Customer Reviews

The Revelation of a Star's Endless Shine: A Young Woman's Autobiography of a 20-Year Tale of Trials & Tribulations

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Wow! What a story! Shirley Cheng is most definitely someone who sees the glass of water as being half full, rather than even partially empty. She is living proof that someone can be happy, live a fulfilling life that matters to many others, in spite of severe physical pain, being legally blind and living life out of a wheelchair.

In the midst of pain and not knowing what medical calamity would next happen to her, Shirley has devoted her life to making the most of what she has. Her extraordinary intelligence (being at the very top of her class) is topped only by her determination to succeed and not to allow the constant unwanted companion of pain, the harshness of blindness and the inconvenience of confinement to a wheelchair determine the course of her life.

With her subtitle, "A Young Woman's Autobiography of a 20-Year Tale of Trials and Tribulations," Shirley has clearly illustrated the details of the patience required for learning to do tasks most of us take for granted. While she had her vision, the circumstances of her life have probably made her more aware than most of us are of the some of the very simple pleasures of life. I practically cried when she wrote of the beauty of a pattern of fabric, for example! Shirley has used this book to remind us to count our blessings!

The 700 pages are divided into 91 (yes, 91!) chapters, plus an epilogue. Approximately the last 40 pages are wonderful black-and-white pictures of the author and her mother. The print size is larger than usual; perhaps this is a conscious choice the author made because of her visual problems. While the book is an autobiography, it's written in the third person, making it seem more like a biography. While I would never doubt the writing talents and skills of Miss Cheng, some of the descriptive narrative did bog me down in a few places. All in all, though, it's a good book.

Since early childhood, Shirley Cheng has had juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, a crippling and debilitating disease. She's had more pain in her twenty years of life than most people have in a lifetime, but remains a very happy individual. Shirley is the author of two other books. Her plans include surgery to restore her vision and earning multiple degrees from Harvard.

The Revelation of a Star's Endless Shine truly lives up to its title.

My interest in Shirley Cheng's story evolved out of my own family's struggles with the crippling and little known disease of children: Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA). I want to learn as much as I can about the disease in case I happen across something that will help my beloved granddaughter, Caroline. What I didn't count on was being drawn in and captivated by Cheng's story.

Cheng was diagnosed with JRA as an infant, didn't attend school until she was eleven (due to numerous hospitalizations), lost her eyesight at age seventeen and received her high school diploma at age nineteen. She hopes to continue her education at Harvard University.

What makes Cheng's story so compelling is not just the debilitating disease of JRA but of the struggles she and her mother, Juliet, encountered with the medical and social service system. These systems demanded a regiment of treatment Juliet didn't believe was appropriate for her daughter. The result was extreme conflict where Juliet was taken to court in the attempt to force the treatment on Shirley.

This is the story of a mother's dedication and commitment to her child, and it is most of all the story of a strong, brave and determined young woman to live her life to the fullest, even with all its limitations. Cheng dreams big dreams and has the tenacity to make them come true.

This heartwarming story is one you'll want to read.

This is a complex story written in an easy to read, conversational fashion that is disarming, yet sometimes astounding in its micro-details (ie., telephone conversations you get word-for-word); Shirley Cheng seems to have the memory of a titan. Nevertheless, at times you feel some information is missing--must be missing, because why else the poor treatment by one person after another, one agency after another, one doctor after another, one medical aide after another? But then it hits you--these people, these agencies, these medical "professionals" are really, in many cases, THAT awful! The truth is that American medicine, American government schools and American government agencies all too often think they are GOD. But they're not.

In fact, this book poignantly shows how the enormity of the misuse of power, such as trying to take an ill and hurting child away from its primary source of love and security--its mother--in the name of doing what's "best" for that child, is downright horrifying. And rightly so. The medical establishment is one of the biggest offenders in Shirley's life, and we can probably all relate. (No one is saying, incidentally, that there aren't good people to be found in these arenas of public service, and thankfully, Shirley and her mom find some good people, too.)

If nothing else, Shirley's story is triumphant in that her mother rejects what she knows to be wrong for her child, fights the nightmarish resistance of said "establishment" and wins in the end. But the book is also more than that; it is the tale of a sensitive, intelligent, and observant girl who happens to be painfully disabled; she suffers enormously but has the extraordinary gift of a mother who is sold out for her well-being, hook, line and sinker.

