Out of my Mind by Sharon M. Draper

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Recommended: INTERVIEW WITH parents of a disabled child

I was deeply touched by this book. I found myself in tears as I read of the challenges and triumphs of the main character Melody. Due to the short period of time we had to read this book, I thought I would skim through it and try and find the main highlights to write this post. I found that after the first chapter, I was hooked and read the book in one sitting. I could not put the book down. That to me is a sign of an amazing writer and Sharon M. Draper is all of that, if not more. She speaks of her reason for writing this poignant and meaning story of a brilliant mind trapped in an uncooperative body on her website. Ms. Draper has a daughter who is disabled, and so she has first-hand experience in coping with the day-to-day challenges of parenting and loving a not so perfect child.

As Moms, we are always hopeful that we will deliver perfect children, and most of the time we do. When Mother Nature steps in though, and that doesn’t happen, it’s those parents that step up to the plate to raise and love that child that deserve the accolades. One such family that I personally know is my daughter-in-law. Her younger brother is a special needs child and she grew up as a middle-child with the focus on the younger brother. She recently graduated with a degree in Special Needs Education, but instead chose to pursue another path with younger children. After a life-time of dedication to her younger brother, she decided to take a break. When I met her family, I was in awe of the love and care, the dedication to the brother and the sacrifices that the other family made in order to raise him at home. He just turned twenty-two and graduated from a special school, with honor and pride. Much of what I read in this amazing book remin...

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...oks like has nothing to do with how well your brain works! You ought to know that by looking in the mirror!”

Although this story is fiction, it is based on the reality of very intelligent children that have disabilities, whether born with them or developing after birth. The spirit in which Melody triumphed over the class at the end of the book, after missing the opportunity to participate and probably win the competition for them is inspiring. The author brings the reader to the brinks of despair at the thought of Melody losing her sister, and then shows us how what seemed life-changing the day before is insignificant in the light of what is really important. Love of family, love of life and love for each other. I wept as I read the words “I love you” that Melody spoke to her parents for the first time. Melody became everyone’s child in that moment.

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