Book Description Review As a beta reader, I was both in awe and in love with this story and this family. This mother’s personal journey in the land of Jacksonville is one of not just pain, but suffering. Her deep transformation is a beautiful awakening that is inspirational. The video at the bottom of this page is masterful. Well done, Mari! Read more Customers Review: Jacksonville is an outpouring of a mother’s heart for her family and her quest to give her autistic son, Jack, an equal footing in this world. But what Mari Sandifer learns is that we cannot walk in each other’s footsteps. We cannot breathe the air our children breathe or keep them from the hurt and rejection they are bound to experience. She also learns that in trying to make everything perfect for one child, she causes the rest of the family to suffer from confusion, fear and chaos. It is also important for the reader to learn about Jack’s penchant for details and his savant understanding of the universe. He does not gloss over the day. He appreciates each and every gift. It is as important for Jack to know the number of windows on a school bus, as it for him to know His God, and the positions of the planets and the stars. There is so much to learn from an autistic child. I pray that each of us will have the opportunity to meet more than one, and experience the blessing of these wonderful minds and hearts.
I bought this book because the author is an old friend from high school. However, once I started reading the book, I could not put it down. I happen to have a child, now an adult, with learning disabilities and wow, as I read each chapter, I really felt a bit of myself was right there on the pages. Parenting is not for the faint of heart. Parenting a child with any type of disability can make a roller coaster ride seem like a carousel. I found myself laughing, crying and realizing that in the moments of despair, I was not alone. If you have a child with disabilities, or have a friend with a child with disabilities, this book might strengthen your faith, friendships, and above all else, your relationship with yourself.
I am not traditionally a reader, but I couldn’t put this book down. I laughed, I cried, I learned about autism, and I felt the author’s pain. It turned to hope, and as each chapters went on, I was inspired by her growth, her journey to acceptance, and eventually embracing the beauty of autism. I have a whole new respect and curiosity about those gifted souls who are living life on the spectrum.
Love this book! Great insight into raising a child on the spectrum. Many laughs, tears, joy, and purely touching moments. The author did a fabulous job putting her thoughts together in such an accessible manner.
I am sure this book will be read and give help and comfort to other parents with a special child.
As a beta reader, I was both in awe and in love with this story and this family. This mother’s personal journey in the land of Jacksonville is one of not just pain, but suffering. Her deep transformation is a beautiful awakening that is inspirational. The video at the bottom of this page is masterful. Well done, Mari!
A moving and emotional journey of self-forgiveness and self-acceptance, cradled in the power of a mother’s love. Children are our best teachers – every single one of them, a blessing. Don’t miss. |
7 reviews