Special Gifts: Women Writers on the Heartache, the Happiness and the Hope of Raising a Special Needs Child [Paperback]

Arlene Schusteff (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 12, 2007

"Special Gifts" shares the stories of some very special mothers and their children, who all have very special gifts - emotional, behavioral or developmental disorders such as ADD, Asperger's Syndrome, Autism, Bi-Polar Disorder, Non-Verbal Learning Disability or PDD. This collection offers support, hope, and a glimpse inside of the lives of these amazing souls.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Contributors include: Lisa Romeo, Jesse Michener, Kristen Scott, Margaret Mitchell, Michelle O'Neil, Julie Adam, Kimberly Winters, Heide AW Kaminski, Marla Davishoff, Swathi Avathi, Jennifer Bailey, Heather Ristau, Andrea Harris,Lorena Smith, Sheila Webster-Heard, Susan Wagner, Sheila Vakili, Paige Huskey, Rhonda Pollero, Caryn Sullivan Janice Noble, Michele Ackerman, Molly Nichols, Jenny Menn, Ann M. Curtis, Diane Eaton, Erika Dahlquist, Shannon Andreson, Jessica Thompson, Renee Bryant, Chelsea Celentano Susan Erickson, Marie E. LaConte, Juanita Spencer, Amanda Radcliffe, Faith Gallatin, Michelle S. Weil, Heather Mount, Candice Miller, Nancy C. Anderson, and Kelley Cunningham.

Product Details

• Paperback: 220 pages
• Publisher: Wyatt-MacKenzie Publishing (June 12, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1932279598
• ISBN-13: 978-1932279597
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,358,219 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars For mothers, mothers-to-be, and mothers of the future, August 30, 2007

By 

S. R. Tjaden (Dayton, OH) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Special Gifts: Women Writers on the Heartache, the Happiness and the Hope of Raising a Special Needs Child (Paperback)

Having no children of my own yet, much less a child with special needs, the essays in this book do a wonderful job of reaching a wide audience. The insight that these women writers provide on their everyday experiences, frustrations, and triumphs will truly win your heart while sharing devastating moments that evoke your deepest sympathies. Each writer has her own unique voice, ranging from touching philosophies on parenting to the darkest corners of a mother's mind that require an unspeakable amount of courage to write. Each essay is a short 5-15 minute read, making it an easy read while you have a few moments (I read 5 essays while getting the oil changed in my car). In short, I highly recommend this book.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars an encouraging voice, August 27, 2007

By 

Running Mama "bibliophile" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Special Gifts: Women Writers on the Heartache, the Happiness and the Hope of Raising a Special Needs Child (Paperback)

This is the kind of book every teacher and family member who knows a special-need kid (and who doesn't?) should read. It is not a how-to or medical manual but rather insightful and heartfelt stories from the people who really know best what living with many challenges can be like.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read for moms of special needs kids, September 24, 2007

By 

suburban mom (Suburbs USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Special Gifts: Women Writers on the Heartache, the Happiness and the Hope of Raising a Special Needs Child (Paperback)

Whether you have a child with special needs or know someone who does, this book will touch you. In these essays moms write about their hopes and dreams as well as frustrations and feelings of inadequacy. As a mother of an ADHD son, I know all too well the isolation and desperation that walks hand-in-hand with a diagnosis of ADHD, Autism, Bipolar Disorder or one of the many other behavioral and emotional disorders. I have often said that if my son had diabetes or cerebral palsy people would feel sympathetic and want to help. But, when my impulsive son yells or hits, no one really cares that he has ADHD. But, these moms do...they get it and it is very cathartic and validating to hear their stories.