Did the mother make mistakes? Of course. She trusted the wrong people, particularly a relative who was no less than criminal, it seems to me, in her actions. But Juliet Cheng's gift of love to her daughter is something that many able-bodied people never get. She is the epitome of the selfless mother/caretaker extraordinaire, shining the light on the lives of quiet, exhausting devotion that mothers like her live daily.

Overall, the author does an amazing job of keeping the reader's interest; I think the book could be shorter, but I honestly cannot say it was ever boring. When you finish the book you will feel an affinity to this Shirley Cheng and her mother, Juliet. You will admire them both, and hopefully, thank the Lord that your "trials and tribulations" have not been as devastating. If you are interested in a story of hardship and happiness, of personal triumph against horrendous disadvantages, of the experience of being female, Chinese, disabled and blind and yet achieving your dreams in an adopted country--then read this book. The level of success that Shirley achieves is remarkable and inspiring--no less than her achievement in writing this book. Her work and courage alone get five stars in my book.

Shirley Cheng is a talented and bright-hearted young woman who is by no means finished achieving. I look forward to her next accomplishments!

Linore R. Burkard
www.LinoreRoseBurkard.com
Inspirational Romance for Today's Woman of Faith

The book with the rather long title is the story of Shirley Cheng, an American girl (of Chinese descent), who was diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis when just 11 months old. Cared for by a loving, courageous and spiritually strong mother, Shirley overcomes all her physical challenges including being confined to a wheelchair, loss of vision and constant pain to realise her intellectual and artistic potentials to a great extent.

The book is written in third person and reads more like a social novel than an autobiography. The author chose this particual format to probably maintain a sense of objectivity and seems to have succeeded to some extent.

The book is written in a lucid, vivid and flowing style and is easy to read. It may take the reader a few days to read through because of the number of pages. But it is certainly not boring and the author holds the reader's attention all through. The portrayal of the various people who played a crucial role in Shirley's life has been well done and the reader gets a fairly clear idea of the people involved and the events. As is to be expected, Shirley and her mother encounter a number of problems from various people who are not able to understand the special problems of Shirley and at the same time are helped by some really kind souls.

The narration is moving at many places and at the same time is also inspiring because of the perseverance of Juliet, Shirley's mother and Shirley herself. Their problems with the US Medical, Social and School systems evoke reader's sympathy. However, the same system helps Shirley in several ways including her getting a laptop computer with special software which finally allows to read what she is typing.

The reviewer could empathise with several aspects of Shirley's
suffering. All in all, a good, inspiring read.

The Revelation of a Star's Endless Shine
(A Young Woman's Autobiography of a 20-year Tale of Trials & Tribulations)
Shirley Cheng 2005
[...]
Why is it possible in America, the land of the free, that a parent cannot disagree with a doctor's recommendation for treatment? If they do, their child could be taken from them. Social Services can be called in. How could it also be possible for a hospital to take parents to court for intercepting unwanted treatment? Well, in this great nation supposedly run by the people for the people, parental rights aren't what they used to be. We all know people who neglect or abuse their children and intervention is necessary for them. This is not the same. Shirley Cheng's autobiography is about this injustice, about how she, a blind and physically disabled young woman with severe juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, and her mother were treated.

This extraordinary young lady begins her eye-opening autobiography with her birth, taking readers through her life to the age of twenty. Her current age is twenty-two. She reveals the truth of her experiences and the pain involved. Shirley is happy and relieved. No one can tear her away from the only person who truly cared for her any more, and suffered insurmountable injustice in order to keep and protect her - her mother. Finally too, doctors cannot give her treatment she does not want. Shirley tells her tale of heroism and courage, as well as her mother's. Living with a disease is bad enough. Shirley suffered much pain along with disabilities, difficulties and hardships. She shouldn't have had to justify and battle with doctors, hospitals, social-workers, teachers, aides, guidance counselors, and principals. This is what they dealt with year after year. The professionals that should have been helpful, compassionate, supportive, and understanding, were the very ones who hurt, separated, and lied about them.

