for more than twenty-five years.

Be aware that this book "is a heavily revised version (with new material) of [J. Hawking's 1999 book or memoir called] `Music to the Stars.'" Hawking herself calls this book "the abridged version of the original memoir."

I chose the quotation that begins this review because it's absolutely true! She saw S. Hawking progress from a person that could walk with a cane and talk to a person that became wheelchair bound and eventually could not talk. (He now uses a speech synthesizer.) Through this period of time, she had to oversee and arrange for his 24/7, 365 days a year care that, as chronicled in this book, was an enormous task fraught with hardship and economic difficulty. This was made even more difficult when the Hawking children eventually came along since she was stretched to the limit. At one point, she even had to make a life and death decision! Despite the hardships, she was no slouch. She earned a Ph.D. in Spanish medieval linguistics!

She also saw his meteoric rise to fame after the publication of his 1988 book "A Brief History of Time." Even though there was no financial difficulty now, she still had to be concerned with his care.

This book, to be sure, eloquently describes the hardships and details J. Hawking's impressions. But the book also delves into such things as the following:

British life in general and academic life in particular, history, politics, disability issues, music, the Hawking travels to other countries, personalities of others especially scientists, and science.

This book (excluding the epilogue or "postlude") covers the period before the Hawkings were married in July 1965 to July 1993. The very informative but brief postlude was written in February 2007 where we are told that the author is presented with another "demanding challenge." This postlude includes a May 2007 Post Script.

I should say that at no point in this book is Jane Hawking vindictive toward her former husband.

Finally, roughly in the book's center are almost 30 black and white photographs. My favorite is the very last one showing the author and two of her grown children with Stephen after the presentation of yet another award in November 2006.

In conclusion, in Stephen Hawking's book "A Brief History of Time" he tells us, "I was...fortunate in that I chose theoretical physics, because that is all in the mind. So my disability has not been a serious handicap." This inspiring book by Jane Hawking shows how Stephen Hawking was fortunate enough to have had a good and dedicated wife to help his genius bloom!!

(first published 2007; 4 parts or 57 chapters; postlude; main narrative 405 pages; acknowledgements)

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I THINK EVERY PARENT& EVERY LEARNING CHALLENGED KID&EVEN KID AT HEART SHOULD READ THIS & ITS RELATED KIDS BOOK!!THOSE LEARNING CHALLENGED ADULTS WHO LIKE 12STEP (IE ACOA) BOOKS WILL ESPECIALLY FIND IT COMFORTING & SOOTHING TO READ,ADDIE SANDERS HAS DONE A MARVELOUS JOB IN UNDERSTANDING THE LITTLE KID IN ALL OF US-MYSELF INCLUDED!I'D BE DELIGHTED TO SPEAK WITH ANYONE WHO HAS QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS AS I HAVE BEEN DR L'S DYSLEXIC/ADHD PATIENT SINCE 9/84-PRESENT& HAVE DONE GREAT!!! IN FACT,I NOW LIKE SCHOOL SO MUCH THAT I'VE NEARLY COMPLETED MY 2ND MASTERS DEGREE WITH A 3.9 GPA WHILE WORKING FULLTIME !!FONDLY, MARSHA LAMPERT MBA AGE 34 WANTAGH NY

In "Unraveling the Seven Myths of Reading," Frank B. May has achieved the near impossible-- presenting the latest in reading research in a form that is an absolute pleasure to read. May, in his legendary style, invites the reader along on a veritable walking tour of key issues in reading and literacy instruction. The myths explored (and effectively resolved) include-- All Phonics Methods Are Equally Effective, Poor Readers Make the Most Mistakes, and (my personal favorite) Reading and Learning to Read Are More Cognitive Than Motivational. This much-awaited book is in perfect sync with such leading research as the Report of the National Reading Panel from NIH, and the publication Preventing Reading Difficulties. Frank May's "Myths" is an enjoyable translation of research into practice for teachers and other professionals in literacy education. It is a "must read."

Nancy Jo Sullivan probably never dreamed that one day she'd "grow up" to write this book - sometimes life brings unexpected twists and turns that we can never imagine. In this wonderful book, Nancy Jo shares her experiences as a mom of three beautiful daughters, one of whom was born with Down syndrome. It's easy to fall in love with Sarah, "God's Princess", who succeeds in teaching us all many lessons in this book.

This is not just a book for parents of children with disabilities. It is a book for all of us, looking to count our blessings, love unconditionally, and never take the everyday treasures of life for granted. Nancy Jo ends each chapter of this book with a set of "ponderings", which will prompt you to ask yourself a few questions, consider a few new ideas and learn some valuable lessons from Sarah. Gift yourself the gift of this book and you will find yourself with a new, uplifted perspective on life.

