Schuyler's Monster: A Father's Journey with His Wordless Daughter (Hardcover)

by Robert Rummel-Hudson (Author) "Julie's pregnancy wasn't a huge surprise to us..." (more)
Key Phrases: fighting monsters, joyful kind, speech device, Schuyler's Monster, New Haven, Schugler's Monster (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
The monster in this heartfelt memoir is polymicrogyria, an extremely rare brain malformation that, in the case of Rummel-Hudson's daughter Schuyler, has completely impaired her ability to speak. During her first three years, as her parents seek to find out what hidden monster is causing her wordlessness, they endure two years of questions and tests and at least one unsatisfactory diagnosis. But while Rummel-Hudson initially rages at God for giving Schuyler a life that would never ever be what we'd imagined it to be, his depiction of her next four years becomes a study not only in Schuyler's vivacious and resilient personality, but also in the redeeming power of understanding and a stupid blind father's love. As he describes how Schuyler eagerly takes to various forms of communication, such as basic sign language and an alternative and augmentative communication device that provides whole words she can type to express her thoughts, Rummel-Hudson effectively and compassionately shows how the gentle strangeness about her, like a visitor from some realm where no one spoke but everyone laughed, leads him to understand that she was the one teaching me how to make my way in this new world. (Feb.)
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Review

Advance praise for Schuyler’s Monster:

“A gripping explication, shot through with equal parts horror and hope, of how parenthood can turn ordinary people into passionate advocates.” -Neal Pollack, author of Alternadad

"Robert Rummel-Hudson is brave enough to reveal the damage the discovery of his child's condition did to his marriage and to his own sense of self. He manages to repair some of the damage through close involvement with Schuyler and vigorous campaigning on her behalf. His memoir is honest, often painful and deeply personal.” -Charlotte Moore, author of George & Sam

“The book is engaging and honest--I'm sure it will help many parents who are struggling to find the most loving way to help their children who have ‘issues.’” -Dana Buchman, designer, author of A Special Education

See all Editorial Reviews

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Product Details Hardcover: 288 pages Publisher: St. Martin's Press (February 19, 2008) Language: English ISBN-10: 0312372426 ISBN-13: 978-0312372422 Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.8 x 1.2 inches Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies) Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (24 customer reviews) Amazon.com Sales Rank: #326,413 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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First Sentence:
Julie's pregnancy wasn't a huge surprise to us. Read the first page

Key Phrases - Statistically Improbable Phrases (SIPs): (learn more)
fighting monsters, joyful kind, speech device

Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Schuyler's Monster, New Haven, Schugler's Monster, New England, Tracy Custer, New York, Vantage Plus, Our Secrets, Big Box of Words, Nothing Makes Us So Lonely, West Texas, Joyful Kind of Chaos, Round Rock, Yale Child Study Center, King Kong, Dora the Explorer, The Village, The Answer That Was False, Life Skills, Star Wars, Rubber Swords

