I, Win

by Win Charles

At age 24 I decided to tell my story. Writing this autobiography gave me the opportunity to pay tribute to my family members who are passionate about life and have instilled this passion in me. My parents' extraordinary support, encouragment, and pure love were my foundation as I navigated life, overcame obstacles, and achieved successes as a young woman with cerebral palsy. I have to pay full tribute to my mother, who died in August 2010. From her I learned to listen to my own voice as a guide to making life choices. She taught me to always expect the best from myself.
My hope is that this book will provide insight into the extraordinary possibilities that those who live with disabilities have. I also hope that those without disabilities– rather than putting a focus on our differences – will come to understand what we all have in common. This book is for my mom, with love.

Genres: Disability

78 pages, Paperback

First published October 21, 2012

About the author

Win Kelly Charles is a 4 time published author and motivational speaker.

Born with Cerebral Palsy, Win Charles has defied the odds by becoming an author, artist and athlete. Her memoir "I, Win" is an amazing story of how she remembers her life growing up as a disabled woman living in a non-disabled world.

Today Win Charles is in the process of finishing her next book and is planning on touring the country to speak to schools and institutions and raise awareness about cerebral palsy. She is also planning on pursuing her degree in education.

Reviews

[Bill Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of being interviewed by Win for her podcast and was keen to read more about her life. This is quite a short autobiography of a still relatively young woman but she sure has packed a lot into her life. This book is the inspiring story of Win's battle with Cerebral Palsy. She has refused to let her disability define her life. Win's story is both motivating for anyone suffering from a disability as well as enlightening for those of us fortunate not to have a disability. Win bares her soul and shares the ups and downs of her life. There is no question of Win feeling sorry for herself and this remarkable woman proves anything is possible in life with the right attitude. Highly recommended.

[Roche · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must-read book!

The author, Win Kelly Charles, tells the story of her life casually, but with great seriousness. Her story, her art, her passion, her dedication, her journey, her ups & downs, her love for life and what it brings – is a great inspiration to many, disabled or not. “I, Win,” inspires readers to attain the unreachable, to dream the dream, and to do the impossible. Her short, but sweet, autobiography shows her continuous celebration of life. Reading the book will change how you perceive yours.

In summary: “I, Win” by Win Kelly Charles, 6 out of 5 shining stars, highly recommended!

[Rebecca L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I, Win is an incredible book by an incredible person. Win Kelly Charles is a bestselling author, fashionista, and journalist. She has recorded over 1,000 episodes of her long running podcast, “Ask Win,” which has a wide reaching fan base of over 10,000 subscribers. Win is also a talented artist and her work has appeared in the hands of celebrities. Many people in today’s world would consider Win to be an “influencer.”

One other interesting thing about Win? She also has Cerebral Palsy. I list this aspect of Win’s life last because, as she shows in this book, she is not defined by her disability. Instead, she is redefining how the world views Cerebral Palsy and disability in general.

In this book, Win recounts her childhood in the beautiful Aspen. She describes the joy of seeing her art in the hands of celebrities as well as the pain of losing her mother. She also shares her triumphs of climbing a mountain and carrying the Olympic torch!

I don’t want to say too much about this incredible little book because I want to encourage you to go read it for yourself. Win’s message in this book is clear; People with disabilities can do the same thing anyone else can do, we just might have to do it a little differently.

For ages, people have told stories about people with disabilities. I’m so happy see authors like Win and her friend, Danielle, who are using their own voices to share their own stories. I strongly recommend this book for fans of nonfiction and memoir.

For more book reviews like this one, please visit my website at www.BeckieWrites.com

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of reviewing this book after the author found me on Facebook and asked me to look at her story. Eager to support a new writer, I downloaded her book and finished it in one sitting. In retrospect I feel very blessed to have had the chance to check out this story.

The author’s amazing spirit shines through even though she lives her life with cerebral palsy. I wouldn’t dare say she “suffers” from cerebral palsy, as I really got the message that she does not suffer; it presents challenges in her life, but she does not use it as an excuse. It is very obvious that she embraces life and faces it’s many challenges life head on and with a smile on her face. She keeps herself motivated and doesn’t use her disability as a crutch. Instead she uses it as a teaching tool to help encourage other people with disabilities to follow suit and pursue their passions despite any challenge put in their way.