This book was written by my wonderful mother. She saw first hand the devestating effects of Alzheimer's on my late Grandma Tener. We all miss her very much, but know that she is finally freed from this horrible disease, and is rejoicing in heaven with her beloved husband Ray.

My mother is an excellent writer and person. You won't be disappointed by purchasing this book. I am very proud of her.

I really enjoy reading this book. It has been so helpful and informative.

I am a 23 year old adult living with ADHD. In a nutshell, if you are someone who has questions about ADHD, or you are someone who was diagnosed but never given any information, this book is a must read. Even for those knowledgable about their disorder, this book is a great guidebook. For more info, read on :)

When I was a kid, this wasn't something that was talked about much, therefore I lived my life as "that" kid (the hyper, aggressive kid that was somehow so loving and sweet; the kid that never did her homework and failed classes, yet teachers claimed was so amazingly intelligent and above-average; the kid that was goofy, creative, and who everyone loved, yet was controlling and stubborn.)

It wasn't until I was 22 and in my 6th year of college with 2 more to go (that's ADHD for you) that I picked this book up. I always knew something wasn't right; I was diagnosed with depression, bipolar disorder, and struggled with bulimea. When I read this book, on a whim, I literally felt as if I had found "god". It was as if a little man crawled in to my head, and wrote a book about my life.

The authors of this book write it catered to the ADHD adult. The text is broken up in to easy-to-read paragraphs with illustrations and stories and fun lists thrown in sparatically. I found myself laughing hysterically at the -isms that are such a part of my life, and crying with comfort when I read about the same struggles I have always dealt with and never had an answer for (did you know ADHD is often misdiagnosed as depression, and even bipolar disorder?! Or that ADHDers often have severe addictions such as drugs or FOOD?!). I lent this book to my friend (who has been aware of his ADHD for atleast 15 years of his life, and has taken Ridalyn for at least 10) and he was dumbfounded. This man is 35, and has struggled with ADHD his whole life He was diagnosed in college, given Ridalyn, and has been working on his struggles ever since. However, he is one of the many who was diagnosed with ADHD but never given any true informaton on the disorder. ADHD is so, so much more than hyperactivity and inattention. It is an entire personality type, which the author of this book describes so beautifully.

In sum, if you have questions about weather you have ADHD, or are someone who was diagnosed but never given any information, this book is for you. I am aware that there are some people who understand their disorder already, and may need something a little more in-depth. But no matter who you are, if you live with ADHD or live with someone who has ADHD, this book is a great, informative, fun read and will surely serve as a guidebook to your life.

Enjoying this book. It's helping a lot with coping with ADD. Glad I purchased it (and all the other one's by this guy!

I have really enjoyed both of the books I have read by Dr. Hallowell. I first read "Driven to Distraction" and then followed it with "Delivered from Distraction". For parents who are trying to help their children with solutions in dealing with ADHD, they were particularly useful!

Sent this book to my daughter as she is adhd, and she was enthralled with the info it contained and I think helped her in many ways...she found it valuable to her in many areas she said.

This book is very informative for anyone who has ADD or knows someone who suffers from this disorder.

This book is full of information, starting with explaining how one learns to read using phonemes. Then it takes you through the third grade and what is expected of older children in regards to reading.

It clearly shows you the difference between a person with dyslexia and one who doesn't. Great Book!

This book is well written, easy to use and has very practical things to do. Good for anyone whose child is struggling to read as it helps you understand how one learns to read.

Dr. Shaywitz explains dyslexia in easy to understand terms. She is able to explain dyslexia in layman terms and describes various reading delays The book lays out treatment plans in a step by step manner that is very helpful for any teacher working with dyslexic children. It is a wonderful guide for parents as well giving them an understanding of the different ways to treat dyslexia.

This book is an excellent resource for both parents and educators. It was recommended to me by a private tutor for students with dyslexia and I found it extremely helpful. The information is provided in a way that is reader friendly and suggestions are given for parents working with their children and teachers working with students. I would definitely recommend this book as a resource!

I wrote a review that I didn't get the book, but I just got it. Great!!!!

If you have Fibromyalgia and want answers to any questions and most of all help from a Doctor who has Fibromyalgia this is the book for you. Written in everyday easy to understand terms. God Bless him it has changed my life from on deaths door to feeling that at 41 I might live many more years!

