Unexpected Lessons from Professor Higgins

by Patti Smith, Tara Janae Smith (Narrator)

You will laugh and cry when you listen to how Patti Smith lovingly and honestly reveals transformative lessons gleaned from forty-plus years of caring for (and being tutored by) her son, Christopher. His diagnosis as a baby with Down Syndrome at first tilted her world off-axis, only to reveal itself to be the thing that actually set her worldview at the exact right angle.

In an inspirational and heartwarming manner, Patti explains how her life was changed for the better in profound ways.

With her son as her master teacher, Patti learned to see life through his perspective and discover the joy in situations requiring her to dig deeply into her own psyche to identify beliefs needing adjustment. She shares the way she changes with vulnerability and light-heartedness, while giving credit to her clever son who is respectfully referred to as her own Professor Higgins.

This book is not just a book about how to raise a child with Down Syndrome, but an inspiring and humorous reflection of parenting and relationships in general.

Awarded the Olive Woolley Burt Award for Creative Writing in the New Voices category.

Genres: Audiobook, Nonfiction, Memoir

Audible Audio

Published April 25, 2025

About the author

Patti Smith retired in Southern Utah after practicing law in California for 30 years.
Her memoir shares funny and profound stories highlighting her inspirational journey of
unexpected learning from her oldest child, Chris Higgins who was born with Down syndrome.
Patti enjoys traveling and spending time with her six exceptional children, including Christopher, whom she honors as her master teacher.

Patti was honored to be awarded the prestigious Olive Woolley Burt Award for Creative Writing in the
New Voices category.

Patti is dedicated to learning and helping
others. In fact she is donating hundreds of books to parents of new babies with Down syndrome to share her belief that the life
of a person with this diagnosis is one to cherish and celebrate.

Additionally, a portion of each
book’s proceeds are donated to Rod’s Heroes, a non-profit organization which facilitates the
adoption of vulnerable children like those with Down syndrome from orphanages in third world
countries.

Reviews

[Jo Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

The professor, aka buddy aka Christopher’s lessons deserve nothing less than 5 🌟 my family are incredibly lucky to have a member with the chromosome of magic, so I could easily relate to many of Patti’s stories, and of course Christopher’s lessons.

Patti is frank and open about Christopher’s diagnosis and her own feelings throughout the early chapters. Each chapter is its own story, and a genuine joy to listen to how the family found their way, and all of the lessons they learned along the way. Christopher sounds like an absolute star, and I laughed and smiled my way through. I think this book would be a great resource for new parent’s of a child with downs just starting their journey, but I also think it could be a valuable tool to any parent of any child. While Patti does talk about religion and my beliefs don’t necessarily align with hers the overreaching message is one of love and I’m definitely here for that.

Beautiful narration by the profs sister!

All the stars 🌟
#Jorecommends

Huge thanks to Two Octaves Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this audiobook which is available now 🎧

[Michael Puentes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Patti Smith shares her very personal path of raising a son with Down syndrome. Patti courageously questions, honestly admits, and soulfully seeks meaning. Through her journey, she helps us all discover our own spirituality.

[FaithfulReviewer (Jacqueline) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Two Octaves Publishing, the author and NetGalley for an audio ARC in return for an honest review

This audiobook is narrated by the author's daughter, actress, singer/songwriter and voiceover artist Tara Janae Smith (Christopher's real life sister). Thus making the unfolding story an even more emotional read. She gives voice to her brother’s story and the heartfelt moments that shaped their family.

The author refers to her son as Professor Higgins not just as a term of endearment, but because he truly taught her how to live, love, and see the world with fresh eyes. I could go into so much more detail about this wonderful book but I don't want to spoil the full experience for anybody. Just know that this book will enrich your life in so many ways. Go and read it, now.

#ULFPH #NetGalley #DownsSyndrome

[Nancy Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Greatly enjoyed the insightful, perceptive, and sensitive storytelling. A must read for greater understanding of life with a Down Syndrome child in a joyful journey for those who open their hearts to the love and life lessons offered. Thanks for the love and laughter. Nancy Howard

[Kellie Bagley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The stories of Chris Higgins are absolutely delightful. This is a heartwarming read that made me laugh several times, but also was a great reminder to open my eyes to the people around me. It gave insightful perspective from someone raising a child with Down syndrome, but also a lot of great advice on parenting any child. While Patti’s experiences are very different from my own, there were a lot of things that I found myself relating to and appreciating the reminders and lessons on how to parent my own children. I highly recommend this book to all parents, whether of a child with Down syndrome or not!

[Sadie Lane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This title is like “Chicken Soup for the Soul” but for families with special needs children 💙

Heartfelt, uplifting and approachable, each chapter stands alone as its own story in a way that had me thinking and laughing about them long after reading.

The author shares both triumphs and shortcomings in a way that truthfully capture the HUGE joy of loving someone with Down Syndrome. By the end even I felt so much love for the star of the book, Chris (aka Buddy aka Professor Higgins).

