Listen To Me: How My Down Syndrome Brother Saved My Life

by Lynne Podrat

This memoir was written to honor my youngest brother's influence over my life, the good, the bad, and the ugly, of living with a Down Syndrome sibling. It tells the story of the children of my family, despite our parents' frailties, remaining committed to each other through life's many changes and separations. Who I am today is directly related to who I needed to become.

Genres: Nonfiction

128 pages, Paperback

Published August 19, 2021

Reviews

[Melina Lobo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who I am today is directly related to who I needed to become.
🦄🦄🦄
Listen to Me is a memoir by Lynne Podrat about how her brother with down syndrome changed her life. This is not a story of the author trying to explain what it's like being a person with down syndrome, rather it's an emotional book that shows what it's like to try and hold a family together and sticking up for what's right. The author's love for her brother knows no bounds and they help each other grow and become stronger, because one cannot be without the other.
The rocky experiences go hand in hand with the blessings and love received.
I would be lying if I didn't say there were so many times where I've cried while reading this book. But, there are also a lot of happy moments that will make you smile. The author has made sure to add a lot of pictures where Bruce's radiant light shone while creating beautiful memories.
I loved this book with all its honesty, saddness, love, hopefulness and compassion, but be ready with tussues at the end because I cried for ten minutes straight after the book ended!
🦄🦄🦄
Rated 10/10
Melina L.

[Bookgirl86 · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Who I am today is directly related to who I needed to become.”
Many of us face challenges in life. Whether you struggle with money, health or anything else, oftentimes the love of our family is what gets us through these tough days. Even as adults, our siblings may share a special bond with us that can extend over thousands of miles at times. But author Lynne Podrat and her youngest brother, Bruce shared a bond that was a little different than most.
You see, Bruce was born with Down Syndrome, and it was Lynne's insistence that he be brought home and raised with his family that kept their parents from committing him to a state-run care home as a newborn.
From day one of Bruce's life, Lynne only saw her brother. While he did have special needs, Lynne couldn't see why those needs couldn't be met by the people that loved him. Thankfully, she was right, and with the help of all four of her grandparents and her other brother, David, Lynne took it upon herself to care for her baby brother with all the love a big sister could share.
Bruce was with his family through Lynne going off to college, getting married, divorcing and having children and later grandchildren, and along the way he accomplished many milestones of his own. Uncle Bruce was a favorite of Lynne's children and he loved them all back just as much.
Throughout this memoir, you get a sense of some of that love and feel touched to read about it through Lynne's eyes. Although short, 'Listen To Me: How My Down Syndrome Brother Saved My Life,' is both powerful look at what it means to be a family and a moving portrait of caring for a loved one with a disability.

[Gud Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not so often do you get a memoir so immaculately written and touching on a sensitive issue like Down syndrome. Listen to me: how my down syndrome brother saved my life is just that book that fits this bill. The book revolves around two siblings Lynne and her brother Bruce who was born with Down syndrome. Just like the guardian angel she is, Lynne ensures that her baby brother is included in part of the family while also vowing to always protect him at all times.
Throughout the read, we get to know the powerful and persuasive character of Lynne and how her brother fuels her motivation to fight for the motivation of the family. Unlike the norm of sibling rivalry, these siblings learn to stick and look out for each other thus cementing some unwavering commitment to each other.
Lynne Podrat does a marvelous job of cramming the book with practical advice, resources and also some indispensable information with some uplifting personal stories woven in. On her part, the author struck the right balance to entertain and also inform while keeping the reader engaged to learn more about how to enrich the lives of souls with Down Syndrome and also how they can reach their full potential. A story about braveness, finding your voice and being encouraged to reach your best potential despite the hurdles. Really glad I read it!

[Teddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the late 1980’s-early 90’s I went back to university and changed my major from accounting to social work and literature. I quit my accounting job and took a huge pay cut to work in a group home with four guys who had a developmental disability. I worked full time and went to school full time, burning the candle at both ends.

