Blue Sky July: A True Tale of Love, Light and 'impossible Odds'

by Nia Wyn

This gripping autobiography follows the story of a mother who battles impossible odds in the hopes of healing her son Joe Alexander who, six months after he was born, was diagnosed with severe cerebral palsy. Told that he would never see, walk, or know who they were, his mother’s exquisite, lyrically written memoir charts the first seven years of her life with Joe. Her intimate day-by-day musings explore her thoughts and feelings, while revealing the development of a most extraordinary relationship between mother and son.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Biography, Autobiography, Biography Memoir, Book Club

176 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2007

Reviews

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my top ten books I've read in my life including the 5 love languages, and The Last Lecture. Nia Wyn so beautifully protrays her devotion for caring for her child and it makes you feeling so uplifted, and inspired at her mircalces she gets to be apart of daily. Nia Wyn is my favorite writer in that her words are so poetic and she is the best skilled writer I have read so far. It is like reading a poem novel and I was nearly crying at the gym closing up this book and her amazing journey! This book is a must read for everyone!

"as we pass the running children who hold their heads so easily I realize miracles are so commonplace we barely recognize them anymore, and near the circles of mothers anxiously comparing milestones at the school gates, I see how we live in a time where normal is never enough, and we are never full." pg. 42

"and although it was everything I wanted, and had every single thing I'd fought for, typed up crisp and clear in black and white, it still took a while to sink in that I'd won" pg. 128

"these days I grow enough to konow, that nothing stays the same for long and I grow enough to know, that life is what we make it" pg. 161

so poetic and metaphoric:
"I spend all summer in sacrifice, fighting passing thoughts and passing feelings. I fight the ones that make me cry at night and those that come when I'm alone. I fight the ones that drop in unexpectedly and the ones that make themselves at home." pg. 140

[Koren · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author has a baby, who soon after birth is diagnosed with severe Cerebral palsy. She is told he will never walk or talk or even know who she is or his own name and that he is blind. She does not except this outcome and devotes all of her time to working with him. The progress is inch by inch but eventually they find out that the doctors were wrong. If she had given up on her son the outcome wouldn't have been as good as it was. Her story reminded me of a patient I worked with who was an elderly lady but she also had cerebral palsy and her parents didnt think she could learn and kept her home and didnt send her to school. So she ended up being an old lady that was basically on the mental level of a preschooler. Some thought she was mentally retarded but I always thought she was just uneducated. She has passed on now and would be in her 80's if she was still alive but that was the way it was back then.

The writing has a lyrical quality to it. Almost seems like poetry and yet is more like a diary. It moves rather quickly and is only 190 pages so I started it one night and finished the next.

[Ria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just couldn't put this down, such a moving story.
When the author became pregnant she and her partner Alex are thrilled and have so many plans for this new future opening up before them.
But when Joe is born something is very wrong.
Fighting against the doctors opinions Nia knows that as his parent she is right.
Finally she is proved right and Joe is diagnosed with severe Cerebral palsy.
So starts the long and arduous journey or learning to cope with a badly disabled child, a whole new lifestyle, hops and dreams shattered, judgements by society and many medical hurdles along the way.
Never giving up hope Nia believes that one day there will be an improvement in Joe and that he can live an active and fulfilling life.
This was an amazing read, very sad but throughout always filled with a small glimmer of hope and shows the power of a mother's love for her child and how that strength of will can move mountains.
Emotional but at the same time very uplifting.

[Ruth Conrad · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was struck right away by the author's poetic language, and this was the perfect voice for her to use in telling the story of her disabled son. I found her story very moving and inspiring.

[Katy Bloomer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written in a really unique way - Such a lovely take on a sad yet uplifting true story. Made me feel lucky for everything I’ve got!

[Iamshadow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever read a book that is so incandescently, beautifully written that your heart feels two sizes too large and you have a lump in your throat when you finally finish it? One of those that you only find a handful of times in a lifetime?

This is one of those books.

This is a story told in images, in impressions, in pieces of memory, and yet it doesn't feel fragmented at all. The writing is like poetry. Wyn paints her story with consummate skill, and I was totally engrossed.

