This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Suzanne Lezotte was born and raised in Michigan, in a family of nine kids. When she became pregnant with her first child, she never expected he would be diagnosed with Down syndrome, seven days after his birth. Her journey through parenthood required a different learning curve, one filled with trials and tribulations, but also joy and amazement. She embraced inclusion for her son not only in the classroom, but in the world.
Reviewed by Joe Wisinski for Readers' Favorite
Suzanne Lezotte’s first child, Owen, was born with Down Syndrome. Lezotte did not know about his diagnosis until a week after his birth. The identification of Owen as a Down Syndrome child brought with it the expected feelings of grief, fear, and doubts. The experience of raising a Down Syndrome child led Lezotte to write Raising Owen, which addresses all aspects of both Owen’s life and that of his family. Despite his diagnosis, Owen successfully navigated school, including the years of middle and high school, which are tough for anyone. The book concludes with Owen in junior college and applying to a four-year college. His success is partially because Lezotte fought for him every step of the way, including having to deal with a difficult in-law. As the book progresses, we learn not only about Owen’s successes but also about how his mother’s life was changed.
Raising Owen is a remarkable book. Author Suzanne Lezotte writes with complete honesty about both the difficulties and joys of raising a Down Syndrome child. Although the book is non-fiction, it reads like a well-crafted novel, perhaps due to the author’s background as a public relations professional. An especially interesting aspect is the recounting of how Lezotte consistently fought for full inclusion for Owen in his educational pursuits, meaning that she wanted him in the same classes and doing the same activities as any other child. Although Lezotte doesn’t hesitate to admit her mistakes, her vast love for Owen, and his determination to always fight for what’s best for him, shines through on every page. I highly recommend this excellent book not only to parents of a Down Syndrome child but also to those who may have any other disability, and indeed to any parent or anyone else who wants to read a fascinating, inspiring book.
