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9 Unforgettable Books About People Who Refuse To Be Defined by Disabilities
Something great happened! I just got an email from Ezvid Wiki.
“Ezvid Wiki was the world’s first video wiki, and is now among the top 3,000 websites in the United States. Our YouTube channel has over 425,000 subscribers, 250 million views since founding, and we have informed over $200 million in purchasing decisions to date.” Sounds pretty impressive, right?
They explained, “We’re writing to let you know that you have been included in our recently published wiki: Unforgettable Books About People Who Refuse To Be Defined By Disabilities.”
My curiosity rose, and I looked them up. Of course, I became even more impressed. Guess what? They thought my book, My Perfect Imperfections, was pretty awesome. They placed it in their list of 9 Unforgettable Books About People Who Refuse to Be Defined By Disabilities. Please see the link that has these wonderful books listed. They even made a video about it! LINK
To say I am honored, is an understatement. To be ranked with some very talented authors with such amazing stories…well, I am speechless. Thank you, Ezvid Wiki, for recognizing this beautiful love story of a young girl with cerebral palsy who faced horrific events throughout her life. But, each time she fell, she got back up. She did not let her disability define who she truly was.
If you haven’t read this story, I really think you should give it a try. Honestly, it will completely open your eyes to so many stereotypes. And, you’ll fall in love with the characters…I promise. Amazon My Perfect Imperfections.
Until next time, good peeps!
Keep reading, keep dreaming, keep going. Love to all!
Jalpa’s Musings: Nobody Is Perfect
I have so many thoughts (ALL THE TIME), I thought it would be good for me to start writing them down. I figured I’d blog about my crazy thoughts as well. Why not? It may be therapeutic for me. It’s also a great way to share my “musings” to the world, and I figured maybe somebody out there would read it and totally get what I’m trying to say.
This one will be focused on perfection. I actually hate that word. What does that even mean? According to Merriam-Webster, the simple definition is “having no mistakes or flaws.” Huh?
I’m sitting here scratching my head like, “Who the hell never makes mistakes or has zero flaws?” My entire life, I have never met a person like this. Have you?
Personally, I kinda like the fact that we’re all imperfect in our own unique way. Trust, me we all are…including you! I know I’ve got a long way to go if I’m trying to reach “perfection.” (By the way, I’m not…I’m just trying to be the best human being I can be in the short time I have on earth).
What are my imperfections? Well, I’m completely unorganized; I can be a bit untidy (to put it mildly); I sometimes (ok, many times) let my emotions control me; I can be a bit obsessive; I would probably diagnose myself to be borderline bipolar. These are just few I’m mentioning.
So my point is, if we all have our “flaws,” why don’t we accept each other for our special “imperfections?” I just found out that Paralympics has been going on all week in Rio. There’s been hardly any coverage on it! Do you know these guys train just as hard? I don’t understand. I know I’d be glued to my TV in awe at some of the competitions.
It’s all very simple really. Just accept one another for who we are…love and support each other for our “imperfections.” Personally, I like to think of us all as unique. How many of you actually go out of your way to get to know somebody who may be “different” than you? Actually, how many of you would ask them on a date? Embrace our individuality and our diversities. Make that extra effort to get to know and understand somebody who’s not like you. You never know what you may learn. Hey, they may become your new best friend.
Okay, that’s enough of my musings for now. I would love to hear your thoughts. Until next time, friends…
My Perfect Imperfections Wins GOLD!
My Perfect Imperfections won the Gold Medal from Readers’ Favorite International Book Awards in Inspirational category.
I am beyond humbled for this honorable award. The story is very dear to my heart, as I have many friends with cerebral palsy.
At first, I wasn’t sure if I should write this story since I have a hard time writing about anything that’s “real.” But, once I began my research and interviewed many individuals with cerebral palsy, I knew I had to write it. I was especially moved by a young lady, Charisse Hogan, while I was doing my research. As I watched her on her YouTube videos, I knew she held nothing back. She put her heart and soul out there for the world to see.
