Able to Laugh: Learning to be joyful though the struggle is real (from TikTok's much-loved interabled couple!)

by Jade Reynolds, John Reynolds

Overview

Q: Why is your wife in a wheelchair?
A: Because she can't walk.

Q: Why were you ironing in the nude anyway?
A: No wait, I can explain...

Q: Why would this happen to you?
A: Why wouldn't it?

People ask the silliest things.

But for Jade and John Reynolds it's the silence surrounding disability that's the strangest of all.

When Jade unexpectedly suffered from a rare condition which left her paralysed and in a wheelchair at the age of twelve, she never imagined that she'd one day meet her husband John and that together they would take to social media to dispel the stigma surrounding disability, one story at a time.

From questions about suffering and sex to family and faith, Jade and John speak honestly and humorously about life as an inter-able couple. And here, they bring together the big questions (and big jokes) that have made them so popular online onto the page in a debut book that will help you reframe your hardship into reasons to hope.

It's time to discover that no matter what life throws at you, you are truly, able to laugh.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780281089819
Publisher:	SPCK (Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge)
Publication date:	12/03/2024
Pages:	160
Product dimensions:	5.43(w) x 8.50(h) x (d)

About the Author

Jade and John Reynolds are theology graduates and co-hosts of the 'Bring to Light' podcast. Jade has been paralyzed since the age of 12 and together with John, is seeking to dispel the stigma surrounding disability among their 195,000 strong TikTok following which has amassed over 7.9 million likes in less than a year and approx. 8,000 followers on Instagram. They live and work in Blackburn where they are raising their two children together.

Table of Contents

Introduction: Why did you write a book together?
1. Why is your wife in a wheelchair?
2. How did you respond? (Funny question)
3. Do you any disabled jokes offend you?
4. At least things can't get worse?!
5. Do you have a thing for disabled women?
6. Is your husband your carer?
7. How have you had kids?
8. Isn't it a bit selfish of you to have kids?
9. How do you get out of bed in the morning?
10. If you're a Christian, why did God let this happen? And why hasn't he healed you?
11. If you could go back in time and change what happened to you, would you do it?

Editorial Reviews

"This book had me crying tears of sadness then quickly after tears of joy - it will have you literally laughing out loud in parts. Jade and John are exceptional people who tell their story in a vulnerable, honest and humorous way. This book is one that we can all learn and grow from."

Elle Limebear

"With a mixture of unvarnished honesty and winsome stoicism, Jade and John have produced a super piece of work that never fails to be engaging and always manages to escape the paparazzi of cynicism or triteness that plenty of books in this genre get snapped by. It's a book that's funny when it wants to be, profound when it tries to be, and powerful whether it aims to be or not. It's clearly a book that hasn't been rushed, because this is a story the two of them have been living for some time through the thickness and thinness of life. The care taken to neither shirk nor shy, while remaining unshakeably hopeful, is something that deserves high praise - and so I praise it highly."

Andy Kind

"This book has it all; irresistible humour, raw honesty and gorgeous authors. (I was asked to write that last bit.) Not for the faint hearted 'Able to Laugh' is tough to put down and at times, tough to read. Jade and John don't shy away from the big topics of mental health, parenting, disability, John's ego, Jade's legs and the power of love. It's witty, wise and winsome and I guarantee you'll be glad you've spent time in their company."

Rachel Gardner

"How we respond to adversity in life often defines how the rest of our story unfolds. Jade and John show not just the power of resilience, but humour as well in 'Able to Laugh'. It's a wonderfully inspiring story of love, strength and triumph over adversity."

Simon Thomas

"This book is inspirational. A must read for any woman who knows the predicament of being a very patient woman with an incredibly annoying husband."

Suzie Kennedy

"If you like your books full of gritty honesty, laugh-out-loud humour and cheeky but challenging stories about life (including the realities of life with a disability), this is the book for you. But more than that, this is a beautiful story of two people whose love, determination, wit and wisdom are inspiring and hilarious in equal measure. I can't recommend this book highly enough."

Cathy Madavan

"Able To Laugh is a masterpiece of humour, joy and profound wisdom. John and Jade never shy away from the deep and sometimes heart-breaking realities of life, yet, it is this authenticity, teamed with genuine humour, that makes their story so uplifting. This book leaves you better for having read it!"

Emma Borquaye

"Annoyingly John and Jade are as brilliant at long form prose as they are at short form videos. If they decide to do a stand-up tour on the back of this I am giving up comedy forever."

Tony Vino

"We love Jade and John's posts on social media - and now this book! Funny, informative, down-to-earth and hopeful, Able to Laugh is a beautiful and moving account of the reality of disability. We recommend it to everyone."

Archie and Sam Coates

"Able to Laugh by John and Jade Reynolds is a refreshing and honest take on navigating life's challenges with humour and resilience. This book beautifully combines deep reflection, wisdom, and humour, offering readers a unique and authentic glimpse into Jade's journey through paralysis and their family life. John and Jade's storytelling is engaging and relatable, making this book a must-read for anyone looking for a heartfelt and entertaining read. Able to laugh is a true gem that will leave you laughing, crying, and ultimately feeling inspired by the power of laughter in the face of adversity. Highly recommend!"

Dan Blythe