Fully Alive: Discovering What Matters Most

by Timothy Shriver

On a quest for what matters most, Timothy Shriver discovers a radically different, inspiring way of life.At a time when we are all more rudderless than ever, we look for the very best teachers and mentors to guide us. In Fully Alive , an unusual and gripping memoir, Timothy Shriver shows how his teachers have been the world's most forgotten people with intellectual disabilities. In these pages we meet the individuals who helped him come of age and find a deeper and more meaningful way to see the world.Shriver's journey begins close to home, where the quiet legacy of his aunt Rosemary, a Kennedy whose intellectual disability kept her far from the limelight, inspired his family to devote their careers to helping the most vulnerable. He plays alongside the children of Camp Shriver, his mother's revolutionary project, which provided a space for children with intellectual disabilities to play, and years later he gains invaluable wisdom from the incredible athletes he befriends as chairman of the organization it inspired, Special Olympics. Through these experiences and encounters with scholars, spiritual masters, and political icons such as Nelson Mandela, Shriver learns how to find humility and speak openly of vulnerability and faith.Fully Alive is both a moving personal journey and a meditation on some of the greatest wisdom and the greatest contradictions of our society. Is disability to be feared or welcomed, pitied or purged? Shriver argues that we all have different abilities and challenges we should embrace. Here we see how those who appear powerless have turned this seeming shortcoming into a power of their own, and we learn that we are all totally vulnerable and valuable at the same time.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Biography, Psychology, Biography Memoir, History, Disability

304 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 10, 2014

Reviews

[J.E. Pinto · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was a hard audience for this book. As a lifelong blind person who has met with more than my share of both sappy sweetness and hostility, I was understandably skeptical. But I hadn't made it through the description of the 1995 Special Olympics at the Yale Bowl in the introduction before my skepticism melted like ice under a stream of hot water in a kitchen sink. This Timothy Shriver was the real deal. I had to know how he had learned the truth about people with disabilities. And this book laid out the steps--his mother, his Aunt Rosemary, and many more wonderful truths. I recommend the read for anyone who works with or plans to work with diverse populations, for parents of disabled children, and really, for anyone who feels marginalized or who wants to learn about or reach out to the marginalized.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautifully written courageous memoir authored by Timothy Shriver is a memorial tribute to his late aunt Rosemary Kennedy (1918-2005), and thoughtfully raises awareness of the history, stigma, and misinformation associated with people having (physical) intellectual disabilities, while at the same time celebrating their humanity.

It is good that the term "mental retardation" is no longer used. This was not the case in 1941 when psychosurgery was a popular method to correct defective brain conditions and behavior problems. Joe Kennedy agreed to a prefrontal lobotomy for his oldest daughter Rosemary, who was then 23, and living in a Wisconsin Catholic boarding school for "exceptional" children. Rosemary was academically behind, and lacked the emotional maturity of a typical woman her age. Beautiful as her sisters, she attended social functions with family members on occasion, she didn't deserve to be labeled as retarded. The angry tantrums and outbursts she had were of great concern to her parents.

It was a fact that the ambitious Joe Kennedy had extremely high standards for his 9 children. They were expected to engage in civic and political pursuits with the goal of the US Presidency for his sons, there were few exceptions. Shriver suggests Rosemary did not fit her fathers ideal, or meet his lofty expectations, and was unable function well in the busy competitive Kennedy family environment. There may have been a possibility of an undiagnosed mental disorder. Shriver writes with understanding and compassion, readers will draw their own conclusions about the treatment of Rosemary by her parents.

Eunice Kennedy Shriver brought Rosemary to her home for family visits, her children knew their aunt well. "Camp Shriver" (1962) opened on her Maryland farm for disabled people. In 1968 Eunice's vision to advocate and provide competitive sporting events for people with physical and intellectual disabilities became the Special Olympics. Currently, Timothy Shriver is the Chairman of the Special Olympics that serve people with disabilities in 40 countries worldwide.
"The things we can learn from physically and intellectually challenged people are greater then anything they could be taught from us.."

[Stacey D. · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very sensitive, spiritual and insightful book about having hope, believing in yourself and living fully alive. Shriver, the son of Eunice Kennedy and brother to Maria, has long worked with the Special Olympics organization and has been a long-time supporter of people living with intellectual and physical disabilities. You can tell that the book was written from the heart and is inspirational on many levels.

The book was assigned to my teen's entire high school as summer reading, presenting an important treatise on how each of us can remodel ourselves into pioneers of change and give ourselves over to benefiting others, while benefiting ourselves, too, by living fully and "storming the castle".


My favorite quote from the book, appears on page 166. I just love this:

“I know many people dismiss miracles as the workings of overactive imaginations or the stubborn delusions of superstitious minds. But "miracle" need not mean a manipulation of the laws of nature and history. It can also be a way of describing a dramatic change of mind and heart at the most fundamental levels of reality. A miracle can be the total deconsturction of a way of seeing the world, where the lessons and expectations of the past suddenly yield to a previously impossible perception of reality. A miracle, in its simplest spiritual form, is an experience of love "flooding our hearts" from a source unknown, of "falling" into a new reality previously unimagined, of seeing the world and others with an inexhaustible joy that is within time but beyond it, too.”

