Customer Reviews

A Different Kind of Perfect: The Story of Parents' Choices and a Special Child's Blessings

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A Different Kind of Perfect has validated my recent conversion to accept the Anti-Abortion credo of "Life begins at conception". I am married to an Obstetrician who abstains from performing abortions in her practice, instead counseling patients that placing the baby up for adoption was a more humane option and one God's blessings would adorn. George and Thea (I feel comfortable in calling them by their first names after getting to know them so well through the book) faced a truly difficult decision. Why complicate what appeared to be a normal, active and wholesome life by having a child certain to tax their patience and resources, and ultimately their marital and family harmony.

Early on, the book's agonizing account of the mental and spiritual torment confronting the couple to knowingly have a child with Down Syndrome forced me to better understand the complexity of the choice by partners I sensed were ordinary people. George writes with clarity of purpose in telling the story of Amy, revealing a passion for doing what's best for his special child and family, and displaying an unabashed fervor for his beloved Red Sox. The juxtaposition of following a Baseball World Series with the thinking behind one of life's most difficult decisions was an artful touch.

I literally could not put the book down as it was important for me to know that the special blessings involved in facing a travail many couples would eschew brought such great rewards to the entire Lane clan. What a delight it would be to happen upon George, Thea and Amy one day, perhaps at a Peter, Paul & Mary concert!

Of course, I'm sure Amy would be smiling and George and Thea enthralled by their little "sweetie".

"A Different Kind of Perfect is composed in the style of
a memoir, and as such should be very compelling to the reader. It is
written in a heartfelt manner. Mr. Lane presents a rare and sobering
picture of the intense struggle and pain some spouses and families
encounter as they seek to make choices in accord with the Culture of
Life. Additionally, the text conveys the power of conversion and
transformation wrought through prayerful determination in union with
the grace offered in and through the Church. It is my opinion that the
author's overall message can make a significant contribution to the
Pro-Life witness of the Church."

A Different Kind of Perfect by George Lane was a very inspiring story that was so well written it made me feel like I was involved in the whole process. It captured me and I could not put it down - I read it in 3 hours because I couldn't wait to see what happened next. How noble of Mr. Lane to share the story of his family's stuggle in all aspects of this situation! It's a must read for anyone facing similar challenges and for anyone who enjoys true life stories.

"A Different Kind of Perfect" is a heartfelt story of the uncertainty and struggle faced when making a life decision to give birth to a child with Down Syndrome. George Lane and his wife, through their love and devotion to God and each other, made the conscious decision to have Amy. This book is written with sincerity and simple truth....all the good times and tough times of raising their daughter. I felt very connected to this book in that I have a cousin with Down Syndrome, and he has given my family countless joy with his wit and charm...he also is "A Different Kind of Perfect".

This book is not only for those faced with this decision, but a book to help all better understand individuals with Down Syndrome.

George Lane's book teaches us about the beauty that God sees in all His creations. One would think that I am speaking only of his daughter Amy, whose birth and life thus far he so beautifully recounts. George Lane also, and maybe as importantly, recounts the beauty of the creation of the partnership and faith found in marriage and family. His is more the story of the richness of life in all its turmoil and joy than the story of one special child. Thank you for this wonderful gift, which I read and re-read!

George Lane shows that even someone of strong faith has to come to grips with reconciling their core beliefs with taking the easy way. Rarely does an author give such an honest account of their personal wrestling with one of a parent's most gut wrenching decisions. He and his wife have to decide whether or not to knowingly give birth to a handicapped child.

It is a fascinating walk with someone knowing the right answer while hoping they can find an escape clause. Every parent who has faced or will be faced with this decision will find strength and reasurrance from this book.

I thought this book was great! It is a very honest and personal story about a parent's choice to choose a child with Down's syndrome. I quickly felt very drawn into the story. The author does a great job of conveying the emotions and feelings associated with such a difficult decision and the repercussions of that choice, while still allowing the story to be enjoyable.
Additionally, as a baseball fan, I loved the connections that author was able to make between the Boston Red Sox and unconditional love, which was intertwined throughout the book.

this was a great book. i wish he would have left out the stories about baseball, but i just skipped those parts. i loved the religious references. also very informative about the school process. i learned a lot.

This was a great book and one that will inspire and tug at your heart. It was written in a style that seems very genuine. I highly recommend it!

George Lane had my heart captured with every word on every page. This book is not about a special child, but a very special life. Just always doing the right thing feels good....making the the right personal choice in the Lane's lives answered the meaning of their life together. How much better can life be when you have total love and unrelenting faith?
I recommend this book to everyone who has doubts about who they can be or really want to be. I am a better person to have George Lane as a friend. The Lane's unconditional love journey will never end.