Raising the Perfectly Imperfect Child by Boris Vujicic

The work of the father of Nick Vujicic, who was born without limbs, this gem of a book encapsulates a lifetime of learning and wisdom. Written in an understated, straightforward manner without a hint of hysteria, this excellent book allows you to read between the lines a bit. It is often touching, balanced with marvelous instruction on how to deal with challenges, especially aimed at families of disabled or special-needs children. The advice provided in this book is spot on. Woven between the author’s narration of the shock and grief accompanying Nick’s birth are important lessons, such as allowing yourself to grieve, letting others help, learning from your child, how to be an advocate for medical care and education, balancing the family’s needs, including those of the parents and any siblings, and preparing your disabled child for adulthood. If you want an encouraging glimpse into a family that adjusted and learned to nurture a challenged child, this is the book for you. It will instruct you as well as lift you up. You will learn just from the example of these parents. One of my favorite parts is an account of a time when Nick had, shall we say, a very hard day. At bedtime, his father went to Nick and talked to him, assuring Nick of the love of each family member and of God. He sat by Nick and stroked his hair until Nick fell asleep. It is glimpses like that, coupled with the wise words of a father who has walked a road few have walked, that make this book so worthwhile. I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.