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Customer Reviews

24 Reviews 5 star:  (21) 4 star:  (2) 3 star:  (1) 2 star:    (0) 1 star:    (0)           Average Customer Review 4.8 out of 5 stars (24 customer reviews)		Share your thoughts with other customers:
Most Helpful Customer Reviews 29 of 32 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars A Father's Love, A Daughter's Struggle, and New Ways of Communicating, February 19, 2008 By  Rachel Kramer Bussel "Cupcakes Take the Cake ... (New York City) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)       In Schuyler's Monster, Robert Rummel-Hudson tells a story of coming to terms with, while constantly battling, what he calls his daughter's "monster," a disease called polymicrogyria which leaves her unable to talk. She can make some sounds, using mostly vowels, and it's not until age 4 that the author and his wife even find out precisely what is wrong with her. In this incredibly heartfelt memoir, Rummel-Hudson recounts their journey from parents to "special needs" parents, navigating school systems in Connecticut and Texas in their quest to get Schuyler the best care and help she can provide. At times, their story is bleak, but throughout it, Rummel-Hudson's overwhelming love for his daughter, as well as his belief in her, is clear. Even when things seem at their worst, the couple never let their daughter sense their doubts about her being "broken," as Rummel-Hudson writes. Even though he uses this terminology for her and her brain, on a certain level, he seems to know that for whatever mysterious reasons (his battles with faith and a god he doesn't quite believe in are covered in the book), Schuyler has turned out the way she has. Some of the best moments are focused solely on Schuyler. She is a "rock star" amongst her young classmates, in various schools, looking the part with purple or red hair and pink leopard print, and drawing her peers around her. When she stands up to (and punches) a bully at a mall playground who's just shoved her and teased her for being a "retard," it's hard for even those of us who are as nonviolent as they come to cheer. Rummel-Hudson, who has been documenting his life, and his daughter's, on his blog for many years, thankfully doesn't bring the blog into play too much in the book, save to show how wide of a support network he's garnered. When Schuyler's school refuses to purchases the $10,000 "Big Box of Words," a communications device that enables her to type on its screen and have her words voiced by the box, his readers pull together with donations to make the purchase. By the end of the book, when Schuyler and family are ensconced in Plano, Texas, land of megachurches and wealth (and decidedly not a typical home for the Rummel-Hudsons), I felt like I knew this little girl who I've never met. Her spirit permeates each page, though Rummel-Hudson is clear that he is telling his story of being a father unable to permanently fix everything that is "wrong" with his daughter. His guilt, anger, and grief are plain, but it's also his and his wife's perseverance, in not accepting the status quo, that have helped Schuyler get to the place she has, using her words in all kinds of fascinating ways. In some ways, even though Schuyler's Monster is about a very specific, rare disorder, it's also about being a parent. Rummel-Hudson and his wife learn early on that they cannot protect Schuyler from all the negatives of the world, but they also learn that for her, things aren't as bad as they may seem. She has found her own language and way of relating to people, both before and after acquiring her Big Box of Words, that works for her, and watching her develop, in the words of her father, is the real delight of this book. With sly sarcasm and a healthy dose of self-deprecation, but most of all, love, Rummel-Hudson has written a memoir I wouldn't say is sappy at all, but did make me cry, though not until the very end, and those were tears of happiness. 10 of 12 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars What a wonderful book, February 25, 2008 By  tashina (Plano, TX) - See all my reviews As a long time blog reader of Rob's, I had been looking forward to the book since it was announced. I was not disappointed. The magic of Rob's blog and his book is that he isn't afraid to be human. He opens a window into his and Schuyler's life. You share in the moments of despair and the moments of triumph. I am a voracious reader and biography/non-fiction is my favorite genre - this is one of the most excellent books I've read in years. The very best part? If you read his blog, you get to read along and find out what happens after the book ends. 5 of 6 people found the following review helpful: 4.0 out of 5 stars Don't Judge This Book, Or This Girl, By Its Cover, May 18, 2008 By  Danielle Turchiano (Van Nuys, CA United States) - See all my reviews    100+ pages. That's how long it takes to find out just exactly what "Schuyler's Monster" is... unless of course you cheated and read the book jacket. Robert Rummel-Hudson crafts a hauntingly beautiful story of unconditional love for a little girl he describes as "broken," shifting back and forth from moments of sheer frustration to simple pleasure, all of which are touching and heart-wrenching at the same time. Unfortunately "Schuyler's Monster" reads much more like a memoir of a father ill-equipped to deal with a special needs child than it does the journey of Schuyler herself, a tenacious and rambunctous pixie stuck in a world that prides itself on conformity (perhaps best then that Rummel-Hudson moved his family from the Stepford New Haven town to the much more accepting and diverse Austin!). For those first hundred something pages, there is mention of the fact that Schuyler is different; she has trouble with potty-training, some motor skills, and she doesn't speak at all. However, the majority of the content there is dedicated to Rummel-Hudson, filled with anecdotes about his work and even his background and love of writing at a young age, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. His words are elegant, poetic, and real; each page feels like a personal conversation with the man and deep look into his psyche. It's just not what was expected from a book sub-tagged as "A Father's Journey With His Wordless Daughter." Perhaps it is because Schuyler is still so young and has so much ahead of her that is still unknown, then, that she is almost a supporting player to Rummel-Hudson's growth within his book. Perhaps it is because while lacking in communication, he can't quite accurately document how she has been affected by her differences (he makes few assumptions and absolutely no judgments, which is refreshing coming from a father!). If anything, "Schuyler's Monster" certainly paints a clear picture as to just why this little girl is so remarkable; she has turned her father, the author, into a much better man simply by giving him something special on which to focus. I was just expecting a story that was a little more about the process of dealing with doctors, special needs classrooms, speech pathologists, and strangers who just didn't understand. "Schuyler's Monster" definitely touches on all of that, but for some reason I was expecting a little more... and for the telling to be a little less self-indulgent. Rummel-Hudson has been a writer since 1995, blogging about everything from his hometown to his little girl's diagnosis, and I guess at times this book seems to be a little more for him, a little more about him, than Schuyler and her monster. Perhaps it is fitting, then, because just like Schuyler herself, there is more to this book than meets the eye; it is not exactly what it seems to be, and you certainly can't judge it by its cover!		Ad feedback   Most Recent Customer Reviews 5.0 out of 5 stars This is a wonderful story~ This is a story of loving (and all too human) parents, and an extraordinary child. Rarely do you find a child who has special need described with such humor. Read more Published 20 days ago by Kathleen Wagner 3.0 out of 5 stars Heartfelt Rummel-Hudson offers a heartfelt account of life with his "broken" daughter. Many parents will appreciate his struggles with well-meaning but incompetent public/special education... Read more Published 2 months ago by ukubmatch 4.0 out of 5 stars speech pathologist Excellent book. I passed it on to my daughter who is a special ed teacher. Published 6 months ago by grandmother 5.0 out of 5 stars So glad I got it It took me a year and one failed order due to relocation to finally get this book. Definitely worth it. Read more Published 7 months ago by Echo 5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Read Simply put, Robert Rummel-Hudson's Schuyler's Monster is a must read for every parent and educator. With raw emotion, he tells the story of his family's journey through the maze... Read more Published 10 months ago by Sabel 5.0 out of 5 stars great book I couldn't put this book down. I'm pretty picky about what I read and this was a beautifully written story, worth every minute I spent with it. Published 11 months ago by K. Hove 5.0 out of 5 stars couldn't put it down I found this book in the Black Oak bookstore on a recent day trip to Berkeley with my youngest daughter (the one who was never 100% neurotypical), and it's turned out to be the... Read more Published 11 months ago by Gretchen Hess 5.0 out of 5 stars Schylers Monster This is a beautifully written story I would recommend to anyone. It had personal meaning to me as I have a child with special needs. Published 11 months ago by Adam 5.0 out of 5 stars Heart-breaking and uplifting at the same time This is a story of tragedy, love and the humorous foibles of life. It is also expertly written, easily approachable and best of all, thoroughly enjoyable. Read more Published 13 months ago by CrysAnne 5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book I really liked this book after finding via "others buy" on Amazon from another memoir. Its well written, engaging, and interesting. Read more Published 13 months ago by Amy H Search Customer Reviews Only search this product's reviews