Nia's son is diagnosed shortly after birth as severely brain damaged. She is told that he has severe cerebral palsy, that he is blind and that he will never improve. Rather than giving her son up for adoption or putting him into an institution (as many would), Nia throws herself into his care. Her life shifts and moves until everything revolves around Joe's daily exercises, taking Joe to doctors, psychics, new age shamans, on Christian pilgrimages, and to the park, where he can't play or even see the sky, but he can feel the breeze on his face.

And if you think that that sounds incredibly depressing - it's not.

This is, at its heart, a love story. Nia and Joe are kindred souls, and they are irrevocably joined to each other. Their bond is something that transcends any mother/son relationship I've ever read about. Every tiny milestone, that for a baby would be nothing, but for Joe and Nia requires immense effort, is celebrated in this book.

If you have ever seen a parent on the street, or in the newspaper, or on television with their severely disabled child and thought to yourself 'I'd never cope with that' or 'How can they do it when they get nothing back from the child? No hugs, no words, no recognition?', then you need to read this book. I'd recommend it to anybody and everybody. It's barely over 170 pages, it won't take you long, and you will come out of it feeling utterly and completely uplifted.

[Kat Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book was easy to read, I finished it in one sitting. It was uncomfortable reading though, as it took a long time for Nia to accept her son for who he was.

There's a lot of writing about the use of alternative, untested medicines and therapies, and I feel they have been romanised in a way which could encourage other families to follow a similar path; their child may not be so lucky if they stop epilepsy meds against medical advice.

However, Nia's love for Joe shines through every page. He is her silver, she is his light. I'm glad I read it as most of the books relating to SEN and disabilities I read relate to autism. It gave a fresh perspective of how lucky my family are that our neurodiversities (and physical needs) are not used to dismiss abilities in the way Joe's needs were. People need to get a new perspective when it comes to disabilities, and whilst there are elements of this book which make me uncomfortable, it will definitely give all who read it a new view of disability and coexisting ability.

[Tony · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blue Sky July takes us through the first seven years in the life of Joe and his family. Set in Cardiff, this true story is written by Joe's mother, Nia, and chronicles the events and emotions she experiences after her newborn son is diagnosed with severe cerebral palsy. I found it very moving and was inspired by Nia's single mindedness and determination to give Joe any and every available opportunity to enhance his quality of life. She persevered with her task even though many others including professionals in the medical and educational fields kept telling her not to act on false hopes and that her efforts would be in vain. She refused to listen. She could not and would not give up on Joe. A beautiful, emotive book that reinforces my belief that miracles are possible and hope is never wasted. Well worth the read.

[Rebecca Ballantine-jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one of my favourite quotes from the book - Sam at the corner shop tells me that in Pakistan, a household that has a disabled child is thought to be blessed. He says it when I'm buying milk over the counter, Joe in a pale blue papoose on my chest.
He looks me straight into my eyes and says: 'Youve been so lucky, there isn't the medicine in Pakistan to save kids like him, you'd have lost him' Sam might have saved my life today. I guess it's like that when you're dying; you see a light unless you dont.

This is a story of a woman who is told that her 8 week old baby will never walk or talk or see or know her as his mother. It's her journey with her son Joe. It resonated with me.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite possibly the most amazing book I've ever read!

[Sid · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Blue Sky July" by Nia Wyn is a heartfelt and moving memoir that explores the complexities of family, love, and personal growth. Wyn's writing is raw and honest, drawing readers into her journey with vivid storytelling and emotional depth. The book’s strength lies in its authenticity, as it delves into the highs and lows of the author’s experiences with both clarity and sensitivity. However, at times, the narrative can feel disjointed, which may impact the overall flow of the book. Despite this, the powerful moments and insightful reflections make it a worthwhile read.

*Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars*

[Ceci Touzon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a beautiful tale of a mother, Nia, and her son, Joe. It is Nia’s innermost feelings and thoughts as she learns how to raise a son with severe cerebral palsy.
The way this is written is not my favorite style. It was very poetic and a little hard to follow. It was also just very sad throughout the majority of the book and while that is a hard experience to go through, I wish there was a little more joy in this book.
Overall, I loved learning about this mom’s experience and being able to apply this to my future career as a teacher.

[Lydia Fisher · Rating 3 out of 5]

There’s no denying that this is a beautiful, emotive book which is written really well.
However, towards the end I did start to get a little tired of it. I think this is because I’m in a bit of a slump right now and with work I’m finding it difficult to read more than a few pages a day!

