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210th out of 278 books
—
336 voters
A Slant of Sun: One Child's Courage
by
Beth Kephart (Goodreads Author)
In this 1998 National Book Award finalist, Kephart chronicles the tragedy of her son's developmental problems and her struggle to lead him toward wholeness.
Paperback, 256 pages
Published
September 22nd 1999
by Harper Perennial
(first published June 1st 1998)
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There are things about this book that are both powerful and difficult to read. I wonder if this is because Kephart has worked so hard to be honest, maybe with herself first.
Here is a quotation:
"Imagining motherhood is like imagining yourself old: There are no accurate forecasts. I guess I assumed I would know more. Pregnant, I assumed that mother's intuition was a hard, certain thing, a perpetually replenishing reservoir of basic instinct. If there were problems, the gut would howl it. If there...more
Here is a quotation:
"Imagining motherhood is like imagining yourself old: There are no accurate forecasts. I guess I assumed I would know more. Pregnant, I assumed that mother's intuition was a hard, certain thing, a perpetually replenishing reservoir of basic instinct. If there were problems, the gut would howl it. If there...more
A memoir written about her son and his diagnosis of Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified.
This is a lovely book that is written in elegant prose and highlights Beth Kephart's son, Jeremy. What I really liked about this book were all the poetic elements that struck a cord in your heart and perfectly illustrated what Beth Kephart was going through. I enjoyed this book, I would recommend it to anyone who wanted a different perspective on childern and their remarkable courage.
*Tak...more
This is a lovely book that is written in elegant prose and highlights Beth Kephart's son, Jeremy. What I really liked about this book were all the poetic elements that struck a cord in your heart and perfectly illustrated what Beth Kephart was going through. I enjoyed this book, I would recommend it to anyone who wanted a different perspective on childern and their remarkable courage.
*Tak...more
This book is on my favorites shelf and I am reading it for the 3rd time, having first read it eight years ago. As a guy, I found this this story profoundly moving as, through it,I found myself revisiting my own boyhood with its pain, passions and challenges. It is a beautifully written story that tells of the courageous efforts of both a mother and her son, working together, to face and overcome the challenges that this little boy faced. What came through to me, so beautifully and honestly descr...more
This is a beautifully written chronicle of a mother's realization that something is not right with her child, and her struggle to define what the problem is, and how to best help her son. Beth Kephart is a writer, who stays home with her first child, and who gradually begins to notice that Jeremy is not like other children.He seldom speaks, and when he does it is never in sentences. He is not interested in other kids, or in most toys. Except for cars, he is obsessed with toy cars, and spends ho...more
A really touching story of a mother's love, courage, and persistance. A great read for getting a parent's perspective on raising a child with special needs, in this case Pervasive Developmental Delays Not Otherwise Specified--an Autism Spectrum Disorder. It is a bit dated, so it might not have the most up-to-date therapies but I think that there is something universal in the process she and her husband went through as they started thinking "Is this normal?" and "What is best for my child?" I sus...more
Sometimes, while browsing a bookstore or library, I have the magical experience where a book I'm walking by calls out to me, compelling me to peruse its words. This happened with Beth Kephart's exquisite memoir A Slant Of Sun: One Child's Courage. Initially I was drawn to the book's poetic title and the intriguing cover photograph - the back view of a child wearing a too-large lime-green hat. Then I read Kephart's first lines, which describe the early-hours following her son Jeremy's birth:
They...more
They...more
This is an amazing book by a stunning writer. Her courage and honesty about raising a child who is different are commendable, but it's her poetic prose that elevates this beyond memoir into a truly great book.
Kephart read at Saint Joe's more than a decade ago from this book, and it is a lovely book about autism, dealing with difference and all kinds of things. One of the best things she said was that it is the narrative I in creative nonfiction that needs to take responsibility for the bad in the book, that the characters/people in the book should be portrayed in the best light as possible (I am paraphrasing here). It's something that has stayed with me.
Beautifully written account of one mother's journey as she learns her son has autism and how her family finds ways to help him and try to understand his world.