I find it very fascinating that with the help of friends and family that she learned how to ski and snowboard and found a way to excel at it. I also find it amazing that she transcribed her memoir using Suri (voice-to-text software)!!! Her artwork is also amazing!!!

I, Win; Hope and Life; my journey as a disabled woman living in a non-disabled world is an important book – it needs to be read by every single person that has ever looked at someone with a disability and not seen the person behind the disability. I strongly encourage this story to be shared over and over and over…

God Bless you Win – keep shining and keep painting; you’re a shining light in a world that sometimes forgets to be optimistic and hopeful. I am pretty positive that your mother is smiling down on your and beaming with pride!!!

Marianne Curtis
Author
Finding Gloria
Finding Gloria ~ Special Edition
Behind Whispering Pines

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short book of fewer than 100 pages offers a winsome overview of Win Kelly Charles' life and aspirations--so far. Because she was born prematurely at very low birth rate and as a result of other factors, Win has been living, struggling, and thriving with cerebral palsy all her life. Her parents' devotion, imagination and care of her from the beginning gave her the support she needed to begin and continue overcoming (conservatively) tremendous odds, and grow into a creative, productive adult artist, teacher, and entrepreneur. Being an Aspen, Colorado, native helped a lot, too!

Each chapter moves quickly through details of an aspect of Win's life, including explanations of ways she adapts in order to accomplish different tasks. I was surprised at how involved she has been in sports like skiing and mountain climbing, but as she pointed out, everyone has challenges, gifts, limitations, and assets. I'm looking forward to reading the next installment of Win's life journey! A "thank you" to the author for offering the free Kindle edition.

[Amanda Staffieri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the opportunity to speak with Win Charles on her podcast. I absolutely loved chatting with her about life, books, and life as a book reviewer. So when she told me about her book, I knew I just had to read it. I, Win by Win Charles is an autobiography about her life with cerebral palsy.

“Through my story, I will share with you the secret for painting life in bright, bold colors that pulse with hope.”

I, WIN BY WIN CHARLES, PAGE 2
Her story begins, at birth…actually before birth. She was born too early and weighed less than 2 pounds at birth. Her parents showed nothing but continuous hope and support. Throughout her life, despite every obstacle they are by Win’s side, teaching her that she can do anything. She has even learned to ski and snowboard! However, there are always trials. She goes into the death of her mother and a failed surgery. Even though there are low points, she rises above and has a gloriously positive attitude about life.

One thing is for sure, we take so much for granted. Win Charles’ story about being a disabled person in a non-disabled world is eye-opening! No matter what happens, she seems to overcome everything with hard work and hope. She also sheds light on her life with cerebral palsy that is not normally discussed so openly. I think that this is a beautiful thing. There should be more discussions. This way people can be more accepting to those with disabilities and embrace them as friends. One of the many amazing parts of this book is when she discusses her amazing parents and her friends. They sound like such an amazing support system! I also loved how she discusses her many jobs, especially art. She expresses herself through art and is very successful!

This book is inspiring, to say the least! I am truly thankful that Win gave me the opportunity to read her book! It is very short, but I am told she is working on another book. It is definitely worth the read! I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars

[Sharon Danzger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow - I am so glad I read this book! Win is an absolute inspiration to everyone. She is fearless and unstoppable in her resolve. And she happens to have CP. If anyone can bridge the divide between the abled and dis-abled, it will be Win. And, as she says, we all have disabilities...some we can see and others we can't. She has had more obstacles to overcome than most but has done it with dignity and grace. Her mother, of blessed memory, and father, certainly instilled a can-do attitude in their daughter, encouraging and helping her to be her best self. This should be required reading in schools!

[Christine Cowin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Courageous Win

Thank you Win for your book. You are giving many readers an insight into how a disability doesn’t have to shape us.
And you’re so right many of us have a disability. Be it physical, mental or emotional. You are truly courageous and an inspiration. Thank you for sharing your story.

[T.R. Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This will probably be one of the shortest reviews I have ever written but then it is one of the shortest books I have read (80 pages). In addition I do not wish to spoil the read for others by repeating relevant content, which with a short book could easily be done.

