Rating: 
Summary: Should probably be required reading for potential parents
Review:
Perhaps I'm taking the title of the book "You Will Dream New Dreams" a bit too literally. This collection of stories written or dictated by parents of children with disabilities offers information, insights, anecdotes, and snippets from their lives and experiences.
Many of the chapters are indeed sobering and deliver a welcomed jolt of optimism and hope. Some recount the efforts required to get the medical professionals to get off their high horse and focus on the evidence they either cannot grasp or discount. Many recount the work, progress, and advocacy that are required as parents have to become social, educational, legal, and even medical icebreakers that plow through the morass of societal obstacles imposed on anyone outside the narrow confines of what is deemed "normal." Some of the best advice here is that parents let go of guilt and blame about unchangeable events---advice that mirrors some of the Buddhists texts I've read as well.
A few stories fail to convince me that those involved are not still legitimately in denial, particularly those that convey sentiments such as "we would not change anything," or "we would not be given anything we could not handle." I'm also bothered a bit by assertions of gratitude toward a disabled child for helping a parent gain insight, strength, or wisdom because all children potentially should provide these opportunities.
Overall, this is quite valuable book for families who are coming to terms with the death of their dreams while new dreams are being fomented. The sage advice to focus on abilities not disabilities rings true, again, as much for "normal" children as for those without a disability. In that regard, this book should probably be required reading for anyone who plans to have a family and who is naïve about the way the genetic lottery works
Moreover, without delving too deeply into this subject, the focus of this book, in my opinion, is not to diminish the lives, experiences, or contributions of anyone who has any sort of disability, but to convey the idea that matters beyond anyone's control do affect and transform others. No judgment should be implied or inferred by such recognition about the intrinsic value of any person.
So do I dream new dreams? Sometimes, at some levels, I do when I'm awake. But dreams during sleep have their own odd reality, and when my daughter appears in those dreams free from her disabilities, what am I to make of the incongruity of reality and hope?
Rating: 
Summary: A Gift to Families
Review: "You Will Dream New Dreams" is a gift to any family experiencing the shock of learning that their child has a disability. From personal experience I can testify to what a disorienting and difficult time that can be. Professionals, no matter how well meaning or informed they may be, never quite have the right thing to say. Other parents who have been through the same trying time are the one irreplacable resource that can actually make you believe that you will survive and that your 'surpise' child will be a joy and wonder after all. Unfortunately finding another family to talk to can be quite difficult. Reading the essays in this book is a good substitute. The writing is heartfelt and full of experience, wisdom and hope. As a parent of a 'special needs' child I recommend this book highly.
Rating:
Summary: A Gift to Families
Review: "You Will Dream New Dreams" is a gift to any family experiencing the shock of learning that their child has a disability. From personal experience I can testify to what a disorienting and difficult time that can be. Professionals, no matter how well meaning or informed they may be, never quite have the right thing to say. Other parents who have been through the same trying time are the one irreplacable resource that can actually make you believe that you will survive and that your 'surpise' child will be a joy and wonder after all. Unfortunately finding another family to talk to can be quite difficult. Reading the essays in this book is a good substitute. The writing is heartfelt and full of experience, wisdom and hope. As a parent of a 'special needs' child I recommend this book highly.
Rating: 
Summary: Solace
Review: A good book to remember I am not alone. Having a child with a disability is an isolating and frightening experience. It is comforting to know that I am not the only parent going through this. I also recommend Special Kids Need Special Parents, by Judith Loseff Lavin. It is a great resource to help navigate these terrifying waters and find real answers from someone who clearly knows what she is talking about.
Rating:
Summary: as a sibling
Review: As a sibling of a child with special needs, You Will Dream New Dreams helped me evaluate the dreams I have had for my brother in the past, and how I should change them for the future. It also helped me better understand my parents, and how they have coped with having a child with a special need.
I would highly recommend this book to parents, and older siblings of children with special needs, and to professionals that are planning on working with children with special needs. I feel that this book would provide parents a feeling of support and hope for their child and their child's future. I think that this book would help older siblings understand their parents better, and why they have done things in life in a certain way. As for professionals, I feel it allows them an insight into the types of families they may be working with, which will allow them to empathize with the family rather than sympathize for the family.
Rating: 
Summary: Not what I thought...
Review: Eight months ago I gave birth to a beautiful baby boy. He was
probably the most wanted and planned for baby--ever. My husband and I were so very happy and excited about this new life that we
had created and had so many hopes and dreams for all of our
futures. Then we were given devastating news. Just hours after Zachary's birth, my husband tearfully informed me that there was
something wring with our baby. Greg told me that Zachary had a serious heart defect and then he said the words that I can still hear to this day: "And honey, the doctors think he has Down Syndrome." I thought the world had just opened up and swallowed me. My grief and shock were absolutely agonizing and overwhelming. I read You Will New Dreams when Zachary was about six months old, and I have found this book comforting and validating. There is such solace in knowing that other parents have been where I am now and that it does get better. I have learned that I am not alone; the wisdom and strength of the parents who have written these essays has helped me immeasurably. I've learned that it's okay to celebrate my sweet, precious child and also grieve for lost hopes and dreams. Thank you, Stanley Klein and Kim Schive!!
Rating:
Summary: "You Are Not Alone": Comforting Words
Review: Eight months ago I gave birth to a beautiful baby boy. He was
probably the most wanted and planned for baby--ever. My husband and I were so very happy and excited about this new life that we
had created and had so many hopes and dreams for all of our
futures. Then we were given devastating news. Just hours after Zachary's birth, my husband tearfully informed me that there was
something wring with our baby. Greg told me that Zachary had a serious heart defect and then he said the words that I can still hear to this day: "And honey, the doctors think he has Down Syndrome." I thought the world had just opened up and swallowed me. My grief and shock were absolutely agonizing and overwhelming. I read You Will New Dreams when Zachary was about six months old, and I have found this book comforting and validating. There is such solace in knowing that other parents have been where I am now and that it does get better. I have learned that I am not alone; the wisdom and strength of the parents who have written these essays has helped me immeasurably. I've learned that it's okay to celebrate my sweet, precious child and also grieve for lost hopes and dreams. Thank you, Stanley Klein and Kim Schive!!
Rating:
Summary: Mother of special needs child
Review: Every parent of a special needs child should be given a copy of this book when their child is born. This book really touched me and helped me to deal with my own feelings.
Rating:
Summary: A MUST READ FOR PARENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS KIDS!
Review: Finally a book that understands and can help you to understand and cope. It is like finding a new best friend on every page! You will go away feeling better about yourself, understanding your feelings and loving your special child even more! Welcome to Holland!
Rating:
Summary: A MUST READ FOR PARENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS KIDS!
Review: Finally a book that understands and can help you to understand and cope. It is like finding a new best friend on every page! You will go away feeling better about yourself, understanding your feelings and loving your special child even more! Welcome to Holland!
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