Customer Reviews

Faces of Huntington's

5 star:		(34)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

At one time or another,most of us experience some degree of despair. Faces of Huntington's depicts people whose lives are thrown into the deepest, most devastating kind. Yet these people, in the midst of a horror that comparatively few ever experience, manage somehow to radiate hope. Carmen Leal-Pock's stories and those of the others' she's included in her book emanate nothing but faith in hard places, love in unlovable circumstances, and hope that gives hope to others who read the book in search of something to hold on to, a lifeline. Some books about devastating diseases leave readers just that-devastated. Others, including Leal-Pock's,offer positive help and encouragement. *Faces* lets victims with HD and other insidious neurological diseases know that yes, they're in a pit of seemingly never-ending hurt, but they're not alone, and there is hope. Life does go on, and where there is life, with the tragedy and heartbreak there is also love, joy, and again, hope. Leal-Pock's faith, her hope for a cure for HD, Alzheimer's et al., shines through the entire book. It's a must read for anyone desiring sound, encouraging, comforting reason while in a hard place.

Faces of Huntington's is a wonderful book that brings the reader face to face with one of the most challenging prospects a person may encounter in life--dealing with a debilitating illness. Carmen Leal-Pock illuminates the pain, the struggle, and the heart aches that are inevitable with this disease from hell, but she also allows the reader to receive a taste from the cup of great hope, unselfish support, and loving spirit that the patients, those at risk, and caregivers must partake of on a daily basis in order to survive. As a pastor I found this book very helpful in sensitizing me to the special needs that others with great challenges have. No person, churched or unchurched, activily spiritual or otherwise, could read this book without being moved. Although the subject matter is intense, the blend of poetry and narrative keeps the flow lively and refreshing. Whether one is reading for inspiration, or hope, or comfort, or resource, the time spent with Faces of Huntington's will be fruitful.

This is a wonderful book of stories and poems by and about people with Huntington's Disease. It is divided into 9 sections:

Faces of Encouragement, Faces of Love, Faces of Humor, Faces of Family, Faces of Heroes, Faces of Faith, Faces of Forgiveness, Faces of Hope and Faces of Huntington's

Each of the sections contains an introduction by the author, whose husband has Huntington's Disease, and short essays and poems written by many other people who are affected by Huntington's Disease. In between the Faces chapters, are longer personal stories by people with Huntington's or who have a loved one with Huntington's. There is also an appendix with the following sections:

Brain and Blood Donations, Resources on Huntington's Disease, Electronic Resources on Huntington's Disease, HDSA Chapters, Residential Care Facilities and International Huntington's Disease Associations

This is a book which theoretically you can read a little bit when you have time, then let sit for awhile, then read a little bit more when you have more time. That is exactly how I planned to read it, but I found that I could not put it down. The stories and poems are so moving that I was compelled to read the whole thing straight through.

I highly recommend this book for anyone who is affected by Huntington's Disease, or who wants to learn more about the personal aspects of HD.

Everything about Huntington's hurts. This book is full of hurts. Everyone with Huntington's, or associated with those who have it, has a face and a heart and a family and a future. This book is loaded with faces and hearts and families and futures. There are no hurts to equal those of this dreaded disease. Carmen tenderly takes the reader to the dreadful indelicacies of those hurts. But this book stands apart in its ability to make you laugh even as you cry, cringe in fear even as you shout in triumph, love the people even as you hate the disease. It is a roller coaster ride of emotions you will never forget, and after which you will never be the same.

As a healthcare professional I've worked with a few hundred families touched by HD over the last 17 years. Among those families, this book "Faces..." is known as a tool for hope, support and inspiration. I have purchased many copies of this book over the last few years and given it as a gift to families.
The positive reviews here clearly reflect the overwhelming praise that this book reliably receives from folks touched by HD.
I respect the views of the folks who've posted those negative comments. HD is the worst damn disease that can touch a family and it manifests itself in unlimited ways. And everyone handles it in their own unique way. However, it would be sad if a family looking for a source of hope like this one turned away from it because of those comments. The overwhelming percentage of folks who've read this book talk about it as an important source of hope and support for themselves.
Read it and see for yourself!

I just re-read Faces of Huntington's and decided it was time to write a review. I am so thankful this book was written and published. Again I was amazed at the author's sensitivity and her ability to pack so much into one book. For far too long there was nothing written about this disease except what was in a medical book. There was certainly nothing about the people themselves. I liked how so many people were included and not just the author. This gave us a much more complete and accurate picture of the disease from all sides.

I was amazed to read the negative review. I understand that not everyone sees the glass half full versus the 99% empty the person who reviewed the book sees. But the review seemed more an attack on the author's character rather than on her work. I feel really sad that someone is so bitter they can't see anything but ugliness no matter where they look. Makes me wonder did they really read the book since in the book I read had stories about suicide, abuse, juvenile Huntington's, death and other real effects of this devastating disease. When I read the review I wondered why this person doesn't write their own book filled with their 42 years of experience.

Faces of Huntington's is one of those books I know I will go back to many times over the years and will recommend to others.

I have purchased the book Faces of Huntington's,read it,and recommended it to friends.
This was a book that needed to be written.
For the first time I was able to read stories of other people dealing with this disease,like I am.
It is a book that is very easy to read.
Not all stories are sad , and that was encouraging.
You will find ways to handle your problems by reading how others have.
I found my self re-reading the book many times , its comforting.

Faces of Huntington's is one of the first things I read after my husband was diagnosed. It is a wonderful book! There are contributions from people with HD, people at risk, and caregivers, all of whom write from the heart. I am glad Ms. Leal-Pock helped give the Huntington's community a voice. I feel blessed to have subsequently met many of the contributors at Huntington's Disease conventions. They are indeed inspirational people.

As for the bracelet story referred to by another reader, I recently spoke at an HD gathering at which Ms. Leal-Pock was also a speaker. She showed me the bracelet and (as a jewelry collector) I felt that the price paid was a fair one, although of course it is priceless to her. I don't understand why we cannot all support one another in the struggle to live positive lives despite HD.

There are some boks which affect you so miuch that you remember them for ever. "The Diary of Anne Frank" gave me an insight into a secret and terrifying world. This book does not but it also brings hope, and shows how in the deepest fear and stress caused by this illness: people still fimd strngth, and joy and hope.

Whatever stress you are facing, this book will lift your spirit, as people here find laughter and joy in their tears.

Faces of Huntington's is more than just a book about a disease. It is a book that will strike a cord with anyone who has suffered, anyone who has lost a loved one, anyone who has asked the question "why me"? The humor, the reality, the triumphs and the struggles of real people who share a bit of their heart and life make this book a book of hope. Carmen Leal-Pock's own words are scattered through-out the book, tiny windows that help us see through to the real story behind the disease, both her husband's struggle and hers, and the effect it has had on her entire family. In addition, there is a wealth of information contained in the book that will help anyone with HD, from support groups to webpages to care facilities and more. All in all, this book was hopeful, informative, and a moving glimpse into the world of HD. I highly recommend it.