Customer Reviews

Babyface: A Story of Heart and Bones

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In her book, Babyface: A Story of Heart and Bones, McDermott shares her thoughts in a quietly inviting way. She shares her reflections about the issues all parents of children with disabilities confront-fear, staring, "helpful" comments, early intervention, and being different-without anger or bitterness. She uses comparisons to history, science, and everyday occurrences to analyze what she is experiencing.

Her reflections are offered with a peaceful, eloquent, grace rather than scolding societal weaknesses; laced with depth and careful consideration, rather than quick or superficial detail or judgement. They are easy to take in and though she never asks, we are compelled to search our hearts.

McDermott is a mother who is madly in love with her son, and it shows. In fact, Babyface is less a story about a family of a child with Apert Syndrome, than a story of a mother loving her children and learning about life from that perspective. Each chapter begins with a short paragraph written by Nathaniel. They are clearly the thoughts of a young boy and add delight to the book. They are printed in his handwriting adding another dimension to our image of him.

In fact, "Babyface" is a story that transcends the box it may unfortunately be placed in by bookstores: special needs or health care. It is as well-written and compelling as *any* best-selling book offering far more than a perspective of life with a child who has a cranio-facial disorder.

Look for a detailed review in the next issue of "Disability Solutions." (http://www.disabilitysolutions.org)

I write as the mother of a child with Crouzon Syndrome, which, as the last footnote of this wonderful book will tell you, is "allelic" with Apert's. My daughter Gwendolyn Fyfe was born around the time that Nathaniel Finch was, and it is eerie how similar our experiences were. (We are even Quakers!) I recommend that parents of children with craniofacial syndromes read this book and reread it, prepared to relive and reflect on your own experiences. Warning: this could be painful, and you should probably put some time between the searing experiences of ICUs and operations before you examine your emotions and beliefs by reading this book. "Facing" the situation has given our family a strength and insight into what is really important in this life which we might not otherwise have had. It is clear that it did the same for Jeanne McDermott, and this beautiful book shows how. Parents of children with craniofacial conditions: let's start an on-line book club to discuss it!

BABYFACE by Jeanne McDermott is a witness to the healing power of love. It is a true story of how people of all ages grow to meet unexpected challenges. Although in this case the challenges arise from the birth of a child with a rare cranialfacial disorder, anyone with the experience of having children and creating a new family constellation will identify with many of the issues that face Jeanne McDermott and her family.

There is nothing superficial about BABYFACE and it reveals no easy answers. Instead, the reader shares a truly three-dimensional experience where the word "miracle" regains its stark significance and a "mystical vision" expands our world.

BABYFACE is a book for anyone with a family, at either end of the generational see-saw, and it will not leave you untouched.

McDermott engages our hearts and emotions in a way that every parent (and grandparent) can understand. In this beautifully written book, the reader shares the intense feeling of involvement and triumph in Nathaniel's life as each challenge is faced. A very rewarding and inspiring story.

This an absolutely wonderful book. The author is my niece and I have spent many visits with Natanial who is a remarkable and well adjusted child. I am the " Aunt E.J. " in this book and am now in my 70's so I have had a long time to deal with my "handicap". This book brings a lot of closure and insight into many parts of my life. I would recommend this exquisite book to all ages.

Jeanne Mcdermott explores the heart-wrenching implications of dealing with a child born with a rare cranial-facial disorder. Modern medicine can work miracles, but the miracle here is the loving courage of those involved with Nathanial who is not disabled where it most matters. A gallant, personal and inspiring account.

Caught in shock of the birth of a child with unexpected physical problems, the author finds humor, love, compassion, philosphy, bonding with friends and family, insight into our common humanity - and above all, happiness and joy! I loved this story.

I have been waiting many years for Jeanne's book. I am a long time friend (high school) of Jeanne's "Mom." By way of an intimate correspondence with Julia, I have shared in much of the worry, hope and eventual wonderment. The wait for this masterpiece has been well rewarded. I am also the grandmother of a much beloved syndrome kid. Thank you, Jeanne.

I love this book. My 2 1/2 year old son went through four surgeries in his life time and I can so relate to the recall of ICU's and operating rooms. My son also has a form of dwarfism and will be different. I love her philosophy, so much peace and forgiveness to stranger's rudeness! She has so eloguently speak of the growth that any parent of child with differences have experienced. Babyface will be kept close to my heart forever and I recommend this book to all parents who are struggling with the challenge of bring up a child with a difference. In time, you too will gather the strength and peace demonstrated so well and articulated by Ms. McDermott.

This book touched my heart. Ms. McDermott is a talented writer who brings us together with love, compassion and the moral issues that unite us all. I couldn't put it down.