Normal: A Mother and Her Beautiful Son

I came across Normal: A Mother and Her Beautiful Son by Magda Newman online while looking up Treacher Collins syndrome after my daughter re-read Wonder. I decided to get it from the library. The book description says, "For Magda Newman, normal was a goal—she wanted her son Nathaniel to be able to play on the playground, swim at the beach, enjoy the moments of childhood that are often taken for granted. But Nathaniel’s severe Treacher Collins syndrome—a craniofacial condition—meant that other concerns came first. Could he eat without the aid of a gastrointestinal tube? Could he hear? Would he ever be able to breathe effortlessly? In this moving memoir, Newman, with the help of her son, tells the story of raising Nathaniel, from the shock she and her husband faced when he was born, to the inspiration of Nathaniel’s own strength and quirky humor. All this while also facing both non-Hodgkins and Hodgkins lymphoma diagnoses of her own. This uplifting story of a family tackling complex and terrifying circumstances with love and resilience is a true testament to Magda and her family, and to families everywhere who quietly but courageously persist."

Wow! What a wonderful book. I ended up finishing the entire book in one day because it was just so engaging that I could not stop reading. I loved Magda and Nathaniel and their family and how resilient they were during so many difficulties. I just could not believe at times all that they had to go through. The book was really real and inspiring and just a great read. I've recommended it to my family and put on hold the young reader's edition (written by Nathaniel) for my daughter.

Rating: * * * (3/3 = Loved it)