Customer Reviews

Deaf Lives in Contrast: Two Women's Stories (Deaf Lives Series, Vol. 8)

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I absolutley loved this story by Mary Rivers. It is such an inspirational story of strength and love and total commitment, coming in such an unlikely way.
Mrs.Rivers gleaned so much from all of her adversities growing up without a father. She didn't become a victim, her mother taught her to be an overcomer! She was able to instill that in her son. He has been given such a great gift through her. He could have chosen to become a victim himself, but because of his mother's perseverance and overcoming influence he was not only able to face life with deafness, but the added challenge of being a single parent was added to his list of achievements!
The love and tenacity of this mother not only changed her son Clays life, but that of so many more. Through his daughter Katrina,lives are still being changed for those in the deaf world through her interpretation skills.
It is truly the gift that keeps on giving, and what more could anyone desire than to leave a legacy like this?

In a world so full of fully capable people so willing to become victims, this story inspires me to face life full force and accomplish all that I can in the time that I have been given.

Thank you for sharing your story with us.

Deaf Lives in Contrast is a moving story from two mothers that overcome adversity and share their personal stories. They both relay how deafness impacted their families. It's one of those heart-warming stories that once you begin the book, you simply can't stop reading. You want to see how each chapter is going to end. Both women obviously have much passion and drive to do what is best for their family. I was impressed to see how the author, Mary, strived everyday to ensure that her son Clay would be educated. The book really makes you realize which things are important in life.

WOW! This book hits the mark when it comes to facing the reality of having a deaf child and raising and educating him/her to be a contributing member of society. Having been raised with a deaf brother in a family of five siblings, I know first hand the many obstacles parents and family members may face from a society who is unfamiliar with deafness. The writer describes her experience in such great detail that the reader feels the many emotions the writer expresses as she overcomes one obstacle after another while raising her son, Clay. As a reader, I found myself cheering with her as she reached one goal after another. Kudos to her for her faith and determination in raising her deaf son to be such a successful person. This story provides realistic insight to the deaf world not only for parents and families of deaf children but also for those who are unfamiliar with deafness.

I am not a big reader, but this was an awesome book! What an insight to the deaf world and the courage needed to survive in that world. Most of us "hearing" folks don't have a clue - at least I didn't. The book is heart warming, easy reading and takes you back to times before handicaps were truly recognized. Changes have come about so slowly. It gave me a whole new perspective on deafness. It showed how faith and perseverance can make anything possible. The two perspectives are totally different, but equally heartwarming in their own way. Great read!

I was at a conference recently and this book was recommended to me by one of my colleagues. I love inspirational books and this definitely fits the bill. This book has 2 parts to it, hence the "contrast". The first half of the book is about Clay, who was born deaf, and the internal and external struggles of raising a deaf child. Until I read this book I was totally unaware of the "deaf world". Now I am enlightened and grateful that I read this book. This book is educational and inspirational. The authors' perseverance and love for her family is truly amazing. There is a poem in the book that is unforgettable. Great read. Fast moving. Unfortunately, it felt like the book ended too soon and left me wondering more about the progression of the lives thereafter. Disclaimer: I have only read the first section of this book. I will read the 2nd portion this week and add to my review. I looked up and saw it was Mother's Day when I finished the first part of this book. So I decided to write a review. Happy Mother's day to my Mom and to you as well Mary Rivers and Dvora Shurman!