5 comments about The Little Prisoner: A Memoir.

1. 
   Only two books have ever made me feel so emotional, "THE LITTLE PRISONER" and "NIGHTMARES ECHO". Both tell of child abuse-sexual abuse and both are hard to put down until you have read every page. You will feel for the authors, urging them on...wishing you could make the tough decisions for them and realizing...oh my gawd the courage they have.



2. i have only read 2 other books that shoked and moved me like this a child called it and the lost boy. Wonderfuly written i couldnt put the book down bought it read it that day and read it again. the strenght that jane has nd had is tremedous
   having to endure all that from a man hu was ment to protect her and love her as a daughter and be neglected by her mother and then shuned by her family becase she escaped made me cry so much i loved the book.i recomend it to old and teen but it is not 4 young children . thunbs up i admire jane eliot so much 4 breakin away from it all !!!!!!!!!!



3. The story is harrowing and brutal. By the time I got to chapter three, I afraid the entire book was just going to be a litany of atrocities. I was looking for some insight, introspection, and triumph but the book ended abruptly and left me wondering if the participants in the author's last assault were prosecuted or simply got away with it, which is what the author seemed to imply. This family is seemingly "untouchable" no matter how much harrassment they inflicted--and they seemed to be threatening dozens of different people on a regular basis. Maybe I just don't understand how things criminal justice works in England.
   
   Technically, this book was not all that well written. I was irritated at how many times the editor let the weak construction "There was" stand. Seemingly every paragraph had one. The professional co-writer on the project should have known better. It gave the story the feel of a "just the facts" trial transcipt.
   
   Finally this book contains multiple graphic descriptions of horrific sexual abuse. Children do not be reading it or reviewing it.



4. Another good book up there with "A Child Called It". I just stumbled upon this book at the library and decided to give it a chance. Once I started reading it, I could hardly put the book down. I had to get to the end to see what happened to her abuser. I'm amazed by what other humans are made to suffer through, especially at the hands of their own family members. I give credit to the author for finally standing up for herself and making a case. She put herself and others at risk to do so. Very good read but some parts are a little tough to read through from the abuse standpoint.



5. I dont think many of us know what this means and it was a difficult choice for me to choose to read these kind of books. It is still a taboo subject; but I was glad I read it as it opened my eyes that it is quite difficult to detect abuse behind other disturbing factors like the physical violence and verbal abuse that this lady and her family went through with just one crazy person in the family.
   
   As I read the book and relating to all this kidnap stories of kid disappearing then discovered years later, that they had all the opportunities to tell on their abuser; but they dont. The shear fear and the powerlessness must be so over powering, which the book does not get that across (which is why, for me, I am glad I did not have to experience it with the author).
   
   It is so true that behind close doors you do not know. I am thankful for the author to recount so many painful experiences as I will now keep my eyes open for any tell tale signs and not be one of these people who look the other way.
   
   I recommend this book for someone who dont want all the gorey details, but enough to have one eyes opened to what abuse means.

5 comments about It's Always Something.

1. Gilda Radner was a very fine performer, but this book--not devoted to her entertainment career--shows her to be a class act off-stage as well. Some of us are lucky to have faired well at the hands of brilliant medicos, and are very grateful for it, but anyone who has had long-term experience with America's byzantine medical system knows how easy it is to become fixated, to the detriment of one's own health, upon its appalling lapses and petty cruelties, and lose sight of what's positive. Practically crawling, doubled-over in pain, before doctors took her condition seriously, and, later, away from treatment for an extended period of "remission," only to find out it was merely a mistaken test reading, Radner shows no bitterness in this honest, brave, and, yes, sometimes funny book.
   
   Someone so famous during the golden era of "Saturday Night Live" that she could hardly walk the streets of New York without being mobbed by fans, Radner is reduced by illness to humble sprees involving bingo parlors and mail-order catalogues. Demonstrating resilience, but also a sweet brave sadness that makes you hope, against all sane logic, that things will turn out differently.
   
   It has been written elsewhere that when Radner was very ill in the hospital she would make the rounds cheering up other patients, introducing herself "Hi, I used to be Gilda Radner." There you have it--that transcendent quality humor sometimes has to defy all human limitations, even death. Fortunately Radner will defy it more than most because her warm, precise and yet delightfully silly comedy will live on in tape, film and this very good book. Thank you, Gilda, you will always be really something.