This is a sweet read for anyone but especially for those with loved ones with developmental disabilities and anyone looking for a resource of stories that inspire empathy and consideration for the Down syndrome community.

[Rita Egan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unexpected Lessons from Professor Higgins
By Patti Smith

As the mother of a young man with Down Syndrome, I am always on the lookout for books with good representation. They are not easy to find, and often, they fail to hit the mark because there are as many ways to experience life with a person with Downs as there are people with Downs. There is a tenancy for society to lump people with disabilities into one category as if one size fits all.

There are however certain things that all of us "Downs families" can relate to that bond us despite how unique and individual our person with DS is, and they usually come by way of a story that makes us smile or giggle in recognition.

These stories always come from a place of love and usually mark a moment when we are shocked and surprised by how we have underestimated our person's ability or cognition in some way.

Patti Smith is telling us the story of her life with Chris (Buddy/Santa/Elvis) and the challenges that brings and the ways she has had to arrest herself and meet him where he is. But also of the unbridled love and joy that Chris has brought to her and her families' lives. It is so moving, but also funny, hysterically so, if you can match your personal experiences to theirs.

There are 24 lessons that Patti has distilled all her 40+ years of being taught by her son into, and each and every one is a true and accurate version of life with DS. I worried that the story was going to be the story of Patti, but she gracefully allows Chris to be the star of the show and I feel like I really know him.

It is authentic, and exuberant, honest and very very funny. I plan to relisten to it with my own son and I can't wait to see his face when he hears someone else's version of his legendary deeds.

Thanks to #Netgalley for providing an ALC for review purposes.

[Sharon Corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a mother with a special needs child, I was expecting yet another book about a mother raising her special needs child and what I need to do to have a better household for my son. I was pleasantly surprised with this book, it isn't a self-help book, it is a memoir.
Patti Smith (not the singer, the lawyer) gave birth to a son with Downs Syndrome in the 70's when parents were told their babies would die young and should be in an institution. Instead of listening to the doctor, she brought her son home, and learned how to be his mother. Along the way, she raised two more girls and eventually adopted her sisters sons, had two divorces and went to school to become an attorney.
Written with humor and humility, this isn't a book preaching to the world what a wonderful mom she is and what everyone else is doing wrong. She writes about her triumps and mistakes, about the times she protected her son and over protected him. She also discusses how her kids learned to be there for Chris, bringing him along for play dates with friends, judging potential boyfriends by how they treat their brother, and the frustrations of him getting away with things, such as household chores, because of his handicap.
This is a great book for anyone who has raised a special needs child, or has just started the journey with a handicapped child. It's encouraging, funny, and very well written.
I listened to the audio version, which was read by one of Chris's sisters. She is able to mimic her brothers voice, which really added a unique touch to the story.

[Astrid Galactic · Rating 4 out of 5]

A heartfelt memoir of a woman bringing up her son who was born with Down syndrome. Patti Smith didn't even know about Down syndrome when her eldest child, Christopher, was born. As she learned of his fate, there was never any love lost due to his condition. Nothing would deter her from doing what she needed to do to provide for all of his needs, including giving him all of the love and understanding that he needed to get through his life.

Loaded with all sorts of antidotal vignettes of Christopher's life with his unique personal understandings and beliefs, you'll be treated with a mix of humor, sadness and different views of how to look at life with such a person. He'll crawl into you heart like he always does with just about everyone whom he encounters. My favorite being the big "cool" dude he encounters at Walmart.

The book is narrated by Patti's daughter, Tara Janae Smith, who does an exceedingly excellent job at doing so. Besides narrating with superb skill, she also is able to speak her brother Christopher's voice in the manner that she knows on an intimate level which gives more life and authenticity to the book.

Highly recommended for those who are interested in this condition or know of and love someone who was born to bear this special kind of life.

Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of the audio book in lue of a review.

[Dorothy Allred Solomon · Rating 5 out of 5]

You might expect a book about a mentally challenged baby born to an exceptionally bright mother to be heartbreaking. But Patti Smith’s true story of raising her son Chris overflows with joy. The real magic isn’t in what Chris learns, but in what his brilliant, driven mother discovers. Chris, a grandmaster in emotional wisdom, shows his mother—and us—how to live a rich, meaningful life.

This story is grounded in truth. The core principles of life shine through this boy with Down syndrome, who helps us strip away the pretense of empty rhetoric and repressive manners. In Unexpected Lessons, Chris’ example brings us back to what truly matters and reminds us how to live and love wholeheartedly. Even the complex thoughts and elaborate wordplay of an attorney-turned-author are transformed into vivid characters, arresting details and stories with deep, subtle lessons.

I am profoundly grateful for this book. As a mother of four, I know the challenges of “Where much is given, much is expected.” Through Unexpected Lessons, I have been reminded that life’s true gold is found in simplicity, authenticity, and love. This triumphant story moves hearts and minds--a gift of the purest kind.

