What do you think?
Rate this book
Karen #1
Karen
"There was something special about my child... I knew it from the moment she was born... A minute morsel, she weighed under two pounds, and measured nine inches from the tip of her tiny head to her infinitesimal toes.... I lay back still, bathed in happiness. It was like a brittle shell, this happiness, and I felt that motion or sound might shatter it.... I could still feel the surge of unbelievable wonder and joy evoked by the baby's lusty yell. 'What do you think of our child? Is she as pretty as Marie? Did you count her fingers and toes?'...He sat down at the foot of the bed and I waited for him to express his delight.'You must realize'- John spoke gently- 'she's not out he woods yet.'A gust of cold air entered my sun-drenched room and shivered...."
286 pages, Unknown Binding
First published January 1, 1952
103 people are currently reading
1134 people want to read
About the author
Marie Killilea
17 books32 followersFounder of the Cerebral Palsy Association.
* Marie Lyons Killilea was born June 28, 1913 in New York City to Tom and Marie Powers Lyons.
* Her father was a sportswriter for the New York Sun and later became co-owner of a Wall Street brokerage firm.
* Attended Mount St. Vincent Academy in Riverdale. Attended the Katherine Gibbs Secretarial School.
* Married James Killilea on July 25, 1933. Primary residence was Larchmont, NY.
* She was an active lobbyist in Albany for the rights of cerebral palsy patients. Her work culminated in the formation of the Cerebral Palsy Association of Westchester County. Later, she was a co-founder of the National United Cerebral Palsy Foundation.
* She wrote a novel, "Karen," which became a best seller in 1952 and has never been out of print. A sequel, "With Love From Karen," was published in 1963 and it is still in print. She wrote other books as well.
* "Karen" won a Christopher Award and was one of the 30 Notable Books of 1953. Her books, totaling 4 million copies, have been published in 11 languages. Mrs. Killilea received letters from all over the world, and she once estimated she answered 15,000 or more.
* She died on October 23, 1991 at the age of 78 of respiratory ailments.At the time of her death she was survived by her husband, Jimmy (who died a few years later at the age of 80) and four children: Marie Irish, Karen Killilea, Kristin Viltz, and Rory Killilea.
* Marie Lyons Killilea was born June 28, 1913 in New York City to Tom and Marie Powers Lyons.
* Her father was a sportswriter for the New York Sun and later became co-owner of a Wall Street brokerage firm.
* Attended Mount St. Vincent Academy in Riverdale. Attended the Katherine Gibbs Secretarial School.
* Married James Killilea on July 25, 1933. Primary residence was Larchmont, NY.
* She was an active lobbyist in Albany for the rights of cerebral palsy patients. Her work culminated in the formation of the Cerebral Palsy Association of Westchester County. Later, she was a co-founder of the National United Cerebral Palsy Foundation.
* She wrote a novel, "Karen," which became a best seller in 1952 and has never been out of print. A sequel, "With Love From Karen," was published in 1963 and it is still in print. She wrote other books as well.
* "Karen" won a Christopher Award and was one of the 30 Notable Books of 1953. Her books, totaling 4 million copies, have been published in 11 languages. Mrs. Killilea received letters from all over the world, and she once estimated she answered 15,000 or more.
* She died on October 23, 1991 at the age of 78 of respiratory ailments.At the time of her death she was survived by her husband, Jimmy (who died a few years later at the age of 80) and four children: Marie Irish, Karen Killilea, Kristin Viltz, and Rory Killilea.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 160 reviews
May 6, 2020
"A hospital, for most people, is a robber's den, holding them hostage and appropriating something before releasing them--an appendix, tonsils, or pounds of flesh after an illness." (p.13) How true!
July 21, 2007
I reread this book multiple times. It’s the true story of a girl (with cerebral palsy) and her family, written by the mother, who knows how to tell an interesting story. This was in the era before CP was easily diagnosed and well before the Americans with Disabilities Rights Act. I found it inspiring.
