When One Door Closes: A Teen's Inspiring Journey and Living Legacy
Author: Susie Graham
Chances are you or someone you love will soon be faced with an unexpected illness, disability or loss. The choices you make have the power to open new doors for yourself and for others. Discover the powerful influence one person can unleash in the face of tragedy by reading When One Door Closes.
One early fall day Alexandra (Alex) Graham came home from the mall complaining of pain in her knee. Three months later, at the age of 16, she was diagnosed with bone cancer. Her world and the world of those she loved would never be the same. Fighting osteogenic sarcoma, amputation of her leg and partial loss of lung Alex defines herself by who she is and the choices she makes, not by her illness. Over the course of a year, Alex did not get the miracle she wanted most, but her life and her selfless wish left the world a better place.
In their own words family, friends, medical experts, caregivers and a rock star describe how this teenage girl opened doors and made a difference in their lives. Even individuals who never met Alex share how their lives have taken on new meaning because of her wish and legacy. Through her story find ways you too can confront adversity, live life with meaning, comfort and inspire others, avoid needless guilt and establish a living legacy.
ForeWord Magazine
When One Door Closes would benefit family members and friends of anyone with a severe illness. Alex's parents show the importance of honesty when children are diagnosed with cancer. Alex is aware of what's going on with her body; therefore, she is empowered because of her knowledge of what's happening to her. She is completely involved in her treatment, asking doctors questions about procedures she receives.
Teenagers can benefit from this story because Alex's friends exemplify the importance of a close network. The Grahams expect people to shy away from them when Alex is diagnosed but are surprised by their growing circle of friends and by the fact that Alex never experiences loneliness. Alex's friends remain close to her on good days and bad ones.
Although the overall message of the book is positive, When One Door Closes lets readers into Alex's mind by means of her journal entries, telling readers how she feels about losing her hair to chemotherapy and about her future dreams. This shows that she is still a teenager with vanities and aspirations.
Author H. Thomas Saylor decided to write this book with the Grahams after a chance encounter with Alex's mother, Susie. The only drawback of this book is the number of people recounting their stories; many of them share too much background information before talking about their relationship with Alex. However, this book is inspiring for anyone faced with the sudden illness of a loved one, and the brevity of the chapters makes it an easy read.
ForeWord Magazine - Cicely A. Richard
This book is inspiring for anyone faced with the sudden illness of a loved one, and the brevity of the chapters makes it an easy read.
What People Are Saying
Harold Kushner
"A moving story of a brave girl who confronted tragedy not by asking, "Why me?" but by asking, "What can I do with this to help others?'"--(Rabbi Harold Kushner, Author of When Bad Things Happen to Good People)
Ed Robertson
"The first time I met Alex was the day before our record came out. I didn't realize she was sick. I just noticed her leg was amputated. She was this beautiful radiant kid. Alex struck me as such an incredibly positive person. Her story and her wish are remarkable."--(Ed Robertson, Singer, Songwriter and Musician, Barenaked Ladies)
"When One Door Closes is Alex's story. Sometimes a young person is an Old Soul - someone whose wisdom, compassion, capacity for love, and courage could not possibly be learned in the course of their short lifetime. To meet someone like this is to confront Mystery - and be blessed by it. Blessings to you, Alex. May your light shine on and on. - (Rachel Naomi Remen, M. D., author of Kitchen Table Wisdom)
From Binge to Blackout: A Mother and Son Struggle With Teen Drinking
Author: Chris Volkmann
and/or stickers showing their discounted price. More about bargain books
No comments:
Post a Comment