Customer Reviews

The Real Rain Man: Kim Peek

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

 

 

I just finished my copy of The Real Rainman, which happens to be a gift from Fran and Kim Peek, the authors. One of Kim's diagnoses is Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum (ACC), which my toddler also has been diagnosed with. I was inspired by reading about all of Kim's abilities and his thoughts. I feel that ANYONE will feel uplifted instantly after reading this book.

Kim Peek is such a gift to us all. His inspiration to lift and make the most of yourself is fantastic. I not only read the book, I have met him and his father. What a great service they provide to the world. If you want to feel good about being different this is the book for you. He says things that others are afraid to say or are embarrassed to admit. He is candid and forthright. We could all learn from him. I recommend reading this book for a book group. It is uplifting and energizing.

Kim Peek was, of course, the real life inspiration for the character Dustin Hoffman played in the 1988 movie Rainman, but in reality, I found Kim's abilities to exceed those of the Hollywood construct he inspired. This man is truly extraordinary. Not only is he the closest thing to a human encyclopedia that we know of, but going beyond his feats of memory, Kim's story is one of triumph, survival, and inspiration. Diagnosed as mentally retarded, given slim odds of ever reaching adulthood, Kim Peek not only beat the limitations of his condition, but met the challenges asked of him and grew in time to be someone who found pleasure in demonstrating his awesome talents in front of audiences and scientific panels. This book amazed me, made me happy, and left me humbled and awe-struck. It's a story everyone should be able to appreciate.

This is by far one of the most amazining stories I have ever read. Being a fan of Rain Man the movie, I was quite interested in savant syndrome. After reading this book, I found myself scouring the internet for more information on other savants. I have found great articles on numerous websites, and you may want to check them out also. This book can be a source of hope for anyone that has been directly or indirectly by a disability. Read it, read it, read it.

This book is especially precious to me since I had the opportunity to meet the Real Rain Man in person in the late 90's. He sat at my desk and responded (correctly) to inquiries about what routes were near my home, what my area code was and what my zip code was.

At the time, I worked in the accounting department for an Erie, PA organization that has numerous group homes.

The Peek family (both father and son) were on tour and specially touching on the folks that have extra life challenges. It was wonderful meeting both of them. I bought the book back then...and shared it with friends. It is time to reread and remember what an awesome person the Real Rain Man truly is.

Sincerely,
C. Weagraff
Lakewood, OH

This book really gives a good insight on the possiblities for people with special needs and how unique each of these needs are!

KIM PEEK AND DAD-FRAN-ARE AN UBEATABLE COMBO OF HOW TO LIVE THE GOLDEN RULE, UTILIZE GOD'S GIFTS AND CHALLENGES AND LOVE AND TREAT EVERYONE EQUALLY. THIS BOOK WILL TOUCH YOUR HEART AND SOUL AND HELP YOU BETTER UNDERSTAND WHAT A MAGNIFICENT CREATOR WE HAVE. HERE IS RECOUNTED THE AMAZING LOVE SHARED BETWEEN A SAVANT SON AND A TOTALLY DEDICATED FATHER WHO ARE SHARING A BRAVE NEW WORLD TOGETHER. I LOVE THE BOOK AND THE SUBJECTS!!