I’m delving into to the world of non-fiction today. Are you ready to join me?
Goodreads Blurb
Cerebral Palsy: A Story: Finding the Calm After the Storm by Ilana Estelle
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.
Review
I’m ashamed to say that I knew nothing about cerebral palsy before this book bar the fact that it exists. So, when I was offered the chance to review it, I jumped at the chance to learn something new.
For me, this book is split into two areas: information about the illness and Ilana’s personal experience. Within this, there is then a motivational guide offering advice suitable not only to people with an illness, but everybody really. Admittedly, this part of the book wasn’t up my street as it didn’t offer anything new.
However, it was very interesting learning about cerebral palsy. The easy-to-read chapters and the fact that the author didn’t make things too scientific allowed me to fully understand everything.
I’m in admiration of everything that Ilana has achieved. She has inspired me to learn about other disabilities so that, even if I can’t help those suffering from them, I will at least have a better understanding of what they are going through.
Pick up your copy of Cerebral Palsy: A Story: Finding the Calm After the Storm here.
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Joyful Antidotes 