22 September 2007

A friend like Henry



I read this a couple of weeks ago and I must say it is one of those books that I can't recommend enough to everyone to read. It is written in such a straightforward unpretentious way, nothing has been flowered over, it's a tell it like it happened kind of story, one that had me laughing and crying, sometimes all at once. The story of a family who struggled to have their sons disability recognised and the lengths they went to help him fit in to mainstream life. Nuala Gardener, the author and mother of the young boy in the book is an inspiration to all mothers everywhere, the guts she showed and the belief she had that she could help her child even when at times she herself seemed to be sinking. A really inspirational and enjoyable read.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Great photos Suzy, love the vege chip one, must try some of those. Shame about the Grand Final game, but how fantastic to be in the Grand Final so soon after starting to play.
That sounds like a great book, I'll have to look for it in the library.

Anonymous said...

I read the first 7 chapters in three hours and cried my eyes out!! never thought how hard it would be for parents to have a child with special needs and autistic what's more!! Gotta go read the rest!!! :D excellent book :)

Anonymous said...

Thank you for recommending this book - I read it because I have a nephew with autism and because I am part of a charitable trust that wants to specially train dogs for children with autism.
It can be very tiring reading this book because of everything that the family went through, and there is the sadness and grief when Henry reaches the end of his life - but I loved the book so much and it is such a great book that I got a copy for the Trust library so that we can lend it to people who want to read it.