Search - Daniel Isn't Talking

This is the story of a mom that knows deep down there's something "not right" about her 2 year old son. Her husband, her therapist, her friends all say she's nuts. And then comes the diagnosis. It is the story of frustration, guilt, but also of never giving up, of hope. I really enjoyed reading this and recommend it to anyone who has small children, and even those who don't (like me). It has a nice satisfying ending, and you'll think twice about the kid acting up in the grocery cart next to you.

I didn't find this book to be very realistic. There was more "fanatic" than "fact" in this book, including passages accusing vaccines of causing autism (there's no proof of a link between the two). The plot was incredibly predictable, and the characters didn't really seem to grow over the course of the novel. The entire character of the daughter was ignored--surely her mother's obsession with her brother would've affected her in some way, but her character wasn't developed at all.

I suppose if it's read entirely as fiction, it's acceptable, but keep in mind that the little boy in the book is an extreme example of autism and that his mother demonstrates an extreme reaction in response to it. Maybe I'd have related to her better if I were a mother, but I know a mother of an autistic child who never reacted in such a fashion and her daughter's improving every day.

This was a wonderful book from beginning to end. A story of how having an autistic child can just about ruin a family. Painful and sad at times, but written so well you cared for the characters and read on hoping it ends the *right* way. Highly recommend.

I absolutely loved this book. Even though I am not a mother myself, I fell in love with Melanie's personality and could feel her heartache and joys as if they were my own. It was a quick, satisfying read.

Incredible story! Insightful, touching, and inspiring!