2. I first discovered Gilda from watching the TV-movie of this starring Jami Gertz on ABC back in 2002 (which I don't recommend for highly-acclaimed critics, or to anyone for various reasons resting solely on the persona portrayed by Gertz) .
   Although growing up in Detroit, I wasn't very familiar with Gilda as one would think, being from the same town. I looked EVERYWHERE to try to purchase this book, on here, Border's, Barnes&Noble and other various websites and my last resort, eBay (which I recommend if you don't know where to purchase it). In which case, I received it in the mail after a week or so, ripped opened the packaging and read it like a fat kid eating cake. Wanting more. After reading the book, you feel like you know Gilda. While reading the book, you feel like you know Gilda.
   She starts off talking about her random excursions in her ambiguous life, how she wanted her story to go one way, but it took a left turn and made another. Gilda especially highlights her relationship with Gene and how they met, where they got married, the process of getting married in a French town hall and saying "I do" at every pause, because she couldn't understand the French language. She did everything in her power to try to become Gene's wife. She suffocated him, he moved to New York came back to see her in Connecticut and when "the ducks were landed" she ended her relationship with Former SNL lead-guitarist, G.E. Smith and so began the relationship between Rosanne Rosannadanna and Willy Wonka. Her never ending battle to have a child, put me at the edge of my seat as she went through 2 miscarriages.
   Feeling unexplainably fatigued all the time, she tried to find the source of her problem by taking vitamins, sleeping more, eating properly. She stopped smoking (a habit she picked up at age 14) and went to doctors who mis- prescribed her with "Epsom-Bar Syndrome." Eventually, it got to the point where she couldn't get up and was constantly tired, so she got other opinions and was diagnosed.
   STAGE FOUR Ovarian Cancer.
   Afraid to be seen in public, she took therapy and began to realize how many other people were suffering from the same thing. She joined the Wellness Community, found her place and died on May 20, 1989. This book touched my heart from beginning to end. As if she was my life-long friend. I own the original 1989 edition, and I am NEVER letting ANYONE else touch it.



3. I was diagnosed with colon cancer in April 2005 and life has never been the same. My partner purchased this book for me and I loved it. I loved it not because it read like a self help book but because it read as a true commentary of life with cancer. It's words touched a part of me that no self help book could ever touch. Radner's everyday dealings with this insiduous disease made me laugh and cry and boil over with anger. Radner's words help me to roam through the numerous rooms that one staggers through after a diagnosis of cancer. My heartfelt thanks to Gilda and I would recommend the book to everyone who is affected and infected with cancer.



4. This book is less an autobiography than it is a memoir of dealing with cancer. The entire book is pretty much about the nitty gritty details of cancer, which could prove a valuable comforting resource for those going through something similar. Wish there had been more about her life and career. But it's pretty much all about cancer and Gene Wilder, whom she obviously adored. I like that it feels like you can hear her voice when you read--it sounds like her and can be very funny and touching. She seems like a great person and someone you would have loved to know as a friend.



5. If you want to understand what Gilda felt as she described her cancer experience this is the book for you. I thourghly enjoyed this read. Her courage in the face of all this was truly inspiring....

5 comments about The Beggar King and the Secret of Happiness: A True Story.

1. This book intersperses short stories from around the world with the author's struggles coping with partial muteness. Rather than being preachy or sentimental, the author entertains us by providing international tales that foretell lessons he learns in his own life. The author's advice re: happiness reminds me of Theodore Roethke's beautiful lines:
   
   "I feel my fate in what I cannot fear.
   I learn by going where I have to go."
   
   I did not provide this book with five stars, only because I felt the author's relationship with his friend Lenny was co-dependent and deserved less attention. Of course, that relationship leads the author to a large part of his self-actualization, but I would have liked to hear more about his wife--she shines in every small aside about her. If you want to be entertained and read a story about an author coping with an illness (that affects his ability to speak) in his own unique, admirable way, this is the book for you.



