Rating: 
Summary: this is the first book I want to recommend to parents.
Review: As a speech and language pathologist for over 20 years, I have helped scores of parents overcome labels and devasting predictions made by well intentioned specialists. This book speaks truth. It is so helpful because it comes from a mother's bond and love and doesn't prescribe. Parents need to trust their instincts and follow what makes sense to them. They need reassurance that the symptoms that a child presents with are not the disease, but a sign of where to begin. I admired this book because it didn't present miracles or sudden cures. It spoke the truth, that the journey takes time and hard work and can end with tremendous hope.
Rating:
Summary: Beautifully written, poignantly honest
Review: As one who appreciates beautiful writing and as the mother of a son with PDD, I absolutely loved this book. There were many moments I recognized from my own experience in the roller coaster-like highs and lows Ms. Kephart experienced, the sterile and absolute reports from the medical community, and, worst of all, the rejection of her child. The only additional experience I've had that she didn't report is the blame that others would like to lay at the feet of the parents of such a child. Like Jeremy, my son has made great progress and is a high school honor student at our local public high school. While he doesn't spend time with friends, he's gained enough social confidence to enjoy social functions. I'm glad that this book is drawing an audience beyond those with an interest in autism-like disorders, however, if you finish the book and don't question the way we as a society define "normal," then you've missed the point of the book.
Rating:
Summary: a beautiful, engrossing book
Review: Beth Kephart writes very well. I was totally hooked on this book after reading only a few pages. She is both a fierce advocate for her son and an interesting analyst of his difficulties. She takes us through her own journey and that of her son, from the first suspicions that something is wrong, through the struggle for a diagnosis, through the therapy and her realization that sometimes she ought to trust her instincts about her son more than the opinions of the experts. Though my own child does not suffer from any of Jeremy's problems, I gained considerable insight about parenting from this book. You are likely to find this story fascinating whether you have any children or not.
Rating:
Summary: a beautiful, engrossing book
Review: Beth Kephart writes very well. I was totally hooked on this book after reading only a few pages. She is both a fierce advocate for her son and an interesting analyst of his difficulties. She takes us through her own journey and that of her son, from the first suspicions that something is wrong, through the struggle for a diagnosis, through the therapy and her realization that sometimes she ought to trust her instincts about her son more than the opinions of the experts. Though my own child does not suffer from any of Jeremy's problems, I gained considerable insight about parenting from this book. You are likely to find this story fascinating whether you have any children or not.
Rating: 
Summary: Amazing heart
Review: Beth Kephart writes with so much love and grace. Her observations of her son, his intelligence, beauty, and struggles, is so wonderfully clear. I recommend this book for anyone who loves a child, who has felt different, who is intrigued by the puzzles of humans.
Rating:
Summary: one child's dignity
Review: Beth Kephart's moving account about Jeremy's seemingly autistic behaviors and his condemnatory diagnosis is unflichingly honest. Bright and beautiful, Jeremy spoke early and made all developmental milestones within normal limits. However, shortly after turning a year and a half, his speech seemed to freeze in mid-developmental track and he began exhibiting rigid ritualistic behaviors. Luckily, the author had him enrolled in preschool and had early intervention specialists working with Jeremy. It is through this loving effort that Jeremy was able to detour the more traditional trappings of autism and enjoy a healthy, regular lifestyle. I loved the stories Jeremy told, especially the one where he would "wait for the Red Baron." Beth Kephart, to her credit, joins Jeremy in this wishful flight of fancy. I did get a little impatient with the author when she wanted to ram stories of her skating career down Jeremey's throat. Jeremy was antsy and did not want to listen to this seemingly long drawn out account. I liked it when Jeremy was interested in his great grandfather's car, a green 1969 Dodge Dart. (I love Dodge Darts and for me, the critical part of the story was answered -- the year and color of the Dodge Dart). Although that seems like a minor peeve, I did feel that the author just wanted a forum to brag about her skating and forced this story on Jeremy, ostensibly to help the boy increase his attention span for listening skills. All in all, it was a delightful read. Jeremy walks in the Sun of Health and really is a bright light. I would highly recommend this book.
