A review by polyhy_14
Alex: The Life of a Child by Frank Deford

4.0

Losing a child would have to be a parent's worst nightmare. In this account, the author, a professional sports writer, chronicles the brief life of his child Alex, and her journey with cystic fibrosis. I originally picked it up in a sale because I was interesting in learning more about the disease. I got a lot more than I bargained for; a very young child trying to live as normal a life as possible while dealing with a severe health issue and gradually coming to terms with her impending death. What emerges is a normal child, her father doesn't white-wash her, but at the same time there is a growing maturity way beyond her years and a care for and response to the needs of those who are closest to her. The writing thankfully doesn't wallow in sentiment, but it is profoundly moving.