The Water Giver: The Story of a Mother, a Son, and Their Second Chance

Beautiful...every mother should read this.

I couldn't put this book down. A tragic experience, beautifully told by a mother who learns how strong we must be when life kicks us in the a**.

A Different Life

Joan Ryan takes you on a no holes barred tour of mothering a special needs child. But this is not the story you are expecting. Joan learns to truly love her son for who he is and for every moment of precious life when an accident renders him brain injured in addition to his special needs. A wonderful read even if like me you think you know this story, you don't. I was also surprised to realize I have enjoyed this author's craft with a non fiction account of the world of gynmnasts entitled Little Girls In Pretty Boxes. I am now very much a fan of Joan Ryan.

If you know someone who has had a head injury this is a must read book.

I was not very impressed with the title, "The Water Giver". So you give someone a glass of water. How is that a big deal? But half through the book the importance of "The Water Giver" becomes clear.

Went nowhere

This book was characterized as being a "special needs" book. It is not. Also, I couldn't finish it. It dragged on and on. The book may have been a catharsis for the author but there was no comfort for a reader who might be experiencing the same situation. It was a boring book and I just donated it away. I didn't even lend it. I wish I hadn't spent the money on it.

Inspiring

What a wonderful moving story. A must read for every parent who has struggled to come to terms with accepting their child for who they are not what they want them to be. I could not put the book down. I cried with Joan, her husband, family and friends as Ryan struggled and rejoice over his successes.

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No text was provided for this review.