So, I created Lily Cooper, the young girl from My Perfect Imperfections. She was not able to walk/talk, and used a power wheelchair and a communication device. Lily was a brilliant girl, but because she was “stuck in her own body,” the society wasn’t very kind to her.
I am especially proud of this story. It’s not just about raising awareness, but I wanted the readers to feel Lily’s pain, sorrow, happiness, and strength. I wanted her to live a fulfilling life as she overcame the obstacles. I wanted it to inspire not only people with cerebral palsy, but the general public. Most of all, I wanted people to fall in love with Lily and Chance.
Because this story is so very important, I am especially excited about this award. Thank you, thank you Readers’ Favorite for this honor.
Enjoy this brief excerpt from My Perfect Imperfections.
My name is Lily Cooper, and I’ve lived with cerebral palsy for eighteen years. It hasn’t been easy, but I’ve learned to make the most out of my life—at least until that dreaded ride home from prom.
Once I’m secured into the van, Layna drives toward our house. Even though it has begun to rain, it doesn’t dampen my mood.
“Well?” she asks. “Wasn’t that fun?”
“Ya,” I answer, nodding my head. I can’t remember the last time I’ve felt this happy.
“Did you see James? He was dancing with that red-headed bimbo all night.”
“Ya,” I respond. I did notice it. I’m pretty sure he was upset that Layna didn’t go to prom with him and was trying to make her jealous. What an idiot!
“I guess it’s good I saw his true colors. I mean, to think I would have wasted my summer on that jerk,” Layna continues.
She’s too good for him. I’m glad she witnessed his immature behavior.
“My summer is busy anyway. I’ll be working and getting ready for college. Who has time for losers?”
Although Layna pretends like she doesn’t care, I know her better. From the way she keeps talking about it and the fact that she’s driving kind of fast around the curves, I can tell that James has upset her. Doesn’t she realize that he has nothing on her?
“I mean, I actually saw him kissing her. He knew I was right there! He totally did that on purpose!” The more Layna continues, the more worked up she’s becoming.
I desperately think of ways to try to distract her. The rain is now coming down hard, and it’s becoming near impossible to see through the windshield. I bite my lip hard to swallow a scream when I feel the tires sliding on the slippery road a few times. Layna is oblivious that she’s driving much too fast in the rain.
The headlights come from nowhere, blinding us. I blink, wondering why they are so bright. Where did they come from?
My heart stops beating. I hold my breath.
Layna slams on the brakes to avoid the collision.
“Hold on, Lily!” She spins the steering wheel and the van swerves out of control. I hear the screeching of the breaks and the deafening sound of the collision.
Everything moves in slow motion. Time stands still as the deathly silence encases me.
I hear nothing. I feel nothing. I simply float.
And then darkness swallows me.
My Perfect Imperfections Won!
Yes! I just found out that My Perfect Imperfections won the Outstanding Fiction Book in the 2016 IAN Book of the Year Awards! This is truly an honor since books from all over the world are entered. I am full of all sorts of emotions…shocked, humbled, thrilled. And yes, I did the happy dance with my dog this morning. I think he thought I lost my mind.
Here’s the official seal!
Oh you guys want to see a picture of my puppy too? The poor guy had to endure my craziness this morning!
My Perfect Imperfections is a Finalist!
So excited to share that My Perfect Imperfections is a finalist for 2016 Independent Author Network Book of the Year Awards in General Fiction/Literary category. Completely shocked and honored! Here’s the official seal!
I’ll share a short excerpt:
Chance continues to text me, but he doesn’t visit during the summer break. He has committed himself to working on a research project with one of the professors. Our texts are brief and detached. Sometimes, it almost feels like he’s texting out of obligation.
