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124th out of 343 books
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The Upside of Down
by
Rebecca Talley (Goodreads Author)
"Hmmm," the doctor muttered.
Natalie wrinkled her forehead, almost afraid to ask, and said, "What does that mean?"
"You do know you're pregnant, right?"
Her breath caught in her throat. "Excuse me?"
"You're pregnant."
Her heartbeat thundered in her ears. "I'm what?"
Natalie Drake certainly has her hands full raising a l...more
Natalie wrinkled her forehead, almost afraid to ask, and said, "What does that mean?"
"You do know you're pregnant, right?"
Her breath caught in her throat. "Excuse me?"
"You're pregnant."
Her heartbeat thundered in her ears. "I'm what?"
Natalie Drake certainly has her hands full raising a l...more
Paperback, 249 pages
Published
January 8th 2011
by Bonneville
(first published January 7th 2011)
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I think this is Rebecca Talley's best book yet. I'm not a big fan of romance, so her other books missed the sweet spot with me just a bit. But this one was a very touching story.
The writing is solid and the characterization has depth. I could totally relate to Natalie, and my husband is very much like Spence, who is so supportive and kind. Even though Natalie has six kids, it was easy for me to tell them apart and I didn't get confused between them. The story spoke to me because, like ...more
The writing is solid and the characterization has depth. I could totally relate to Natalie, and my husband is very much like Spence, who is so supportive and kind. Even though Natalie has six kids, it was easy for me to tell them apart and I didn't get confused between them. The story spoke to me because, like ...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
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Mormon fiction generally is not my favorite genre, but for some reason I really wanted to read this book. No one recommended it to me; I just saw it featured on a book blog and decided to read it.
There were definitely things I liked and didn't like about it.
First, it definitely had the "Mormon fiction" feel to it...stereotypical conversations, lots of repeated phrases and sentences, and a lot of just drab and boring descriptions ("the Native American nurse,...more
There were definitely things I liked and didn't like about it.
First, it definitely had the "Mormon fiction" feel to it...stereotypical conversations, lots of repeated phrases and sentences, and a lot of just drab and boring descriptions ("the Native American nurse,...more
"The Upside of Down" by Rebecca Talley is a heartwarming story of the Drake family. Natalie and Spencer Drake already have five wonderful children. When Natalie finds out that they are expecting their sixth, the whole family is excited, but Natalie is wondering just how much more work will be involved. And to add on top of all that, her relentlessly criticizing mother has decided to move closer to the family.
Throughout the book, Natalie must make decisions that not only affec...more
Throughout the book, Natalie must make decisions that not only affec...more
While I thought it was a bit extreme on the Mormon stereotypes, this was an enjoyable book. I appreciated that while Natalie had strong desires to do what was right, she also had the inadequacies and doubts that plague so many of us. Her inability to accept her daughter's diagnosis, and her subsequent struggles to accept the Lord's plan for her life were all very believable. Natalie finally learns that no matter how strong you feel, you always need to turn to God for strength and help.
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I read a lot during the course of the year. I also read a wide variety of genres of books. Every once in awhile you come across a book that truly touches your heart. This kind of book stays with you for a long time. The Upside of Down by Rebecca Talley is just that kind of book. I read this novel several months ago and I still remember how I felt as I read the story of Natalie and her family.