[Maria Hrickova · Rating 5 out of 5]

5+
beautiful.

[Chase · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my cup of tea. Had to read it for my book club. Not a bad story but I didnt like her writing style.

[Vicki]

what a delightful book to read
so realistic and challenges you to reconsider what is "normal" and how success is measured
I could not put it down once started

[Marise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written
Inspirational
Real

[Anirban Chakraborty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book, teaches you the perseverance of a mother and all the hard work she has to give for her child. The book lifts up your spirit and teaches u to never give up even if the chances are 1%

[Kelli H · Rating 5 out of 5]

“That in the shadow
There is a constant interference of light”

This book is incredible. Thank you.

[Madyson F. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blue Sky July
Nia Wyn
Nonfiction-Memoir
192 pages

Blue Sky July is about a woman who is pregnant with her first child. She goes to the doctors and they tell her it's going to be a perfect baby and nothing will be wrong. Well they were wrong, when he is delivered he is fine but 5 hours after his skin turned a duskier shade, his body starts shaking and his cry is different. While Nia and her husband Alex were waiting to find out what's wrong with their child they came up with a name. They named him Joe or they called hi Joeski. Finally, the nurse came out and said that Joe kept running out of sugar and he needs glucose. Now he's finally fine and they are heading home. Nia is very stressed at home because she has to keep taking care of Joe and keep giving him his pills. Nia notices there's something wrong with Joe and she took him too many doctors and they said he is alright there's nothing wrong with him. Then one doctor says there's something not right and does tests and says he will never be able to talk, walk, or see. Now Nia has that on her hands to. Read it and find out how she handles it.

I liked this book a lot because Nia is really brave and she isn't giving up until she heals Joe. Joe is Nia's first child so they have no idea how to take care of a child especially one like Joe. Nia knows there must be some way to heal him and she isn't taking no for an answer. The thing what I like about Nia is she will try anything to heal him, she knows how hard it is to and even by reading it, it seems like a hard thing to accomplish. Since she keeps giving him his medicine he is getting better, he can talk and is able to use a walker. At the end of the book he is seven and they put him in school and teachers say he is really smart and seems happy there. My favorite thing is in the last line Nia states "Miracles can happen"" and she is talking about Joe becoming a miracle to her. This book is a great inspiration.

[Manday · Rating 1 out of 5]

Apparently I am the only heartless person that would give this one star. If I had not been reading this for book club, I would not have made it 20 pages in. I am not criticizing Wyn's decisions, or belittling the struggle she went through - my comments are focused on the quality of the text, not her life. The book is written using a diary, and that is all too apparent. It is full of the flowery, self-indulgent writing that is so easy to write and has so little meaning. It is shallow, skipping along the surface of the experience without real depth. The vast majority of the book reads as pessimistic. But, what the majority of the book, all except perhaps the last 20 pages really lacks, is self reflection. She does not explore why she is doing things. The focus is so narrow - here is what I did with some emotionally charged fluff tacked on. As I said, it reads like someones diary, and like most peoples diaries, its not worth reading in my opinion. I wish it had been a heartfelt poignant examination of a mother's struggle with a special needs child, but to me it was not an examination and was only occasionally poignant.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Parents with or with out a child who has special needs should read this. Nia writes poetically at times with thoughts rich in metaphors.

I admire her courage in writing the book, opening up and sharing something so personal...her inner battles with discovering her son has cerebral palsy. She describes her stages of grief, shock, denial, acceptance, and then in the end thankfulness for how things are.

Some of my favorite quotes:
"Pain mingles with a profound sense of beauty. Carrying him makes everything burn brighter."
"Today I discovered that fear comes second to love."
"We can all heal our heartbreaks- whatever they are."
"I've grown enough to know that nothing stays the same for long and I've grown enough to know that life is what we make it with a child like Joe."
"It crosses my mind that all my earliest dreams have been fulfilled, and my earliest fears have all been taken care of."

