My Story: A Photographic Essay on Life with Multiple Sclerosis

Overview

In a series of dramatic essays and photographs by the renowned San Francisco-based photographer Amelia Davis, My Story is an evocative description of what it is like to live with multiple sclerosis (MS), a disease that affects about 350,000 Americans and whose cause is still not entirely known. The essays and accompanying photographs in this highly engaging, beautifully illustrated book poignantly portray the lives of thirty-two men and women from the ages of seventeen to seventy and of various ethnicities, and ...

See more details below
Available through our Marketplace sellers and in stores.

Pick Up In Store Near You

Reserve and pick up in 60 minutes at your local store

Other sellers (Paperback)
  • All (21) from $1.99   
  • New (6) from $25.43   
  • Used (15) from $0.00   
Close
Sort by
Page 1 of 1
Showing All
Note: Marketplace items are not eligible for any BN.com coupons and promotions
$25.43
Seller since 2011

Feedback rating:

(569)

Condition:

New — never opened or used in original packaging.

Like New — packaging may have been opened. A "Like New" item is suitable to give as a gift.

Very Good — may have minor signs of wear on packaging but item works perfectly and has no damage.

Good — item is in good condition but packaging may have signs of shelf wear/aging or torn packaging. All specific defects should be noted in the Comments section associated with each item.

Acceptable — item is in working order but may show signs of wear such as scratches or torn packaging. All specific defects should be noted in the Comments section associated with each item.

Used — An item that has been opened and may show signs of wear. All specific defects should be noted in the Comments section associated with each item.

Refurbished — A used item that has been renewed or updated and verified to be in proper working condition. Not necessarily completed by the original manufacturer.

New
Brand new and unread! Join our growing list of satisfied customers!

Ships from: Phoenix, MD

Usually ships in 1-2 business days

  • Standard, 48 States
  • Standard (AK, HI)
$25.44
Seller since 2008

Feedback rating:

(4071)

Condition: New
New Book. Shipped from UK within 4 to 14 business days. Established seller since 2000.

Ships from: Horcott Rd, Fairford, United Kingdom

Usually ships in 1-2 business days

  • Standard, 48 States
  • Standard (AK, HI)
$26.54
Seller since 2007

Feedback rating:

(8175)

Condition: New
Buy with confidence. Excellent Customer Service & Return policy.

Ships from: Richmond, TX

Usually ships in 1-2 business days

  • Canadian
  • International
  • Standard, 48 States
  • Standard (AK, HI)
$26.71
Seller since 2008

Feedback rating:

(768)

Condition: New
1932603018 Brand New. Exact book as advertised. Delivery in 4-14 business days (not calendar days). We are not able to expedite delivery.

Ships from: Romulus, MI

Usually ships in 1-2 business days

  • Canadian
  • International
  • Standard, 48 States
  • Standard (AK, HI)
$30.43
Seller since 2008

Feedback rating:

(16163)

Condition: New
Brand New, Perfect Condition, Please allow 4-14 business days for delivery. 100% Money Back Guarantee, Over 1,000,000 customers served.

Ships from: Westminster, MD

Usually ships in 1-2 business days

  • Canadian
  • International
  • Standard, 48 States
  • Standard (AK, HI)
$33.80
Seller since 2009

Feedback rating:

(50)

Condition: New
1932603018 ***BRAND-NEW*** FAST UPS shipping*. We've been in business for over 17 years. We provide EXCEPTIONAL customer service. We're open 24/7 to serve you best. *UPS does not ... deliver to PO Boxes or APO/FPO addresses, so please be sure to give us a physical address; also, unfortunately we cannot ship this item to Hawaii or Alaska. Read more Show Less

Ships from: Dundee, MI

Usually ships in 1-2 business days

  • Standard, 48 States
  • Standard (AK, HI)
  • Express, 48 States
  • Express (AK, HI)
Page 1 of 1
Showing All
Close
Sort by
Sending request ...

Overview

In a series of dramatic essays and photographs by the renowned San Francisco-based photographer Amelia Davis, My Story is an evocative description of what it is like to live with multiple sclerosis (MS), a disease that affects about 350,000 Americans and whose cause is still not entirely known. The essays and accompanying photographs in this highly engaging, beautifully illustrated book poignantly portray the lives of thirty-two men and women from the ages of seventeen to seventy and of various ethnicities, and socio-economic backgrounds who share the challenge of living with MS. Some, like Amelia, use no mobility aids, while others use canes, wheelchairs, or electric scooters. All have had to face the challenges and limitations that MS has imposed upon their lives, and each has devised unique and often creative coping strategies.Accompanying each essay are commentaries by family members and friends that express their own personal feelings and experiences of living with this disease.

