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90sirishgirl's review
4.0
This was a very well written book about a families struggle when they find out their son has autism and how 1 dog named Henry really helped this family in their struggle. The part I didn't like was the use of IVF but other than that it is a great read.
marryallthepeople's review
3.0
Interesting look at autism through a parent's eyes. How difficult the situation, but amazing human resilience.
booksandbecoming's review
3.0
This was a touching story about what a mother, her child with autism, and entire family go through as they help him (her child) navigate the world. Henry is their dog who plays a huge role in helping Dale (their son) begin to communicate and interact with people. The writing was kinda not great though. Also, one thing that bothered me about this book is that the mom, Nuala, is constantly trying to figure out how to make her son blend in so that he seems the same as other, non autistic children. This goes so far that she mentions that as late as high school none of his classmates even realize he is autistic. While it's clearly important for Dale to function well in the world, this all seems to me a negative view of autism -- that the "solution" is to make him into someone who appears "normal" and to hide his autism from others.
nicamas's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
This is an amazing recount of a mums love and dedication to getting the best possible outcome for her children and the emotional hurdles, highs and lows she experiences along the way.... truely heartfelt, and openly raw at times.
From her early days meeting her husband through to the starting of growing her family, Nuala is like any other woman in her hopes and dreams of the future. Then when her baby son is born she knows instinctively that there is something different about him- like many wishing it were not, and reluctant to admit it. Time goes on and it's increasingly noticible so she seeks the support and help of professionals and friends alike. To be honest, in the 1990's autism was not as easily recognised as it is now, so I hope that fact alone plays a large part of their problems, and that for young families today, their journeys are much improved ... however, the professionals were not all as supportive as they could be and so Nuala and Jamies strength as they they to navigate life, teach their son, a job so much harder due to the impact of his autism unfolds. Family and friends become lifelines along with some professionals who are very supportive too. As a parent myself, I empathise very much with Nuala and her sense of desparation at rock bottom times when all you want is the best and appropriate support for YOUR child and the system seems against this, even though my children don't have autism - it' what all parents want isn't it?
A massive turning point is the addition of Henry, a golden retriever who has the ability to break into Dale's world and really bring their lives into colour, though not without continuing ups and downs as they learn to incorporate Henry into their strategies with Dale.
Later Nuala and Jamie add to the family again with a daughter who also goes onto have a confirmed autism diagnosis but her condition affects her very diferently to Dale's and so again their worlds are turned upside down, and even though this time they have previous experience to bring to the situation, Amy's journey is different and challenging in other ways, but Henry aides her development too. Then eventually as Henry meets his golden days, a new young pup joins the family and becomes Amys friend.
All of this is woven into the rich tapestry of life where home moves, job changes, family illness and bereavement also bring emotional turmoils.
Nuala's story is one of gut renching strength, heartbreak and dedication which proves, with the very good support of her loved ones, to turn out in Dale a wonderful young man, grown with maturity, great friends, qualifications, and a full life, and shares of Amys continuing development as she goes through her primary years. You feel confidence that Amy will meet her full potential too in time.
Nuala is an inspiring woman and an example of how dispite their own emotional challenges and wellbeing, a mum will go to whatever lengths necessary to protect and promote her child's wellbeing. A terrific read. I'd love to know what happens after this...how Amys journey continues and what Nuala does after her children are grown? I suspect she may go into working to promote better opportunities and understanding of autism after her own experiences, which is an aim of this book too.
From her early days meeting her husband through to the starting of growing her family, Nuala is like any other woman in her hopes and dreams of the future. Then when her baby son is born she knows instinctively that there is something different about him- like many wishing it were not, and reluctant to admit it. Time goes on and it's increasingly noticible so she seeks the support and help of professionals and friends alike. To be honest, in the 1990's autism was not as easily recognised as it is now, so I hope that fact alone plays a large part of their problems, and that for young families today, their journeys are much improved ... however, the professionals were not all as supportive as they could be and so Nuala and Jamies strength as they they to navigate life, teach their son, a job so much harder due to the impact of his autism unfolds. Family and friends become lifelines along with some professionals who are very supportive too. As a parent myself, I empathise very much with Nuala and her sense of desparation at rock bottom times when all you want is the best and appropriate support for YOUR child and the system seems against this, even though my children don't have autism - it' what all parents want isn't it?
