Sunday, September 21, 2008

If you Could Hear what I see - Wonderful book

Hi,
After long time, I am posting another book review. This is about a book called, "If You Could Hear What I see" by Kathy Buckly. Even though it was written 2001, I came across this book through Mark Victor Hansen's recommendation. So, I thought of checking it out.
I got it in the library and started reading first chapter and didn't able to put it down. Excellent journey of the author from childhood with hearing disability (which is not detected) with lots of labels put on her (dumb, stupid, slow learner, etc.). On top of this, she doesn't have anyone at home who can communicate with her in all the life challenges. Brother teases her all the time and ready to send her to their mom as the one who started the trouble in the first place. Mother doesn't communicate, father is available whenever she is in crisis, etc. She narrate her childhood experiences, which are amazing and eye opening. For example, when she was 6 year old, she was sent to special requirements school. There she thinks one of the kid is on purpose coming one hand only. She fights with him everyday until one day his mom explains to her about him being born with one hand.
On top of it, when she was around 18 years of so, she was run over by a jeep. She gets kicked out of home by her mom, she gets cancer, etc. With all these labels and challenges, she comes out and complete her Massage Therapist certification in California (away from home state, Ohio), starts her career as Comedian (First for the sake of children, then she turns it into career). She helps Physically challenged children, street kids, parents, etc. She also challenges societies myths and dogmas.
Visit her website and watch five or six minute intro about her shows: www.kathybuckley.com
Cheers,
Nagaraj