Rating: 
Summary: I am different after reading this book.
Review: My husband and I are poised to start our family in the coming months. We have shared a number of discussions about prefering a "normal, healthy" child and agonizing over the as-of-yet unsubstantiated fear of anything else. This book has changed my perception.Mrs. Beck has beautifully documented her story in this book. This is the kind of tale that takes you on a journey of discovery -- you can't help but to come out of it a different person on the other side. As one of my friends recommended this book to me, I shall recommend this book to others. For an uplifting tale, sprinkled with laughter and tears, I've read no better story than this in years!
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Summary: A memoir that will stay with you
Review: I'm not the most patient of readers but this book grabbed me from the start and continues to stay with me. Whether you're awash in spirituality or a total skeptic, this book will leave its mark. Martha Beck shares an almost unbelievable story of living the Harvard life and learning that her unborn child will be born with Down's Syndrom. Her spiritual journey and courage throughout this story are truly inspirational. Reading it, I hope, will make us all a bit more human.
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Summary: GREAT INTELLIGENT & SMART WRITING!!
Review: This book is a blessing. The author Martha Beck is a smart very well educted person who faces real issues in her life, which all can learn from. She is pregnant with a Down Syndrome Baby and the experiences she has while expecting are wonderful. The dialogues she has with herself are a lesson in disguise. I would absolutely reccommend and encourage all to read it. You will finish the book with a smile and tears in your eyes.
Rating:
Summary: Staggering, Spectacular, Brilliant
Review: I enjoy reading about mothering experiences, and as the mother of a special needs child, thought this book would provide some insight and support. Well, it did, but that was just the icing on the cake. I identified with so much of what Dr. Beck had to say about how the intelligentsia of American society regards parenthood, self-sacrifice, and those of us who are less than Ivy League. Whatever one thinks about the author's "paranormal" (for lack of a better word) experiences, the fact remains that this is a well-written (and often hilarious) book about being a mother and what it is like to deal with people who question the value of a child who may not make it to Harvard--or any college, for that matter. I loved the humor, the humility, and the candor, but most of all I loved the message that it's okay to get off the intellectual superhighway and choose a different path. Kudos, Dr. Beck, for being brave enough to shun the Harvard elite and choose the right road for your family.
Rating:
Summary: Truly Magical!!!
Review: Fantastic - brave - awesome. It rings with truth and touches the heart and soul. I recommend it to everyone!!! Martha Beck is an amazing and courageous woman who not only followed her heart, but willingly shared her journey with the rest of the world. I applaud you, Martha. And I thank God for people like you!!!
Rating:
Summary: LOVED IT
Review: This book makes you think about what you believe and question your thoughts on who is God. It will bring up a great discussion - good for a book club.
Rating:
Summary: A wonderful book
Review: As a parent of a one year old with Down Syndrome, I felt this was an incredible book. It was easy to read and I finished it in record time. Initially, I was hesitant to read this book because of the "supernatural" references in some of the reviews. While religion, supernatural, spirits, angels or whatever you call it, is a part of this book; I could relate to her experiences as part of our everyday parental instinct that guides us through life. I really enjoyed this book.
Rating: 
Summary: Self-absorption
Review: I was so disappointed in this book which our book club chose. Martha Beck is incredibly self-absorbed. I am curious as to how a book with so flimsy a plot could get published. Perhaps its Martha's ivy league education that allows for this after all. The stories of morning sickness are so exaggerated beyond belief. She should have lost her other child due to neglect. A disappointing read and author.
Rating:
Summary: Such a good book, hard for me to put down!
Review: I read this for a book club, I never would have picked it on my own. But I was so pleasantly surprised. Her humor is truly wonderful and the truths she reveals about life are just inspiring. I would love to meet her in person. I have recommended the book to several friends whom have all enjoyed it.
Rating: 
Summary: honesty an issue for me
Review: The author insists earnestly and oh so repeatedly that this is real. She then continuingly and clearly "shades" the truth and big time with her Hard Times at Harvard Hyperboles. Perhaps this is in the name of humor (sort of a a New Age Erma Bombeck wanna-be) and perhaps this is the poetic license that she feels she needs to paint the Good Girl/ Bad Guy(usually),Bad Girl caricatures that populate her pages. But when it comes time for the big leaps of faith; well why would we believe this relentlessly self-serving raconteur; unless we too desperately need to. It felt like reading a writing assignment for her mental health therapist. When she ventures again and again into the supernatural, one fears we are venturing beyond neurosis. She just can't abandon her persistent deep need to assure us she is very, yes even Super-smart, (3 degrees for Harvard, did you know?!), etc. but NOW post-epiphany, well she is all of the above but Now also Super-open, Super-feeling and her child is actually more psychic than your child etc.--- You bet; if it works for her, why not and great but sorry, from here it's all just another shaky incarnation of Super Mom in a new (age) cloak. Kinda disappointing that this sells so well. Just adequately written, repetitive and at its' core, deeply dishonest. Untouched By this Angel
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