Shirley's unique way of writing further provides readers with a window to her intelligence, insight, and nature. Her matter-of-fact, original style and ability to prove a point is powerful. She wrote this book using a screen reader, JAWS, on the computer. Shirley has authored another book, Daring Quests of Mystics that was published in November 2003, and an anthology of short-stories and poems, Dance with Your Heart: Tales and Poems That the Heart Tells, self-published when she was twenty-one. Because she was in and out of hospitals for years, Shirley didn't go to school until the age of eleven. Amazingly, she advanced enough, even though she didn't know any English, into sixth grade. Shirley has received numerous awards, received a 100 score on New York State essay tests, published in The Poughkeepsie Journal in October 1997 and in Celebrate! New York's Young Poets Speak Out in 1999, and averaged a GPA in high school of 3.9 (97). She wishes to go to Harvard University and earn doctorates in microbiology, zoology, astronomy, physiology, and pathology. She will receive eye surgery hoping to restore her vision as she is blind.

This book is for those who are suffering, or who have someone close to them who is, from a severe medical problem. It's for those who've battled not only to find a cure for a disease or at least a better situation, and have had to deal with insurance companies, doctors and hospitals, teachers, schools, and social services as well. It will open eyes of readers without these types of problems and of those with compassion and a sense of what is right.
Shirley Cheng offers a look into her world providing disturbing truths about America's medical and school systems. She reveals how some doctors lie on their patient's documents and when cannot offer a solution or diagnosis for a disease often label the victim as mentally ill or depressed. She tells of instances when in a hospital, a staff member turned on her room light in the middle of the night waking her to clean the room, and of when they wouldn't help her sit to relieve her bladder. This book tells of numerous astonishing situations that Shirley and her mother endured. They shouldn't have had to deal with this in America. Unfortunately this great nation has its problems. The state of our medical, insurance, and parental rights needs a severe overhaul. Shirley's Mom, Juliet Cheng, says it best through first-hand experience: "No doctor in China would ever take away a mother's custody when she simply disagreed with medically recommended treatment." Also, "In China, no such things could ever happen. No one would even think of doing it." And about schools: "America's schools feel odd when seeing parents in school." She could not comprehend it. "In China, parents could freely go to the school while classes were in session." Juliet felt that America simply had too many rules and regulations with no exceptions for unique circumstances.

I agreed to review this book because I'm the parent of a child with a severe medical chronic disease. What we found when seeking treatment for her was surprisingly astounding. America's medical system was anything but helpful, understanding and fair. On the contrary, they created more obstacles and worries. The school system at first acted the same way. Luckily, that changed, but ONLY, I believe, because I was employed at the school at the time. The hassle and proof I had to go through left me frazzled, unable to sleep, and close to a nervous break down. As I read Shirley Cheng's book, I nodded in agreement often knowing what they went through wasn't being exaggerated. Many doctors have a big ego and don't have any respect for parents. My husband and I know our daughter's circumstances, what is normal, what medications work and the ones that don't, better than any doctor, nurse, social worker, judge, teacher or principal. When relaying this or making suggestions though, we were met with "She must be depressed" from the doctors. This was their response as to why, and then prescribed anti-depressant drugs. My opinion was that if you took away her daily, month after month pain she wouldn't be depressed.

Readers of Shirley Cheng's autobiography cannot help but wonder if she'd have been better off without America's medical system. Things might have also have been different had her father shown more concern, involvement, and love. Despite surmountable odds, Shirley obtained an education, academic achievement, and was published.

I recommend this book to everyone. America will be better when it gives power back to parents. Granted, there are times when abusive parents need interception, yet the average parent wants what is paramount for their child and loves them.

A disturbing, and enlightening read. Authentic, honest, and profound. Will change reader's outlook.

Title: The Revelation of a Star's Endless Shine
Author: Shirley Cheng
Publisher:
ISBN: 1411618602
Genre: Autobiography

The author invites readers to share in the important moments of her life as
she recounts the horrific struggle against a devastating disease and its
related problems. Hers is a message of hope, no matter the odds.

Without a moment free from pain or new health problems, Ms Cheng and her
mother took each day as it came and continued to seek a way to either cure
or alleviate Ms Cheng's continuous pain. Such a challenge is not one all of
us could take on and come up smiling as Ms Cheng has done.