My doctor required that I read this book. And I am so glad that I bought it. After suffering with this for nearly 10 years I know that my doctor and I are on the right path. I feel hope for the first time in a very long time. Educate yourself because you are the best person to advocate for you. This book will really make that job easier.

I am so happy with the amount of imformation provided in these books. I am struggling with chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia, among other things, and it's so incredible to have this kind of support.

I bought my mother this book as she was frightened and depressed at what was happening to her. This book and armed with one other, she was able to take charge of her life, get her energy back, started exercising, and soon she had a new lease on life and is still working on it. I applaud the writer of this great book. My mother thanks you and so do I.

This is the best book I have ever read about Chronic Fatigue. There is so much useful information, and step-by-step directions to heal yourself. He talks about which supplements and/or prescriptions are helpful, and the recommended doses. He also provides free information on his website, including some great lectures.

Does a great job in giving you a better understanding of what society deems as important, how to interpret/deal with that understanding, along with use your own unique strengths to get results in easier, fun, and less depressing manner. Good book to have in your mental repertoire.

I have always thought that there is a piece of ADHD in everyone. Some people has a bigger piece, some people has a tiny piece. How can anyone be so "perfect"? My children are not "scientifically" diagnosed to be ADHD. But there are times when they can be showing bits of "symtoms" of ADHD.
I was in tears when I read about what happened to young Jonathan and young David. It must have been hard for them and their parents.
Everyone should read this book.
Parts of this book are going to help you with raising your own child since, like I said, everyone has bits of ADHD, and you just never know when anything in this book would come in handy.
Plus, we should also try to UNDERSTAND why some other children are doing what they have done. They are not ill and they are not stupid. It is just that they cannot walk within the lines like everyone else. Yet they CAN still learn and bloom, only that, just like the title of the book, they need to do it "outside the lines".

Anybody can use the great tips and techniques in this book from students who procrastinate on studying to people with ADD or ADHD that have a hard time focusing on studying and preparing for projects and tests. I highly recommend this to anyone who has difficulty with school regardless if you have ADD or ADHD or not.

I purchased this book because I have ADHD, I am in college and I am struggling some with test performance and grades (GPA is 3.65 but I want to increase it). I found *nothing* about what I was searching for in this book, and here's why.

For one, the first part "deviant minds", the one telling the school story of the two authors, is no use whatsoever, because it constantly blames the system (which doesn't work for ADHDers, true, but DOES work for 85% of people --- and they omit reporting this essential data). On top of it, the two stories are about how the entire world should be preoccupied with accommodating LD/ADHD kids as if nothing else mattered. Furthermore, the whole take on non-LD/ADHD people's feelings and behaviours (especially teachers) is *very* confrontational and displays an overall (and well-known) lack of empathy that many ADHDers have toward whoever doesn't have either LD or ADHD. As I also am a significant other of people with ADHD (my mom, a coworker, some other friends), I found it *appalling* to see how the strains that ADHD puts on relationships are completely overlooked when not entirely blamed on others, abuse included.

A second reason I don't suggest this book is, it's full of useless advices, such as "when the teacher says the word example it means he is about to give you an example" (I have ADHD, I'm not *dumb*!!!), "make summaries" (I know I'm supposed to summarize but the ADHD-related difficulties with summarizing are *precisely* linked to the fact that we see ALL the endless ways to do it... how about providing strategies to sort out which way works best in a specific contest???), "structure your answer" (yeah, how clever! That's what I've been told since grammar school... care to provide a template or at least explain *how* to do it??). When conflicting advices are given (like in the case of multiple ways of taking notes), there is no explanation on how to figure out which way might work best for the individual and/or the specific situation. They only say "do what's best for you", again, yeah right I've been trying to figure that one out for my whole life -- care to help some for 15 dollars?

A third reason I found this book useless is that it gives you no strategy for memorization... so if you are in medical school (like me), law school, are becoming a pharmacist or a vet or simply are facing an exam that isn't some dumb English Literature or Writing class, you can safely skip this book and buy *any* other available one.

Finally, having ADHD is about overcoming one's shortcomings, whereas the authors try to teach you how to cheat the system. In the specific, they teach you several tricks to pretend that you've studied something well enough that you manage to get higher grades. However, what I was trying to do was, getting higher grades as a consequence of having *really* learnt something!!!

In other words, unless all you are a victim and all you're interested into is cheating the system and never *really* face the challenges that comes with ADHD, run away, it's not for you.

I haven't read this book, I was thinking about buying it and read the excerpt online. It might be great, but I wouldn't want my kid reading any book with the "F" word on every page. I think it's unfortunate. Just my opinion.