Sunday, October 30, 2011

I Am In Here by Elizabeth M. Bonker & Virginia G. Breen ~ review


Product Details

  • Hardcover: 256 pages
  • Publisher: Revell (October 1, 2011)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0800720717
  • ISBN-13: 978-0800720711

A copy of this book was provided by the publisher for review purposes.


About the book:

She looked into my eyes and blinked hers slowly and deliberately, like a stroke victim, to show me that although she couldn't speak, she understood what I was saying to her. I stroked her hair softly. 'I know you're in there, honey,' I told her. 'We'll get you out.'"
Despite the horror of seeing fifteen-month-old Elizabeth slip away into autism, her mother knew that her bright little girl was still in there. When Elizabeth eventually learned to communicate, first by using a letterboard and later by typing, the poetry she wrote became proof of a glorious, life-affirming victory for this young girl and her family.


I Am in Here is the spiritual journey of a mother and daughter who refuse to give up hope, who celebrate their victories, and who keep trying to move forward despite the obstacles. Although she cannot speak, Elizabeth writes poetry that shines a light on the inner world of autism and the world around us. That poetry and her mother's stirring storytelling combine in this inspirational book to proclaim that there is always a reason to take the next step forward--with hope.

From the Inside Flap

Me
I sometimes fear
That people cannot understand
That I hear.
And I know
That they don't believe I go
To every extreme
To try to express
My need to talk.
If only they could walk
In my shoes
They would share my news:
I am in here.
And trying to speak every day
In some kind of way.




Though she cannot speak, Elizabeth Bonker writes poetry that shines a light on the hidden inner world of autism and the world around us. I Am in Here is the spiritual journey of a mother and daughter who refuse to give up hope, who celebrate their victories, and who keep moving forward despite the obstacles. Elizabeth's poetry and her mother's stirring storytelling combine in this inspirational book to proclaim that there is always a reason to take the next step--with hope.

My take on this book:


Autism was something that I knew very little about until I read this book. "I Am In Here" is the story of Elizabeth Bonker a thirteen year old girl who suffers from autism. Elizabeth lost the ability to speak at the age of fifteen months old, but writes beautiful poetry that reveals her thoughts and struggles. 


There is no way to read this book and not be touched by the story of Elizabeth. Written by her mother Virginia Breen, it easily allowed me to see the struggles of dealing with autism.I thought the pictures throughout the story easily allowed me to connect with not only Elizabeth but her brother Charles, who also suffers from Autism. This book is for anyone who wants to learn more about autism, but more than that its for anyone who wants to read an inspiring story of hope, courage and faith.


A complimentary copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review.
This book is now available at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.


2 comments:

  1. The book sounds both fascinating and educational.

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  2. sounds really good!

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