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2008 Books I'm Looking Forward To Reading: A list by Rachel Kramer Bussel "Cupcakes Take the Cake blogger, author, editor"   Literature on Raising a Child with Special Needs: A list by Suzanne Kamata   Parenting a Special Needs Child: Books for the Journey: A list by Rebekah L. Sprecher Create a Listmania! list

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 288 pages
• Publisher: St. Martin's Press (February 19, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312372426
• ISBN-13: 978-0312372422
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.8 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #326,413 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Father's Love, A Daughter's Struggle, and New Ways of Communicating, February 19, 2008

By	Rachel Kramer Bussel "Cupcakes Take the Cake ... (New York City) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

In Schuyler's Monster, Robert Rummel-Hudson tells a story of coming to terms with, while constantly battling, what he calls his daughter's "monster," a disease called polymicrogyria which leaves her unable to talk. She can make some sounds, using mostly vowels, and it's not until age 4 that the author and his wife even find out precisely what is wrong with her. In this incredibly heartfelt memoir, Rummel-Hudson recounts their journey from parents to "special needs" parents, navigating school systems in Connecticut and Texas in their quest to get Schuyler the best care and help she can provide.

At times, their story is bleak, but throughout it, Rummel-Hudson's overwhelming love for his daughter, as well as his belief in her, is clear. Even when things seem at their worst, the couple never let their daughter sense their doubts about her being "broken," as Rummel-Hudson writes. Even though he uses this terminology for her and her brain, on a certain level, he seems to know that for whatever mysterious reasons (his battles with faith and a god he doesn't quite believe in are covered in the book), Schuyler has turned out the way she has.

Some of the best moments are focused solely on Schuyler. She is a "rock star" amongst her young classmates, in various schools, looking the part with purple or red hair and pink leopard print, and drawing her peers around her. When she stands up to (and punches) a bully at a mall playground who's just shoved her and teased her for being a "retard," it's hard for even those of us who are as nonviolent as they come to cheer.

