ABCD...EEG A Father's Journey With A Handicapped Son

John,

This is a very powerful, well-written opening chapter. You capture all the anguish and worry parents in these kinds of terrible situations must go through. Intelligence and compassion shine through in your writing. The short, sharp sentences are very effective, and add pace and drama to the story. Happy to give you my backing, and hope to dip back in for some more when I have more time.

Regards

NA 'The Butterfly and the Wheel'

I noticed your pitch, and since I had a spare bit of time before leaving this morning I decided to read chapter 1. The first paragraphs pulled me in. No parent can read those words and not feel a chill of sorrow. And, I don't think anyone can write it in the way you've done without having experienced it. From this point, I read on, and the opening lines ran smoothly into the past. Going back to the beginning, before your son was conceived and running though to being told about the Cerebral Palsy and then the fever. It's scary enough raising healthy children, but to have the added addition of a handicap or illness, it would've terrified me. I will read on when I get some more time. Kind regards, Marita. P.S. Typos: I noticed a few instances where you put the commas and fullstops after the quotation marks. Eg. "It's not as bad as they say", **Change to: "It's not as bad as they say,"

Thank you "Nigel". I am just getting back to the site...got very discouraged when things changed over but will try again. I will have a look at your work too! Thanks again, John Holton

From the get-go, your book is powerful and moving. Backed and starred!!
Sincerely,
John B Campbell (Walk to Paradise Garden)

From the get-go, your book is powerful and moving. Backed and starred!!
Sincerely,
John B Campbell (Walk to Paradise Garden)

This is a lesson in life that everyone should read. Told with equal amounts of sadness, euphoria, and humour, it is a very honest and open biographical account and study of the human condition. The story hits you straight in the face from chapter one. It reminded me of Bob Monkhouse on the Parkinson show talking about his severely disabled son Gary. His honesty and frankness was breath taking. Well written in an easy to read style. Very well done and I wish you every success with it.

Regards, Chris Williams – The Stories of Rhys
www.thestoriesofrhys.com

John

Thanks for the backing. I'm a little unsure about reading your book. My wife and I are having our first baby in September and the one thing that keeps me up at nights at the moment is how I would cope if my child were mentally or physically handicapped. I'm ever so slightly terrified that I won't be a good enough person.

All the best,

Ian

John,

I've just read your opening chapter. You write with clarity and power. There is a rawness to the emotion of your words which really strikes the reader from the first few paragraphs. Your style reminds me a little of Kenzaburo Oe in 'A Personal Matter.' Although his book is classed as a purely fictional work it deals with similiar subject matter, and the way parents cope. You've set your story up very well here, John, and I think you story would be of interest to a wide readership. Happy to give you my backing.

NA 'A Red Sky in Morning' & 'Tales of Ordinary Sadness'

A difficult subject not to overcook with emotive description, but this is handled with skill and sensitivity. Especially relevent, as, in one form or another, I suspect the author has close ties with what he's written. The couple's emotional rollercoaster is cleverly chronicalled not to allow the reader to wallow in the negative for too long. Good work.

Mike.

Yours is such a heart-rending story that I really wanted to like it. But there is no room for the "sympathy vote" on here so I have to be completely honest with you. I really do like it!! I was worried that your story would come right from the heart (which it does, of course) but that it would have no style or be full of grammatical errors. But you write really well. The inner dialogue is terrific, and you bring in such wonderful human laughter. I will be reading more when I get the chance, but in the meantime am more than happy to back this. Colin

This is a serious topic but because it is seasoned with humour, it makes good reading.
Love your writing - don't stop or even slow down.
Disney World awaits!
M. Carruthers