Here are the inspirational stories of women, men, and children who live with this disease. Many have children; one or two are currently expecting them. Treatments and therapies for slowing the progression of the disease are revealed and shared, from the latest advances in prescription medication to alternative methods of coping, including yoga, exercise and competitive sports, creative activities such as writing and art, and even community activism. A wide range of accompanying stories by spouses, children, and other loved ones depict the ups and downs of living and caring for someone who has MS, from the moment of first diagnosis to dealing with its ongoing challenges. All are strong reminders of the selflessness of the human spirit, and its ability to nurture and remain strong under even adverse circumstances.

Highly motivating and deeply inspirational, My Story will be welcomed by anyone who lives with or shares the life of someone who has MS.

Read More Show Less

Editorial Reviews

MS World
"One box of tissues wasn't nearly enough." — about.com

"Amelia Davis was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis five years ago, just before her 30th birthday. After that, she learned she could live a full life with the disease, and to share that fact with others she undertook a personal project to photograph people living with MS, including such public figures as NASCAR driver Liane Mark, actor David Lander (Squiggy of Laverne and Shirley TV fame), and comedian Richanrd Pryor. Her images have been collected in a warm and enlightening new book, My Story, which has been receiving strong reviews." — American Photo

"This positive and inspiring portrait will be welcomed by anyone who lives with MS or shares the life of someone who has MS. Highly recommended for all general collections." — Library Journal

"In creating her new book, My Story: A Photographic Essay of Life With Multiple Sclerosis, Davis learned a lot more about MS and the people who have it. Thirty-one of them — and many of their caregivers — join her to trash stereotypes, confront fears, offer hope, tell the truth and put 32 faces on a mysterious illness that is often misunderstood."
— San Francisco Chronicle

"...My Story is a browsable compilation of essays depicting the many humanfaces of MS. Although the complexity of language varies throughout, thephotographs are accessible, even to new readers. The images greatly enrichthe text, offering encouragement and inspiration for anyone coming to termswith what it means to be a person with multiple sclerosis." — Consumer Connections

"You will keep this book in easy reach to read repeatedly - keep it by your bed, near your desk, close to your recliner, but buy it and keep it nearby because when you need inspiration, you will find it in these pages." — MS World

Library Journal
Davis, a renowned San Francisco-based photographer who has multiple sclerosis (MS), portrays 32 of her fellow sufferers through pictures and essays. People with MS some 350,000 Americans share some physical challenges and limitations, but in general the disease affects individuals differently. Ranging in ethnicity, socioeconomic background, and age from 17 to 70, Davis's male and female subjects have developed coping strategies tailored to their own needs, which they share here; caregivers, so often overlooked, are also given a forum. Most of the featured people are ordinary citizens, but several are distinguished, including a female Daytona race car driver, a Special Olympics coach, author Richard Cohen (Blindsided), and comedian Richard Pryor, who rarely allows himself to be photographed. This positive and inspiring portrait will be welcomed by anyone who lives with MS or shares the life of someone who has MS. Highly recommended for all general collections. Mary Nickum, Ivins, UT Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.
Read More Show Less

Product Details

  • ISBN-13: 9781932603019
  • Publisher: Demos Medical Publishing, LLC
  • Publication date: 3/1/2004
  • Edition number: 1
  • Pages: 300
  • Product dimensions: 8.00 (w) x 8.75 (h) x 0.30 (d)

Meet the Author

Amelia Davis is a native San Franciscan. As a freelance photographer, she has shown her work in fine art galleries, universities, and at medical symposia. Her photographs have been published in literary and art magazines and in textbooks. They deal with life's realities head on, and force the viewer to confront them. Amelia was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1998.

Her first book, The First Look, received The Sixteenth Annual Susan Koppelman Award for editing, and was selected by the AAUP Book and Jacket Show as one of the best designed books of 2000. Amelia has been a guest speaker at various fundraising events for Breast Cancer and Multiple Sclerosis and has appeared on numerous TV and radio shows, including PBS's Forum.

Read More Show Less

Customer Reviews

Be the first to write a review
( 0 )
Rating Distribution

5 Star

(0)

4 Star

(0)

3 Star

(0)

2 Star

(0)

1 Star

(0)

Your Rating:

Your Name: Create a Pen Name or

Barnes & Noble.com Review Rules

Our reader reviews allow you to share your comments on titles you liked, or didn't, with others. By submitting an online review, you are representing to Barnes & Noble.com that all information contained in your review is original and accurate in all respects, and that the submission of such content by you and the posting of such content by Barnes & Noble.com does not and will not violate the rights of any third party. Please follow the rules below to help ensure that your review can be posted.