I loved working in the group home and was especially close with one of the guys, Bruce, who happened to have down syndrome. We went to aqua fit together every Saturday. Even when I graduated and got a job, I went most Saturdays to visit the guys and go with Bruce to the pool. Bruce is no longer with us but I still think of him often.

Flash forward to 2022 and I received an email from Lynne Podrat, asking if I could read her memoir and consider it for review, ‘Listen To Me: How My Down Syndrome Brother Saved My Life.’ Of course, I jumped at the chance, this topic is near and dear to my heart. So, I also agreed to read the book and post a review.

When I first started reading, ‘Listen To Me’, I was fist shocked to learn that Lynne’s brother’s name was Bruce as well. What a coincidence! It turned out Lynne and Bruce enjoy doing some of the same things Bruce and I did together. Reading books, listening to music, writing, etc. However, that is not why I am highly recommending this book.

I recommend if for the beautiful writing and tribute to a man that seemed to live larger than life, despite his disability! Even when he had to go through kidney dialysis, he seemed to do so with grace. I believe much of that has to do with Lynne’s dedication to him. She was 13 years old when Bruce was born. Her parents told her that they he was not coming home but instead was going to live in a state-run institution. Please don’t judge them for this. Back then doctors strongly recommended it and said it was for the best.

Lynne urged them to bring Bruce home and she even went to her grandparents and begged them to help. They did intervene and they helped raise Bruce, at home. I can’t help but be in aw of Lynne, as a teenager to take such a protective interest in her little brother! She then followed through and really helped him and shared a special bond with him throughout his life. He passed of pancreatic cancer in 2017.

[Bruce Podrat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a joy to read. A heartfelt story that is well told. At times both humorous and tear jerking; sometimes at the same time. Reading this book will likely cause one to reexamine their own familial relationships and inspire the reader to take steps to strengthen those bonds. Clearly, the relationship that was between Lynne and her brother Bruce was something we all should strive for as difficult as it may be to attain.

I am anxiously awaiting and very much looking forward to Ms. Podrat's next authorship.

[Bill Tate · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are many lessons to be learned from this memoir by Lynne Podrat. Early in her story she demonstrates the importance of sticking to one’s convictions, doing what one knows to be right. Throughout her childhood, Lynne shows her willingness to do this, often at the objection of parents and others in positions of authority. And over the course of her lifetime, this consistent pattern of choosing the virtuous path has led to an unbreakable bond of loyalty amongst her extended family and closest friends. Central to her story is her unconditional love for her younger brother Bruce, who was born with Down syndrome. Her absolute commitment to his well-being is reciprocated by not only his love for her, but a love of life that enables him to flourish, to be the best he can be. As a result, the whole community of relatives, neighbors, and caregivers are inspired to become better versions of themselves. Readers of “Listen to Me” will surely find themselves examining their own lives, their relations with those they cherish, and perhaps take steps to strengthen those relationships. Many worthwhile lessons to be learned from Lynne’s story, with the power of belief in oneself and unconditional love being foremost.

[Ronnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Listen to me!”

After reading this story, you will never again hear that phrase without thinking of Brucie, a child born with Down Syndrome. Although his parents were obviously overwhelmed at the idea of raising this handicapped child and chose to institutionalize him, he was ‘saved’ as a member of his family by his older siblings. This book is the tale of his life and was written by his sister, who insisted at a young age that Brucie mattered.
Her devotion to him and the bonding she encouraged within his extended family are revealed in the story of an innocent boy who grew to be warm, loving, fun, easily pleased, and extroverted to the point of being a valued friend to everyone he met. His later caregivers loved him and were devoted to both him and his family. Those warm relationships continue to this day.
Many people are still uncomfortable with those that are different from them. This story leaves us with the knowledge that those who are ‘different’ can enrich our lives in so many ways, and that caring, on so many levels, makes the world a better place. I had tears in my eyes as I closed the book.

[Becky Willis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclosure: I received a digital copy of "Listen to Me" in order to facilitate my review. All opinions are 100% mine.