2. I had picked up this book at a book fair a while back and it sat on my book self for months. One afternoon I started reading it and I was completely capitivated by the beauty, insight and inspiration contained in this bright treasure. The book speaks to your soul. It is also funny, wise and instructive. Ben Izzy gives us an opportunity to learn from his strength and challenges. When life hands you lemons you have options on what to do with them. Ben Izzy explores and discovers the ability to make lots of lemonade. This book was so moving that I wanted several special people in my life to have it and be able to read it again and again. Everyone that recieved a copy was equally knocked out. All I can say is do not pass this one up. This book will warm your soul and inspire you.



3. I did not at all like this book. The author tries way, way too hard to come across as folksy yet profound, and in the end his tone is possibly the most annoying I've ever read. Which makes it even less forgivable that he constantly uses the tritest of clichés both in characterization (he compares meeting his wife to a Joan Baez pop song) and in metaphor (he really actually uses "like grit on sandpaper").
   
   There's a number of short included stories. These stories are mildly interesting on their own, and definitely provide a welcome break from having to hear the author, but lose effect when they're forced into such a corny, played-out "illustrative text" format.



4. This is the best book I have read in a long time. I loved the author's technique of prefacing each chapter / theme with an ancient folk tale. This connected the wisdom of the past with the challenges of today. I found the author's style engaging and attractive (there are not many books I have trouble putting down). The teachings about life and God were profound. My only grateful regret is that I did not make notes while reading. I will now have to do that upon reading the book a second time - after I get it back from the people to which I have loaned it. My advice is don't borrow this book but buy your own copy. Then, when you read it, have a pencil nearby. There are many statements that are so life enhancing, that the reader will want to remember those passages and refer to them, when, in their turn, life grants a portion of challenge and sorrow.



5. This is just one of those books that, unless you are completely content and happy, provides one with some direction for bringing happiness and joy (back) into your life. (And, even if you have achieved nirvana, or whatever, its still a wonderful read!)
   
   The book is first and foremost a beautiful and beautifully told story, interwoven with very short, very colorful stories from around the world -- the kinds of little tales that reshape our perspective. Through this tale of a story teller, moreover, I found examples, and advice, and questions that were relevant and helpful to me and my ongoing search.
   
   Among its many insights, one I found particularly compelling was the notion that, whatever trials, suffering, or loss we may be experiencing in our lives, we only increase the pain by resisting the story we are in. (It makes complete sense when you read the book.)
   
   Happy Tales!

5 comments about How Can I Talk If My Lips Don't Move: Inside My Autistic Mind.

1. This book was one of the best books I have read about autism. I feel like I understand my son (with autism) so much more than I did before. The author was excellent at helping us understand how he perceives the world. It is amazing to me how much people with autism are misunderstood. This book makes it clear that autism is not a disability of the mind but rather an alternate way of perceiving the world around us. This book is a must read!



2. An inspirational and poetic story that gives a unique window into the perceptions and experiences of a non-verbal autistic boy from a very young age through young adulthood. Also, this book tells a wonderful story of Tito's mother Soma, who along with Tito, gave up their family, culture and daily comforts in search of a way to allow Tito to communicate and share his world. This search led to a lifetime of work and sacrifice which has resulted in Tito being able to share his life with us through this book. Tito wonderfully describes the misconception of autism as a "disease" rather than a "disability", and the perhaps misplaced need for families, and indeed society, to find a "cure" for autism rather than focusing on maximizing the true (and often hidden) potential of autistic persons through meaningful education, support, dignity and respect. This story is a rare, first person account of Tito's growing up with autism and being able to perceive and understand the world around him, while at the same time being unable to communicate his experiences until learning to write. Tito sums up his story with, ". . . I feel blessed for being what I am." We are blessed and privileged to share his story.



3. This is a front row seat on a journey through the mind of a phenomenal young man ! Tito articulately and artistically addresses some of the most common misconceptions about Autism ! Many things this author wrote about from his own experiences I found similar to my own son who is autistic. Tito offers his readers a unique outlook on autism . One that the rest of the world needs to take a good long look at!



4. It was an awesome book! I loved his earlier book "The mind tree" and this book is just as good. Tito's early and vivid memories of his childhood at such a young age is truly amazing!
   
   His poetic and visual writings allow me to see things from his point of view and opens a window into the world of autism through his eyes.
   