Rummel-Hudson, who has been documenting his life, and his daughter's, on his blog for many years, thankfully doesn't bring the blog into play too much in the book, save to show how wide of a support network he's garnered. When Schuyler's school refuses to purchases the $10,000 "Big Box of Words," a communications device that enables her to type on its screen and have her words voiced by the box, his readers pull together with donations to make the purchase. By the end of the book, when Schuyler and family are ensconced in Plano, Texas, land of megachurches and wealth (and decidedly not a typical home for the Rummel-Hudsons), I felt like I knew this little girl who I've never met. Her spirit permeates each page, though Rummel-Hudson is clear that he is telling his story of being a father unable to permanently fix everything that is "wrong" with his daughter. His guilt, anger, and grief are plain, but it's also his and his wife's perseverance, in not accepting the status quo, that have helped Schuyler get to the place she has, using her words in all kinds of fascinating ways.

In some ways, even though Schuyler's Monster is about a very specific, rare disorder, it's also about being a parent. Rummel-Hudson and his wife learn early on that they cannot protect Schuyler from all the negatives of the world, but they also learn that for her, things aren't as bad as they may seem. She has found her own language and way of relating to people, both before and after acquiring her Big Box of Words, that works for her, and watching her develop, in the words of her father, is the real delight of this book. With sly sarcasm and a healthy dose of self-deprecation, but most of all, love, Rummel-Hudson has written a memoir I wouldn't say is sappy at all, but did make me cry, though not until the very end, and those were tears of happiness.

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What a wonderful book, February 25, 2008

By	tashina (Plano, TX) - See all my reviews

As a long time blog reader of Rob's, I had been looking forward to the book since it was announced. I was not disappointed. The magic of Rob's blog and his book is that he isn't afraid to be human. He opens a window into his and Schuyler's life. You share in the moments of despair and the moments of triumph. I am a voracious reader and biography/non-fiction is my favorite genre - this is one of the most excellent books I've read in years. The very best part? If you read his blog, you get to read along and find out what happens after the book ends.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Don't Judge This Book, Or This Girl, By Its Cover, May 18, 2008

By	Danielle Turchiano (Van Nuys, CA United States) - See all my reviews

100+ pages. That's how long it takes to find out just exactly what "Schuyler's Monster" is... unless of course you cheated and read the book jacket.

Robert Rummel-Hudson crafts a hauntingly beautiful story of unconditional love for a little girl he describes as "broken," shifting back and forth from moments of sheer frustration to simple pleasure, all of which are touching and heart-wrenching at the same time. Unfortunately "Schuyler's Monster" reads much more like a memoir of a father ill-equipped to deal with a special needs child than it does the journey of Schuyler herself, a tenacious and rambunctous pixie stuck in a world that prides itself on conformity (perhaps best then that Rummel-Hudson moved his family from the Stepford New Haven town to the much more accepting and diverse Austin!).

For those first hundred something pages, there is mention of the fact that Schuyler is different; she has trouble with potty-training, some motor skills, and she doesn't speak at all. However, the majority of the content there is dedicated to Rummel-Hudson, filled with anecdotes about his work and even his background and love of writing at a young age, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. His words are elegant, poetic, and real; each page feels like a personal conversation with the man and deep look into his psyche. It's just not what was expected from a book sub-tagged as "A Father's Journey With His Wordless Daughter."

Perhaps it is because Schuyler is still so young and has so much ahead of her that is still unknown, then, that she is almost a supporting player to Rummel-Hudson's growth within his book. Perhaps it is because while lacking in communication, he can't quite accurately document how she has been affected by her differences (he makes few assumptions and absolutely no judgments, which is refreshing coming from a father!). If anything, "Schuyler's Monster" certainly paints a clear picture as to just why this little girl is so remarkable; she has turned her father, the author, into a much better man simply by giving him something special on which to focus. I was just expecting a story that was a little more about the process of dealing with doctors, special needs classrooms, speech pathologists, and strangers who just didn't understand. "Schuyler's Monster" definitely touches on all of that, but for some reason I was expecting a little more... and for the telling to be a little less self-indulgent. Rummel-Hudson has been a writer since 1995, blogging about everything from his hometown to his little girl's diagnosis, and I guess at times this book seems to be a little more for him, a little more about him, than Schuyler and her monster. Perhaps it is fitting, then, because just like Schuyler herself, there is more to this book than meets the eye; it is not exactly what it seems to be, and you certainly can't judge it by its cover!