I reviewed this book on my blog back in February. I can't believe I forgot to post here that ...more
I reviewed this book on my blog back in February. I can't believe I forgot to post here that ...more
This book really brought up a lot of emotion for me. 27 years ago, when our daughter, Hanna was born, she came 10 weeks prematurely. That was such a shock to us, and we had idea what her life would be like. We had no answers for a long time about anything...why she came early, why she had trouble just growing and then she started to get behind. We had to work with her, the doctors, the therapists, the hospital, the schools, to see any progress. Her life was never easy. She left this life 8 yrs a...more
Absolutely loved this book. As someone that has worked with individuals with special needs, this book really touched me. In my experiences I have met parents that focus so much on the "why me?" that they often either ignore the child or resent them for the imposition. Fortunately they are not the norm, but it occurs more than I would like. This story tells of a mother who, despite the varying trials her children put her through, still perseveres in looking at the grand scheme of thing...more
With my own experience of being with special needs kids, I wasn’t prepared for how the book The Upside of Down would affect me. The book addresses so many issues that I think every woman may face at one time or another. Natalie is dealing with receiving a calling to be the Relief Society president, raising a large family, including a teenager who is making decisions that could be alarming to a parent, and a mother who is quite demanding. On top of all of this, Natalie discovers she’s expectin...more
I enjoyed this book on a number of levels. First, in seeing the daily interactions - and struggles - Natalie has with her children. Oh, I can so relate. I've had similar experiences in my own home where it just seems like every child is into their own brand of trouble and I've wanted to run screaming out the front door. Natalie handles it all better than I would, but she's not perfect, which makes her all the more likeable.
I appreciated watching Natalie's growth as she came to...more
I appreciated watching Natalie's growth as she came to...more
Rebecca Talley has a large family of her own and writes books. As a mother of a large family myself and a writer of books, I can really relate to this new and up coming novel published by Bonneville Books-a subsidiary of Cedar Fort Books.
Think With Six You Get Egg Rolls or Cheaper by the Dozen only with a twist. The last baby she has is born with Down's Syndrome and you learn what it is like to raise a child with this challenge. A very interesting story which is heart warming and inspirin...more
Think With Six You Get Egg Rolls or Cheaper by the Dozen only with a twist. The last baby she has is born with Down's Syndrome and you learn what it is like to raise a child with this challenge. A very interesting story which is heart warming and inspirin...more
The Upside of Down/Rebecca Talley
I enjoyed reading this book. I seldom read fiction, because I just don't have much time for it. I, like the author, am a homeschooling mom of 10 (with our oldest now serving a mission), although I don't have a farm to run! I could relate to the main character in the story in a lot of ways, and was interested to read how she dealt with the trials and challenges she faced: however, it seemed to me that she faced an inordinate amount of them!
I enjoyed reading this book. I seldom read fiction, because I just don't have much time for it. I, like the author, am a homeschooling mom of 10 (with our oldest now serving a mission), although I don't have a farm to run! I could relate to the main character in the story in a lot of ways, and was interested to read how she dealt with the trials and challenges she faced: however, it seemed to me that she faced an inordinate amount of them!
Michelle
added it
Absolutely darling! I loved how Rebecca describes a typical chaotic family situation blending in the Gospel living. It is real and very personal, but highlights testimony and a mother's love. At times it was difficult to believe one person could have so much going on...but with her secret weapon (prayer) all things were possible. It was touching to think of the worth of a young soul sent to this family to test and change the heart of a mother forever...eternally.
Found out that I won a copy of this book through First Reads, I can't wait to receive it and get started!
I was fortunate and received a copy of this book through First Reads. I really enjoyed meeting Natalie Drake and her family. The ups and downs of parenting are well described, some things I could relate too, and others had me laughing out loud (loved the nair!). Unfortunately, I am not very familiar with the Mormon faith, and there were some things that I didn’t understand and ...more
I was fortunate and received a copy of this book through First Reads. I really enjoyed meeting Natalie Drake and her family. The ups and downs of parenting are well described, some things I could relate too, and others had me laughing out loud (loved the nair!). Unfortunately, I am not very familiar with the Mormon faith, and there were some things that I didn’t understand and ...more
First of all, this review is nothing against the writer. The book is well written, touching story, but I was a little put-off my the Mormon references. Not that I was offended; it just made the book a little more difficult for me to "get". Kind of the same way I felt after watching "A Serious Man" and realizing I wasn't Jewish enough to really "get it." This kind of book is also not really my thing, but I gave it a shot. Still not my kind of book. Again, nothi...more
I really enjoyed this book. It was one I had a hard time putting down.