January 30, 2023
If I consider Marie Killilea's true story about her daughter Karen's struggle with a severe form of cerebral palsy simply on the basis of how I personally feel with regard to my emotions (how the account has affected and continues to affect my heart and soul), Karen is most definitely a shining and glowing five star book. For aside from the wondrous truth that how the Killilea family as a whole comes sweetly and lastingly together to fight not only for Karen, but for CP patients in general is both heartening and inspiring, especially the mother's (Marie Killilea's) insistence to so-called medical specialists that Karen be raised at home, that Karen receive therapy, rehabilitation and such, this all has done much to not only make cerebral palsy more understandable, more approachable as a syndrome, it also (and historically) slowly started to change the mindsets of the medical establishment, whose members at the time of Karen's diagnosis with CP often still considered patients afflicted as barely human and as individuals to be permanently hidden away in institutions or back rooms (hidden from view, hidden from the public eye, an attitude cruelly inhumane, but also a viewpoint that was unfortunately often shared by the general public, and yes, unfortunately sometimes is still common, no matter what advances both medically and socially have been made).
But all the above having been said, as inspiring as Karen is and no matter how much I do appreciate not only reading about how Karen through hard work, through sometimes even tough love and support learns how to walk (albeit with crutches and braces), talk, read and write (how she in her own words learns how to do "everything"), the rather constant religiosity presented in Karen does at times feel a bit uncomfortable and wearing to and for me.
Now please do note that while I am NOT in any manner being critical of the faith in God and Jesus Christ that the Killilea family obviously possesses, presents and which comes through especially strongly in Marie Killilea's writing style, her choice of printed words (for I myself also strongly believe in God), I do find it a trifle repetitive and tedious that Catholicism, that Christianity, that God and Jesus Christ are so constantly and repeatedly mentioned and pontificated about. Because or me, my faith is intensely and totally a private matter between myself and God, and thus constantly having to read about the Killilea's family's religious beliefs, about God, about Jesus, about holy miracles becomes not only a bit like a proverbial broken record, but personally, there is also something a bit strangely evangelical presented, almost as though especially the author, especially Karen's mother wants her readers, wants us to embrace Catholicism, to embrace and follow Catholic Christianity and dogma (something that I do find personally uncomfortable and not really what the purpose of this story, of Karen, should in any manner ever be).
And thus, while I do still very much recommend Marie Killilea's Karen as an inspirational, inherently positive and engaging account, suitable for anyone with an interest in challenges and special needs, for older children from above the age of ten or so to adults (and warmly consider the close and loving family ties of the Killileas and that the individual family members all help Karen strive for excellence and success, whilst also often weathering multiple set backs and even potential tragedies, as wonderful so-called life lessons), as an adult rereading Karen, I do leave the necessary caveat of the rather in one's face religiosity, and that at least I, personally, did and continue to feel a bit preached at on occasion, that author Marie Killilea does seem to be actively evangelising at times, something that I might not so much have noticed when I first read Karen as a teenager, but something that I do very much notice now, and enough for me to feel rather uncomfortable even amidst my joy and love of and for the book (and an issue that in particular does make me hesitant to consider suggesting Karen especially to and for atheist and/or non Christian potential readers without prior warnings). Three stars!
But all the above having been said, as inspiring as Karen is and no matter how much I do appreciate not only reading about how Karen through hard work, through sometimes even tough love and support learns how to walk (albeit with crutches and braces), talk, read and write (how she in her own words learns how to do "everything"), the rather constant religiosity presented in Karen does at times feel a bit uncomfortable and wearing to and for me.
