Scan barcode
papelcaracol's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
littletaiko's review
4.0
Somehow I had missed out on this book when it was first released about 15 years ago, but someone in my book club picked this so found myself reading this really enjoyable book. It's the story of two sisters, one who is intellectually disabled but able to overall function for herself. Her daily routine involves riding the buses in her city all day. When she asks her sister Rachel to join her, it becomes quite the eye opening experience for Rachel as she confronts her assumptions about disabilities, people, and life in general. It sounded a bit dry but I found myself just caught up in their story.
pattydsf's review
3.0
I am not sure what I expected from this book. I was looking for a different title at my library and this caught my eye. It seemed interesting, so I brought it home. Interesting is a good word for this memoir.
I truly thought it would be about Simon and her sister as their relationship was in 2002. What I did not realize, but probably should was that their story was not that simple. Simon had issues with her family, especially her mother, that she needed to deal with. so that became part of her tale. I was surprised by some of the things her mother had done, but we all make mistakes.
I cannot imagine what it would be like to have a sibling who has mental health issues. Simon gave me a glimpse into her life and what her sister's routine is like. She is honest in her writing. She doesn't always find it easy to deal with her sister and she is clear about that.
All in all, a thoughtful book that leaves the reader with things to consider. I am grateful to Simon for her willingness to share her life.
I truly thought it would be about Simon and her sister as their relationship was in 2002. What I did not realize, but probably should was that their story was not that simple. Simon had issues with her family, especially her mother, that she needed to deal with. so that became part of her tale. I was surprised by some of the things her mother had done, but we all make mistakes.
I cannot imagine what it would be like to have a sibling who has mental health issues. Simon gave me a glimpse into her life and what her sister's routine is like. She is honest in her writing. She doesn't always find it easy to deal with her sister and she is clear about that.
All in all, a thoughtful book that leaves the reader with things to consider. I am grateful to Simon for her willingness to share her life.
bethanybee626's review
4.0
Started off slow, but picked up a bit. Many sweet and honest moments between two sisters and their family.
daniellearider's review
3.0
Fascinating memoir and reflective piece about sisterhood. Just a little slow and repetitive in places.
jasminetell's review
4.0
I really appreciate this raw and nuanced look at disability, typical sib, family relationships, social justice and so much more.
juliecrog's review
3.0
As the mother of a special needs child seeking to better understand and love my child, I found this book helpful but sad at times. It contained lot of adult issues for the cognitively challenged that I just hadn't thought of with my four year, like self-determination and how to deal with their adult relationships. Definitely shed some tears. The author is at times admirable and other times I thought she was condescending or selfish. She'd probably admit this herself. Overall, I'd say this book was honest, respectful and worth my time. A fairly quick read.
socialworkstef's review
4.0
It took me awhile to get into this book. (Though that is kind of typical for me). At first, the author came across as a bit self-absorbed and uninformed about issues related to people with disabilities. I was put off by some of the language used (mental retardation, not person first language). But it becomes clear that the author was speaking from her view point at the time and she later becomes a great advocate for people with disabilities. I also found some of the long descriptions of conversations with bus drivers tiring at the beginning of the book.
However, the book ultimately becomes a great exploration of self-determination for people with disabilities and the challenges families face while caring for and relating to their loved ones with disabilities--particularly intellectual and developmental. The book also explores issues related to romantic relationships among people with intellectual disabilities. Finally, it speaks to the power of community resources in allowing people with intellectual disabilities to live independently and how caring individuals and service providers can work together to support vulnerable individuals.
Would be excellent reading for high school, college or grad students, particularly in social work. I'm glad I read this book.
However, the book ultimately becomes a great exploration of self-determination for people with disabilities and the challenges families face while caring for and relating to their loved ones with disabilities--particularly intellectual and developmental. The book also explores issues related to romantic relationships among people with intellectual disabilities. Finally, it speaks to the power of community resources in allowing people with intellectual disabilities to live independently and how caring individuals and service providers can work together to support vulnerable individuals.
Would be excellent reading for high school, college or grad students, particularly in social work. I'm glad I read this book.