Knowing Jesse: A Mother's Story of Grief, Grace, and Everyday Bliss Book

This book gave new meaning to the word "gripping." I'll preface this by saying it's the first book I read on an e-reader; I just bought a nook. I'd already heard raves about Marianne Leone's moving tribute to her late son Jesse Cooper, what it's like to raise a child with cerebral palsy, and her efforts to advocate for his education in the public schools. I'd also heard she was a lovely writer. I looked at some free sample pages to try out my new nook, and I immediately bought the book. I couldn't put it down. I read late into the night. In the morning, I had what I believe is nook carpal tunnel syndrome from gripping the device. I'm serious. This memoir is one you want to hold close and not put down. It also makes you want to not let go of your children or other loved ones. Without sentimentality, Leone writes a compelling portrait of her son's first eighteen years, before his death from an apparent seizure. I came away feeling I knew this family, as well as their extended family of caregivers, and had a new understanding of people with physical disabilities and the fierce work their families do to advocate for their children. And the writing is gorgeous. This is by no means a typical memoir of parenting or of grief. It left me breathless. Recommend!