Now please do note that while I am NOT in any manner being critical of the faith in God and Jesus Christ that the Killilea family obviously possesses, presents and which comes through especially strongly in Marie Killilea's writing style, her choice of printed words (for I myself also strongly believe in God), I do find it a trifle repetitive and tedious that Catholicism, that Christianity, that God and Jesus Christ are so constantly and repeatedly mentioned and pontificated about. Because or me, my faith is intensely and totally a private matter between myself and God, and thus constantly having to read about the Killilea's family's religious beliefs, about God, about Jesus, about holy miracles becomes not only a bit like a proverbial broken record, but personally, there is also something a bit strangely evangelical presented, almost as though especially the author, especially Karen's mother wants her readers, wants us to embrace Catholicism, to embrace and follow Catholic Christianity and dogma (something that I do find personally uncomfortable and not really what the purpose of this story, of Karen, should in any manner ever be).
And thus, while I do still very much recommend Marie Killilea's Karen as an inspirational, inherently positive and engaging account, suitable for anyone with an interest in challenges and special needs, for older children from above the age of ten or so to adults (and warmly consider the close and loving family ties of the Killileas and that the individual family members all help Karen strive for excellence and success, whilst also often weathering multiple set backs and even potential tragedies, as wonderful so-called life lessons), as an adult rereading Karen, I do leave the necessary caveat of the rather in one's face religiosity, and that at least I, personally, did and continue to feel a bit preached at on occasion, that author Marie Killilea does seem to be actively evangelising at times, something that I might not so much have noticed when I first read Karen as a teenager, but something that I do very much notice now, and enough for me to feel rather uncomfortable even amidst my joy and love of and for the book (and an issue that in particular does make me hesitant to consider suggesting Karen especially to and for atheist and/or non Christian potential readers without prior warnings). Three stars!
Read
August 10, 2008In middle school, during my melodrama phase, I loved this book. Karen is a girl who had cerebral palsy in the 1950s and 1960s when her parents pretty much had to make up treatment, and one doctor told them to put Karen in an institution and let her die. The mother started organizing around CP. As a child I remember thinking that they seem very close and loving. There were also very devote Pre-Vatican II Catholics, which kind of fascinated me.
I re-read this as an adult and it's a little creepy. I'm sure some it just offends my feminist sensibilities and the medical treatments seem kind of barbaric. The family dynamics seem a little weird and there are whole in the story. However, it was one of the first books that provided a remotely realistic picture of a child with a disability.
I re-read this as an adult and it's a little creepy. I'm sure some it just offends my feminist sensibilities and the medical treatments seem kind of barbaric. The family dynamics seem a little weird and there are whole in the story. However, it was one of the first books that provided a remotely realistic picture of a child with a disability.
May 31, 2015
I received this from a favorite Aunt in Montreal as a child. I have no idea how many times I read this but it could be in 3 digits. It certainly is high up in two digits! It didn't occur to me for many years why my Aunt had picked this particular book and its sequel to give me. I have multiple disabilities and could relate in many ways to Karen more than many people. Like her I had multiple surgeries, including on my hips as a child. Since my parents over protected me, I strongly suspect my wise Aunt was making sure I got a dose of reality and learned it could have been much much worse for me.
There was lots of love in the family, and luckily, a good sense of humor was had by all the kids in the family, especially Karen. This book is Karen as a preteen. The second book takes her roughly from either teen or tween years to a young lady.
I'm not sure if this is still in print any more but if it isn't, I hope someone brings it back into print! Anyone who reads it will never mutter about how it is unfair that disabled people get the best, closest parking spaces or any other perceived "advantages" in life. We have enough difficulties, both physically and emotionally, that the few advantages are insufficient to balance out the struggle in life. I'm not moaning and saying poor me, but if people think it is easy being disabled, read between the lines of this book and get a sense of what it really is like.
Thank you Aunt Florence for one of the wisest gifts you ever gave me!
There was lots of love in the family, and luckily, a good sense of humor was had by all the kids in the family, especially Karen. This book is Karen as a preteen. The second book takes her roughly from either teen or tween years to a young lady.
