Uncomplicated Life, An

A Father's Memoir of His Exceptional Daughter

by Paul Daugherty

On Sale: 10/06/2015

Uncomplicated Life, An

A Father's Memoir of His Exceptional Daughter

by Paul Daugherty

On Sale: 10/06/2015

Format:

About the Book

A father’s exhilarating and funny love letter to his daughter with Down syndrome whose vibrant and infectious approach to life has something to teach all of us about how we can better live our own. 

Jillian Daugherty was born with Down syndrome. The day they brought her home from the hospital, her parents, Paul and Kerry, were flooded with worry and uncertainty, but also overwhelming love, which they channeled to “the job of building the better Jillian.” While their daughter had special needs, they refused to allow her to grow up needy—“Expect, Don’t Accept” became their mantra. Little did they know how ready Jillian was to meet their challenge.

Paul tells stories from Jillian’s mischievous childhood and moves to her early adulthood, tracing her journey to find happiness and purpose in her adult life, sharing endearing anecdotes as well as stories about her inspiring triumphs. Having graduated from high school and college, Jillian now works to support herself, and has met the love of her life and her husband-to-be, Ryan.

In An Uncomplicated Life, the parent learns as much about life from the child as the child does from the parent. Through her unmitigated love for others, her sparkling charisma, and her boundless capacity for joy, Jillian has inspired those around her to live better and more fully. The day Jillian was born, Paul says, was the last bad day. As he lovingly writes, “Jillian is a soul map of our best intentions”—a model of grace, boundless joy, and love for all of us.

Critical Praise

“Raw, real, touching and poignant--everything a memoir should be.” — Huffington Post

“An expressive, nostalgic series of memories of living life with a special needs child.” — Kirkus Reviews

“Affecting. ... This feel-good memoir will appeal to all parents of children with special needs.” — Booklist

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Product Details

  • ISBN: 9780062359957
  • ISBN 10: 0062359959
  • Imprint: William Morrow Paperbacks
  • On Sale: 10/06/2015
  • Pages: 384
  • List Price:19.99 CAD
  • BISAC1 : BIOGRAPHY & AUTOBIOGRAPHY / Personal Memoirs
  • BISAC2 : FAMILY & RELATIONSHIPS / Children with Special Needs
  • BISAC3 : EDUCATION / Special Education / Developmental & Intellectual Disabilities
  • BISAC4 : FAMILY & RELATIONSHIPS / Dysfunctional Families
  • BISAC5 : FAMILY & RELATIONSHIPS / Adoption & Fostering
  • BISAC6 : FAMILY & RELATIONSHIPS / Learning Disabilities
  • BISAC7 : EDUCATION / Special Education / Learning Disabilities
  • BISAC8 : FAMILY & RELATIONSHIPS / Military Families
  • BISAC9 : FAMILY & RELATIONSHIPS / Abuse / Child Abuse
  • BISAC10 : FAMILY & RELATIONSHIPS / Activities

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