This was Lynne’s first book she had written after an already full life. Lynne had been a teacher for 31 years. Teaching was the LAST thing she wanted to be. Prior to this, she worked in the world of Fashion and Design as an Assistant Buyer & Department Manager with Bloomingdale’s Department Store for 15 years of her life after graduating from the Pennsylvania State University.

Listen to Me, in my opinion, is a “love story” of sorts between an older sister and her brother who has Down Syndrome. The oldest of three siblings Lynne is forced to parent her two younger brothers where her parents fall short in many ways. There are times in this book that I found myself angry at Lynne’s Mom and Dad in how they acted about Bruce (her brother with Down Syndrome). At times they treated him as less of a child due to his illness. But Lynne as best as she could make up for that one hundred times over.

My Realization About Lynne’s Parents (Bruce & David’s Parents)

I then realized that possibly it wasn’t Lynne’s parent’s fault so much as it was that they didn’t know how to cope with Bruce’s illness. So I tried to be more understanding of her parents. There were times in Lynne’s life that she sacrificed things to be there for Bruce to make up for her parent’s shortcomings. I found myself rallying for Lynne throughout the book because of her fight for Bruce. He was not only her little brother who had a disability, but she also wanted as much for him as possible. All the while she still pressed on with her own personal life when it came to having an education, a family, kids, and a career.

Thoughts of Mine About Those Affected By Down Syndrome (Children/Parents)

I can’t imagine what it would be like to have a child born with Down Syndrome. I have had a friend in my past that had a child with down syndrome and only witnessed a little of what they had to endure. Also, I have had the ability to watch a little girl from a baby now to the age of 11 grow up through Facebook with Down Syndrome. Her Mom is so wonderful to share her accomplishments as well as her struggles, the cheers, and tears. This little girl was their first child, and they now have five total (the oldest is the only one with DS).

Reading This Book

Reading this book gave me the perspective not from a Mother’s point of view, but from a sibling’s point of view. Although their brother had a good part in Bruce’s life, I still feel Lynne was the front and center in taking care of Bruce’s needs. Janice, his caregiver in the home was the primary caregiver besides Lynne for what sounded like 33 years. Janice was also a main ‘family member’ in Bruce’s care also.

I do not like to do book spoilers so I will leave you here to say if you enjoy books that are told in the first person. You will enjoy this book. Books that are written by the author on true accounts of their life’s story, this book is for you. If you do read this book, please come back and leave us a comment and let us know what you think.

[Kristine L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book opens in August 2020 as the author watches the original Star Trek TV series with her Down Syndrome brother. “Brucie” has been diagnosed with kidney disease and pancreatic cancer at age fifty-three.

The rest of the book is a retrospective on Bruce’s life and the impact he had on not just the author but on many others as well.

In the Introduction, the author looks back to August 1967 and Bruce’s birth. With her father devastated by Bruce’s condition and her mother in denial, the author describes what follows as “the beginning of the end of our (she and her brother, David) parental safety net.” She’s barely thirteen years old.

Intent on becoming a veterinarian, the author’s life mission changes from saving animals to saving Bruce and children like him. While focusing on Bruce’s life and his unique challenges, the narrative also touches on family interactions and events such as bar and bat mitzvahs, weddings, graduations, and later, trips to the hospital for Bruce as his health deteriorates. Through it all, Bruce remains a “source of heartache and inspiration.”

The narrative starts out sounding bitter and somewhat bellicose. The author is more or less mad at the world in general and her parents in particular. I almost ejected at this point. But I decided to give it a second chance.

I’m glad I did.

As the intertwined life stories of the author and her brother Bruce emerge, the story takes on a new tone. Bitterness and rancor are replaced with a gentle kind of mellowness and a roaring-fire-on-a-cold-winter-day kind of warmth. This is underscored when the author writes that her plans for Bruce were “to open and enrich his world.” In the end, however, she realizes how being with Bruce “accomplished so much more.” She realizes how this “sweet small man” and “Brucie’s” capacity to love and to “just go on because there was no other choice” profoundly influenced her life. And how Bruce opened and enriched her world.

