Power of the Powerless, The [Paperback]

Christopher De Vinck (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1995

De Vinck's true account of his severely handicapped brother's life is a powerful, inspirational statement on the value of life.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

When de Vinck's appreciation of his handicapped brother Oliver appeared in the Wall Street Journal, it resonated across America. His book describes the widespread response to the articlefrom the White House to families of handicapped persons. Although Oliver might have been considered a "vegetable" by some, de Vinck vividly conveys the enormous impact his brain-damaged brother had on him and his family during his 32 years of life. Included also are stories of three other families also enriched by similarly handicapped children. Particularly affecting is the eulogy for Oliver given by a Catholic priest, a friend of the family. De Vinck, who teaches at a New Jersey high school, offers inspiration and support in facing the mystery of human suffering.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From the Author

Christopher de Vinck is the award-winning author of Simple Wonders, The Power of the Powerless, Only the Heart Knows How to Find Them, Songs of Innocence and Experience, and Augusta and Trab. He is a regular feature writer in Reader’s Digest, Guideposts, and the New York Times. He lives with his wife, Roe, and their three children, David, Karen, and Michael, in Pompton Plains, New Jersey

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan Publishing Company; 2nd edition (April 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310486912
• ISBN-13: 978-0310486916
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,111,959 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars **You'll want to read this more than once!**, May 28, 2000

By 

annie "grannieannie" (Mid-MI) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: The Power of the Powerless: A Brother's Legacy of Love (Hardcover)

If you have ever wondered why God allows people to be born with handicaps of any type, read this book. Oliver was born blind, mute, physically and mentally handicapped, yet his life had a greater impact on more people than many of us who are "normal" can ever hope to have. This book reminds us of the value of life and is very inspiring. I found it most touching that Ronald Reagan wrote to Mr. DeVinck about the power of his powerless brother and now former President Reagan is also one of the powerless due to Alzheimer's. I would highly recommend that you read this book. I also recommend Harold Kushner's "When Bad Things Happen to Good People."

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars life changing book, September 24, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Power of the Powerless, The (Paperback)

I want to let anyone know that is interested in this book to buy it. I first read this book about 8 years ago, and have made a point to read it at least once a year. It has a way of reminding me what is important in life, and what is real. Read this book and you will never be the same! I have given my copy to anyone that will read it, it is good for young teens and up!

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Getting to Know Oliver, March 8, 2003

By 

Sharon A. Kravitz (Middleboro, MA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Power of the Powerless: A Brother's Legacy of Love (Crossroad Book) (Paperback)

Thank you, Chris de Vinck, for sharing your journey of love with Oliver. Your book has been an inspiration and guideline since 1984 in our choice to care for and nurture our own litle Oliver, Gregory David. Although he died recently, it gave us courage and strength to know that someone else has been where we have. He gave us a vision of life that transcends the life we knew before his birth. It's all about love. It's ALL about love. You will always remain in our prayers for writing this little portrait of the gift of knowing someonewho has nothing to give but love.