Reviews by Our Customers Under the Age of 13

We highly value and respect everyone's opinion concerning the titles we offer. However, we cannot allow persons under the age of 13 to have accounts at BN.com or to post customer reviews. Please see our Terms of Use for more details.

What to exclude from your review:

Please do not write about reviews, commentary, or information posted on the product page. If you see any errors in the information on the product page, please send us an email.

Reviews should not contain any of the following:

  • - HTML tags, profanity, obscenities, vulgarities, or comments that defame anyone
  • - Time-sensitive information such as tour dates, signings, lectures, etc.
  • - Single-word reviews. Other people will read your review to discover why you liked or didn't like the title. Be descriptive.
  • - Comments focusing on the author or that may ruin the ending for others
  • - Phone numbers, addresses, URLs
  • - Pricing and availability information or alternative ordering information
  • - Advertisements or commercial solicitation

Reminder:

  • - By submitting a review, you grant to Barnes & Noble.com and its sublicensees the royalty-free, perpetual, irrevocable right and license to use the review in accordance with the Barnes & Noble.com Terms of Use.
  • - Barnes & Noble.com reserves the right not to post any review -- particularly those that do not follow the terms and conditions of these Rules. Barnes & Noble.com also reserves the right to remove any review at any time without notice.
  • - See Terms of Use for other conditions and disclaimers.
Search for Products You'd Like to Recommend

Recommend other products that relate to your review. Just search for them below and share!

Create a Pen Name

Your Pen Name is your unique identity on BN.com. It will appear on the reviews you write and other website activities. Your Pen Name cannot be edited, changed or deleted once submitted.

 
Your Pen Name can be any combination of alphanumeric characters (plus - and _), and must be at least two characters long.

Continue Anonymously
Sort by: Showing all of 3 Customer Reviews
  • Posted June 10, 2009

    Interesting glimpse into the life of MS

    When researching My Story by Amelia Davis I found this quote:
    "...[offers] encouragement and inspiration for anyone coming to terms with what it means to be a person with [MS]." -- Consumer Connections, Winter 2004

    I think this is the perfect description of this book. My Story: A Photographic Essay on Life with Multiple Sclerosis uses photographs along with short essays giving us a glimpse into the lives of 32 people living with MS. Contributors share the story of their life and how Multiple Sclerosis has changed them as well as the things they discovered that stay the same no matter what life throws at you. Photographs by Amelia Davis accompany each essay showing us the faces behind MS.

    For every essay written by a person with Multiple Sclerosis in this book there is a companion essay written by their caregiver. Behind every person with a chronic illness be it MS or something else there is always someone and often a lot of someones caring for those people. If not physically then mentally and emotionally. not for a second can the plight of the individuals with the illness be downplayed, but those surrounding and supporting those people must not be forgotten, My Story does a wonderful job of including these people while at the same time not taking away from the individuals they are caring for.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  No   Report this review
  • Posted March 29, 2009

    more from this reviewer

    Really Inspiring!

    I really did like this book. It is wonderfully done and I like how each chapter focuses on a different person & their loved ones. The pictures are fantastic and I really like the format of this book. I recommend it to young & old people alike.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  No   Report this review
  • Anonymous

    Posted August 10, 2004

    Hope springs eternal.

    Photographer-philanthropist Amelia Davis¿s thirty-two photo-interviewees suffer from the lifelong Mxyzptlkish disabilities caused by the nervous system degenerative disease, multiple sclerosis. If one line could capture the attitude of these sometimes frightened but always courageously hope-driven people, 46-year-old Phil and his caregiver girl friend, Kristen¿s, framed reminder would fill the net: ¿We can not direct the wind, but we can adjust our sails¿. In Davis¿s book of essays and photos, you visit with these neighbors of yours (you have about 350,000 of them), read their poignant stories and those of their families and caregivers¿too brief vignettes inviting you into their adventurous and meaning-filled lives¿see the beauty and passion in their faces through Davis¿s celestial eye, and discover how they create unique and marvelous quilts from the scraps life has given them. Despite sometimes heart-wrenching disabilities, these people find every day a good day, though some days better than others. Amelia Davis¿s book brims with life-lessons for everyone us¿the promise that we can turn our stumbling blocks, however they manifest, into stepping-stones. Read it for heart-care.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  No   Report this review
Sort by: Showing all of 3 Customer Reviews

If you find inappropriate content, please report it to Barnes & Noble
Why is this product inappropriate?
Comments (optional)