Nathan

Rating:
Summary: An exceptional life
Review: "Nathan," the autobiographical story of Nathan Ballard, is the moving narrative of a man who has lived with cerebral palsy much longer than the usual life span allows someone in his condition. The reader is given a world-wind look at the trials and accomplishments of Ballard's life. The book immediately engages the reader and teaches him or her not to feel sorry for the disabled. Ballard has accomplished much more in his life than many people who are in perfect health. He is multi-lingual and has participated in many national activities regarding the well being of disabled persons, including the panel which helped create the Americans with Disabilities Act. Overall, "Nathan" is very easy to read and gives great detail of each period in Ballard's life. However, the book does tend to skip from one point in time to another. This can be discouraging to the reader in several instances, where it jumps quickly from childhood to the present. The character development in "Nathan" is exceptional. Readers quickly feel as though they know Ballard, his family and his friends. "Nathan" will truly open your eyes to the life of a disabled person. It is amazing to hear a first hand account of how people in wheelchairs are actually treated by their peers. Ballard is a fixture on the University of Alabama campus and is very friendly and positive to the students. As a student at Alabama, I know the author and his determination to succeed in his writing career. A screenplay is currently being written on Nathan, and he is now working on a book of poetry.

Rating:
Summary: Nathan changed my life.
Review: I met Nathan while visiting one of the authors in Alabama. I was lucky enough to accompany him to several DMB shows and found him to be inspirational in many aspects. His perspectives are those of genius. Despite the many and various challenges he has experienced in life, he puts most of us to shame by maintaining a positive and persistant puruit of personal acheivement. He taught me most of all, that life is not for spectators and how we manage our challanges define our lives.

Rating:
Summary: Nathan, The Real Deal
Review: Many a year ago, when Nathan approached me on the University of Alabama campus to read a book he had spent 20 years writing, I did not think much of it. After spending that weekend reading what then were mere pages in a box, my life has forever been changed. My perspective on life and my attitude toward life has been irrevocably altered. Nathan's brutal honestly and total willingness to sacrifice his all to make a differnce resonates on each page as Nathan's story is brought to life. I wish everyone could read this book. Is it a literary masterpice, probably not. Will it change your life, I bet it will. If you are looking for a book that will inspire you and lift you up, this is the one. And, as one that has been blessed to have gotten to know the man behind the book, yes Nathan is the real deal!

Rating:
Summary: Nathan, The Real Deal
Review: Many a year ago, when Nathan approached me on the University of Alabama campus to read a book he had spent 20 years writing, I did not think much of it. After spending that weekend reading what then were mere pages in a box, my life has forever been changed. My perspective on life and my attitude toward life has been irrevocably altered. Nathan's brutal honestly and total willingness to sacrifice his all to make a differnce resonates on each page as Nathan's story is brought to life. I wish everyone could read this book. Is it a literary masterpice, probably not. Will it change your life, I bet it will. If you are looking for a book that will inspire you and lift you up, this is the one. And, as one that has been blessed to have gotten to know the man behind the book, yes Nathan is the real deal!

Rating:
Summary: Takes the reader on a remarkable journey
Review: Nathan is the compelling autobiography of Nathan Ballard, a man born with Cerebral Palsy, who worked with numerous committees on independent living for the disabled, provided input for the writing of the "Americans With Disabilities Act", learned to speak several languages, took a trip to Japan, was 22 years old when he learned to read, and went on to attend the University of Alabama. Assisted by freelance writer Michael Rogers, Nathan Ballard takes the reader on a remarkable journey that reveals what life for a person with a debilitating disease is really like. How there are times when life doesn't feel worth living. How some people take unfair advantage of the disabled. But the reader also discovers that no matter what the obstacles, Nathan loves people, life, and discovering what tomorrow will bring while enjoying the pleasures and overcoming the hardships of today. Nathan is a unique, engaging, and highly recommended addition to biography collections and reading lists.

Rating:
Summary: All I can say is: "Wow! What an incredible life!"
Review: This guy is something else. I heard about him from a friend who read a story of his friendship with Dave Matthews online somewhere. When I bought the book, I thought there would be something about DMB in it. They are mentioned at the end, but this book is what it claims to be. It's about Nathan Ballard. What an interesting life. The book reads well, it is full of surprises and keeps you guessing.

I had no idea what life for a badly disabled person was like. The writers do a fantastic job of spelling out what the experience "feels" like, inside and outside. Nathan is honest about himself. He doesn't spare self-criticism. To me, that makes him more human. He's funny, too. I can see why Dave must like him so much. The dude has been through a lot.

The middle is a little lengthy about some lady who tried to rip him off and steal the book, but it doesn't detract from the story too much. If you are reading this, then by all means buy it. It's a great story. When I finished it I gave it to my mom.

Rating:
Summary: All I can say is: "Wow! What an incredible life!"
Review: This guy is something else. I heard about him from a friend who read a story of his friendship with Dave Matthews online somewhere. When I bought the book, I thought there would be something about DMB in it. They are mentioned at the end, but this book is what it claims to be. It's about Nathan Ballard. What an interesting life. The book reads well, it is full of surprises and keeps you guessing.

I had no idea what life for a badly disabled person was like. The writers do a fantastic job of spelling out what the experience "feels" like, inside and outside. Nathan is honest about himself. He doesn't spare self-criticism. To me, that makes him more human. He's funny, too. I can see why Dave must like him so much. The dude has been through a lot.

The middle is a little lengthy about some lady who tried to rip him off and steal the book, but it doesn't detract from the story too much. If you are reading this, then by all means buy it. It's a great story. When I finished it I gave it to my mom.