4 out of 4 stars
Share This Review
There comes a time when a read is both simple, yet thought-provoking. A read in which seems a bit out-of-reach, yet so relatable. This is what it felt like to read the non-fiction text, Half My Life: The Testimony of a Father and His Special Needs Child by Joseph Lim.
Joseph Lim is a husband and a father of three beautiful children. For this book’s focus, he wrote about his son, Jordan. Jordan is energetic, lovable, and strong. He trusts his parents wholeheartedly with every decision that is made, which is key since this young boy has autism. Autism is a condition that affects the development of the brain and essentially affects Jordan’s daily life. What makes this situation even more challenging is that this boy has also been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at a very young age. In this read, the reader learns and gets to know the trials and joys that Jordan brings to his loving and persevering family.
There are so many aspects of this book that I really love. For one, I enjoy the author’s writing style and his attitude throughout the piece. His writing is comfortable, logical, and simple. He writes in a way that makes you feel like you are best friends. With every passing page, there are a range of emotions that correlate with the stories he shares. Sometimes he is happy of the wonderful accomplishments his son has made, sometimes he is frustrated with the way people treat others with special needs, and sometimes he is in awe of his son’s strengths.
Secondly, Lim has a great ability to communicate so well, and that most likely has to do with his passion – God. This author has wrote and presented several sermons in his life, which explains why he attributes much of this book to God’s love and care for people. Even with having a son who will always need care and services for the rest of his life, Lim knows that the Lord has a bigger plan for Jordan. Therefore, he holds no resentment or anger toward the fact that his boy has two conditions that makes Jordan’s life more challenging.
Lastly, I have to say that this book has brought back so many wonderful and trying memories to me as well. I taught children with autism for a few years, and I absolutely love each and every one of my previous students – even those who tested my patience and had physical behavioral outbursts. Lim was able to bring back these memories and his story touches my heart. He is truly a parent that not only loves his son, but understands him as well.
Hands down Half My Life deserves a 4 out of 4 stars. I highly recommend this loving tribute to those who have or work with children with special needs and even to those who would like to learn more about what it means when a child has autism.
******
Half My Life: The Testimony of a Father and His Special Needs Child
View: on Bookshelves | on Barnes and Noble
Like hsimone's review? Post a comment saying so!