[Brian Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

A moving book. Shriver's message about all of the special needs and intellectually disabled people his family has been involved with or known through their Special Olympics and other interests is a message I wish all could hear. In particular how valuable and impacting they have been to Shriver's life, in many cases more so than the many well to do, educated, politicians, etc.. that come through their house growing up as a Kennedy.

[Martha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always rate the books I read, but don't usually write reviews and never write long ones. This probably won't be long, but I do want to put some thoughts down about this book.

I could have read it straight through in one sitting, but had to stop several times due to tears. I'm not comfortable crying just anywhere although I should be. This book is very spiritual, but also fun. The stories about the Kennedy family & Special Olympics are wonderful. Mr. Shriver spells out why we coaches, volunteers, family members do what we do for our athletes & children so well. He took my breath away at times with the emotional aspect of stories he was sharing. Honestly, I'm tearing up as I type this. I knew most of the history of SO, but enjoyed his first-hand perspective.

My mother loved JFK so I grew up loving the Kennedy family even with all their flaws. Aren't we all flawed to some extent? It was so great to read the stories of his family.

I bought the Kindle version, but plan to buy a hardback copy. This book is a keeper!

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

My library's summer reading theme this year is Read for the Win, and I chose Fully Alive as a discussion book for two of my book clubs because it is connected to the theme.

I'm not a big reader of nonfiction or memoirs, and this is not a book I would ever have picked up to read if not for book club. The book probably received a lower rating from me because of that.

Fully Alive was easy to read and had many touching and inspiring moments. However, it was a little too spiritual for my liking. Although the author was careful not to write about spirituality as being Christian only, and he frequently referenced other belief systems, it still focused too much on Shriver's spiritual journey to really resonate with me. I was hoping there'd be a lot more about the Special Olympics.

I'm guessing there are many readers out there who would love Shriver's heartfelt and inspiring memoir. I'm just not the ideal reader for this book.

[Tim Jin · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a person with a severe disability (cerebral palsy from birth), I’m not too sure what I think about this book. Timothy Shriver wrote “Fully Alive” to bring more awareness for people with disabilities. He briefly touched the Intellectual disability (ID) and the Developmental disability (DD) community, but most of his examples were more sympathetic. If you asked any person with a disability what they want the most, they will tell you that we want normalcy.

[Jodi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the first part of the book in which the author writes about the development of the Special Olympics. Shriver is the son Of Eunice Kennedy Shriver (sister to JFK) aand one of the founders of the Special Olympics.

[Amanda LeBlanc]

I did not know that JFK had influence or experience with special needs. Very interesting. The pull of God into the 2nd half of the book was surprising but needed. Overall I found this book interesting at points and wordy with repetitive statements/drive home this idea at other points.

[Mary Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book.

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little too heavy on the religious aspect, but otherwise a very inspirational book.

[Debbie Deissler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting material but author goes off on long tangents that interrupt the story. I would have enjoyed just the original recap of what went on and how it happened without all the side stories.

[Gregory Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Important Book

I picked up (actually clicked up) a copy of Tim Shriver’s book mainly because I am a fan and supporter of the Special Olympics movement and I thought this book would provide some interesting insights into the origins and growth of what I believe to be a very valuable program.

In fact, the book accomplishes so much more than this. As a non-American, I was vaguely aware that one of the Kennedy sisters (Eunice Kennedy Shriver) had started the Special Olympics as a result of the rich relationship she had with her sister (Rosemary) who was disabled and institutionalized. What started as a home grown camp for sporting activities grew into the global program that is the Special Olympics. It describes how a man found his calling in life through helping others - and reinforces the notion that he (and we) receive so much more than we give when we help our fellow man.

I was struck by how the family pitched in to make things happen at a very grass roots level (of course the Kennedy name did not hurt) and by the personal relationships that Tim formed with a number of athletes. It is difficult and unfair to judge the motivations of any stranger especially regarding actions that took place some generations ago - so while the Kennedy family was famously competitive their treatment of their daughter was what is was. That something good came of it is the legacy that should be honored and the

[Shanehi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is probably one of my favorite memoirs I’ve read, and incredibly underrated in my opinion. Tim writes with incredible authenticity and a rare humility not rooted in sympathy or empathy - but genuinely seeing a person. I deeply appreciated his vulnerable account of the joys and struggles of his upbringing, and lessons he had to learn to embrace himself as he was. And of course, it’s a beautiful account of the founding of the social olympics, and the struggles and victories along the way. A really inspiring book.

[Rochelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredibly moving book about the development of the Special Olympics and the history of the nation's understanding about disabilities, the book chronicles the childhood of the Tim Shriver and the Shriver-Kennedy families. He discusses Rosemary Kennedy's childhood and her eventual lobotomy and institutionalization. He also shows how the horrendous treatment of people with disabilities created a powerfully stigmatized class and an enduring painful sociocultural legacy.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very positive and inspiring, like the members of the Shriver family themselves.
It makes me laugh at the comments that it is "heavy on Christianity" and "too spiritual"-hello?! It's an inspirational book about WHAT MATTERS MOST.... sorry if religion, which happens to be part of the reason that motivates him, offends you!

