Supplemental Needs: A Novel

by Virginia Isaacs Cover

An expected phone call from her obstetrician turns the world of pregnant Rachel and her husband upside down. Thrilled at what they consider to be a miracle pregnancy, they learn that their unborn child has a genetic condition called Klinefelter syndrome, which can cause a range of developmental disabilities. The doctor at the genetic counseling center advises them to terminate the pregnancy. They are frightened, confused, and heartbroken. This compelling novel traces the journey of Rachel and Dave Gold from their decision to continue the pregnancy, through the gradual process of accepting that their child has special needs and learning to plan for a life where some level of disability may always be a consideration.

358 pages, Paperback

Published March 5, 2024

Reviews

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What would you do? You are halfway through a much wanted pregnancy when your obstetrician calls. You are pregnant with a baby boy, who you will name Jacob. Jacob has an extra chromosome and will be born with Klinefelter syndrome. You and your husband, both shocked, are referred for genetic counseling. A physician tells you the baby will probably become a criminal, have a low IQ, gender dysphoria or more. He recommends abortion. A counselor tells you that your son might have normal intelligence. You want this baby. You won’t have an abortion.

This begins Supplemental Needs, a novel that brings to life the care of a special needs child and the effect they have on family. Rachel and Dave’s son Jacob has some deficits and qualifies for intensive therapies. They navigate this new world during a time when Rachel faces challenges at work. Their lives and that of their older son are forever changed but Rachel doesn’t question her decision.

Supplemental Needs refers literally to a special trust that will provide extra care for Jacob beyond the most basic living expenses. Figuratively, it refers to the extra daily needs of a Klinefelter syndrome child. Virginia Isaacs Cover does not gloss over these difficulties. Supplemental Needs is a must read for anyone needing information about Klinefelter syndrome or dealing with a special needs child. 5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley, Bold Story Press and Virginia Isaacs Cover for this ARC.

[LeAn · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 Stars!!!! Thank you, NetGalley, Bold Story Press, Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titles for this eARC of Supplemental Needs by Virginia Isaacs Cover.

First off, WOW. I am so glad I was able to grab a copy of this. As a mom to kids with special needs, this was comforting to read and know that "we are not alone" for us special needs momma. The difficulties are there and the extra care that is needed for raising a child with special needs. I was connected right from the beginning when Virginia talked about her relationship with her sister and that "everything is just perfect" for her. That just hits home with me with my own family and the feeling that you get when this "happens" to you. Nobody asks for this life, but when this happens to you - you will go to the end of the earth for your child(ren).

I will definitely be recommending this book. Again, this is hands-down 5 stars!

[Christine Antosca · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Missed Focus on a Mother's Journey

Virginia Isaacs Cover's *Supplemental Needs* promises a compelling narrative centered around a mother's journey with her son, a premise that intrigued me from the start. However, the book diverged significantly from my expectations, focusing extensively on Rachel's job rather than her relationship with her son.

The book’s summary suggested a poignant exploration of the challenges and triumphs in raising a child with special needs. Instead, much of the narrative delves into the intricacies of Rachel’s professional life. While her career undoubtedly shapes her experiences and perspectives, this focus felt disproportionate and detracted from the emotional depth and personal growth I anticipated in a story primarily about her son.

Although the writing is engaging and the insights into Rachel's job are well-developed, they often overshadow the core theme suggested by the book's premise. This imbalance left me wanting more about the mother-son relationship and the unique dynamics that such a journey entails.

In summary, *Supplemental Needs* has its merits but ultimately falls short of delivering the heartfelt exploration it promises, with too much emphasis on Rachel's professional life at the expense of the central storyline about her son.

[Karianne · Rating 3 out of 5]

The description of this book makes it seem like this is about a family’s journey with Kleinfelter’s, however it is primarily a work drama with a side story of the family’s medical journey. The narrative is repetitive and a little unnatural at times, as characters try to teach the reader various medical points. It does give some insight into how individuals and families may have reacted to this diagnosis, although I hope professional attitudes have changed as this book is set in the early 2000s and the medical professionals do not always act the most professionally.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prenatal test show that a couple’s baby will be born with special needs and it is recommended that they have an abortion. This book tells the challenges of choosing to continue the pregnancy and face the trials of raising a child with special needs. Fortunately , they live in an upscale area in NY that offers a lot of support as they face these challenges. Added in is a very unexpected career challenge for the mother adding more stress to a stressful home environment. A very well written book. Thank you Goodreads for this book.

[norma baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Challenge of a special needs child

Prenatal tests show their baby will be born with special needs unless they choose to abort. They become overwhelmed book by the extent of their son's needs. They live in an affluent suburb where there are services available to them. We have to wonder about other families who do not have access to those facilities and services where they live.