[Denasjsu · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a story of a career women (35 ish) in England who has her first child that has severe cerebral palsey. Everyone from the doctors to the therapists tell her he will never see, walk, talk etc. The book is about her stuggle and how she never gave up on her child, although for the first 5 years of his life she did give up on herself and her husband. Her child and his treatments became her whole life. The book was written in a poetic form that balances the frusterations of her childs situation with each and every accomplished milestone. Throughout the book, she finds her vision of life and her expectations constantly changing. It was beautiful to watch her eventual acceptance of her new life. It was an easy read that I highly recommend to anyone in the medical field to never presume or give up.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very quick read- but left a profound effect. Nia and her husband have a baby who suffers severe cerebal palsy. She is told that he will never see, talk or walk. She searches for answers everywhere and does several therapies all day long. Some of it was really tear jerking. She tells how she felt when she went to baby groups and then when friends have babies that 'overtake' him. Her dad went shopping three times to find the perfect present for his first birthday- something that lit up and made noises. That really touched me. People did charity bike rides to raise money to help fund everything.
At the end of the book he wins the 'leavers' prize at his first school for 'discovering' independence. It truly was inspirational - the devotion that his mum particularly showed to refusing to just give up and showing that it did show spectacular results for Joe.

[Terrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Set between 1998 and 2005 in Cardiff, Wales, Blue Sky July follows the story of Nia Wyn (the author), a mother who battles against impossible odds to heal her son after he is diagnosed with severe Cerebral Palsy. Told by doctors that her son would never walk, talk, see or even recognize her, Wyn devotes her every waking moment to exploring alternative treatments in the hopes of achieving even the smallest of breakthroughs.

The author's style of writing sometimes left me wondering what she had just said. I think much of that was simply my unfamiliarity with the British style of English. The story was very touching and brutally honest about her feelings of grief and depression and ultimate joy over the simple accomplishments of her son.

[JoDell · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book opened a new world to my eyes--the world of parents with severely disabled children. I loved Nia Wyn's vulnerability in this book. She opened herself and her world to outsiders, which has to take a lot of courage. I will never look at a person with CP the same way ever again. She showed me how people with disabilities are people with emotions and thoughts and gifts to share with all around them. I think it would be very easy for others to judge her and some of the things she put herself and her little family through, but, being in her shoes, I probably would have done the same. It was a very touching look at a mother who is willing to sacrifice all to fight for her son's medical care and future possibilities.

[Kristen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was not what I was expecting, not the subject but the way she had written this. It was like a journal. I am interested in this subject because I grew up having a mild case of Cerebral Palsy, and I just like to read about people like me. I admit that a expecting this book to be more like Knowing Jesse by Marianne Leone and I realized I was setting my exceptions to high for a number, one was Marianne was a screen writer so she was a pro at writing and more importantly because everyone has their own ways to express what they want to get out, especially when you really want to talk about things close to your heart. After I finished reading this book and had a chance to recall the book and thoughts I had changed. This book was beautiful.

[Carrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one really touched me. Being a mother who has suffered recurrent pregnancy loss, this really was an issue that is close to me, and a reality every time we try again.

It is written like a snapshot of her diary, so there are long periods missing, and some just seems sort of out of place. But being a blogger, I know that feeling.

Yes, it is a depressing look into what life can be like with a special needs child, but it is also a look into what it means to grow into the roles, the path that your life sometimes takes even when you whish it found another path. Acceptance and growth. That is the true story within the story.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast, interesting read of a special needs mom and the intense therapies she undertakes to help her child with cerebral palsy after clinicians told her he would be unresponsive. I hate terms like 'inspirational' when applied to special needs biographies so I won't go there. I liked hearing about the the nitty gritty and grind of the therapies, their great results, and the true-to-life outpouring of Wyn's depression over and eventual acceptance of her son's permanent disabilities. The writing style is a bit too poetic and dreamy for my taste but as another SN mom I felt like Wyn was definitely doing some truth-telling worth listening to.

[Simon Fletcher · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the story of
- A mothers love and the lengths that that love will go to.
- The blindness of the medical profession on occasions.
- The healers who sometimes prey on the needy and sick.
-It's about despair and powerlessness and hope and loss and acceptance and growth.
It's a little book about big things.
I would never have read this if it hadn't been a book club read but I'm glad I have.
it's not a great book, the style is a little too stilted and disjointed in places. I kind of wanted more information than was given but maybe that's just me and not the books fault.
Worth spending the time it takes to read especially if you want an insight into what it is to have a disabled child.