[J.L. Vasche · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author talks about learning to trust the world and in your vulnerability, because our openness and love will avoid the corrosive effect of pain or shame. Everything has a reason, even the things we don't want or like.

[Anne Russ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent memoir about his life, his family's life, and their impact on Special Olympics.

[Jules · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing book about the universal human condition: we all need to be seen, we all need to belong. Thank you for writing this book!

[Trish Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Is one of the most inspirational books I have ever read. The stories are so relatable and you just feel the emotional. Spiritual journey that Timothy was on.

[alex boyi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magnificent!

[Maggie Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book to be a little repetitive in some parts, while in other parts a lot of details were jam packed (more so at the begging than the end). However, I really enjoyed this book and learned many things from it.

[Tess Mertens-Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tim Shriver, the son of Eunice Kennedy and Sergeant Shriver tells the story of how the Special Olympics began,
The book begins with the story of Rosemary Kennedy, sister of Eunice, who was derived of oxygen at birth and had cognitive issues. The Kennedys tried to put her into school which we would now call “Mainstreaming. She did not do well, so they sent her to schools for people with mental defects. She did not thrive there either, so they brought her home, At 18 she was at a fourth grade level, and Joe Kennedy Sr decided with the help of doctors at the time, to [perform a lobotomy. I do fell at the time they thought it would help, but it put Rosemary back and to a point of no return.
This made Eunice Kennedy look at children and adult with mental deficits and she started athletic events in her own back yard, which morphed into what became th4 Special Olympics
As it was informative, I found the stories of the athletes that carried the book, not the Kennedy influence

[Tara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is about two things: individuals with development and/or intellectual disabilities, and the Kennedy family. Since I have a love for the former and sort of an obsession with the latter, this book was a perfect fit. If you haven't gone to, or been involved with, the Special Olympics...do it.

"Family is a blessing anyone can give.."

"Little children remember only moments of heaven or hell."

"Human beings survive...for the sake of a cause to serve or a person to love." -Viktor Frankl

"[Man] is only completely a man when he plays." -Friedrich von Schiller

"What we hide hides us. What we fear creates fear."

"If you are who you were meant to be, you will set the world ablaze." -Saint Catherine of Siena

[David Margetts · Rating 3 out of 5]

The stories of the 'special' athletes are inspiring and humbling, whilst our 'history' in dealing with the mentally difabled is 'shocking'. It once again highlights the incredible untapped potential in all human beings to 'achieve much more', with the 'special' Olympians put many of us to 'able bodied / minded' to shame. But the real message in the book is the 'power of contribution' and it's 'reciprocal magic' - it never fails to 'deliver'. The only reason for not giving the book a '4 Star; rating, is the unnecessarily high % of content relating to religion and specifically Catholicism, which could have been better used in more glowing examples of the feats of the many individuals who demonstrated 'true grit'.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, this was an enjoyable read. The reason it took me so long to finish is by no means a negative -- I made it my commuting book so was able to read a few pages at a time. (I had a short commute.) The narrative did slow down when recounting his relationship with his future wife, reading more like personal journal entries than components of a message he was trying to convey. The highlights of the book were strong, however, particularly when focused on Rosemary and on the athletes he met through Special Olympics. As a mom to a Special Olympian, I recommend this book mainly for those aspects.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not usually a fan of self-help/inspirational style non-fiction and I'm not a follower of the Kennedys, but I an nterest in Special Olympics, so I knew I wanted to read this book.

I think one of the things I most appreciated about this book was his description of the early days of the Special Olympics and his portrait of his mother, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, one of the founding forces behind the Special Olympics. He also spoke candidly about his aunt Rosemary' s intellectual disability, the choice to give her a lobotomy, the tragic results, and how his family dealt with it (or didn't deal with it).

[Tom Costello · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is so much more than a memoir of growing up a Kennedy, although his perspective is interesting. The book is really an exhortation to live a happier life as well as plea to help remove the fear of people with disabilities. It is on the one hand inspiring in his belief that we all can be more and on the other hand a lament that we still have so far to go in believing that the human (divine) spark is in all persons regardless of ability. Shriver says he can't tell you to believe. But the whole book is evidence that we should look for " that of God in every person" as the Quakers say.

[Rox · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would heartily recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in Special Olympics. It is chock full of anecdotes about many of the athletes who had an integral part in making SO what is is today; a movement that benefits people with intellectual disabilities through sports training and competition. Tim Shriver shows the deepest recesses of his heart through this book while sharing with the world how SO grew from his mother Eunice's backyard games to the worldwide organization it is today. I thought I knew a lot about the organization but the book gave me tons more.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved most of it. A few highlights that resonate w/me-
[Parents of kid w/special needs] begin the journey in pain and survive it by learning that what they feared would be unlovable is the opposite.
What you think is broken is, in fact, perfectly beautiful.

Saint Catherine of Siena-if you are who you were meant to be, you will set the world ablaze!

STORM THE CASTLE!