Oh, and the title? You’ll have to read the book for yourself to figure that one out.

Flavored with gentle humor and tongue-in-cheek wit, Listen to Me isn’t a long read. At about 30,000 words, you can finish it in an afternoon. But the reflections and insights will reverberate much longer.

In the closing pages of the final chapter, Reflections: My Final Chat With God, the author circles back to her original question about why God gave her Bruce. I’d bring tissue ‘fize you. Cuz this one’s a keeper.

[Gracie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A powerful read about the love of family and finding yourself through helping others.

When Lynne Podrat was 13 years old, her mother gave birth to a baby brother. Already having one younger brother, Lynne was familiar with the process but found herself very surprised to meet her new brother, Bruce and discover that he had down syndrome.

Lynne immediately found herself loving her little brother, and took it upon herself to stop her parents from giving his care over to the state so that he could be placed in a group home. For the rest of his life, Bruce and Lynne shared a special bond that changed and enriched both of them and gave them a sense of family.

Over the course of college, marriages, divorces, children and retirement, Lynne continued to care for Bruce, constantly finding herself learning new things from him even as she struggled to continue to teach him things that many of us would consider basic, like reading and writing.

In her book, 'Listen To Me: How My Down Syndrome Brother Saved My Life,' Lynne creates what is sort of a tribute to the life of her younger brother, who unfortunately died from cancer in 2020. Writing about the life of Bruce, Lynne makes the reader feel as if we knew him ourselves, as so many people in his community seemed to.

Bruce seemed like he was a really great person, and, after reading this book, you feel glad to have gotten to know him.

This is a short read, but well worth picking up, as it contains a special wisdom that only someone who has been through the things that the author has can offer. A memoir that is touching, funny and irreverent, 'Listen To Me,' is a one-of-a-kind read that will leave you feeling uplifted.

[Laura Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lynne Podrat was 13 when her youngest brother was born. Already a teenager, you might think that she would have been too old to care much about having a new baby in the house, but, on the contrary, Lynne actually cared very deeply.

You see, the year was 1967, and Lynne's little brother, Bruce was born with down syndrome. Unsure if they would be able to care for him at home, Lynne's parents immediately decided to have Bruce put into a state institution. However, even as a young child herself, Lynne was horrified by the idea of sending Bruce to a place that she felt she would not even send a dog.

Lynne begged her parents to reconsider, and after bringing in her grandparents to convince them, she was eventually victorious and Bruce was brought home, a newborn who'd already had quite a fraught entrance into the world.

For the rest of Bruce's life, Lynne and their other brother, David, took it upon themselves to advocate for Bruce and ensure that he got the same quality of life as someone without disabilities. It was because of this that Bruce was able to do things like have a Bar Mitzvah and graduate from high school and, more importantly, it was because of this that Lynne and her family got to have Bruce in their lives everyday. Lynne clearly loved her brother, and eventually, when she had children and then grandchildren, they loved Bruce as well.

Although Bruce passed in 2020, Lynne and her family got to have many wonderful years with their brother and uncle that, I'm sure they would not trade for anything.

'Listen To Me: How My Down Syndrome Brother Saved My Life,' is a moving memoir about caring for a family member with a developmental disability and taking every day as it comes. Beautifully written by the big sister who loved him so very much.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Listen To Me: How My Down Syndrome Brother Saved My Life,' is the kind of book that sticks in your head for a long time after you've finished it. Both moving and thought-provoking, Lynne Podrat's memoir is one of strength, patience and understanding.

Lynne's little brother, Bruce was born with down syndrome. Of course, back in 1967, this was a much less well-known disability and, because of this, Lynne's parents were not sure what to do with Bruce. At the urging of the doctor, they elected to give his care over to the state, only relenting and bringing him home when Lynne argued against this vehemently.

