I am so very grateful Elisa Morgan had the courage to write this book.
351414
I was in MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) for 5 years and knew of Elisa because of being in leadership.  This book is raw and transparent, giving those of us whose children have taken the path of drugs, alcohol or abuse hope, but more importantly gives us the grace (and tools) to not judge our mothering skills against those who seem to have done it all right.  I am so very grateful that she wrote this book and will read it more than once as I navigate the new normal in my family.
1530485
Thank you for showing me how to be strong. You share so much that I'm sure that there are a lot of people who find similarities and ways to relate, making your blog and book what it is. But reading your book has helped me learn so much in my

situation from your willingness to be open - thank you.

Thank you so much for giving me an example of strength - you're an amazing woman.  And congratulations on the long journey you've made and on the happiness you've found - I know that my own is just a short road ahead.
245239
I am able to relate to this work on so many levels. I commend the author for her bravery and honesty in this book.
3368045
I am so grateful that she has written this book. I can definitely see myself in her shoes in the beginning of her book. She has given so much information that is so helpful that we have been very successful on this diet that I recommend it to everyone that I can.  having someone boo has been there and done that and has now written a book like this helped so many families and it will help so many more.
2595744
Camilla Downs has really written an exceptional book.  She opens up about her own life so that she might truly help others find some insight into their own.  I have had the privilege of belonging to a support group with her for children with chromosome 18 disorders and have found her posts there to be wonderfully supportive and hopeful and when I found out she wrote a book, I couldn't wait to read it.  It was everything I thought it would be.  As a mother to a four year old with special needs, it' made me really think about my own life and relationship with my daughter.  The one thing I have to say I took away from this book was the prevailing message throughout the book about "living in the moment'.  Not letting outside distractions take away from what you're doing or experiencing with your child or anyone else for that matter.  It really hit home for me.  How many times was I reading a book to my daughter and thinking about all kinds of other things or perhaps the tv was on in the background.  I was reading the words but I wasn't in the moment.  I have become very conscious of that because of this book.  I have had a tough time as of late with a lot of worries.  I have a lot on my plate, but I now find myself sitting with my daughter and putting it all aside to really engage with her and with what we're doing in that moment and it has made a huge impact.  Learning to put aside all these distractions has made me more aware of her and even more in awe of what's she's learning and doing every day that I was before.  Thank you Camilla Downs for helping me to open my eyes.  You have made an impact on my life and I'm sure the lives of many others.  I am in the process of getting my degree in child development and I have now decided to focus on working with special needs families.  You have inspired me to look into being certified as a special needs life coach.  That is my ultimate goal.  I would love to talk to you more about that sometime when I get closer to actually pursuing my certification.  Thanks for all you do.  You are an amazing woman, mother and spokesperson for so many.  I wish you a long and prosperous career doing what you love.
2779528
My friends and I read this book together over the last few months. A few of us in the group readily admit to struggling with anxiety on a daily basis from the everyday worries to the extreme things that may never come to pass. I underlined something on nearly every page and wrote questions to myself in the margins. Susie challenged me, but she also seriously comforted me with her own experiences and especially her expression of God's character. I know I'm going to read this book again. I think to myself often that I must "choose to do it afraid" sometimes, a quote Susie adapts from Elisabeth Elliot. This book is so easy to read. I never felt like I was trudging through it. There were things in the book that I did not exactly relate to, but Susie brought up so many different examples of fear from others' experiences that I understood. The most astounding reality of Susie's book and life, is really the way God has worked to bring things full circle and redeemed. It leaves me with so much hope and faith that He is active in my life as well.
4598977
Few books have captured me quite like this book.  The writing flows , is so beautiful and at the same time so appealing to my emotions, that I was either grinning, laughing, pondering or had tears trickling off my chin.
The difficulties Mrs. Morgan has faced, conquered or come to terms with in her quest to help the homeless are so subtly presented that I was totally caught up and wanted to rush to find her next adventure.
Yet the way the words are put together I found myself reading whole sections aloud just for the pleasure of hearing them, then rereading to hear them again.
Mrs. Morgan has found and expressed some real meanings of life and how we can find joy and fulfillment in trying to live up to these meanings.
I have told many people about 'Concrete Killing Fields' and its many messages.  They have all agreed that this book is a real "Keeper", one you want to keep near to be able to pick up and enjoy a part of, or the whole book again and again.
What a great writer Mrs. Morgan is and how wonderfully she has dealt with this important subject. How we hope there will be a new book soon for us to savor and learn from.
3607173
The author's willingness to share so much in a brutally honest way amazes me. She had to research and revisit, or learn for the first time in many instances, how bad she was doing physically and mentally and how close she came to death or possible lifelong institutionalization. Then, she  openly bares herself for all to read. I learned so much and am truly fascinated by the  bodies ability to betray itself. I, too, have autoimmune  disease (Crohn 's Disease and Rhuematoid Arthritis) so I am aware of this type of illness but had not heard of it affecting the brain. I also am a  Professional Counselor so my curiosity is definitely  piqued about the possibility of misdiagnosis in patients...Thank you so much for sharing your story!
