book data
137 ratings, 4.30 average rating, 25 reviews
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published
1997
by Penguin Books Australia
binding
Audio Cassette
isbn
0141801050
(isbn13: 9780141801056)
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other reviews (showing 1-20 of 181)
Read in January, 2008
recommended to Tanya by:
Simone
I'm not close to done but felt compelled to say ... wow!
Now that's I've finished it ... still wow! Definitely an inspiring story of love and devotion under impossible circumstances. I also enjoyed the Australian "flavor" (for lack of a better word).
If anyone in SD is interested in this, the Central library branch has a copy. It'll be back there within the week, after I turn it in.
Now that's I've finished it ... still wow! Definitely an inspiring story of love and devotion under impossible circumstances. I also enjoyed the Australian "flavor" (for lack of a better word).
If anyone in SD is interested in this, the Central library branch has a copy. It'll be back there within the week, after I turn it in.
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2 comments
Read in November, 2007
A sad book, but really interesting. I'm glad to have read it. I never knew much about the life of a bleeder, and was amazed at how much classic bleeders have to go through to just live some resemblance of an ordinary life.
I was totally appalled at how the Courtenays were treated by a lot the medical 'industry' (for want of better word), and even more so at the fact that people were so callous about AIDS. I wonder if it was only in Australia or if it's representative of how people all over t...more
I was totally appalled at how the Courtenays were treated by a lot the medical 'industry' (for want of better word), and even more so at the fact that people were so callous about AIDS. I wonder if it was only in Australia or if it's representative of how people all over t...more
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Read in January, 2002
recommends it for:
anyone & everyone
A great read. Basically a biography of the life of Bryce Courteney's son who contracted HIV through Blood transfussions. Truly a heart rending tale but one which shows just how much the Human spirit can overcome given the right sort of attitude and support from family & friends.
Absolutely loved this book. Its no wonder, he's such a superb author given what he's been through in life.
Absolutely loved this book. Its no wonder, he's such a superb author given what he's been through in life.
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Read in January, 2008
recommends it for:
Everyone
This was the most amazing book. I have read it twice and I still get something new out of it.
The absolute pain that Bryce Courtney went through. How does one pick themselves up after that. Also he was very human whereby he states in the book that he could have done better for Damin i.e. not sending him home with Celeste so sick without him.
One of my favourite books.
The absolute pain that Bryce Courtney went through. How does one pick themselves up after that. Also he was very human whereby he states in the book that he could have done better for Damin i.e. not sending him home with Celeste so sick without him.
One of my favourite books.
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I've never been so 'moved' & everybody I've spoken to who have also read this have made the same or similiar comments.
Words (well I at least do not seem to have the words) can not describe the impact and the lasting impression the completely brutally honest and straight from the heart account this book has left on me.
Words (well I at least do not seem to have the words) can not describe the impact and the lasting impression the completely brutally honest and straight from the heart account this book has left on me.
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Read in January, 2001
Bryce Courtenay really knows how to involve you in the story in all of his books. April Fool's Day is a true story based on the life of his son Damon who suffered for much of his life from AIDS. It is a heart-wrenching story that often had me in tears, but sends the powerful message of what it is to have love in your life.
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Read in May, 2008
This is a sort of Biography/Novel about the authors son who passed away from AIDS. It is a compelling read and I have always like Courtney's writing style. One reason I think I like his books so much is that I listen to them frm Audible.com and the reader is always excellent. I should finish this in the next 3 weeks.
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Read in July, 1999
Excellent true story about the author's son. He wrote it for his son who was battling AIDS and at the end he asked his father to tell his story. Learned so much about the health care system and about the human spirit. I cried at the end, like a member of my own family had died. Excellent book. Great Author
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Read in October, 2008
I've met Bryce Courtenay and it's hard to believe the happy, funny man you see once went through the tradegy described in this book. This book was heart breaking and sometimes too depressing but overall a moving book. I recomend it for those who love a touching book but caution may need tissues.
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This is a true story written by a father about his son's illness and it is the most emotional book I've ever read. It stands out in my mind more than anything else I've ever read and I read it years ago.
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Read in January, 2007
recommends it for:
anyone
This book is about author Bryce Courtneys son. Its about his life and his death from hemophilia. Its uplifting, sad and a real tear-jerker. But its not depressing! Just a wonderful read.
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Read in November, 2007
Unbelievably inspirational true story. This is an Australian book I should have read LONG before now. Will make you cry and also make you very angry.
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Read in September, 1998
Gives an accurate undestandin of how it must be to live with haemophilia - a sad story well told. Could not put it down - touched me deeply.
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I'm hesitant to give this book a star rating because I read it so long ago. All I remember about it is that it was sad and depressing.
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Has a copy to sell/swap
recommended to Elisse by:
anne
A fanstastic story about Damon and all of the the love, courage, challenges, and tragedy that surrounded his struggle with HIV/AIDS.
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I read this book more than a decade ago and couldn't put it down, reading it cover to cover and stopping only to eat.
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One of my favorite books--true story of the author's hemophiliac son. Extremely sad, but amazing story.
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depressing but good story. there was a lot of repeating the same information though.
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Read in March, 2005
This is written in mostly his son's own words. Powerful story that needed to be written.
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Read in October, 2004
This book made me cry so much... in public... in front of my coworkers.
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