Although she was only 13, Lynne knew that the care home that they were planning to send Bruce to was not safe, and she did not understand why they couldn't simply care for him at home. With the help of all four of her grandparents, Lynne and Lynne's other brother, David, Bruce was brought home to be raised by his parents, who struggled to understand him for their rest of their lives.
Lynne and Bruce seemed to have a special bond that made them both happy and with the help of Lynne's eventual children and grandchildren, made them feel like a complete family.

'Listen To Me: How My Down Syndrome Brother Saved My Life,' is not just a memoir, but a eulogy for a life well lived. Bruce seemed like quite a character, and someone who left a positive impression on everyone that he met.

Reading this book, it's clear that Lynne never regretted for a moment convincing her parents to bring Bruce home as a baby, and that her life was richer for it. Lynne's writing is funny, no-nonsense and beautiful in equal turns. I loved every page of this memoir and I'm sure that any reader would love it, too!

[Lynelle Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The hardest thing I have ever done in my life, to date, was to pretend everything was perfect when I visited my mother’s hospital room that day." Lynne Podrat.

This is the memoir of Lynne Podrat and how she had to learn to become the woman, she was meant to be. After an honest conversation with God, she realized she was on earth to do something no one else could do. This became her quest and saving grace.

Throughout her journey and relationship with Bruce, her life was shaped by her determination, willingness to stand for what she believed, and helping people. It all started when her youngest brother was born.

At thirteen, she made the choice to care for her brother when her parents decided they were not mentally fit to care for a Down Syndrome baby. This created a sense of love and duty within her that would propel her into her career.

"You may not have wanted education, but education wanted and needed you. This was your true purpose.” Lynne Podrat.

The honest reflection of her life and that of her brother was heartwarming and touching. Being honest with her feelings and giving us a glimpse into this remarkable man's life helps one understand the many difficulties a down syndrome person can have but also the joys you can experience in life. All it needs is love and dedication, and the author definitely had that in spades.

This is a lovely memoir that not only brings justice to her brother's life but helps us to understand how you can live in your destiny despite the many obstacles you face. Truly a wonderful testimony of what sibling love is.

Thanks for the opportunity to read this book.

[Donadee's Corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lynne Podrat – Listen to Me – Reviewed 3/14/22 – Read 3/9/22

Lynne tells us about the unique and incredible man that was her brother!!

Let’s face it, we all know that some of us have been born with Down Syndrome, but I have never had the opportunity to know anyone personally. This book was one of the most stirring and emotional books that I have read in a long time; Lynne shares the turmoil within her parents and how it affected her and her other brother, David, changing their lives forever. After reading Lynne’s account, I can see what I have missed.

Her description of the astonishing world of her brother, Brucie, and his only fault was being born with Down Syndrome. Describing those in his world, Brucie’s inspiration to her and all those who came in contact with him. The joy that this young man was able to share for no other reason than the sheer pleasure he had with that person's contact.

In the end, Lynne paints the picture of his death and how this astounding young man did not want to be a burden to anyone, only to see happiness in those Brucie loved. The journey of one of the bravest and most incredible people I have ever read about and how he affected those within his world. What an inspirational young man!!

If you are ready for an inspirational book, don’t miss picking up your copy of Lynne Podrat’s “Listen To Me: How My Down Syndrome Brother Saved My Life” TODAY!!!

• ASIN: B09C42P3ZC
• Publisher: Lynne Podrat
• Publication Date: 8/19/2021
• File Size: 2353 KB
• Print Length: 98 pages
• Genre: Two-Hour Biography & Memoir Short Reads, Biographies of People with Disabilities, Memoirs

[Amwoma · Rating 5 out of 5]

