Paul Guest

The beginning of the book was so compelling it actually gave me a mild anxiety attack--I can't imagine the horror of a 12-year-old child breaking his neck so tragically at his teacher's house, by riding her bike without breaks down a steep hill. Having a stepson the same age, I kept imagining how I'd feel if that happened and what Paul's parents must have been going through.

Heartbreaking, sure, but never a poor-me story of a boy who has to learn how to live in a whole new way. Paul Guest is a wonderful writer and his story is completely fascinating. I'd like to write more about what happened in the book, but then I'd wreck it for you. Just know that there is life after paralysis.… (more)

Paul Guest is writing from a place you would never, ever, choose to be and yet there he is, amazingly wonderful in expressing how it is to be there. "You need to walk in my shoes" to know what someone's life is all about--- "walking" being precisely the wrong word to use in this case----is exactly what this book helps to do. Paul completely understands peoples' hesitations in dealing with him because he has so many of his own. He could write much more about his own personal life experiences because there is so much we can learn from someone who is so capable, intelligent, expressive, etc., etc.… (more)

This memoir by a quadriplegic is written factually, without niceties or minced words, about his life since an accident when he was 12 years old changed his life forever. He writes almost without emotion, wanting no pity, but needing to tell his story. After his bike accident, two men picked him up and only put him down because they saw his head loll to the side. He'll never know if that action caused more damage, but probably the die was cast anyway.

We've all looked at such a person and wondered about their daily life. Well, here it is; straight talk, factual. Despite his efforts, the reader feels terribly for him having to have absolutely everything done for him.

Through courage and daily facing of reality, Guest finished college and found work. Best of all, he discovered writing and after beginning with poetry, has written five books now. And another victory, he dealt with insecurity with girls and is now engaged. I'm glad I read his book.… (more)