That being said, my personal knowledge of the author's family interfered with the story for me. I enjoyed seeing things I recognized as real. I guess you could say I just had a very hard time making the story a complete work of fiction in my own mind.
Thanks for such a great book, Rebecca.
That being said, my personal knowledge of the author's family interfered with the story for me. I enjoyed seeing things I recognized as real. I guess you could say I just had a very hard time making the story a complete work of fiction in my own mind.
Thanks for such a great book, Rebecca.
This was a great book about a busy mom. She has six kids with one on the way, an overbearing mom and a new calling as Relief Society President. I liked her as a character for the most part. She did seems to be a little too perfect at times. The crisis toward the end didn't surprise me, nor did her reaction. All in all it was a good story with interesting characters.
I enjoyed this book very much. Although it is fiction, it brought to mind many similar experiences from our own family. It took me on a roller-coaster of emotions, from tears to laughing right out loud!
Very fun read - I recommend it to anyone, but especially to anyone who has experienced the wild ride known as "parenthood".
Very fun read - I recommend it to anyone, but especially to anyone who has experienced the wild ride known as "parenthood".
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
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I have never viewed having a child with Down Syndrome as a blessing rather than a trial. This book opened my eyes to the truly divine blessing it is to have a child who will never face the struggles we do and has an automatic "pass" back into our Heavenly Father's presence.
I absolutely LOVED this book! I could relate on so many levels of how Natalie felt after having her baby with Down Syndrome. This book was a quick read. I couldn't put it down! I laughed and cried through the whole book!
Wonderful book! Laugh out loud funny, poignant, educational, and touching. A great reminder that the struggles of parenthood produce some amazing upsides. Thanks, Rebecca!
Jennifer Stewart
marked it as to-read
I'm really looking forward to this book. As the mother of a large family, I think this will really hit home. She's an inspiring author!
Enter to win a copy on our site -ends 2/25/11 http://fireandicephoto.blogspot.com/2011... and read a guest post on Down Syndrome by author Rebecca Talley http://fireandicephoto.blogspot.com
Very likeable characters. A well wirtten story with a good message.
I won this book from LDS Women Book Review blog. I've been wanting to read this for so long! It was the first book on my to-read list. Rebecca didn't disappoint me! What a beautiful book about holding onto your faith, even through all of life's trials. Natalie went through so much, and I could relate to a few things. One of the things I could relate to the most was having a wayward child and figuring out how to love them without liking their behavior. And sweet, sweet Gabby! What a bless...more
I'm a little biased :).
The entire book was a great read!~ Lots of fun and a real message about faith. I thought the author brought some reality to the struggles of faith that we all deal with at different points in our lives. For her, she was lucky that her doubt lasted a short time...
I really enjoyed the book, but the husband was a little too amazing to be real. Does such a guy exist? Great job!
I really enjoyed the book, but the husband was a little too amazing to be real. Does such a guy exist? Great job!
I loved this book. Now I'm going to confess something silly and odd to you. By the end, I actually felt the tiniest bit cheated to not have been blessed with a special needs child. My kids are wonderful and I love all of them more than words can express, but this book so well defined the gift of a special needs child that it touched me. Fantastic work, Rebecca!
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I was born and raised in California and now live in rural Colorado on a small ranch with my husband, 7 of my 10 kids, a dog, cats, a spoiled horse, and a herd of goats.
I am the author of a children's picture book, "Grasshopper Pie" (WindRiver 2003), and three novels, "Heaven Scent" (Cedar Fort 2008), "Altared Plans" (Cedar Fort 2009), and "The Upside ...more
More about Rebecca Talley...
I am the author of a children's picture book, "Grasshopper Pie" (WindRiver 2003), and three novels, "Heaven Scent" (Cedar Fort 2008), "Altared Plans" (Cedar Fort 2009), and "The Upside ...more
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