   His book is truly a voice and a wake up call to all those who don't believe in the hidden intelligence that the mayority of people with autism possess. It's really a matter of opening our eyes and forcing us as society to look beyond the physical, what we see on the outside. The famous old saying "don't judge a book by it's cover" truly applies to autism.
   
   Thank you Tito for continuing to teach us to look beyond the superficial and into the soul of the person. You are so blessed to have had Soma in your live and we are so Blessed to have her in our kid's life. Thank you for sharing her with the world! She truly is amazing as you are.
   
   Ivonne Fernandez (CA)



5. This book sheds such light on autism and people with autism. They are not autistic first. They are people first with autism. Reading his words were so eye opening is helping to discover what goes on in an autistic person's mind. The capabilities are endless. There is so much hope. Their mind is wired differently than a so called "normal" person...whatever that means. Easy to understand now why the medical profession believes Albert Einstein was a high functioning person with autism. The focus, the introversion, the dislike of change, having like clothes to wear on a daily basis. Just a few of the examples given. Great seller as well. Fast shipping!

5 comments about What's That Pig Outdoors?: A Memoir of Deafness.

1. I read this book back in 93 when I had just lost my hearing. I was 14 and dealing with suddenly becoming deaf. Most books about Deafness are written by physicians, or parents of the deaf, or children of the deaf, and not by the deaf themselves. Kisor's stories about lipreading and growing up and just being Deaf were wonderful for me to read. It gave me hope... if he is totally Deaf and can accomplish that much, then I, with a little bit of hearing left, certainly should be able to. I would certainly recommend this book to anyone deaf who is oral, anyone late deaffened, or anyone just interested in reading about the trials and joys of a hearing loss.



2. I read this book back in 93 when I had just lost my hearing. I was 14 and dealing with suddenly becoming deaf. Most books about Deafness are written by physicians, or parents of the deaf, or children of the deaf, and not by the deaf themselves. Kisor's stories about lipreading and growing up and just being Deaf were wonderful for me to read. It gave me hope... if he is totally Deaf and can accomplish that much, then I, with a little bit of hearing left, certainly should be able to. I would certainly recommend this book to anyone deaf who is oral, anyone late deaffened, or anyone just interested in reading about the trials and joys of a hearing loss.



3. I read this book for an ASL class in college and wow. This book is great. An amazing autobiography written by a deaf man, Henry Kisor who has managed to exist in a hearing world as a deaf man strictly by lip reading. He has been a journalist and this is amazing to me. A wonderful story written in the point of view of a deaf man and his lifelong journey to success and living in the hearing world. Reading this book has made me take a look at my life and made me feel as if I could do anything.



4. I have only just caught up with this book 14 years after it was published. Kisor is very good on how he managed a life as a deaf person who operates orally in a hearing world, and manages to be quite tactful in dealing with the subject of the Deaf -- people who use sign language. He is perhaps more tactful than he really should be in discussing the ignorance of a lot of educators of the severely hearing-impaired and the rather patronizing "poor-you" attitude they often take.
   
   I can say this because I have only a little more hearing than Kisor -- and for the same reason, meningitis at the age of 3. I am ten years older than he but remember well some of the stages he describes so accurately and honestly. Like him, I was lucky in my early teachers and in being kept away from schools for the deaf.
   
   It does need to be said that cognitive psychologists and students of child language have learned a great deal about child language development since Kisor and I were children and even since his book was published in 1991. Their progress dates from Noam Chomsky's destruction of behaviorist notions of language almost 50 years ago. I hope very much that things have changed significantly in the education of the deaf and severely hearing-impaired.
   
   With luck, students will recognize that Kisor is describing a bygone era. But it is an era that was and is still well worth describing.



5. What should our attitude be towards the deaf? Kisor gives us good insight with his memoir which is beautifully, sensitively and humorouly written. Some would term him an outcast to both the deaf culture and the hearing culture, since he lipreads and doesn't sign. Can't possibly be happy because he can't fully participate in hearing world, he's missing so much. But Kisor disagrees.
   
   He achieved more than most hearing, having accumulated great English language skills. He demonstrates with the rare book written about deafness from a deaf author. His title is fascinating, since it is from story regarding his five-year old son and the nuances lipreading has trouble discerning.
   
   Yes, improvements have happened and will continue with behavioral psychology and deafness, but here the spirit of the human inside is spoken of, something that no program can really guarantee success, but determination, help and support will aid.
   