I bury myself in my work and my studies. It feels good to actually receive a real paycheck. I refuse to think about Chance, although once in a while, I find myself checking his Facebook wall to see what he’s been doing. Many times, I see the pictures he’s been tagged in by his friends. To my relief, he looks healthy. The pictures that hurt the most are the ones of him partying with girls. Often, these girls are hanging all over him, and Chance has no problems holding them in his arms. Once there’s even a picture of a beautiful girl sitting on his lap while he’s laughing.
For the life of me, I have no idea why I’m slowly torturing myself. I know if I click on his page, I’ll see things I don’t want to see. Powerless, I purposefully continue to cause myself the pain. I can’t help but be jealous. I don’t know if it’s because I wish I were one of the girls or because I wish I weren’t a prisoner in my own wheelchair.
I know Chance and I have been best friends for a long time, but a part of me has to accept that he never really saw me as he sees these other girls. Sure, he cares about me, but he’s never been attracted to me. Can I blame him? After all, he’s a gorgeous man who can basically get any of those beautiful, able-bodied girls who are all over him.
Knowing I need to let him go—not only for him but also for me—I eventually stop texting him back. At first, Chance continues to try to reach me, but I don’t respond. He even calls my parents to make sure I’m okay. When they assure him I’m doing fine, I receive one final email from him.
Hey, Lily,
I’ve been texting you quite a bit lately, but you haven’t replied back. I got worried so I called your parents. They assured me that you’re doing great and everything is working out well with your job and school. I wish I could be there in person so we can talk face to face about this. I just can’t get out of the commitments here, though. Since you’re not replying back to me, I can only assume that you don’t want to put in the effort any longer to keep in touch. If I’m wrong about this, please let me know. If I don’t hear back from you, I guess my assumption is correct. I’m not quite sure what to say, but if that is your desire, I respect it. Just know that whatever you may need in the future, I’ll be here for you.
Always,
Chance
A single tear slowly rolls down my cheek and disappears behind my shirt.
Kirkus Review of My Perfect Imperfections
I took a chance. I sent My Perfect Imperfections to Kirkus Reviews. Sure, I debated for months whether I should or not. I know they have a high reputation in the literary world, but I wasn’t sure if I wanted to invest the money into it, especially since they give brutally honest reviews. But, I told myself that even if I get a bad review, perhaps I could learn something from their critique of the book.
After waiting for couple of months, I finally received an email that the review was ready. I think for the first few moments, I simply stared at my screen, not ready to read what they had to say. I mean My Perfect Imperfections was my baby, and who wants to hear any criticism about their child?
But, I decided to put my big girls’ pants on and click on the link. Completely surprised by the positive review, I don’t even think I shared it with anybody until later that night.
Here’s their review:
In this novel, a young woman with cerebral palsy lives, loves, and thrives.
Confined to a wheelchair and unable to speak without assistance from an electronic device, Lily Cooper accepts being dependent on others for help. Her only friend—her beloved sister, Layna—treats her like an equal, while her well-intentioned parents fight about her care. When Layna dies unexpectedly, Lily sinks into depression (“I have no idea of the purpose of my existence anymore. I question what it is in this world that is still keeping me alive”). But eventually she realizes that she must reimagine her future. What follows is an inspiring glimpse into the active and determined mind of a person who, from the outside, appears to be unresponsive. Lily remains, in fact, painfully aware of other people, from those who speak loudly and slowly as if she can’t understand them to those who call her “retarded” just to hurt her feelings. But the ones who take the time to learn how to communicate with her become charmed by her determination and grace. Lily never lets her disability stop her from pursuing her dreams. She finishes high school, attends college, gets her own apartment, and starts a family. Although there are a couple of structural hiccups (the time shifts in the first act seem unnecessary and cause Lily to introduce herself twice to the reader), Williby (Loving You Hurts So Good, 2016, etc.) successfully balances Lily’s many triumphs with detailed descriptions of the day-to-day hardships of living with cerebral palsy. Lily requires help performing the most basic tasks, and her limited mobility sometimes leaves her stranded in awkward—and potentially dangerous—situations. In one thought-provoking scene, Lily’s parents deliberately seize her communication device to keep her from asking too many questions about a painful subject. But Lily is willing to fight for her independence, especially when she meets Chance Ryker, who watched his father die from ALS and fears meeting the same fate. In one especially lovely scene, he tells Lily, “I love to see you smile because you smile with your eyes.”
