Rex: A Mother, Her Autistic Child, and the Music that Transformed Their Lives (Hardcover)

~ (Author)
Key Phrases: optic nerve hypoplasia, musical brain, blind children, Blind Children's Center, Children's Hospital, Richard Morton (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

The inspiring story of Rex, a boy who is not only blind and autistic, but who also happens to be a musical savant.

How can an 11-year old boy hear a Mozart fantasy for the first time and play it back note-for-note perfectly-but struggle to navigate the familiar surroundings of his own home? Cathleen Lewis says her son Rex's laugh of total abandon is the single most joyous sound anyone could hear, but his tortured aversion to touch and sound breaks her heart and makes her wonder what God could have had in mind. In this book she shares the mystery of Rex and the highs, lows, hopes, dreams, joy, sorrows, and faith she has journeyed through with him.

Endorsements

"This memoir documents a musical savant in a way we have not seen before, allowing us to reconsider the limits we place on people with disabilities. Highly recommended for all public libraries and academic libraries with autism and special needs collections." -- Library Journal, 11/25/2008

"Two of the most extraordinary and uplifting people I have ever known. Their story shows the amazingly moving struggle and success that proves love and faith can achieve miracles." -- Jane Seymour, actress, artist, author, and entrepreneur

"The remarkable story of a mother's love and a child's indomitable spirit, told in a writer's style that riveted me to the page, is singularly the most important work ever written on the relationship between a parent and a child with disability. For me, as a person who happens to be blind, the experience of reading Rex was an eye-opener I will never forget. Bravo, Cathleen! Bravo, Rex. Your work and your lives will forever change the future of disability in America. -- Tom Sullivan, author of Adventures in Darkness and Together

About the Author

Cathleen Lewis is the mother of a little boy who is not only autistic, but also a musical savant. A proud and dedicated mom who has raised her son Rex alone, Cathleen has appeared with Rex on two episodes of 60 Minutes and a BBC documentary. She tours the country with her son as he plays his incredible music and she tells the beautiful story of his life and talent.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (October 28, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1595551506
• ISBN-13: 978-1595551504
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.6 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (62 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #298,360 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Gift of Rex, October 27, 2008

By	Jocelyn V. Fisher - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

"Rex", by Cathleen Lewis, is the remarkable testimony of what a mother's love, determination and faith can accomplish in spite of overwhelming challenges. This inspiring story, infused with pure grit juxtaposed with artistic prose, is a beautiful book about a remarkable child with an amazing gift to share. Read it and pass it on. A perfect Christmas gift in the spirit of love!!!

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Rex: A mother, her autistic child and the music that transformed their lives, October 24, 2008

By	J Roberts (San Jose, CA) - See all my reviews

I just finished "Rex" by Cathleen Lewis, about a mothers complete devotion to her child who was diagnosed with a large brain cyst at birth then 6 months later with blindness due to an underdeveloped optic nerve. It is so completely moving and keeps you right in the moment with both of them. The transformations that occur in their lives are charged with so many emotions, which are expertly conveyed by the writer. With every small success Rex has, a new roadblock seems to be thrown down. To say it is inspirational is a tremendous understatement. This is a fantastic book for anyone to read. Enjoy!

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The transforming power of a mother's love, November 10, 2008

By	Julie O. Keefe "Julie O'Keefe" (Grapevine, Texas) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is the story of the transforming power of love, specifically a mother's love for her child. It is the story of the awesome gift of music and its healing power. It is the story of rediscovered faith with all of the strength and hope that only faith can offer. Cathleen's son has autism and is blind. She tells her story of overcoming tremendous odds to reach her son and help him overcome so many of his hardships through his gift of music. I cried but also felt tremendous joy. This book will touch your heart.