I'm not sure if this is still in print any more but if it isn't, I hope someone brings it back into print! Anyone who reads it will never mutter about how it is unfair that disabled people get the best, closest parking spaces or any other perceived "advantages" in life. We have enough difficulties, both physically and emotionally, that the few advantages are insufficient to balance out the struggle in life. I'm not moaning and saying poor me, but if people think it is easy being disabled, read between the lines of this book and get a sense of what it really is like.
Thank you Aunt Florence for one of the wisest gifts you ever gave me!
August 20, 2011
This book, along with the sequel (With Love from Karen) were assigned reading in my nursing school pediatric rotation. It had never occurred to me to not accept handicapped people in life - in my grade school there were twin sisters affected by CP and severe learning disabilities that were simply a part of life. So were the children with residual damage from polio and partially deaf from ear infections. They were just part of my life. When I discovered that parents had to fight to get some education for their disabled children, I was horrified! And this was long before PL-1074 was passed.
As an example of the effect this book had on me, my first husband and I traveled to New Milford CN (from Atlanta GA) in order to obtain a Newfoundland dog from the Cherns at Little Bear Kennels. We loved him until he died. I often wondered what happened to all the Killileas whom I had come to love and admire. I found out with a Google Search. I wish I could hug all the Killileas who still live!
As an example of the effect this book had on me, my first husband and I traveled to New Milford CN (from Atlanta GA) in order to obtain a Newfoundland dog from the Cherns at Little Bear Kennels. We loved him until he died. I often wondered what happened to all the Killileas whom I had come to love and admire. I found out with a Google Search. I wish I could hug all the Killileas who still live!
May 18, 2017
I read this as a child and cried and laughed with Karen and her mother and family. Karen was born with cerebral palsy, it affects muscle tone-- either rigid muscle tone or floppy flaccid muscles. Muscles are not just your extremities so it comes with a whole host of health problems. Treatments have improved and when I reread this I was so happy. Karen is a strong girl in spirit...her goal is to live as normal a life as possible with hard work and even pain. Her mother is relentless in helping her towards that goal. Family is always available and the faith they share helps carry the day. It still horrified me that a doctor would advise a parent to just put a little one in an institution and walk away. Mom, of course did not. The head to toe brace also still horrified me.
The Catholic family atmosphere (pre Vatican II) was a walk down memory lane which I enjoyed.
An easy read with uplifting true story.
The Catholic family atmosphere (pre Vatican II) was a walk down memory lane which I enjoyed.
An easy read with uplifting true story.
March 5, 2016
This is one of those classic books that deserves a 5 star review. For the inspiring story that it is, for the superb writing, the humor, grit, honesty and the history behind it as well. Marie Killilea tells the story of her daughter Karen, who was born with cerebral palsy in the early 1940's, a time when PT and OT services were virtually non-existent. The story includes anecdotes, conversations, struggles, and also a parallel story of how Mrs. Killilea helped found the National United Cerebral Palsy Foundation. Delightful and inspiring. This was my second reading of the book. I'm reading the sequel now for the first time!
October 10, 2021
Every time I read my copy, I'm blown away by Karen's story. She overcame so much to achieve a productive life after her parents were told to leave her in an institution and forget they ever had her. The family as a whole provided support and hope for thousands of other families struggling with CP and without the Killileas, development of CP devices and surgeries would have been held back for many decades. Even without all of that, you will fall in love with the entire family. I wish I knew where they all were now!
**Karen passed away at the age of 80 from a respiratory illness in 2020.**
**Karen passed away at the age of 80 from a respiratory illness in 2020.**
July 3, 2014
This dog-eared book that I read sometime in the late 1970's continues to be a perennial favorite. Written by the mother who helped form the Cerebral Palsy Association, it tells of the struggles of parents faced with an exceptional child trapped in a disabled body and doctors who recommended "putting her away" and "forgetting" about her. The struggles and hopes of this family will make you laugh, cry and beleive in the human spirit. You don't have to be Catholic to read this, but it helps. This large, devoted Pre-Vatican II family will have you cheering and praying for Karen.
