Official Review: It's Easier to Dance

[Jude Austin]

Sounds like an inspiring story by a woman who refused to let her circumstances and problems define her! Not sure it's one for me but thanks for a great review!

[jgraney8]

The review by EmunahAn of It’s Easier to Dance: Living Beyond Boundaries, the memoir of Annie L. Harris summarizes the life of an African-American woman facing the challenges of cerebral palsy from her birth in the 1940s. The review gives us many reasons to read the book and follow the story of Ms. Harris, who maintains a positive attitude in the face of her many difficulties. EmunahAn reviewer also warns us about the grammatical shortcomings of the book and possible frustrations in reading it. I found the review helpful in determining whether or not to read the book.

[MarisaRose]

Wow, it’s great to hear that this book influenced you! That’s a sign of a great and admirable writer. Too bad about the errors though. Thanks for the insightful review.

[ReyvrexQuestor Reyes]

A finely written memoir, covering the life of a woman who has gone through various phases of societal development from the 40's, 50's and throughout the many decades comprising her lifetime. Her viewpoint may be personal as a woman, as a minority, and as an individual with a developmental disability. It is interesting to know how he coped up with these very issues, as regards to her personal beliefs and as regards the cultural upheavals of a society on the process of transformation.
Thanks for your interesting review.

[jennyd2003]

Good review. I don't usually like memoirs but this one sounds intriguing. I think I'm going to read this one.

[lionmoon_3]

It's Easier to Dance
I have worked with disabled people both here and overseas. My sister was also disabled. This story deeply touched me. I long believed that the undervaluing of people with disabilities was a difficult cultural issue that is hard to change. This woman is definitely an example of what a person can accomplish with determination and faith. So many of those I have had the privilege to serve had been abused, and still functioned in a system that believes in administering too many drugs. So many had abilities that were just not developed.
Many people wouldn't believe that in Israel, there are kibbutzim where the disabled run the community, marry, and have 'normal' lives. What a stark contrast to what is still a painful life for many here in the States.
I would take my clients out to local restaurants. I don't know if anyone in the 'normal' society ever got used to seeing them. I applaud this woman and her accomplishments and hope others will be touched by her story and maybe be more open minded and accepting. She says she offers hope, and indeed she does by the example of her life!

[todwyer01]

A well researched and interesting novel that is tackling a wide range of social issues. From from reading a short sample, it is clear that the story has potential. Well done.

[jessicawallace6]

I'm definitely very interested in reading this after seeing your review! I think Annie's story is a true inspiration to those of us who call ourselves intersectional feminists, and I think reading the book might help a little of her strength and optimism to rub off on me!

[SaffraWhishart]

Yes, unfortunately it was rare for me to get through one paragraph without noticing errors. The author mentions at the beginning that her husband edited the book, & she definitely needs a professional.

Normally so many errors would bother me to the point that I couldn't keep reading. However, the author is such a powerful narrator, and the subject matter is so important, that I intend to finish this book--although maybe a little at a time.

As a person who lives with disability far less crippling than the author's, I can attest to the many difficulties people with disabilities still face. This incredibly powerful story needs a wider audience; I hope the author is able to get the professional editing that could help make that possible.

[Shrabastee Chakraborty]

First, I have to apologise because from the title of the book I assumed this to be a self-help book and was not keen at all. Good thing I still read the review and it changed my thoughts not only regarding the actual subject matter, but also about the general view of life. Persons with disabilities/diseases tend to withdraw themselves, thinking they are burdens to others. Needless to say, Anne's outlook of and approach to life will be a truly inspiring story, if not lesson, to us all. I intend to read this book.

[ladycraic]

Thanks for the review. It's unfortunate to hear about the grammatical errors but the story still seems very inspiring. I'll be adding this one to my shelf!

[CaitlinGonya]

It definitely sounds like a great motivational book about overcoming societal obstacles and handling one's own medical situations.

[eddix]

Thanks for this enlightening review. The sample was very short, but it caught my interest, and your review has strengthened my desire to read the entire book. I'm curious to know how the author overcame her challenges.

[Wisarut Supannafai9]

This is a short memoire that tells a real- life story. Annie Laurie Meachem, who has brain abnormalities causes her difficulties. Throughout her entire life, she had to resist and endure hardship and never gave up. I love the way that she learns to tame the mind to changing circumstances depending on social constraint such as ethnicity, life style, religious belief and spiritual practices. After her 40 years of age, she begins to contemplete on every possibility of gain-and-loss attitude toward her life. It's about sadness, disappointment, confusion and angry. Until now, she has to learn and get through life difficulties even though she has physical constraint, but her mindset is filled with determination. The tool that she uses to understand the world has influenced me "to see the reality as it is". Positivity is a key to live an optimal life. I love keep that in mind.

[Sahani Nimandra]

I really like her spirit. The strong positive spirit and never-give-up taught by her mother. A special gift that her mother gave her for life. Everyone has something to learn from this read. Thank you!