   This marvelous memoir contributes much to this cause. It is a most wonderful read for all interested in what a deaf person in a hearing world might be going through, especially the emotional strains deafness brings with it. Much to be gleaned here.

5 comments about No Such Thing as a Bad Day.

1. Not many books kept me up past my bedtime but this ranks as one of them. Jordan is frank, lucid and at times funny but I would prefer if he elaborates on his tenure as chief of staff further. I'm sure the conversation he had with Carter in his old car campaining for this little known person then would interest a lot of people...well he left that part out.
   This book is about hope and doing something about it.



2. Hamilton Jordan tells of his inspiring victory over the deadly disease that affects us all in one way or another - cancer. He also tells the intriguing and compelling history of his brief tenure in the White House under Jimmy Carter as well as the inspiring story of his uncle, who fought racism in rural Georgia ahead of his time.

   But above all, this book provided me with a shot in the arm while I was in the hospital for over a month with pneumonia. Feeling somewhat down, this book really lifted my spirits.
   Jordan proves that a positive outlook and one deeply rooted in prayer and faith in God immensely helps those in dire medical circumstances. I am a walking monument and a true believer of the power of prayer and faith in God.

   I highly recommend this book to everyone - whether you're sick or not. It is ineffably a book that leaves you with a warm fuzzy feeling after you put it down. A great gift to someone you love - including yourself.




3. I have several relatives with cancer,including my son who is a childhood leukemia surviver. I bought this book expecting to learn more about dealing with the diagnosis of the "Big C". I got that and much, much more.

   This book is an inspiration for those touched by cancer, but also an inspiration to see how seemingly small decisions or details in life can a have huge impact. It also is an insider's view of what life in the Deep South was like in the mid-19th century.

   Whether you read this book to better understand how to deal with cancer, how to face difficult circumstances in general, or how how a single person can make a huge difference in the lives of others, or just an interesting read you will not be disappointed.




4. I read this book years ago and never forgot this brave uplifting man as he fought his battle with cancer. I am greatly saddened to hear of his passing today. His words will live on for anyone facing life's greatest challenges.



5. I enjoyed this book because I am a cancer survivor. Mr. Jordan also
   discussed and gave an inside look into political events that happened
   events over 2 decades ago, which I found to be interesting.

5 comments about Ryan White: My Own Story.

1. I read this book upon entering seventh grade. Ryan's story was so empowering and so honest that I often feel the need just to sit down and read a chapter by random. Everytime I read it I cry. This auto- biography has inspired me to help in the relief and research for AIDS. I have done reports on the disease and Ryan and teachers often comment about how passionate I am about the subject. This book changed the way I veiw life; a treasure that should'nt be wasted. Thank you Ryan.



2. When I was young I remeber a copy of People magazine that my mom had lying around with Ryan White on the cover. For some reason I always took an interest to him, and his life, and all the article that I could find on him. In high school I remeber reading part of it to do an exta credit project. Finally 2 year out of high school I decided to reread the story of his life. It is amazing how people really are. It really hit home, not living too far from Kokomo, Indiana where he was from, that people in my community would treat people this way. It is also amazing how much determination he had to be who he was and not let anyone or anything get in the way. This book is great!!!! Everyone should read it and put themselves in this families shoes!!



3. In fifth grade we were introduced to an illness called AIDS. We also learned about a boy named Ryan White. I took an interest to this story because I have an illness called diabetes and have to deal with how different people react and treat me because of it. Just like Ryan and AIDS diabetes is not contagious and there are no know ways to prevent or cure it. I have heard many different reactions when they find out that I have Diabetes. The most commom being "Did you eat too much sugar or something?" Most of the time I just laugh at this and explain that you have no control over getting Diabetes. I took an interest in school that year and by doing so I found myself a role model...Ryan White.



4. i really loved this book if i was born around his time i would have been his friend i love how he stood up for his beliefs and went back to school in stuff even though he didn't get to gradulate, but he still lived a great in fun life it was short but he did things with it i'm young but my aunt past away with AIDS and after reading this book it really touch me i was crying because i felt so bad what ryan went though but he didn't let it get to him. He was so strong he got people believing again.