An uplifting tale about a woman who voices her desires and transcends her limitations, shedding a revealing and flattering light on the private lives of the disabled.
Link: https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/jalpa-williby/my-perfect-imperfections/
Of course, I am extremely excited about this review. Now I need to figure out what to do with it. How do I use it for marketing? Who do I share the review with? Do average readers even know about Kirkus Reviews?
Until I figure out all this, I will continue to write because it is something that I can control. Hopefully, all these reviews and the awards/recognitions I’ve received for my books will help one day.
In the mean time, happy reading! Here’s the link to My Perfect Imperfections: https://www.amazon.com/My-Perfect-Imperfections-Jalpa-Williby-ebook/dp/B011H491IE
Writing Endeavors in 2015 and 2016
Goodbye 2015, Hello 2016
What a busy year it has been! I’m proud to say I got two books out in 2015 (Chaysing Destiny and My Perfect Imperfections). I also have a short story out called Beauty and the Beast in an anthology, The Cat, The Crow, and the Cauldron, with other talented authors. Getting all these stories out is pretty huge for me since I work full time as well.
Outside of that, Chaysing Destiny won the Bronze medal in Readers’ Favorite 2015 Book Awards in Fiction/Thriller/Terrorism. What an honor and an unforgettable event in Miami for me!
Chaysing Memories and Chaysing Destiny also received the Book of the month award from Long and Short Reviews.
Additionally, Chaysing Dreams and Chaysing Memories took first and third place award in Best Paranormal book of 2015 by Readers’ Junction. The Cat, the Crow, and the Cauldron also took third place award in Best Anthology.
My Perfect Imperfections received the five star seal from three different reviewers from Readers’ Favorite.
I’m proud to say it also received the Epilogues Authors Seal, was voted #4 in 50 Best Indie Books of 2015 by the readers, and also won several other recognitions: Best Ugly Cry book, Top Five Books read in 2015, and Most Memorable Book of 2015.
There have been lots of nominations for all of the books in 2015, ranging from Best Series to Best Book Boyfriend to Best Book Couple. What’s been really cool is that all of the books were #1 Amazon best sellers in their categories. Yes, it has been an incredible year.
But, do you know what’s really been incredible? I’ve met some amazing people online because of all of my writing endeavors. I was lucky enough to meet my friend, Charisse Hogan. Because of her, I was inspired to write My Perfect Imperfections. She is a remarkable young woman with cerebral palsy, and each day, I am in awe with her strength, beauty, and positive energy. Here’s the link of her YouTube video when she reviewed My Perfect Imperfections: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4WPNs5cYJ4
My new friends have sent me a ton of messages on how much the story of My Perfect Imperfections have opened their eyes and inspired them. If this story has made a difference in even one person’s life, then that’s the ultimate reward for me.
I must mention all of the other amazing authors and readers I’ve met in 2015. I swear, you guys keep me motivated. And, I was lucky to meet my amazing Personal Assistant, Amanda Walker, who is so much more than just a PA. Thank you, Amanda, for all that you do.
Okay, what’s next for 2016? I have another short story, “Touch of the Untouchables,” featured in an anthology called, “Eye of Fear.” Again, I’ve teamed up with other best-selling and award winning authors for this one. This will be released in March of 2016.
