Review by ellie_calvin -- Running from the Mirror
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Review by ellie_calvin -- Running from the Mirror
[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Running from the Mirror" by Howard Shulman.]
4 out of 4 stars
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Running from the Mirror - Howard Shulman
Sandra Jones Publishing House
PO Box 20892
Boulder, CO 80308
Copyright 2016 Howard Shulman
Originally published 2013 under the title Freak
Book and cover design by Sandra Jones
ISBN (print) 9780985581534
ISBN (ebook) 9780985581558
You read the first sentence and your breath catches in your throat. By the end of that solitary paragraph, your chest aches and it almost hurts to breathe. "That poor baby..." runs through your mind followed closely by "How could they?"
Three powerful sentences and Howard Shulman has you fully engaged.
Running from the Mirror, formerly published as Freak, is the beautifully crafted memoir of Howard Shulman. Though born healthy, Shulman was abandoned in the hospital after contracting an infection that consumed most of his face. Through masterful story telling, Shulman relates the remarkable events in his life and the painfully human way he dealt with them.
This memoir is a visceral read and sometimes requires taking a step back to sift through all the emotions you feel as a reader. Shulman is incredibly relatable which makes for an entertaining read. He starts with his birth and takes you through every stage of his life and his experiences with people. Comparing his life to my own was a haunting reminder of how much I take for granted.
Running from the Mirror asks the reader to reflect on humanity itself. The first chapter left me reeling and trying to understand the actions of his parents. Would I have done the same in their position? Shulman's primary surgeon behaves in a way that leaves the reader feeling cold on the inside and questioning how a person could be so blind to the fear and pain of his young patient. Shulman also shows how little our society understands about how to care for individuals that are different from the norm. Constant stares, invasive questions, and negative assumptions regarding his mental acuity all stemmed from our societal fear of the other. Fear replaces pity in a society that regards appearance as a way to determine a person's worth. Negative interactions with society could have created a monster; but through examples of unconditional love and many painful lessons, Shulman transforms in front of your eyes.
I would give Running from the Mirror 4 out of 4 stars. The story grabs you right from the beginning and pulls you by your heart strings all the way through. Shulman is witty and humble. He writes honestly but with emotion, showing his vulnerability in a way that makes you feel like you know him. This book is for anyone who enjoys an epic tale of overcoming the odds.
******
Running from the Mirror
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
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4 out of 4 stars
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Running from the Mirror - Howard Shulman
Sandra Jones Publishing House
PO Box 20892
Boulder, CO 80308
Copyright 2016 Howard Shulman
Originally published 2013 under the title Freak
Book and cover design by Sandra Jones
ISBN (print) 9780985581534
ISBN (ebook) 9780985581558
You read the first sentence and your breath catches in your throat. By the end of that solitary paragraph, your chest aches and it almost hurts to breathe. "That poor baby..." runs through your mind followed closely by "How could they?"
Three powerful sentences and Howard Shulman has you fully engaged.
Running from the Mirror, formerly published as Freak, is the beautifully crafted memoir of Howard Shulman. Though born healthy, Shulman was abandoned in the hospital after contracting an infection that consumed most of his face. Through masterful story telling, Shulman relates the remarkable events in his life and the painfully human way he dealt with them.
This memoir is a visceral read and sometimes requires taking a step back to sift through all the emotions you feel as a reader. Shulman is incredibly relatable which makes for an entertaining read. He starts with his birth and takes you through every stage of his life and his experiences with people. Comparing his life to my own was a haunting reminder of how much I take for granted.
Running from the Mirror asks the reader to reflect on humanity itself. The first chapter left me reeling and trying to understand the actions of his parents. Would I have done the same in their position? Shulman's primary surgeon behaves in a way that leaves the reader feeling cold on the inside and questioning how a person could be so blind to the fear and pain of his young patient. Shulman also shows how little our society understands about how to care for individuals that are different from the norm. Constant stares, invasive questions, and negative assumptions regarding his mental acuity all stemmed from our societal fear of the other. Fear replaces pity in a society that regards appearance as a way to determine a person's worth. Negative interactions with society could have created a monster; but through examples of unconditional love and many painful lessons, Shulman transforms in front of your eyes.
I would give Running from the Mirror 4 out of 4 stars. The story grabs you right from the beginning and pulls you by your heart strings all the way through. Shulman is witty and humble. He writes honestly but with emotion, showing his vulnerability in a way that makes you feel like you know him. This book is for anyone who enjoys an epic tale of overcoming the odds.
******
Running from the Mirror
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Like ellie_calvin's review? Post a comment saying so!
Latest Review: "Flaherty's Crossing" by Kaylin McFarren
