I rarely read non fiction as they drench me in reality when all I want in life is to escape reality. But something about the way the author approached me and the topic, I took up this book.
The story was the author Ilana Estelle’s life journey. Being born in the 1960s, in those times of ignorant doctors, the diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy was obtained only when she was 46 years. It just led me to think about how tough her life must have been without the help she would have needed to live a normal life.
The book showed me that the author was a survivor. She was later diagnosed to be on the Austism Spectrum Disorder and had to deal with anxiety and depression. She grew from an angry, confused child to a mature woman over the pages. My respect for her increased manifold.
The beginning of her life was rough, but Ilana went to live a successful life even when she struggled every day. She completed her education via distance learning, then started her own website, The CP Diary, which helped more people, giving them information and steps to live their life in dignity. Each word written in the book not only spoke about the trials of her life, it revealed her determination to live every moment of her life completely.
This book was not only her memoir, it was a motivational guide too. It was a book of empathy and understanding where she showed ways to have a great family life, achieving physical and mental health. I was impressed with her healing process.
There were a few lines in the book which made me reflect too.
What has happened to empathy, tolerance, and understanding? Because that’s all it would take. If the shoe were on the other foot, others would expect nothing less from us.
This was so true. Hats off to this author, whose words were truly inspiring. And quite eye-opening.
I received a free ARC from the author, and this is my journey into its pages, straight from the heart!! STRICTLY HONEST AND UNBIASED.
All my reviews can be read here
Living with cerebral palsy is enormously difficult. But what if you never knew you had it? This is the incredible story of Ilana Estelle. Born the second of premature twins, an hour apart, from a young age Ilana knew she was different, but for all the wrong reasons. A child of the 1960s, Ilana experienced first-hand the way that disability was, at the time, so often brushed under the carpet, not spoken about. Her constant physical and mental struggles made her feel isolated, alone, frustrated, and misunderstood… and it took 46 years for her to find out why. Part memoir, part motivational guide, this is Ilana’s open and honest journey from an angry, confused child, knowing something was wrong, not knowing what was wrong, what her disability was, or that there was a diagnosis—to the “real” her—a courageous woman using her experiences and lessons to create inspiring messages about mental and physical health, resilience and change.
Publication Date: February 2020
12 Responses
Sounds like a beautiful book. Will share your review.
Thank you so much ❤️ the author will be mighty pleased
This would ruin me – you are so brave!
Great review Shalini. I respect and admire everyone whose world is not the ‘normal’ one I know. People with challenges live their lives so beautifully. It is a rough path they travel and when in spite of the challenges they stand tall and strong, I feel humbled.
great review, shalini, on what must have been a tough subject.
Thank you. But I think the author had a tougher life to deal with so many issues including society Mocking and teasing her
There are times when a nonfiction book can be just as engaging as fiction; this seems to to be one of those books. Thanks for sharing the author’s struggles and successes.
True that. It was the title which helped me to decide to take on this Book.
Sounds very interesting. But tell my honestly, is it readable without your professional medic background too?
In advance i think so, and there could be learned much about such diseas. Thank you, Michael
It is informative…. May not be for everybody
🙂🙂