I decided to write my own anthology, which is due to be released around Valentine’s Day, called “Loving you Hurts So Good.” I am really excited about this for several reasons. For one, I had never written short stories, so this was especially challenging for me. But, I’m a firm believer that the only way to grow is to challenge ourselves. It’s a collection of “forget me nots,” and I promise, each story will touch your heart. Here are some teasers:
While writing these short stories, I decided some of the characters have more to say about their stories. So, Fate’s Cry (formally known as Beauty and the Beast), will be a full length novel, and I plan on releasing that in 2016 as well. Touch of the Untouchables will most likely be my next big series (I hope to have the first book done by the end of 2016).
Outside of my writing endeavors, personally, life is good. My family is healthy and that’s a huge blessing. My daughter is in her second year of college, my son is about to graduate high school, and my youngest is in fifth grade. My parents’ health is good, my husband and I are still able to work hard, and my little niece brings light to my world. Yes, life is good.
So in 2016, I challenge you to write down what you’d like to accomplish. Remember, no dream is too small or too big. Life is short, so your time is now. Learn from your past, and focus on the future. I leave you with this quote from My Perfect Imperfections. Love you all!
The 50 Best Indie Books of 2015
I’m excited to share that My Perfect Imperfections received enough nominations to be in the running for The 50 Best Indie Books of 2015. Top 100 books were chosen from thousands of nominations.
My Perfect Imperfections made it into the Literary category. Yay!! Now, it needs votes so it can the in The 50 Best Indie Books of 2015. I think it would be a great exposure for it. I’m so passionate about this story… I gave it my all when I wrote it. That’s because I believe we need to raise awareness about cerebral palsy, ALS, and disabilities in general.
Here are some teasers so you can get an idea of what the story is about, in case you haven’t read it yet.
Please take a look at the official trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kw4dGuhtlB0
Here’s the link where you can vote. My Perfect Imperfections is in the Literary category.
http://www.readfree.ly/indie50-vote-2015-literary/
Thank you so much for all your support! I truly appreciate you all!
Five Star reviews from Readers’ Favorite for My Perfect Imperfections
My Perfect Imperfections received three different reviews from three different reviewers. I am pleased to announce that all three reviewers gave it five stars. Here’s what they had to say:
Review 1:
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My Perfect Imperfections by Jalpa Williby is an inspirational story that revolves around Lily who is diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Lily needs assistance for even her basic needs like walking, talking and eating. Her physical disability leaves her frustrated, but Lily doesn’t let it deter her from strengthening her mind. Her twin sister Layna is very supportive and includes Lily in all the activities. As the story progresses, readers are given a glimpse into the life of a disabled person. It’s a story of love, strength, determination and, most of all, hope and will strike a chord within the hearts of readers. The story is heart-rending and the three main characters, Lily, Layna and Chance, leave a lasting impression with their strength, determination and ‘perfect imperfections.’ The story is helpful to all those who have disabilities and also to those who deal with disabled people. Lily’s determination to get rid of the fear of living with a disability is very uplifting and inspirational. The bond between Layna and Lily also forms an important part of the plot. Narrated from Lily’s point of view, the story highlights the basic needs that a disabled person looks for in their life; that of being accepted and loved, and being treated properly like any other normal person. The author’s writing style is fluid, which gives the story a good pace and movement. The story is complicated yet simple, and readers can connect well with Lily, Layna and Chance. The emotions are raw and leave readers feeling compassion, and also gratitude for all that they have. Review 2:
