A word from April...
I suffer from a debilitating chronic illness called Common Variable Immunodeficiency, wherein I don't make antibodies and can't fight off colds or infections. I've always wanted to write about the grieving process of adapting to that, but in a way that would connect to a wider population. I chose a rare eye disease (my immune disease is rare) that had the possibility to connect with readers on a personal level. I think most people have worried about or wondered about what it might be like to lose their sight. Then I poured out my own steps in the process into Amber's process (although the rest of her story is completely fictionalized). It was very cathartic and personal and still brings me to tears.
My review...
Amber thought her life was on track, until it throws
her a curveball. As an artist, the news that she is facing blindness is almost
too much for her to even fathom. Amber feels like her world is falling apart:
loss of a relationship, career, and her independence. Her best friend tries to
show Amber that while things have changed, hope is not lost, despite her
ex-boyfriend’s attempts to make her believe she can’t survive without him. Will
Amber be able to recognize that the plans God has in store for her may be
different but still wonderful and fulfilling? Or will she continue to feel that
God has abandoned her?
McGowan does a wonderful job of capturing the feelings
Amber is undergoing due to a recent medical diagnosis, since fears of the
unknown are certainly relatable, as are the flawed characters. The reader is
educated on macular degeneration, a little discussed diagnosis. Scenes are
detailed and easy to visualize. There are numerous heartfelt, as well as
humorous, scenes as the reader is taken along on an emotional ride with Amber. There
is strong character growth, and I particularly enjoyed the development of
Amber’s relationship with her mother. This book made me consider what would be
on my must-see bucket list. I look forward to reading more books by McGowan.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, but I wasn’t required to
leave a review. Opinions expressed are my own.
About April...
April McGowan loves to write inspirational fiction. She, her husband, and two teens live in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. April is an award-winning author and member of Oregon Christian Writers and American Christian Fiction Writers. When she's not writing, reading down her book list, homeschooling her son, chasing her kitten, Saoirse, or playing board games, you might find her at her drum kit, imagining she's on a world tour. Hey, it could happen.
Where you can find her online...
Website http://aprilmcgowan.
Twitter at http://twitter.com/#!/
Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/
Pinterest at https://www.pinterest.com/
As an occupational therapist, I work with people who have a lot of different disabilities and illnesses including macular degeneration. So I have seen first-hand what it's like to not be able to see or very well at least and I have helped people devise ways to adapt their surroundings to make their homes safer. The most satisfying case that I had was helping a retired English professor who was legally blind get a talking book reader so that he could continue to listen to his favorite authors and poets. Yes, there have been many times where I have wondered how I would deal was not being able to see again and missing things like seeing my husband's or childrens' faces. Just another reminder to be thankful to God for all the blessings that we receive so generously on a daily basis!
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful! Thank you so much for sharing your story. You're certainly correct about it being a reminder to be thankful for the daily blessings.
DeleteThanks for visiting my blog, and good luck.
This looks like a very interesting book! I am a nurse and often work with people who have visual disabilities. What a great way to spread awareness!
ReplyDeleteKatharine, thanks for stopping by. I agree that it's a wonderful way to spread awareness. Good luck!
DeleteMy contact at Oregon Commission for the Blind (who is blind) and his wife have me their endorsements after reading it asks came to my book launch party - - I was so touched and encouraged by their words. It's a risk when you step into another person's story. Knowing I did so respectfully meant the world to me.
ReplyDelete*and not asks. My autocorrect
DeleteOh, that's wonderful! (I'm referring to the endorsement, not the autocorrect, lol!)
DeleteI keep seeing April's name around. :) Looking forward to reading her books.
ReplyDelete