5. Today is World AIDS Day and each year I remember my childhood friend, Ryan White. His sister and I were both Rollerskaters and skated in the same skating rinks. Knowing Ryan personally and having his book for years now, it is still a story that resonates with me. It is true, thoughtful, and in his own words.
   
   I'll never forget the hatred the spewed from the city of Kokomo against him. It was such a devastating blow to his well being. Not only did he have this death sentence, but the entire town was treating him worse than what you would treat a pig going to slaughter. I am not joking. I remember seeing him at the skating rink one day, it was a time when he wasn't as sick so he was able to be a kid. I went up to him to give him a hug because I hadn't seen him in so long and he said, "You want to hug ME?" He was shocked that someone would want to touch him. That's how bad it was.
   
   Read his book. He is the reason people with AIDS are accepted now. This friend of mine had more courage than anyone I have ever met.

3 comments about The World I Live In (New York Review Books Classics).

1. What beautiful writing! It's pointed out in the intro that, more than most of us, her world was shaped with WORDS. I've only read about four essays so far, and am profoundly touched. I've always admired Helen Keller, but am newly re-impressed with her wisdom and vision, and touched that she can write so clearly as to make me feel how little she felt limited by her handicap. If Helen Keller had simply learned to behave and ask politely for her food, etc, it would have been an impressive accomplishment. The fact that she grew to fully embrace her intelligence, her world and her potential . . . wow. I know so many people who are content to just do the bare minimum, to not stretch their limits at all, to not show any intellectual curiosity . . . she had the perfect excuse to exert the least effort, yet she didn't. Once she was given the key, the entree to humanity, she didn't let her handicaps stop her. I love that even all these years later, she is still able to share that.



2. She tries to help you understand the reality of her life. It is much more than you can imagine.



3. I received the book promptly. The material was in new condition without any flaws. I was very pleased. Thank you!

5 comments about The Body Silent: The Different World of the Disabled.

1. As a graduate student in anthropology, I came to know and respect Bob Murphy more than any other scholar. Of the texts he wrote, The Body Silent, stands apart in that it says much about the man, anthropology, disability in American society, and life itself. It will deeply touch a wide variety of readers, and for those that knew him, will bring tears to their eyes. As to its impact on what is now known as disability studies, it put the discipline on the academic agenda. As such, it is a seminal text and is a must for anyone thinking of entering the field.



2. Ten years ago since the American Disabilities Act went into effect, the disabled still feel that they are isolated from the real world. Former professor of anthropology at Columbia University Robert F. Murphy examines from his personal perspective the life of a disabled person in a world where he was independent and zealous of life. The reader will discover what it is like for a disabled person to battle besides the inability to carry out everyday function we take for granted. The Body Silent is unlike other books written by the disable. The Body Silent is an excellent book full of prose and not journal entries of how fortunate the non-disabled really are. This book (recommended to me by anthropologist Dr. James Trostle) will change your perspective and outlook on how it is like to grow up again and learning how to walk, one step at a time.



3. Bob became paraplegiac at a late age, after having enjoyed a long, brilliant career as a professor at Columbia and an anthropologist who, with his anthropologist wife Yolanda, lived among Amazonian Indians and Saharan camel nomads. He was too clever to be overwhelmed with self-pity. This book was written from the perspective that he loved most: what you'd think is true is probably just the opposite. We expect paralyzed people to get better, like other "sick" patients, but the problem is, they don't: they're damaged selves. Hey--just like everybody else. We all have to come to terms with life's damages and our isolation and loneliness as we attempt to cope with it. Who would ever have thought it possible--we can all learn something compelling about our normal selves, viewing life from the wheelchair! Ironically (and this is the kind of twist that styles Murphy's ideas) the disabled are a mirror for the rest of us: "The paralytic is, quite literally, a prisoner of the flesh, but most humans are convicts of sorts. We live within walls of our own making, staring out at life through bars thrown up by culture and annealed by our fears. . . .[that] induces a mental paralysis, a stilling of thought." Murphy has never sold his soul to an illusion: he speaks candidly as a participant observer of his own encounter with symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and transformation. Always the fox, he transcends the smoke screen that our cultural prejudices force upon us, and hears his own body and its message with astounding clarity and patience. This is a book that students read eagerly, in both anthropology and sociology classes, because its message is provocative, and its ethnography is true. It teaches us all to listen to the sound of our own struggles with personal identity and mortality, and to smile with the knowledge that we are not alone.



