There is no better emotion, nothing as wonderful as hearing the first cry of one’s first baby. Carolyn Walker captures the first emotional moment of her birthing experience by vividly describing an encounter with Dr. O’Neill: “Dr. O'Neill's hug betrayed his uncertainty, but because I felt sorry that he had been made this unfortunate messenger, I met his compassion with a measure of my own. I hugged him back, and I let him escape with his lie.” Carolyn Walker was eager to see her first baby. But it seemed the hospital professionals didn't want to show her to the mother, but why? She was to learn the reason not long after this encounter. She’d brought forth a “rarity" into life, a girl with a rare kind of syndrome: the Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome. Every Least Sparrow by Carolyn Walker captures her journey with her daughter as the latter struggles with a condition that challenged both her mental and physical abilities. Can she really fit in? Can she have a life like other normal kids?

Every Least Sparrow is an incredible memoir stuffed with wonderful lessons about love and family, finding meaning in being there for the ones we love, but most importantly, it explores the incredible miracle that is the human being. One cannot read this story, journey with Carolyn as she moves from hospital to hospital seeking answers, and remain the same. It is wonderful to see how love can transform a handicap into a gift — a blessing. Carolyn Walker’s memoir takes readers into the secret life of her daughter and explores the joys and perils of a mother. Told in a very light and humorous tone, this book will educate, inform, entertain, inspire, and provoke a silent revolution in readers. If there is a memoir you’d love to read about living with people with handicaps, this is the one. It will warm your heart, pull you out of your shell, and challenge you to look at life and to face life differently. There is a beautiful humanity captured in these pages, a humanity that will speak eloquently to the hearts of readers. It’s the kind of blessing to savor, and then pass on!

Every Least Sparrow is a tale of parenthood. Carolyn Walker had two previous pregnancies prior to the birth of Jennifer. None of them had gone smoothly; the first resulted in the death of her son, born prematurely with underdeveloped lungs, and from the second came her daughter Holly, also premature, but healthy. So carrying this baby to term had been a joy in itself. There had been no indication of problems, but after the birth the doctor delivered the news - the baby had 'a syndrome.' That is the moment which changes the image of the future. A parent's picture perfect dream of the life and future they carry alters with just those simple words. The change could be something small, or life altering, but before you can plan for this new future you first need an understanding. Every Least Sparrow follows the author's journey into this difficult, yet infinitely rewarding passage into a special kind of parenting.

As the mother of a child with GDD and genetic complications affecting not only their health, but their ability to learn, I felt this book and I would be a good match. I can easily relate to many of the experiences in this book. Whilst my child does not have the syndrome discussed in Every Least Sparrow, there are many parallels to the difficulties and rewards, so I understood this work on a level only a mother in a similar situation can. I'll be totally honest; it was hard for me to read, stirring so many of my own emotions as I read about the trials and tribulations faced by this family. I appreciated it being written as a narrative tale, rather than simply a list or impersonal view. This allows the reader to connect on a very personal level as the author bares their soul completely, sharing their immense joy and darkest moments of fear. Being a mother to any child is demanding, more so when they need that extra care and security. A book like this reminds parents they aren't alone and, by revealing some of her darker moments, Carolyn Walker gives comfort to other parents who might feel they have failed for showing such weakness. A heartwarming, worthwhile, and genuine read for anyone, giving insight into things most people would not even consider.