Ill health kept Ms Cheng out of school until she was eleven, at which time
she entered a special education class. Within a few years she had learned to
read and write and at age thirteen was doing work equivalent to the sixth
grade. Her biggest problem was finding a trustworthy aide to help her get
through the day in a wheelchair, but even here, she persevered and kept
learning.

Ms Cheng's strength of will, along with the strength of character of her
mother, have enabled her to get her GED. Now she looks to the future and who
knows what she will achieve.

A read that will inspire you and make your own troubles seem small in
comparison to those of the author. Enjoy.

As a life and personal coach, I encourage my clients to read about people who face challenges and tragedies and manage not only to survive, but to thrive. Shirley Cheng's biography, "The Revelation of a Star's Endless Shine," is such a book.

Shirley's life could have turned out very differently had she and her mother been cowed by the appalling behavior of doctors, teachers, landlords, social services employees, lawyers and even friends. Instead, their courage and willingness to confront rather than accept ill treatment, led Shirley, a blind, disabled woman, to create a life filled with meaning and singularly lacking in self-pity or bitterness.

Reading of Shirley's physical pain, her increasingly weakening body, the slipshod way she was handled by school aids who were supposed to be helping her, the legal wranglings over her care, would make anyone scream in frustration. Even worse was the way Shirley was treated by an endless list of so-called professionals. Hardly anyone listened to Shirley or her mother regarding her pain, her intelligence or her thirst for education. The indictment of so many people who should have been on Shirley's side, is a sad commentary on our medical, social service and educational systems. In addition, Shirley's father evidently was a manipulator and a cruel man who refused to use his money for the benefit of his daughter. The hardships she and her mother faced feel unendurable. Yet they were endured. And despite poor medical care, despite teachers who seemed uninterested in helping this talented student, despite unfeeling "friends," in two countries, this mother and daughter fought and won many more battles than they lost.

Unlike Shirley, few of us seem to have the innate ability to face every day and everyone with a smile regardless of our own painful circumstances. Yet we can read her story with an open heart and choose to integrate her positive outlook and determination into our own lives in a way that will serve us and those around us. After all, this is the reason Shirley wrote the book. She hoped that her story would inspire others to treat everyone with respect, to stand up for what we believe in and to reach out to those less fortunate.

"She was running toward a glistening stream with fish of all colors flying out of the water. With laughter escaping her lips, she chased a white butterfly amidst the green field of wildflowers. Her black hair glowed with a halo of brightness, with sunrays dancing about her. The blue sky was accentuated by a shimmering rainbow..." ~pg. 116

Shirley Cheng is the author of Dance with Your Heart: Tales and Poems That the Heart Tells. She is a highly imaginative writer who has access to beautiful inner worlds where she creates mythological tales and beautiful stories.

In "The Revelation of a Star's Endless Shine" we are able to access an extremely detailed portrait of 700 pages explaining Shirley Cheng's life and how she became a writer. As if observing her life as an angelic protecting presence, she writes of her life's struggles and challenges she faces due to many people in her life seeming to show a general insensitivity to her condition.

As a child she is diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, but this is only the beginning of a long journey filled with therapies and medications, not to mention medical complications due to medication side effects. As Shirley Cheng seeks to make sense of why certain medical problems keep occurring, she faces life with a refreshingly honest and hopeful approach.

"Picking up a book, Shirley began to enter into a different world, a world that she could escape to from her surroundings. After the first quarter, she had begun to increase her reading and writing volume. She read three books a day, averaging five to six hundred pages." ~pg. 375

After spending the entire morning reading Shirley's work out on my deck in the sun, I can recommend anyone to do the same. This is a world where you can not only view the outer struggles of the poet's life, the inner world is also revealed in creative flourishes I started to look forward to finding throughout the writing:

"The strong wind whirled, bringing dancing flakes in its invisible arms, equally distributing a thin layer of snow to other places of the frozen land. Small spheres of shimmering, crystalline flowers alighted upon the earth from their silvery home above, while the sun slept peacefully below the horizon..."~ pg. 6

~The Rebecca Review

Shirley Cheng tells an amazing story through the eyes of someone who sees everything as an opportunity. Shirley is living proof that anyone can do anything at all. Her positive attitude and extraordinary intelligence has helped her be all she can be. This book will inspire you and make you more aware of the things you take for granted each day.

Michelle Dunn