A massive turning point is the addition of Henry, a golden retriever who has the ability to break into Dale's world and really bring their lives into colour, though not without continuing ups and downs as they learn to incorporate Henry into their strategies with Dale.
Later Nuala and Jamie add to the family again with a daughter who also goes onto have a confirmed autism diagnosis but her condition affects her very diferently to Dale's and so again their worlds are turned upside down, and even though this time they have previous experience to bring to the situation, Amy's journey is different and challenging in other ways, but Henry aides her development too. Then eventually as Henry meets his golden days, a new young pup joins the family and becomes Amys friend.
All of this is woven into the rich tapestry of life where home moves, job changes, family illness and bereavement also bring emotional turmoils.
Nuala's story is one of gut renching strength, heartbreak and dedication which proves, with the very good support of her loved ones, to turn out in Dale a wonderful young man, grown with maturity, great friends, qualifications, and a full life, and shares of Amys continuing development as she goes through her primary years. You feel confidence that Amy will meet her full potential too in time.
Nuala is an inspiring woman and an example of how dispite their own emotional challenges and wellbeing, a mum will go to whatever lengths necessary to protect and promote her child's wellbeing. A terrific read. I'd love to know what happens after this...how Amys journey continues and what Nuala does after her children are grown? I suspect she may go into working to promote better opportunities and understanding of autism after her own experiences, which is an aim of this book too.
philyra91's review against another edition
5.0
An unexpected loan from a friend, this novel is truly a touching read and I recommend it to all! A Friend Like Henry is about a family's struggle in coping with their son's autism and how a Golden Retriever named Henry changed their lives in ways they couldn't even imagined.
I have no experience dealing with autism, neither do I know anyone with autism, but I do know what some of the signs of it are, and reading this novel, I definitely have developed a greater sense of respect for each and every family who has to go through what they do everyday. In this book, Nuala Gardner writes of her joy when she becomes pregnant with her first child and later, of her despair and frustration when her son displays signs of autism.
This book is definitely emotional because readers will feel invested in the family's situation. When Nuala was frustrated at the fact that the system wouldn't accept Dale's condition and pretty much placed the blame wholly on Nuala and James (her husband), I felt frustrated too. I cannot imagine what they must have felt like when they were told that they wanted their son to be autistic because they couldn't deal with his slow developmental progress. It would later take them years and the help of friends and family before Dale could get the help and proper diagnosis he required.
But in spite of all these adversities, hope came in the form of Henry. I truly believe that Henry was some sort of a guardian angel for Dale. The leaps and bounds Dale made because of Henry was just amazing and to prevent myself from giving anything away, there's all I'm saying. But really, please go read the book. It will give you a renewed hope and who knows, maybe even convince you to get a pet.
I have no experience dealing with autism, neither do I know anyone with autism, but I do know what some of the signs of it are, and reading this novel, I definitely have developed a greater sense of respect for each and every family who has to go through what they do everyday. In this book, Nuala Gardner writes of her joy when she becomes pregnant with her first child and later, of her despair and frustration when her son displays signs of autism.
This book is definitely emotional because readers will feel invested in the family's situation. When Nuala was frustrated at the fact that the system wouldn't accept Dale's condition and pretty much placed the blame wholly on Nuala and James (her husband), I felt frustrated too. I cannot imagine what they must have felt like when they were told that they wanted their son to be autistic because they couldn't deal with his slow developmental progress. It would later take them years and the help of friends and family before Dale could get the help and proper diagnosis he required.
But in spite of all these adversities, hope came in the form of Henry. I truly believe that Henry was some sort of a guardian angel for Dale. The leaps and bounds Dale made because of Henry was just amazing and to prevent myself from giving anything away, there's all I'm saying. But really, please go read the book. It will give you a renewed hope and who knows, maybe even convince you to get a pet.
sohinib's review
4.0
A heart warming story of love, dedication, will to fight all odds and to never give up.
kerryann's review
4.0
Remarkable story of family that fought successfully to raise their son as best they can. Dale sounds like a wonderful young man.
morganallycesmith's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness
Moderate: Ableism
Minor: Animal death
This is a very beautiful and detailed account of a young boy with Autism and his parent's fight for his wellbeing and the dog that helped unlock his world. if you are affected by ableism, distressing scenes involving autism, or sad stories involving dogs I would be prepared for that going into this book but it is well worth the read. Written from the mother's perspective.