Rating: 
Summary: "Red Shoes"
Review: One wonders if there has been an increase in the sale of red shoes...in all sizes...following the publication of this book...? Red shoes exemplify Hannah's zest for life. As adults, Hannah's story reawakens our own desire for zestful living, our own need for "red shoes."Even though my son Jim died at the age of 23 rather than 3, Hannah's joyous spirit reminded me very much of my son as well as of the many children whose parents I've been honored to meet (following the death of their children). Maria Housden's gentle prose distinguishes this book from many books written by bereaved parents. Hannah's life, rather than her family's grief, is the primary focus of the book. Hannah taught her family great lessons on "how to live life more fully." Hannah's legacy continues as readers learn much about life, death, and grief through Hannah's example. This book should be on the bookshelves of bereaved parents, nurses, physicians, and all caregivers.
Rating:
Summary: Hannah's Gift
Review: Simply one of the best books I have ever read. I can't put into words the impact it has made in how I approach my everyday life. Hannah and her Mommy Maria have been an inspiration to "not sweat the small stuff." I am looking at the world now through the eyes of a three year old, wise beyond her years who is so willing to speak and live the truth. I saw myself in Maria, the Mom who wanted everything to be perfect.....wanted to look "right" to the world. This book, and Hannah reminds us that we should live our life the way we want to. The book is impossible to put down...I devoured it in 3 late night(after my children were in bed) sessions. I cried happy and sad tears.....but in the end, felt better to have taken this journey with them. I can't recommend this book enough. As a mother of a special needs 4 year old...I found it had many messages for me. Hannah reminded me that all people are God's special gifts and we need to cherish every little moment we have. I hope people read this book and honor a life that Hannah did fully live.
Rating:
Summary: The power of a little girl
Review: When I began to read this book I didn't know what I was getting into. I thought that this was a story of a little girl with cancer that I had to read for class, but what I found was amazing! From the opening story of a little girl in a mall dancing in circles because she loved her new red shoes I was hooked. I couldn't put the book down! I wanted to read more about all the cute things that she was going to do with her life. As I begin to turn every page I began to feel like I was there with Hannah and her mother going through every moment with them. From the first doctor visit to the last breath that Hannah ever took I felt like I was there.
The lesson that I learned from this book was how to cope with life after the death of a child. I learned that to truely remember them you can't pack their things up in a box, but you have to share them and show them so the loved one spirt is with you every momoent of everyday. This book is an awazing story told through the eyes of a mother that will inspire the inter child within us all!
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