My Perfect Imperfections is a contemporary fiction novel written by Jalpa Williby. When Lily and Layna were born, the doctors advised their parents that Lily had cerebral palsy. It had happened to many other parents, they said, and Lily and the rest of the family would learn to cope with it. Lily couldn’t move like her twin sister did as they were growing up, and she was unable to even feed herself. The physical therapy that was an essential part of her life was something she actually looked forward to. The therapists treated her like they would any other patient, and they pushed her to her limits. When she was finally able to walk with the aid of a rear-assisted walker, her parents beamed with pride, and Lily herself was incredulous at being able to stand and move without someone else’s assistance. Lily was mainstreamed in school for most of her classes. She had a speech device that allowed her to communicate with others, and one of her arms was strong enough to let her control her wheelchair. That control was so important to Lily — it was independence, the ability to leave a situation unaided. But throughout all the strangeness of growing up with cerebral palsy, Layna was there with her. They were best friends and soulmates in a way that some twins are, even with the disease that made Lily’s life so restricted and different. Layna was there. Jalpa Williby’s contemporary fiction novel, My Perfect Imperfections, is an inspiring and moving story about a young woman who was born with cerebral palsy. The heroine of this tale does not inspire the reader’s pity or sympathy, but rather their admiration as she goes from accepting her imperfections to training on a professional level to help other disabled persons live full and satisfying lives. While this novel is categorized as an inspirational one, it’s also a coming of age, a romance, and a family saga that feels a lot like a fictionalized memoir as well, and it succeeds in all those genres. I learned a great deal about cerebral palsy and what the life of a person with that condition would be like in My Perfect Imperfections and am so pleased to have read it. Lily’s story is exceptionally well told and very authentic. It’s most highly recommended. Review 3:
My Perfect Imperfections by Jalpa Williby is the story of Lily Cooper, a woman born with Cerebral Palsy. My Perfect Imperfections starts with Lily telling how she thinks doctors told her parents about her condition and then goes on to Lily telling the rest of her life story. Lily tells you about everything; from her early years, the cruelty of kids in school and the cruelty of adults in college. She tells about her fears but, most importantly, about her triumphs and success at overcoming and dealing with the problems she faces due to Cerebral Palsy and with all the bad that life throws at her. Through it all, Lily shows her strength and tenacity at living her life the way that she wants to live it. My Perfect Imperfections by Jalpa Williby is an amazing book told in the first person, with clear detail and great imagery that puts you in Lily’s shoes or watching right over her shoulder. My Perfect Imperfections will pull at your heart strings as Lily experiences the ups and downs of life and the ups and downs of her disability. I cried, laughed, smiled, and cried again as I put myself into Lily’s shoes. My Perfect Imperfections was very hard to put down. It was an eye opener as well; it gives a glimpse into what life would be like with a debilitating disease and that you can’t let life pass you by – you have to grab it with both hands and experience the ups and downs that life has to offer. It has now been awarded the shiny five star seal! Go me!
Here’s the link to the reviews:
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My Perfect Imperfections Reviews
Reviews are starting to come in from the ARCs of My Perfect Imperfections! I am so excited to see these reviews! Humbled beyond words.
THIS.BOOK.OMG
I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
As soon as I learned what this book was going to be about, I knew it would amazingly beautiful. Once I got to actually read it… I was blown away. I will just say that I am a very emotional person…but not as a reader. I hardly cry with books. But I bawled my eyes out while reading and finishing this WORK OF ART. This isn’t just a romance, or a story about a girl with Cerebral Palsy. It is a story about hope, true love, real inspiration. It is a story that will open your eyes and your heart. It is one of those stories that helps put everything in perspective, and when you think you life has knocked you down…you get back up and say, I CHOOSE STRENGTH. I will remember this book for years to come, yes it is that beautiful and touching and most definitely real. -Amanda Walker Goodreads reviewer 5 stars
I am not quite sure where to start! This is not my normal genre, but having read Ms. Williby’s previous works (and loving them), I had to read this one as well. I loved everything about the book! It is hands-down one of the most touching stories I’ve ever read, and I’m so glad I did!
Lily is absolutely the strongest female lead I’ve ever read. What she goes through and overcomes is extraordinary. The supporting characters are also very strong, but Lily just blew me away. The way she is portrayed sheds new light on Cerebral Palsy and gave this reader great insight into the life of someone with CP. I still think about the characters and story even a few weeks after reading it.
You cannot go wrong with this book, no matter what genre you read. Jalpa Williby is also an author to add to your must-read list. Every book she writes, she grows stronger as an author. I just know her future works will be even more amazing!