December 11, 2010
After seeing a goodreads friend also loved Emmy Keeps a Promise, I decided to add some books I read and loved as a child. This is one of them. I strongly recommend it. I actually hunted down a copy a few years ago and it sits proudly on my bookshelves today.
August 4, 2007
This is a biography of her daughter, and in places almost an autobiography, by a woman with a severely handicapped daughter.
It was intensely engaging to me then, and holds up now to re-reading.
It was intensely engaging to me then, and holds up now to re-reading.
December 20, 2021
I read this as a child and I still remember parts of it! Very glad to have found it again.
October 7, 2009
I read this back in the 6th grade. I didn't read much then, but this book had a huge impact on me, such that I still remember it today. It is the story of a girl growing up with cerebral palsy, all that her mother did for her, and the success of her life.
April 28, 2020
I read this book years ago, possibly when I was in junior high. I loved it then and am glad to see that people still enjoy it. I'm surprised that it doesn't seem out-dated. This may have been the first time that I seriously considered what it would be like to have some kind of a disability.
January 16, 2021
I was inspired to read this memoir because the book's subject, Karen Killilea, passed away in December, 2020 at the age of 80 and her obituary appeared in the New York Times. I had heard of this book many times over the years but didn't know what it was about. Written by her mother Marie in 1952, Karen Killilea was born premature in 1940 (same year as my mother) but was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at age three. Her parents took her to over twenty doctors who encouraged them to institutionalize her but they refused. Eventually, they took on the therapy themselves with help from the kindness of others, their Catholic faith, and each other. Marie helped make others aware of cerebral palsy, many who viewed physically handicapped children as evil and cursed. (Unfortunately, the library copy I interloaned was a 1966 edition--the 13th printing--and had handwritten subjects on the verso page: "cerebral palsy--children, abnormal and backwards." !
A beautiful story of family, what struck me most about this book was Marie's determination and matter-of-fact attitude. Granted, it's not sugarcoated but, more important, it's not filled with self pity or martyrdom. The tone is hopeful and there's lots of humor and love throughout. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
A beautiful story of family, what struck me most about this book was Marie's determination and matter-of-fact attitude. Granted, it's not sugarcoated but, more important, it's not filled with self pity or martyrdom. The tone is hopeful and there's lots of humor and love throughout. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
August 9, 2023
A touching and heartfelt story of a family struggling to find help and therapy for their young daughter, born with Cerebral Palsy. This was back in the 1940s when there was no help for a family.
This family came together to help this child and to find ways to give her the best life she could lead. They made her independent and able with little help and much determination.
Karen is an amazing girl. She never gave up. Much of her grit came from her parents, who wouldn't give up on finding her all the help they could and who worked so hard for Karen and other children with C.P.
This was a warm and inspiring story.
This family came together to help this child and to find ways to give her the best life she could lead. They made her independent and able with little help and much determination.
Karen is an amazing girl. She never gave up. Much of her grit came from her parents, who wouldn't give up on finding her all the help they could and who worked so hard for Karen and other children with C.P.
This was a warm and inspiring story.
May 24, 2013
This is a great book. It's well-written, has a sly, somewhat snarky sense of humor that I love in books written many years ago, and is an excellent memoir of early treatment of cerebral palsy in the US.
Much, if not all, of the treatment is outmoded, but I enjoyed reading everything about it--of course, I'm a pediatric PT, so that probably explains it. I picked this up from my Grammy's house many years ago, though, long before I was actually a PT, and still liked it. Those neck-to-toe braces? Gone, thank goodness. Some kids still get braced, but on a much different scale and with lighter materials. Patterning for hours and hours every day? Gone, again thank goodness. But some of the things they did for Karen are still done today--getting her Mary Janes "just like the other girls", encouraging her to explore as much as she liked, matter-of-factly acknowledging her difficulties while providing her with opportunities she could enjoy, fighting for schooling, finding ways she could help others even as she needed so much help herself. This is a beautiful manual for how to live with a child with special needs and not over-indulge or over-protect, and it's priceless for that.
