Rating: 
Summary: From one mom to others
Review: I write as the mother of a child with Crouzon Syndrome, which, as the last footnote of this wonderful book will tell you, is "allelic" with Apert's. My daughter Gwendolyn Fyfe was born around the time that Nathaniel Finch was, and it is eerie how similar our experiences were. (We are even Quakers!) I recommend that parents of children with craniofacial syndromes read this book and reread it, prepared to relive and reflect on your own experiences. Warning: this could be painful, and you should probably put some time between the searing experiences of ICUs and operations before you examine your emotions and beliefs by reading this book. "Facing" the situation has given our family a strength and insight into what is really important in this life which we might not otherwise have had. It is clear that it did the same for Jeanne McDermott, and this beautiful book shows how. Parents of children with craniofacial conditions: let's start an on-line book club to discuss it!
Rating:
Summary: A great book--for everyone
Review: In her book, Babyface: A Story of Heart and Bones, McDermott shares her thoughts in a quietly inviting way. She shares her reflections about the issues all parents of children with disabilities confront-fear, staring, "helpful" comments, early intervention, and being different-without anger or bitterness. She uses comparisons to history, science, and everyday occurrences to analyze what she is experiencing. Her reflections are offered with a peaceful, eloquent, grace rather than scolding societal weaknesses; laced with depth and careful consideration, rather than quick or superficial detail or judgement. They are easy to take in and though she never asks, we are compelled to search our hearts. McDermott is a mother who is madly in love with her son, and it shows. In fact, Babyface is less a story about a family of a child with Apert Syndrome, than a story of a mother loving her children and learning about life from that perspective. Each chapter begins with a short paragraph written by Nathaniel. They are clearly the thoughts of a young boy and add delight to the book. They are printed in his handwriting adding another dimension to our image of him. In fact, "Babyface" is a story that transcends the box it may unfortunately be placed in by bookstores: special needs or health care. It is as well-written and compelling as *any* best-selling book offering far more than a perspective of life with a child who has a cranio-facial disorder. Look for a detailed review in the next issue of "Disability Solutions." (http://www.disabilitysolutions.org)
Rating:
Summary: A moving and valuable book
Review: Jeanne Mcdermott explores the heart-wrenching implications of dealing with a child born with a rare cranial-facial disorder. Modern medicine can work miracles, but the miracle here is the loving courage of those involved with Nathanial who is not disabled where it most matters. A gallant, personal and inspiring account.
Rating:
Summary: A moving and valuable book
Review: Jeanne Mcdermott explores the heart-wrenching implications of dealing with a child born with a rare cranial-facial disorder. Modern medicine can work miracles, but the miracle here is the loving courage of those involved with Nathanial who is not disabled where it most matters. A gallant, personal and inspiring account.
Rating:
Summary: Babyface: Inspiring Account of Mother's Love and Devotion
Review: Jeanne McDermott paints an inspiring portrait of her own family, forced to understand and live with the trials and hardships that accompany a child born with Apert Syndrome. She tells the story of Nathaniel with grace and candor informing the reader along the way with insights into the medical, genetic and developmental aspects of this condition. I cried with her pain and embraced her joys through the trials and triumphs of this journey. For anyone who has had a child born with a medical condition this is a must read.
Rating:
Summary: Babyface: Inspiring Account of Mother's Love and Devotion
Review: Jeanne McDermott paints an inspiring portrait of her own family, forced to understand and live with the trials and hardships that accompany a child born with Apert Syndrome. She tells the story of Nathaniel with grace and candor informing the reader along the way with insights into the medical, genetic and developmental aspects of this condition. I cried with her pain and embraced her joys through the trials and triumphs of this journey. For anyone who has had a child born with a medical condition this is a must read.
Rating:
Summary: A Deeply Moving and Rewarding Book
Review: McDermott engages our hearts and emotions in a way that every parent (and grandparent) can understand. In this beautifully written book, the reader shares the intense feeling of involvement and triumph in Nathaniel's life as each challenge is faced. A very rewarding and inspiring story.
Rating:
Summary: closure
Review: This an absolutely wonderful book. The author is my niece and I have spent many visits with Natanial who is a remarkable and well adjusted child. I am the " Aunt E.J. " in this book and am now in my 70's so I have had a long time to deal with my "handicap". This book brings a lot of closure and insight into many parts of my life. I would recommend this exquisite book to all ages.
Rating:
Summary: closure
Review: This an absolutely wonderful book. The author is my niece and I have spent many visits with Natanial who is a remarkable and well adjusted child. I am the " Aunt E.J. " in this book and am now in my 70's so I have had a long time to deal with my "handicap". This book brings a lot of closure and insight into many parts of my life. I would recommend this exquisite book to all ages.
Rating:
Summary: ELOQUENT!!!
Review: This book is not just for parents of children with special needs. The lessons learned by the author and her family and the details of their struggle are beautifully written. Reading this book nudges the reader to think about the blessings of children and the trials of daily life in a new way. A wonderful, inspiring book!
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