This book made me want to hug my son and hold him and hide him from the world forever. I cried from beginning to end.
Aug 19, 2010
Eva
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Anyone who loves kids
Recommended to Eva by:
My cousin, Irene
Since I have a cousin who was diagnosed as being in the "autistic spectrum", this book hit really close to home. I found it to be inspiringly hopeful and uplifting as well as beautifully written.
Prose style so beautiful it makes me ache with jealousy.
A gorgeous, deeply moving book written in Beth Kephart's signature style. There is not a throw-away sentence in any of Beth's work. Her writing is like a truffle - intense and to be savored slowly for the rich, multi-layered experience.
Beth's honest, searing account of her son's journey through a developmental disorder diagnosed at an early age - and her accompanying journey as his mother - is a triumph.
Whether you have faced similar challenges or not, this book will live in your heart.
Beth's honest, searing account of her son's journey through a developmental disorder diagnosed at an early age - and her accompanying journey as his mother - is a triumph.
Whether you have faced similar challenges or not, this book will live in your heart.
A memoir by the mother of a child with Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified. Chosen by Ed at the Readers Forum as a possibility for a book club. A bit slow going at first but by page 60 I was into it.
It paints a picture of what it's like to live day-to-day with a child with a serious condition including parental self-doubt and feelings of inadequacy.
It paints a picture of what it's like to live day-to-day with a child with a serious condition including parental self-doubt and feelings of inadequacy.
Cried so many times getting through this one - could relate so incredibly, even down to the obsessions. My own son's progress was strikingly similar. I wouldn't have been able to put it all in writing - much too painful. Thank you Beth Kephart - it's not just your son who had courage...
This is a poignant story about a mother of a child who is diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified. It is a story about unconditional love. Kephart shares her journey in beautiful prose. I read this for a class I am taking on autism and LOVED it!
A great book that I had to read for a class I took last year (Partnering with Families of Children with Special Needs). It gives a touching perspective of a mother with a son who is diagnosed with PDD, NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Not Otherwise Specified - A spectrum disorder).
In my quest to read whatever I can find about children on the autistic spectrum, I came across this memoir. Beth Kephart's writing is compelling and honest. She talks about both her triumphs and failures as she and her husband struggle to forge the best path for their son, Jeremy.
A true story of the challenges of raising an autistic child and the time it takes to find the right schools, the right people who understand the patience and effort it takes to make even one small step forward. Very well written by a very loving and committed mother.
Keeping in mind that this was written in 1998 and that medicine has come a long way since then, it is none the less very well written and offers lessons on how much children can teach us if we only listen. It also offers reaffirmation that "mother knows best".
A mother and father raising an autistic child. One of the best examples of deep mother love that I have ever read. This woman will and does do anything in her power to help this little boy succeed dispite his handicap. Her pure love touched my heart
I haven't actually read it, nor do I plan to at this time. I debated deleting it completely but if someone is lurking and sees the autism shelf... Atleast there will be a list of reading options available.
Probably a 3.5. An interesting reflection on her own path with an "autistic-like" child. Author is a bit too poetic and lyrical at times, making it hard to embrace the story as a whole.
If you have a child that has a disability, but you see it as an opportunity for him/her to blossom--then this emotionnal tale will lift your heart.
A great story about a mother's journey to understand her autistic son. It is a true story and it was a great book club book...or just a book to read.
I was impressed by the way the author shared her vulnerabilities openly. She was honest and engaging.
A great real-life story about raising a boy with Pervasive Development Disorder. Hopeful.
A mother's story of her autistic child
May 07, 2013
Katelyn
marked it as to-read
Apr 22, 2013
Joe
marked it as to-read
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Though I've been writing since I was nine years old, I didn't publish beyond my high school literary journal until I was a new mother. My first published essay was in Iowa Woman; subsequently, I published short stories in dozens of literary magazines—learning, always, what worked or what didn't by reading far more than I wrote.
My first book, A SLANT OF SUN, a memoir, was a National Book Award fin...more
More about Beth Kephart...
My first book, A SLANT OF SUN, a memoir, was a National Book Award fin...more
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