Rating:
Summary: BRIGHT SUNLIGHT
Review: Beth Kephart's moving account about Jeremy's seemingly autistic behaviors and his condemnatory diagnosis is unflichingly honest. Bright and beautiful, Jeremy spoke early and made all developmental milestones within normal limits. However, shortly after turning a year and a half, his speech seemed to freeze in mid-developmental track and he began exhibiting rigid ritualistic behaviors. Luckily, the author had him enrolled in preschool and had early intervention specialists working with Jeremy. It is through this loving effort that Jeremy was able to detour the more traditional trappings of autism and enjoy a healthy, regular lifestyle. I loved the stories Jeremy told, especially the one where he would "wait for the Red Baron." Beth Kephart, to her credit, joins Jeremy in this wishful flight of fancy. I did get a little impatient with the author when she wanted to ram stories of her skating career down Jeremey's throat. Jeremy was antsy and did not want to listen to this seemingly long drawn out account. I liked it when Jeremy was interested in his great grandfather's car, a green 1969 Dodge Dart. (I love Dodge Darts and for me, the critical part of the story was answered -- the year and color of the Dodge Dart). Although that seems like a minor peeve, I did feel that the author just wanted a forum to brag about her skating and forced this story on Jeremy, ostensibly to help the boy increase his attention span for listening skills. All in all, it was a delightful read. Jeremy walks in the Sun of Health and really is a bright light. I would highly recommend this book.
Rating:
Summary: A beacon of hope
Review: Beth Kephart's wonderful work, "A Slant of Sun" has given me hope when all that seemed to be left was despair. More than anything else, she let us know that we are not alone, and that "the struggle for normal" is not an insurmountable barricade. This book will comfort and inspire any parent of a special child.
Rating:
Summary: If you've ever loved a "special" child, read this book.
Review: For any one who has ever tried to wade through the layers of labels and jargon in trying to lead an autistic or PDD child towards "normalcy," Beth Kephart's book offers exactly what its title promises: A Slant of Sun. Beth Kephart's tale spins a gripping, haunting and motivating story of her own unique approach to cracking the code of her son's elusive behavior and leading him towards a happy, normal childhood. If Ms. Kephart's book makes one point abundantly clear it is this. Children with autism and PDD are as different from each other as any group of normal children, and no one treatment will serve as the one method of helping a child overcome such overwhelming obstacles. Very often, a mother's intuition and knowledge of her own child provides the best medicine. As a mother, I know I will reach for Beth's book every time I think I may never "get there" with my own sons. As a writer, I am impressed by the compelling story and lyrical prose Ms. Kephart uses to remind each of us that mothering isn't a duty, it is a spiritual odyssey and a gift. Thank you Ms. Kephart, for a luminous addition to American non-fiction.
Rating:
Summary: If you've ever loved a "special" child, read this book.
Review: For any one who has ever tried to wade through the layers of labels and jargon in trying to lead an autistic or PDD child towards "normalcy," Beth Kephart's book offers exactly what its title promises: A Slant of Sun. Beth Kephart's tale spins a gripping, haunting and motivating story of her own unique approach to cracking the code of her son's elusive behavior and leading him towards a happy, normal childhood. If Ms. Kephart's book makes one point abundantly clear it is this. Children with autism and PDD are as different from each other as any group of normal children, and no one treatment will serve as the one method of helping a child overcome such overwhelming obstacles. Very often, a mother's intuition and knowledge of her own child provides the best medicine. As a mother, I know I will reach for Beth's book every time I think I may never "get there" with my own sons. As a writer, I am impressed by the compelling story and lyrical prose Ms. Kephart uses to remind each of us that mothering isn't a duty, it is a spiritual odyssey and a gift. Thank you Ms. Kephart, for a luminous addition to American non-fiction.
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