Out Of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Genre: Young Adult
Rating: 5 stars
Synopsis: Eleven-year old Melody is born with cerebral palsy. She is unable to perform the basic things in life that we usually take for granted -- being able to talk, walk, eat properly, have conversations, go to school, among so many others. Her mind though is completely normal. In fact, she is quite brilliant, intelligent, and smart, yet trapped in an uncontrollable body. This is her story.

Review: As most of you already know, I work as an aide and as a tutor for kids with cerebral palsy. I've mentioned it once or twice, here and there, saying how these kids simply amaze and teach me something new every single day. They can not quite talk or walk, but when you're with them, you just know they understand what you're telling them. They get what's happening around them. They get what you're trying to say. Out of My Mind digs deep into this very situation, and ventures out. It tells the story of just one character, Melody, out of so many who are seeking to be heard as well. Hear her out, and with this experience, hear others who are in the same situation as her as well.

Personally, I found the subject matter and the story itself painful and difficult to read, but it is as realistic as you can get. This is life, and while it can be unfair at times, it's still full of endless possibilities and opportunities. What this book allows us to remember is to never give up, and to learn how to deal with things that life throws at us. This novel is special, important, and heart wrenching. It is real and it is honest. I can not recommend it enough.

3 comments:

  1. I agree, I gave it 5 stars also.

    This one must have had you crying as you are an aide for them. I was inspired.

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  2. Wow it looks really intense but really good. Great review! :)

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  3. @Marce: I was trying not to! I absolutely loved this book, and it truly spoke to me. I'm glad you liked it too.

    @Lady Scribbles: It's a very mellow, cute, and sad book.. but very realistic, seeing the world through the eyes with such innocence.

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