403526
After the stillbirth loss of my first granddaughter in December 2007, I needed help understanding how and why this happened and what I could do about it. I was angry and on a mission but I could not stop crying. My daughter in law and the mother of this precious baby gave me the name of the MISS Foundation and so my journey to understanding began. After many failed attempts to get Joanne on the phone, she called me. During that conversation she mostly listened while I talked through my unrelenting tears. Not only did she give me information and the will to continue my journey, she gave me hope that I would find my way through my grief. I have always been so grateful that this busy lady took the time to listen and educate me. She understood because she had lost her daughter and she had helped so many relatives of lost children find their way through the grieving process. This book is a testament to Joanne's unwavering love for all living things and her courage to be the support that all of us need. I just finished reading Bearing the Unbearable and absolutely loved it. Thank you once again, my friend. Your style of writing, the poetic approach you have, strengthens my heart. Bless you and yours! Joan W. Higgs, Seven Valleys, PA
3787966
This book took me out of the miserable life I have been experiencing lately. Maggie taught me that I need to do whats best for me and not worry about anyone elses thoughts or feelings on it. I am so glad that I took a chance on this book.
4717085
Thank you Donna!  Your book was so brave and so smart
4702368
I'm so glad this young lady told her story!!  It needed to be told.
2287178
This book was both amazing and heartfelt.  Having lost several close family members after long illnesses, I know how confusing, heartbreaking, difficult, isolating, and emotionally and financially devastating this journey can be not only for the patient but also for the primary caregiver and the entire family.  Ms. Cooper showed great courage in re-visiting her daughters' illness and death in the hopes that it would bring about something positive for someone, might possibly make their journey just a little bit easier.  This book is written in an easy style, giving people practical information and tips, as well as emotional support.  Ms. Cooper provides insight to anyone who finds it necessary to navigate the health system, and coordinate the many necessary appointments, while also navigating the family dynamics that go along with it.  You can't help but feel how personal this story is, along with all of the raw emotions that were experienced as Bethany's illness progressed.  I am so glad that I read this book.  It reminded me that your life can change in an instant, and you need to have courage, faith, compassion, and humor to face the unimaginable.  Ms. Cooper has blessed us with Bethany's story, and I will be a little bit better because of it.
427799
I have two children with special needs, and this book was a blessing to read.  Not only is it a resource with information for further resources, but the knowledge the author has is invaluable.  I felt like she was talking to me as a friend, encouraging, providing her insight and experience, and helping me to understand my children and some of the hoops they may encounter.  Because the author is a teacher and a mom, her two-sided perspective gives the reader a sense of trust and comfort, that life for, and with my children will be ok.  There were so many moments in the book with which I could identify.  It is reassuring to know I'm not alone as a parent.  The author teaches parents how to effectively advocate for children while maintaining an honest view of life with a child with special needs.  It's definitely a trial and error process when raising children with needs, so positive input is so helpful.  Next time I'm in Walmart and someone tries to talk to my child but she doesn't respond appropriately, I don't have to explain anything.  Or when my other daughter is freaking out in the bathroom that has automatic flush but she needs to go so badly that I feel like I have to try to make her go, it doesn't matter what people think when it takes 30 minutes of my trying every tactic I can think of while she screams and sounds like she is being tortured.
I'm extremely thankful that our school has a great team of experts who can guide us to make important decisions regarding the kids, but it helped to read this and know that it's ok when we have setbacks.  My youngest daughter can read really well and could say the pledge of allegiance just after her 2nd birthday, but she struggles with fine motor skills, math, and abstract thinking.  It was a very difficult decision, but we are having her repeat 1st grade this year.
My older daughter will continue on to second grade, but she struggles academically.  She was just diagnosed this year as IDD, and even though I don't love that she has it, I felt thankful to finally have a diagnosis so that she can get the help she needs.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone, but especially to people who work with special needs children so that they can better understand the parents' perspective, and then of course all parents of special needs children.  It truly is a blessing that the author was willing to share her experiences in order to help others.
2473517
I chose this rating because I myself wish to write fiction and Morgan embraces the need for me to seek comfort in learning from how she kept the characters leaping out of the book and engaging my wonderment. Thank you for helping me get away from my everyday crazy life to find Solis and hope for my tomorrow.
318031
I am in a writer's group with Nikki. She is one of the most positive, resourceful people I know. Her story is an inspiration. We all have our challenges; I am amazed at how Nikki turned her challenges into opportunities; it is courageous of Nikki to share her heart with us and give us hope. The world certainly needs more of that. Thank you, Nikki.
4885995
Wow-I just finished this book and I feel deeply moved. Kimberly Williams-Paisley has demonstrated courage, humility and such raw honesty.
I am fortunate enough not to have been personally touched by dementia in my family but her lessons for accepting people we love in the moment, without expectation but with delight and appreciation are for all of us. Thank you to writing this book.