alex the life of a child [Paperback]

frank deford (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: 1983

Alexandra Deford, a precious and precocious girl, was just eight years old when she died in 1980 following a battle against the debilitating effects of cystic fibrosis, the number-one genetic killer of children. Her poignant and uplifting story touched the hearts of millions when it was first published and then made into a memorable television movie. A new introduction contains information on the latest cystic fibrosis research, and a touching postscript reveals how the Deford family came to terms with the loss of Alex.

Product Details

• Paperback
• Publisher: Cystic Fibrosis Foundation; First Thus edition (1983)
• ASIN: B000DEMYEI
• Product Dimensions: 6.5 x 4.3 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (71 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,941,820 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A testimony to a special child written with love & honesty, October 2, 2000

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K. Corn "reviewer" (midwest, United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Alex: The Life of a Child (Paperback)

I've never forgotten this book and have re-read it many times. Deford somehow manages to show how devasting cystic fibrosis was to his daughter, how it sapped her energy and stole so much normalcy from her life. At the same time, he shows how Alex Deford's spirit remained shining so much of the time, serving as an inspiration to those who loved her and who were forced to bear witness as the disease invaded her body. Although I can't say for certain what motivated Deford to write this book, I can say that it forever seared the memory of Alex Deford in my heart and soul and showed me the power of her spirit - and that of her father. Few writers are as riveting to read as Frank Deford.

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars my favorite book, April 12, 2005

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carrie "carrie" (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Alex: The Life of a Child (Paperback)

im a cf victim myself and i think alex was very brave she didnt let having cf get her down and tried to live a life as normal as possible after reading alex i have been able to cope better with my cf and understand it better i try to live as alex lived her life when i do my therapy every day i amuse myself by recalling alex's therapy sessions "not the down ones daddy!" oh i quite agree with alex that the down ones r totally the worse and i can really relate to this story and it makes me glad that someone is writing about cf and making people more aware of the disease

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gut-wrenching, June 7, 2004

By 

Robert Huffstedtler (Cary, NC United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Alex: The Life of a Child (Paperback)

I am perhaps overly sensitive, but there were very few chapters in this book that I managed to read without breaking down and sobbing. Being familiar with Deford's voice from his NPR commentaries makes it all the worse, because as I read it, I heard it narrated in his voice, which made it all the more personal.

I had some vague conception of cystic fibrosis before reading this, but no idea just how horrible it really is. The book is written in a very conversational style. Mr. Deford is to be commended for his openness about the full range of emotions he experienced throughout the nine years of his daughter's life.

The book is quite short, which turns out to be a mercy. It is one of the best books I have read, but I can't imagine having to read it again.