New York : Roaring Brook Press, 2014.
250 p. : ill. ; 22 cm.
What's not to like about this rollicking, bawdy and well-written memoir by 21-year old Shane Burcaw who has SMA - Spinal Muscular Atrophy - a degenerative muscular disease which is likely to kill him?
Burcaw's book has been positively reviewed, and rightfully so. Publisher's Weekly states: "His honesty, tempered by mordant humor and a defiant acceptance, is refreshing, even as he thumbs his nose at the disease that is slowly stripping him of the basics." Booklist notes, "Burcaw's smart, gracious, and funny take on his life is an object lesson in positivity, and this eloquently written and moving memoir would easily find a home in both adult and youth collections."
The thing I love about Burcaw's book is his ability to be both positive and life affirming, but also angry, cynical and unsparingly honest. He also is really funny and at times raunchy in describing many situations he has found himself in. He is not afraid to be blunt about his fears, his dislikes, and the painful and humiliating ways his disease has affected his life.
I would definitely recommend this book to students. There is a lot to admire in this book and so much to learn.
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