If you're sensitive to that sort of thing, there is quite a bit of God-talk, as the family are devout Catholics.
Much, if not all, of the treatment is outmoded, but I enjoyed reading everything about it--of course, I'm a pediatric PT, so that probably explains it. I picked this up from my Grammy's house many years ago, though, long before I was actually a PT, and still liked it. Those neck-to-toe braces? Gone, thank goodness. Some kids still get braced, but on a much different scale and with lighter materials. Patterning for hours and hours every day? Gone, again thank goodness. But some of the things they did for Karen are still done today--getting her Mary Janes "just like the other girls", encouraging her to explore as much as she liked, matter-of-factly acknowledging her difficulties while providing her with opportunities she could enjoy, fighting for schooling, finding ways she could help others even as she needed so much help herself. This is a beautiful manual for how to live with a child with special needs and not over-indulge or over-protect, and it's priceless for that.
If you're sensitive to that sort of thing, there is quite a bit of God-talk, as the family are devout Catholics.
August 1, 2007
I first read this book when I was about 12. At the time, it interested me, but I didn't really identify with the family. I decided to re-read it as an adult. I felt differently about it the second time around. As a kid, I imagined Karen (who was born with CP) as my age - because in the book, she was. Now I realize that she was born in 1940, and by the time I read the book, she was already an adult. I also missed the fact that her mother had such a huge role in raising awareness and access to services for people with disabilities. Another interesting aspect of this book is that it takes place in Westchester County, NY.
February 17, 2013
I read (and have reread over and over) this when I was young and it sent me on a journey towards my career. I think all parents of a child with a disability should read it because, while it is outdated, the fact that Karen's Mom spent every day helping Karen succeed-never gets old. When I meet parents with the mind-set of Marie Killilea- their children always are the ones that gain the most skills and succeed in life.
August 12, 2017
I remembered reading this as a teen & was happy to find a copy at my library to re-read. It's an inspiring true story of parents who were ahead of their time in seeking to not only help their little girl cope with her CP but also to form parent support & community education groups. They had a strong faith & commitment to their family plus a great sense of humor. Such an example of love that does not seek its own, never gives up, puts others first, and bears all things. A beautiful memoir!
March 9, 2018
I have been re-reading old favorites recently. I remember this as one of my first forays into biography, and it remains as compelling now as it was then. A reminder that our world has not always acknowledged medical differences, it shows that one doesn't have to yell and scream to get what one wants. Persistence pays off!
December 2, 2008
Written in the 50's (?), I just couldn't seem to really get into this book again. I read it when I was a lot younger, and loved it, but didn't even finish reading it this time. Nothing wrong with it except that it just didn't seem to move along very quickly.
Read
September 5, 2014I loved this book when I was a child. It opened my eyes to a world outside my own and taught me about compassion and determination to overcome obstacles. I reread it almost every time I went home from college.
October 8, 2016
I don't remember finishing this book as a tween in the 1980s. What I do remember is that it was a true and touching story about Karen who was born with a disability (cerebral palsy), her courage and the love of her mother and family.
December 13, 2017
This book should be a compulsory reading in every school and every book club and by everyone who is able to read. Wonderfully written and an eye opener into into the abilities of the disabled people.
February 16, 2009
Such a lovely story about a family who overcame what seemed insurmountable, buoyed by love and their faith in God. You will come to love Karen and the rest of the Killilea family.
August 7, 2012
What a wonderful book! Published in 1952, a mother's recounting of the birth of her daughter, Karen,who is diagnosed with CP. Very uplifting and energizing. Wish I had found it years ago.
March 14, 2015
This book was sad and uplifting at the same time. The family was amazingly strong and you can't help cheering Karen along
January 29, 2018
Excellent book about a child struggling with MS and winning!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 160 reviews