4. This is one of my books that I bought and put aside to read later. I don't remember how long ago I bought it but I am certainly glad that I gave it a second chance to read it before discarding it. I am now not planning to sell this book, as it is too important a volume on disability in society, and it certainly applies to the bioethical and eduethical work I do on the side of my 'regular' job of teaching and writing.
   
   Murphy is unlike me in that he came upon his disability later in life, while I was born basically deaf and remained that way for the first 13 years of my life before getting a hearing aid at the age of 13. Murphy had to deal with a slow-growing tumor that entwined itself into his spinal cord. Unlike many tumors that can be excised with surgery, his was such that the possibility of removing it also came with the possibility of losing everything else, including his life or the ability to continue to do his important work. Like many of us who have chosen not to take the risk of surgery and who don't believe that to be disabled is worse than to be dead, Murphy worked with and around his progressive disabling and was able to give the world another 15 years of his wisdom in cultural anthropology.
   
   This book is a must-read for any person with a disability, no matter when they became disabled. Murphy had the background of an academic anthropologist, with many years of successful teaching and writing for major journals in anthropology and culture. He had also written major books, one of which continues to be used in most universities on women and gender in primitive societies. So in coming into the genre of disability studies, he brought to the field a first-rate mind and ability to write so others can understand difficult concepts.
   
   Murphy's book is not the usual autobiography that one usually expects, but rather explores disability (specifically his, but he introduces others and also the culture) without a single shard of either self-pity or 'hey, look at me' attitude that is so often written about in media (where the media puts someone with a disability on a pedestal that is unrealistic of the very real problems that those of us with disabilities face daily). He writes presenting his disablement as a fait-accompli, dealing with the problems as they arose...and in some cases, he ignored his health situation to the point of putting him at risk for infection from bedsores because he was too busy teaching. Like Murphy states, that wasn't courage as often as it was just not wanting to take the time to have his physical body get in the way of what he was trying to do. In treating his disablement with this attitude, he did become the courageous person that he presented to the public...and I wish so badly I had had the opportunity to meet him and hear him speak. Like so many others such as Michael Fox and Christopher REeve, Murphy was a non-disabled person whose close encounters with his own disablement led him to become a voice in a minority that has long been voiceless. He died much too soon, but in giving his last fifteen years of work to physical disabilities in society, he has provided us with an ongoing voice. I certainly intend to use his words and his writing in my work in hopes that it will inspire others as it has inspired me.
   
   Karen Sadler



5. Valuable insights into the world of the disabled from many angles by a respected professor with progressive spinal cord disease. Highly recommended to persons with disabilities and to the general public who often encounter them.

5 comments about The Soul of Sponsorship: The Friendship of Fr. Ed Dowling, S.J. and Bill Wilson in Letters.

1. I found this book to be of interest in my addiction. It shows that the incurable can be greatly helped in restoring the alcoholic(addict) in returning to a productive life among his fellow man by following a spiritual path.



2. It is always fascinating to learn about the beginnings of the 12 step movement. From this book it is clear that Bill W. utilized the Ignatian discernment criteria for writing the Twelve and Twelve with the support and guidance provided by Fr. Ed Dowling at Bill's request. Learning that very early on Fr Dowling considered food addiction an issue was a help. The book is well-researched and provides important insights into recovery, sponsorship, and the frienship between these men. It is clear that Fr. Dowling had a profound influence on the movement and gave it practical as well as spiritual support. I can't help feeling grateful.



3. This small book packs a powerful punch not only in it's historical value but in it's messages of discernment, humility, and thoughtful soul-searching. Following the relationship of a Jesuit priest who was having his own spiritual doubts with that of a former stockbroker who helped to found Alcoholics Anonymous, one is drawn into the very human quest not only for friendship and acceptance from another human being but the added bonus of a profound insight in one's psyche of a Higher Power .



4. This is an important book - a good piece for the total A.A. picture. I cite the book frequently in my books (http://www.dickb.com/titles.shtml). I had a long chat with the author Fr. Fitzgerald just after our History Conference in Minnesota. And I found the priest to be genial, tolerant, inquisitive, and quite willing to swap views and trade laughs.
   