The author, who was born with cerebral palsy, was only twenty four when she wrote this memoir. As she says her desire was to honour her mother for how she loved and helped her. However, this memoir encompasses far more. In many ways it is an amazing tale of how someone with such physical limitations has lived a full and active life. In fact she, in the few years of life already experienced, has undertaken far more than many physically able people.

Throughout she is upbeat and positive and her exuberance for life is apparent. And she has the right to be proud (not arrogant) of her achievements. There is some repetition but this does not unduly detract.

Besides informing us, who did not before, about the different limitations of the illness and about the different types of cerebral palsy Win goes on to discuss how ‘able-bodied’ people tend to treat those with obvious physical disabilities. She wants us to learn and understand. I, having known people with a variety of different disabilities, may confirm she is very accurate in her observations. If we fail to understand it us who will miss out on knowing and connecting with some unique individuals.

The book is written in a short, concise manner with the author’s voice readily apparent throughout.

Cover: So much emphasis is placed on cover designs these days that I consider it an appropriate part of a review to refer to these. In this case the design does not really convey the content. However, the author is also an artist who has her own art business. The cover is an example of her artistic ability.

This is an upbeat and inspiring memoir showing how something most of us would consider disastrous may be overcome. I believe in applying star ratings according to their definition and happily allocate four **** to this genuine memoir.

The book is available from:

UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B009YLKW54

USA: http://www.amazon.com/dp/BooYLKW54

The author’s art business: http://www.redbubble.com

[Misha Almira · Rating 4 out of 5]

I,Win (Hope and Life my journey as a woman with cerebral palsy living in a non- disabled world) (Kindle Edition)
is a story about truly living and the power of a triumphant spirit. Win was diagnosed after a premature birth, with Cerebral Palsy. She started her fight for life right away, arriving as a premature infant and spending her first six months in Denver Children’s’ Hospital. Win was born in Aspen, CO and was given all the opportunities other kids her age were despite her diagnosis. Her parents made sure she was given ski lessons at a young age as well as other opportunities. They did not tell her about Cerebral Palsy until she was in 7th grade. Up to that point, Win knew she had to work harder than the other kids, but she did not have a name to call it. When her mother tells her, she realizes that there is a name and actual difference between her and the others.
This does not hold Win back at all; it only gives her more of a reason to fight harder. Although, she expresses the frustration she feels at times, she is a remarkable young adult with an amazing support system of friends and family. Her parents support her through many surgeries and empower her to be independent.
The story follows the life of this vivaciously stubborn woman through extreme challenges that would break most of us. It is captivating to be a part of her life as she gives the reader an intimate glimpse inside her world. It gives a new perspective to the non-disabled and bridges a gap that desperately needs it. Win aspires to bring the disabled and non-disabled worlds together and I believe she does just that through her writing and her creative expression.
This author touched my heart and inspired me in many ways, mostly to engage with life in every chance I get. I cannot find enough words to praise this book. I wish we could make it required reading in schools. It is a real eye opener.
This is a beautiful story. I am inspired to live as full of a life as this remarkable woman.

[Kimberly Schaaf · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was given a copy of this story for an honest review.

While this is not a typical read for me, when I was asked to review I gladly accepted. Being the sibling of a "disabled person living in a non-disabled world", I thought it would be enlightening and nice to hear about life from the viewpoint of someone in my sister's shoes. (My sister doesn't have CP as the writer of this story does...)

I admire that Win was able to publish her story all while "typing" it as she speaks. I thought that it was very well written.

Win describes how the people in her life have been so supportive. My heart breaks for her now that she has lost her mother who was her rock and sanity in a very difficult journey. And while I can appreciate the struggles that she has every day just to live, it was hard for me not to think about so many others that are out there that don't have the same support options (both emotionall, physically, and monetarily....). Win is very blessed to have had parents that could afford to be with her every step of the way!! It's the type of support that I would hope for and wish for anyone struggling with a disability.

Being that this is a short story of sorts, I recommend that everyone takes an evening out of their busy schedules to sit back and read Win's story.

[Andrea Cunningham · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading Ms. Charles' story as she is the only one who could tell us what it's like to have CP as well as how to overcome every challenge she has faced. It is an entertaining, uplifting tale of a woman who refuses to give up.

I gave it 5 stars because I think it's important for "able bodied" people to read her story and be inspired as well as children who are learning to adjust and be respectful in a world with many differently-abled people. A must read!!