ABCD..EEG - A FATHER'S JOURNEY WITH HIS HANDICAPPED SON

John - Love that lasts for a lifetime has motivated you as the writer who authored this remarkable book. Love that endures between parents who continue to provide protective care for Johnny their mental and physically disabled son, despite countless setbacks. Love for his brother Jimmy that allows him to mature to a fulfilled life. To suggest that this book, in its 15 Chapters, is a must for all people involved in the care of "the learning disabled" (to use the UK definition for people traditionally classified as mentally handicapped) would perhaps subliminally hint that it it is only for engaged professionals in the field. No: this is very much a book for the general reader and as wide a readership as possible. It is a thoroughgoing thought-provoking gem of its genre. One of its principal redemptive features of the lifetime journey described, is the realisation that Johnny's parents, John and Sandra, are still in there pitching for their stricken son and deeply bonded to each other year on, year on. For them, Love is not all, but compounded with duty, committment and dogged Attrition. Sadly, and too often, parents break up because of the caring pressures placed on their relationship. Another attraction about this book is that the author maintains a certain detachment which deters the book from materialising into a mawkish tear-jerker. Indeed, he constantly manages to insert exhilarating vignettes of humour and revealing insights into ordinary human behavior and attitudes as compared to the bizarre behaviour and attitudes of Johnny. The final Chapter is a most moving and educative Review/Reprise/Summation of all the attributes that led to the realisation of this truly commenable book. BACKED.

Tony Brady - SCENES FROM AN EXAMINED LIFE - Books 1,2 & 3.

John - Hello!

I noticed your book has a downward pointing red arrow alongside it today. Although I am hot on your heels at number 19 and ascending, I want to help convert that sign to an upward pointing green arrow. For that reason, I am Watchlisting your book right now and will Back it straightaway if you wish or hold off tactically until you need the final nudge to The Editor's Desk where I am sure it is destined. Now or later? It's up to you.

Best Regards - Tony Brady - SCENES FROM AN EXAMINED LIFE - Books 1,2 & 3.

Hi John, You’ve written so well about a disappointing and then devastating experience with what normally is so hopeful. The style reflects the stress and the bewilderment as Sandra’s labor went on for too long. The narrator's voice can become objective too, realizing the attitude of the boss and in the acceptance of the condition. A moving chronicle. Easily shelved – Katherine (The Swan Bonnet)

Hey John,

I just finished reading your story to mom, it is now 12:30 AM. I couldn't "put it down". We laughed and we cried. Having been exposed in small ways to your family, I have seen evidence of Johnny's subdued antics but this is the first time that I feel like I can truly empathize. It is so true, one can never truly understand the circumstances of another until they see from the eyes of the one faced with the adversity. I love you guys. Looking back at when we first moved here and thinking of all you and your family did to help us feel welcome, and knowing now how much you have been through, your self-sacrifice is so much more deeply appreciated.

From the bottom of my heart, Thanks.

Amber.

ABCD..EEG A Father's Journey with a Handicapped Boy

Dear John,

Every parent and would-be parent wonders what it would be like
to have a handicapped child. Love the title.

Your narrator tells us the journey, emotionally pulling us into each stop along the way.
I experienced multicoloured responses I never knew I had.
And I felt as powerless as the father, in the situations he found himself in.

I will read on to find the courage he has to write this book.
I can certainly imagine this book in Oprah's book club as well as my own.

A Zoomer
(Going Out in Style)

What an amazing story. You write beautifully, both with genuine honesty and integrity. Infact, from the three chapters I have read, you seem to run the gamut of all human emotions. Sadness, humour, fragility, decency, fear and many more and I am really only touching the surface of what is a great book.
Carl
The Time Hunters

Have just added this apparent gem to my watchlist. It's rare that such a serious and personal topic is infused with such touching humor and hilarity to balance -- and cope with -- the fury and pain.

There is not enough non-fiction on my list or my shelf. Happy to change that with your promising book.

Will back after I get deeper into the manuscript.

Best,

Greg

This is a very well written account of a very personal journey but it does grab the reader's attention. In commercial terms there is a huge market for these kind of books and while many readers are voyeuristic, many seek to understand their own circumstances. I think you will speak very well on behalf of these voicless. Having a family member who is disabled through an accident at birth, I could relate to many of your thoughts.
Jim Darcy
The Firelord's Crown

This so calmly and well told that I can only marvel
So many things are dead on
the pompous prig of a psychiatrist in chap 3, the unfailing kindness of others, ordering your food while johnny is having his seizures, the escapes in chapter 5 and suing you no less.
Moving heartbreaking yet beautiful
Backed with appreciation
Micheal O'Durcain
Murder on the Menu

Anonymous 31062

Sounds mysterious...4 backings for 1... I like the sound of your book. My wife loves "chaos theory" she says it's what her life often feels like...right on the brink! I'm backing your book.
John Holton



I've shelved you just to see if it works. Oh, I'll actually read your book, it sounds interesting.