What does it feel like when you come across someone who wants to listen and not just listen but listen to your deep fears or concerns? The world has increasingly become indifferent. People are more inclined towards chasing the bag, and what matters to their personal life and needs, intrapersonal connections are becoming distant.
Lynne and Bruice's story break this trend. It's a sister-brother love story that breaks the stigmatization for the 'disabled' and teaches us how to love and help the disabled overcome challenges and build a rewarding life.
At first, Lynne is concerned about her brother's down syndrome condition, but she makes her conviction to do the best for her little brother from day one. She is agitated, learning that her parents had given away Bruce for care by the state, but she has to learn the hard facts after realizing that she never knew what to do if she ever found herself in the same situation. She also did have an impact on her parents decision and they did end up bringing Bruce home. Her obsession to 'save' her brother almost got her kicked out of college. She had to change her majors to fashion and design and finally back to education, where her initial possession for psychology paid off in helping and supporting others.
Of course, this story is likely to elicit dulled feelings in its first pages, but surprisingly, it is full of light moments showing how Bruce was a blessing to this family and particularly Lynne's life. Being an educator myself, I wish Lynne would tell us more about her experiences with the disabled in her teaching career. Otherwise, the book has changed my perspective on special needs children for the better.

[Vowelor Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having a family member with a genetic condition that’ll make them require a certain level of care and support is not an easy situation for others, but can be dealt with a lot of love and respect.

And Lynne Podrat has highlighted it enough in her memoir, Listen to Me which follows her relationship with her little brother, Bruce, who was born with Down Syndrome back in the late 60s.



What makes this piece of writing so exceptional is the fact that it’s not a feel-good story, but a real account of how exactly things are for families as such and how they dealt with it.

Sometimes they messed up, and sometimes they did everything right, but what remained constant was their love and their will to be there for each other throughout all the ups and downs.

⭐ Rating: 5/5
✅ Verdict: An emotional and well-written memoir; highlighting the love between a brother and a sister.

👉 Read the full review of Listen to Me by Lynne Podrat on Vowelor.

[_sassy_39 · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Listen to Me: How My Down Syndrome Brother Saved My Life" is a memoir penned by the author Lynne Podrat.

This book is about Lynne's youngest brother's influence over her life. Her youngest brother Brucie was born with Down Syndrome. Lynne was angry as her parents were in denial about her little brother Bruce. When she questioned God, Lynne got her answer in a dream. God told her that her baby brother is a gift to love, cherish, and protect.

Bruce helped Lynne to discover her mission of being a special woman she was meant to be. By standing up for Bruce, Lynne learned to stand up for herself. Lynne was angry with her parents as they were not able to appreciate Bruce. I appreciate Lynne's love for her brother. It taught me to be there for your family no matter how difficult time is.

This book will take you on a rollercoaster ride full of emotions. I loved the brother sister bonding in the story. The struggles mentioned in this book are real and families with a down syndrome child could relate more. One important lesson that I learnt from this book is to give extra help to those who are in need of it. The book is written well with smooth narration.

Non-fiction memoir lovers should pick a copy of this book. I am sure you would find it worth your time.

[Proofreader Sandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This memoir is exactly what I needed. It made me laugh and cry and helped me appreciate the people in my life even more than I already did. Bruce's love for his family, friends, and favorite rock 'n' roll idols lives on through this book. His larger-than-life personality left such an impression on me, I can honestly say that I feel like I know him without ever having met him. I think about him from time to time and his essence inspires hope in me, showing me how precious it is to have an innocent view of life at any age.

This book means so much to me. Lynne Podrat is a true artist with her words and the life she created around the people she loves. Her tenacity and devotion to her family—and herself—is unparalleled. She is a badass. If I could just accomplish half of what she has, I would be happy.

[Laura Quinn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blurb: This memoir was written to honor my youngest brother’s influence over my life, the good, the bad, and the ugly, of living with a Down Syndrome sibling. It tells the story of the children of my family, despite our parents’ frailties, remaining committed to each other through life’s many changes and separations. Who I am today is directly related to who I needed to become.

My Thoughts:
This book is a touching story about the unconditional love between an older sister and her brother, Brucie. The prose are uplifting and inspirational, without the traces of ableism that can be found in other such works. The overall message is a plea to see people for who they are, not their diagnosis and aims to increase disability awareness.