I was provided an ARC copy of the book by the author in exchange for my fair and honest review. –Angie Martin (International Award-winning and best selling author) 5 star review!
My perfect Imperfections by Jalpa Wilby is by far one of the best book I’ve read not only this year, but in the last few years. I wish there was more than five stars to give it. It’s a breathtaking story of strength, love, and living life to the fullest each day. Lily Cooper is a strong, smart, and beautiful woman. She also was born with Cerebal Palsy. This in no way defines who she is. It’s Lily’s twin sister and best friend Layna, who helps Lily see that she has so much to offer. Their relationship is one of my favorite parts of the story. The connection they have gets them through everything. When Lily feels down because she thinks no boy will ever like her or ask her to a dance, Layna is there to tell her there will be someone. I don’t want to give anymore away about this story because the way it unfolds is masterfully done.
Over the course of this story you’ll be hit with so many emotions. Even now just thinking about this book, I can’t help but think about certain parts that stick out because of the range of emotions I felt. Above all that there is this incredible heroine Lily. Even though you know she has CP, you forget about it. She’s vibrant, witty, sarcastic at times, full of love, smart, beautiful, and makes sure to take each day as a gift.
The people she meets and the hope and chance at love, ties everything together so perfectly in this story.
Jalpa Willby does a superb job with this story. The detail, characters, and emotions she conveys so effortlessly in My Perfect Imperfections, is what makes this one of the best books of the year. She shines a light on how society looks at people with disabilities and shows that there is so much more. What she does best, is tell a story of love and strength that you will fall in love with and never forget.
*Note: I was given an ARC of this book by the author for an honest review. -Elena Cruz (blogger/reviewer) 5 star review!
I was given a copy of this book through a book blog I help run and I was hesitant to read it at first because it isn’t what I would usually read, BUT I am so glad I took the leap and read it. This story will rip your heart out, repair it and rip it out again. It leads you on am emotional roller coaster that you will not want to get off of. I highly recommend this for anyone who wants something different that the norm, or for anyone who is looking for a deep read, this book is definitely not light. -Christina Escue (blogger/reviewer) 5 star review
From the moment I first heard that the author was working on this book I was intrigued. As publication got closer and teasers and more information started coming out, I knew I had to read it. I found the idea of a girl with cerebral palsy as the heroine so refreshing. I was absolutely thrilled to receive an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
I have been trying to decide what to include in the review for days since I finished it. The 5 stars was a no brainer – it is a fantastic, deeply moving book that you will not soon forget no matter how much you read. I can honestly say I’ve never read anything quite like it, which is both refreshing and a sad statement on the overlooked in our society. A beautiful love story? Absolutely! Inspirational? Without a doubt. Heart-wrenching tear jerker? Definitely has that covered. I am not usually one to cry when I read, but this one tore me up. It should come with a jumbo sized box of tissue, even for the most cynical and jaded amongst us.
The writing itself is fantastic, from beautifully prosaic to brutally real, it is all carried in a lovely cadence. Between Jalpa’s unique voice and a wonderful job editing there is nothing to complain about stylistically. A wonderful, realistic romance with all the highs and lows that real life brings, but it is so much more than that as well. The heroine has disabilities that most of us cannot begin to understand, but the struggles of her heart are the same any of us have gone through. The struggles with her body, while heart breaking, are a true testament to the resiliency of the human spirit and so inspirational. No matter what you are struggling with, it will bring perspective. The knowledge of the technology available to help those with severe disabilities is woven in such a way that you do not realize how much you are learning at the time, but in retrospect you have to respect the author’s research/knowledge and skill in relaying the information to the reader in such a subtle way.
I do not feel I am really doing the story any justice with this review, but it comes with my highest recommendation to almost any audience. -LaDonna (Blogger/reviewer) 5 star review!
Jalpa Williby 