   The book's importance lies not so much in what Father Dowling and Bill Wilson said to each other. Dowling was not part of the founding of A.A., but a very big part of helping to shape what A.A. became during and after Bill Wilson's long years of depression after he wrote the Big Book. And when Bill emerged from the dark cloud in the 1950's, he turned to two Jesuit priests - Father Ed Dowling and Father John Ford - for consultation and editing of two A.A. books that dramatically changed how A.A. looked at itself. The books were A.A. Comes of Age and Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions Real Twelve Step Fellowship History.
   
   But it has taken a long time for writers and publishers other than A.A. to depart from story-telling and drunkalogs and turn to feature facts about some of the great individual contributors to the biography of A.A. itself. Father Dowling was one such person, and Fr. Fitzgerald puts him in context. Sister Ignatia was another, and Mary Darrah put her in context. Clarence Snyder was another, and Mitch K. put him in context. Dr. Silkworth was another, and Dale Mitchel put him in context. Lois Wilson was added to the group with the new When Love is Not Enough. And even Bill's own long-submerged partial autobiography only saw the light of day toward the end of Bill Pittman's life. And now we've had more than a dozen biographical efforts at the life of Bill Wilson. Even Nell Wing's story and the story of Dr. Bob's kids have hit the light of day. They are all important--not so much for content--as for meeting the hunger of AAs and others for something other than abstinence and meetings, for some real spiritual insight. A.A. now calls itself a spiritual program. The courts rule that it is a religious program. But history defines it as one where early alkies sought recovery through establishing and growing in a relationship with their Creator God and Alcoholism: Our Growing Opportunity in the 21st Century. The role-players in that drama are what this book is about Making Known the Biblical History and Roots of Alcoholics Anonymous: A Sixteen-Year Research, Writing, Publishing, and Fact Dissemination Project, Third Edition.
   
   There are more figures to be studied. Bill Pittman and I did a short piece on Reverend Samuel M. Shoemaker, Jr.; and I did an exhaustive study of Shoemaker's writings, friendship with Wilson, and role in A.A. long ago.New Light on Alcoholism: God, Sam Shoemaker, and A.A. (2d ed.). I obtained Anne Smith's Journal and brought that important historical piece to light.Anne Smith's Journal, 1933-1939: A.A.'s Principles of Success. Of late, I did what I could with the A.A. role of Henrietta Buckler Seiberling.Henrietta B. Seiberling: Ohio's Lady with a Cause, Third Edition. To a limited extent, I have been able to provide some material on T. Henry and Clarace Williams, in whose home the formative meetings were held The Akron Genesis of Alcoholics Anonymous.
   
   There are still many pieces and much more detail that need illumination, and I believe they will receive treatment now that the history rush has become acceptable. The pieces include the Bible, Quiet Time, Professor William James, Dr. Carl G. Jung, the rescue missions, the Salvation Army, Christian Endeavor Society, the YMCA, and the New Thought writers. Both Mel B. and Glenn C. are chugging away at the latter.
   
   Love and tolerance will be the code, as the Big Book suggests, if and when the A.A. heirarchy and AAs themselves are willing openly, freely, and discerningly to look at all the spiritual roots of their program and look at them in depth and tolerance. This means going beyond the usual chatter about Bill Wilson's violin and boomerang or about his shortcomings. I've tried to take the new approach in my recent books about the youth of Bill Wilson and Robert Smith and their religious training Dr. Bob of Alcoholics Anonymous: His Excellent Training in the Good Book As a Youngster in Vermont.
   
   Fr. Fitzgerald's book is part of the story too. For it must be remembered that even Bill Wilson thought enough of the clergy to have Father Dowling and Reverend Shoemaker speak at the St. Louis International Convention. And then in Long Beach, Bill had Shoemaker and another high-ranking Roman Catholic clergymen address AAs at their convention. And why not! Drinking stories are perhaps best told by drunks. But religious and spiritual matters are certainly enhanced when we open our hearts to what the clergy said and have to say.



5. The Soul of Sponsorship: The Friendship of Fr. Ed Dowling, S.J. and Bill Wilson in LettersAn excellent historical portrait of Bill Wilson and his relationship with a spiritual sponsor.