Alex: The Life of a Child (Paperback)

by Frank Deford (Author) "Even now, so long after she died, even now it's still difficult to go through all the little objects of her life that she left..." (more)
Key Phrases: Tom Dolan, Yale-New Haven, Father Shipman (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

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 postcript reveals how the Deford family came to terms with the loss of Alex.

Whenever he speaks, sportswriter Frank Deford knows people will bring articles for him to sign. But what makes him happiest is when someone attends a sports-oriented lecture and brings a copy of Alex: The Life of a Child for him to sign. "Invariably, and happily, there's usually someone at each appearance who either brings that book or wants to talk about their connection to cystic fibrosis." Deford says. "It's tremendously gratifying to me. Rarely does a week go by that I don't get a letter about that book. People leave things at her grave. They really do. I have people tell me that she changed their lives. It's terribly dramatic, but they literally say that. I heard from a woman who became a pediatric nurse after reading the book. Hearing from people like that means more to me than anything."

Product Details

• Paperback: 228 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson; 1 edition (August 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1558535527
• ISBN-13: 978-1558535527
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.3 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (64 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #73,068 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #2 in	Books > Health, Mind & Body > Disorders & Diseases > Cystic Fibrosis
  #69 in	Books > Biographies & Memoirs > Professionals & Academics > Medical

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 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

By	K. Corn "reviewer" (Indianapolis,, IN United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 100 REVIEWER)

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.

12 of 12 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 (REAL NAME)

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.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

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

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

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