[Renji Kato · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listen to Me is one of the most powerful memoirs I’ve ever read, and I don’t say that lightly. From the moment young Lynne overhears her father crying that her newborn brother is “mongoloid,” the book pulls you right into the emotional core of this family. What moved me most was how she transformed that pain into a lifelong mission to protect Bruce, especially her brave refusal to let him be sent to Pennhurst. Lynne’s honesty, her vulnerability, and the deep, unwavering love she shows through every stage of their lives make this memoir unforgettable. It’s a tribute to resilience, advocacy, and the kind of love that rewrites a life.

[Joan Rusden · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book provides hope for families with Down Syndrome children. Lynne loved her
brother unconditionally and he loved her back in the same way. That is such a special gift!
Lynne became a very accomplished woman due to all she did to make sure her brother was loved and cared for. The fact that she was his advocate as a thirteen year old is even more
remarkable. Lynne brought her brother's personality to life and I felt as if I knew him. She made the reader understand how special he was.

Joan R.

[Andy Keith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listen to Me: How My Down Syndrome Brother Saved My Life by Lynne Podrat is an incredibly touching story about perseverance, even from within one's own family. Faced with a difficult decision of institutionalizing a brother with Down's Syndrome or making him a part of the family, the moral courage expressed on a daily basis by the author and the life-lessons her brother would teach others shows the compassion and interconnectedness we all have to one another, and how resilience can overcome adversity. I definitely recommend this book.

[Emily Nordskog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listen to Me is a beautiful memoir that made me both laugh and cry as I read about the author’s challenging family life. When her youngest brother Bruce was born with Down Syndrome, 13-year-old Lynne fought to ensure he became a vital member of her family, and throughout her life Lynne has been an advocate for both her brother and many others. Brucie brought joy to the lives of those around him, and, thanks to Lynne’s book, Brucie brought joy to mine as well. All I had to do was “listen”.

[Dorian Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a reader in my 50s, this book made me reflect on my own family. The way Lynne becomes Bruce’s protector from such a young age is nothing short of heroic, and what struck me most was how consistent she is. Through childhood, college, marriage, career, motherhood her loyalty never wavers. The grief in the final chapters is handled with so much gentleness that I found myself crying but also smiling. This is memoir writing at its most honest and meaningful.

[Imogen Vale · Rating 5 out of 5]

This memoir is a lesson in what real advocacy looks like. Lynne didn’t study it, she lived it. She fought institutions, ignorance, family struggles, medical crises, and personal exhaustion to give her brother a life filled with joy and dignity. I was especially moved by the scenes of Bruce learning sign language, his love for music, and his incredible ability to connect with people. This book is a reminder that sometimes the greatest teachers are the ones society overlooks.

[Maëlys Dupont · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most stunning things about this book is how Lynne writes about joy. Even in chapters filled with hardship, she manages to capture the humor, laughter, dancing, and musical moments that made Bruce’s presence so special. The way music threads through their lives especially Bruce’s drumming is beautifully done. This memoir balances heartbreak and joy with such grace that you walk away feeling stronger, not broken.

[Bernard Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listen to Me is one of the most honest and heartfelt memoirs I’ve read in years. Lynne’s love for her brother Bruce shines through every page, and the way she fought to keep him out of Pennhurst at just thirteen years old shows a strength most adults never reach. This is a story of advocacy, family, and the kind of love that shapes a life.

[Kimberly Bearce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful, inspirational

This was such a touching true story. If you have ever had or known a child with Down Syndrome this book will make you smile. I am smiling and crying at the same time.

[Cassian Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this book up for my wife, but ended up reading it myself. Bruce’s joy at the bar mitzvah, drumming like he owned the world, made me think about my own brother I lost years ago. What a beautiful, stubborn love story.

[Nylan Horton · Rating 5 out of 5]

The night she overheard her father sobbing broke me. I’ve been that daughter, hearing adult pain too early. But Lynne turned that moment into her life’s purpose and that’s what real healing looks like.