John Holton (ABCD..EEG, A Father's Journey With a Handicapped Son)

Congratulations on your amazing life
and marvelous book.. This is a gift to
humanity. Shelved with appreciation
mikegilli The Free

Heart wrencing story told really well. Enoyable and eyeopening page turner

backed

Very moving and a very good explanation as to the feeling when such events occur. Backed with pleasure

Colt
A Time for Living

A well presented, thought provoking true story which should certainly be inspiring to others finding themselves in your situation. Having said this, I was rivetted by your account, so it should appeal to a wider audience. Best wishes - Paula (Cuthbert: How Mean is My Valley?)

Very well-written. Inspirational stuff. Painful and life-changing, your story will bring comfort to many, I'm sure.
BACKED.
My best wishes, Barry
Little Krisna and the Bihar Boys

Really well done, I wish you the best of luck with it. E.Loraine Royal Blood Chronicles book one

Welcome aboard, John. This website will improve your writing craft, if you allow it. You have to think of your pitches as your sales tool to grab the casual reader's eyes. The short pitch actually works since this is non-fiction. With the long pitch, break it down into smaller paragraphs so it reads faster. Though this is Harper True Life, end it with a succinct question so it piques your reader's interest. Perfecting your pitches is how you climb in ranking to gather more exposure and comments to better your novel. The writing is good so I am SHELVING you.

Though I have been a very active member for over a year, I can still use your comments on my book when you get the chance. Every little bit helps. Cheers!

JC
The Obergemau Key

Hi John,

I have backed your book because I was hooked by the pitch, loved the introduction and read on. How much more I read depends on time and commitment.

Enjoy everything and good luck.

Rusty Bernard
Psychiatric Evaluation

Backed with confidence! Tom Ryerson (Carnal Wreckage)

Very well-written thought provoking and heart-wrenching read. A story written from the heart of courage, bravery and I expect eventual reward.

Happy to shelve such a worthwhile novel.

Melxx
Impeding Justice.

ABCD
This is a heart wrenching story. And at the same time, an inspirational one as a father learns to cope with heartbreak and a son learns to live within his capabilities. The mark of this is that it’s not a “poor me” story; it’s a story of courage and bravery in the face of emotional pain. I think you’ll find a wide audience for this among other parents who have handicapped children. They’ll want to read it to compare their experiences with doctors and schooling and to see how this all plays out. I’m adding this to my shelf. Burgio (Grain of Salt).

Well written and emotional. You obviously poured out your heart writing this. I hope the act of composition brought comfort and that this work might have the opportunity to share that comfort with others in the same position. Good luck getting this out there.

D.E. LaRiviere (AKA Milo Saint) Six of One

This is a beautifully written, inspiring true story. Thank you for writing this. It is sure to touch many hearts and help others. Backed.

Dear John, I love that you shared your heart-wrenching story. :) How precious. :) I thought my life was so terrible, as you will see in my memoir, but there is always things to be thankful for. God bless you. :) Before I began to read your book, I was prepared by your recap/pitch,which was very well done. :) Your story is good because you create interest by having short paragraphs & lots of dialogue, which makes me want to keep reading to find out what's going to happen next. I'm "backing" your book: When you back a book, it only improves the ranking of that book, not yours. However, the author whose book you are backing may decide to back your book also, in which case yes, your ranking would be improved...authonomy. :) Please "back" my TWO memoir books, "He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not" & my completed memoir unedited version? "Tell Me True Love Stories," which tells at the end, my illness now & 6th abusive marriage." Thanks, Susie :)
p.s. Remember: Every time you place a book on your bookshelf, your recommendation pushes the book up the rankings. And while that book sits on your bookshelf, your reputation as a talent spotter increases depending on how well that book performs. :)

You've conveyed despair with great eloquence which is difficult to do whether the situation is imaginary or real. The only criticism I would make is your use of numbers instead of the word for them. Otherwise, an immensely moving account. backed. Lynn