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.
Reviewed by K.J. Simmill for Readers' Favorite
Uncommon Voyage: Parenting Children with Special Needs by Laura Shapiro Kramer is a guidebook for parents, focusing on the questions many of us, with children needing that extra help, have asked. It focuses on universal questions, those niggling concerns and thoughts often voiced only to parents in similar situations. Unfortunately, such people are not always available, or people don't feel comfortable talking to others, and that is where this book comes in. I found myself appreciating the highlighted Navigation Points and Laura's Insights found throughout the book, all focused on helping me as a parent identify what I need, while drawing on her experience. I also found the suggested reading very useful; as a parent I feel my own knowledge helps me better prepare for the challenges my son and myself will face. This book in itself is a useful tool, a must-have reference to help navigate the ever changing tides of raising a child with special needs.
Perhaps the most admirable trait is the fact that the author skirts around specific conditions and labels to create a guide accessible and relevant to all. It makes numerous suggestions which will help a parent to manage themselves and their child's condition better; often small, simple things that will make a world of difference. It is also encouraging to the parent, and goes a long way to making the reader understand that, whilst their entire world may revolve around their child, they also need some time for themselves. After all, a child's world revolves around the parent, and a stressed out, frustrated parent will cause a similar response in their child. I myself have often felt guilty about needing just a few moments to myself, especially after a challenging day. Sometimes just seeing that your own needs not only matter, but are important, really makes a difference. I for one will be keeping this book close, referring to it often when I feel lost or in need of that extra bit of support. I know it will prove invaluable - I only wish I'd found it sooner. This is without a doubt the most worthwhile book I have read for years. Thank you to Laura Shapiro Kramer for writing this; you won't believe the difference your words have made.