[Lorena · Rating 4 out of 5]

I knew very little about Down Syndrome before listening to this book, so I appreciated the chance to learn more. But mostly, this is about Patti Smith’s relationship with her children and how she changed and grew thanks to various experiences raising her children. The stories are focused on her son Chris, who was born with trisomy 21, also known as Down Syndrome. The author is very honest about her mistakes and misjudgments and how she overcame them.

Many of the stories were both touching and humorous. It was delightful to hear about how Chris was such a positive in the lives of his family, friends, and community.

The audiobook production was good, and the author’s daughter, Tara Janae Smith, did a wonderful job with narration. Her narration was well-paced, easy to understand, and conveyed the humor and emotions of each scene effectively. I loved how she mimicked her brother Chris’s voice.

I received a free review copy of the audiobook through NetGalley. I volunteered to provide an honest review.

[Suzan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book very much. I started listening to the audiobook and couldn't stop. I finished the book in one day. Patti Smith does a wonderful job of showing the lessons her son has taught her through his 40 years of life. Patti's daughter Tara Janae Smith is the narrator of this book, and she is wonderful!
My grandnephew is a child with Down syndrome, so I have some experience with knowing what Patti is referring to. I have also had the great pleasure of knowing a few adults with Down syndrome as well. Every one of these incredible individuals has the most amazing outlook on life. Patti mentions that her son Chris seems to have a special gift for judging character in people, and I have to agree with this statement. I have noticed the same gift in my friends with Down syndrome.
I am so grateful for the ARC of this audiobook. Thank you to Netgalley, Two Octaves Publishing, and Patti Smith for writing this wonderful book.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given a copy of Unexpected Lessons as an advance reviewer.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was so interesting to see through the life experience of the author. I have met her son, Chris, and he is absolutely as charming and joyful as her book depicts him to be. I loved how every story showed the impact children can have on their parent’s world view if we are flexible enough to see through their eyes. There were a few stories that even had me tearing up (the Elvis story was so sweet), and it helped me reflect on my own children’s uniqueness and how I could be more empathetic in my parenting. It was such a great book! Thank you Patti, for sharing your experiences.

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book, written by the mother of a boy with Down syndrome and narrated by his sister, shares a series of life lessons through personal stories. The goal is not to cause sadness or pity, it’s actually quite the opposite: it’s about showing the world how Down syndrome can make someone truly special.
While the narration sometimes felt a bit overly emotional, I really liked the warmth and lightness in many of the stories. They were honest, genuine, sometimes tough, but somehow always positive. I wish more people could learn to see these beautiful moments, even in life’s most challenging situations.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is hard to put into words how much this audiobook made an impact. It is written by Patti Smith who is the Mother of Chris who was diagnosed with Trisomy 13 shortly after birth and narrated by his sister, Tara Janae Smith. It spans the life of Chris and discusses the lessons learned by Patti while raising Chris. The part that was the most touching was the discussion on the emotions surrounding the fear for Chris' health during the pandemic. I highly encourage everyone to listen to this audiobook. 


Thank you to Patti Smith, Tara Janae Smith, Two Octaves Publishing, and NetGalley for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest review. It truly made an impact. 

[Anna Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unexpected Lessons from Professor Higgins is delightful. The author takes you into her home and makes you feel like part of the family as she narrates the trials and tribulations of raising a busy family. This book will remind you of the simple things in life that truly provide joy. Every mom, dad and sibling can find a part of themselves in this book as the author journeys through the stages of raising a child. In this case, Professor Higgins is quite the child, and then adult, who can help to open everyone's eyes and minds to the meaning of family, fun, life's challenges, joy and love.

[Julie Friar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Patti’s firstborn child, a son she named Christopher was diagnosed with Down Syndrome and so her journey of discovery begins. This book details the love between mother and child plus wider family. The gifts that a child so special could impart to others throughout their lives to those around them. This influence can change the way we look at life, society and expectations.

Very well written and narrated book (I listened to the audiobook). I enjoyed listening to how Chris aka Professor Higgins brought wonderful lessons to his family.

[Allie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so wonderful. I appreciate it wasn’t written for pity or sadness but rather to show the ins and outs of someone with Down syndrome and how special those with it, and those who have people with this syndrome in their lives, can be.
I thought the narration itself was good. I appreciate the use of Chris’ sister and the heads up from the author, her mother, to explain the use of her for Chris’ voice too.

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for an eARC of this book in return for an honest review.

[Rosalia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Patti Smith did a great job taking us through her personal journey with her son "Professor Higgins" as they battled the unfamiliar challenges and blessings of motherhood and Down syndrome. She gifts us with a beautiful perspective that we all need to adopt when interacting with any individual with Down syndrome. This book will motivate you to just be a better person. Thank you for sharing your Incredible Journey with us.

[Bookwormbadger · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely memoir-style book written by the mother of a son with Downs' Syndrome. Written with so much love, tenderness and heartfelt honesty, this is a beautiful book and a reminder of practising loving acceptance towards every single human being.
The audiobook is narrated by the author's daughter. With grateful thanks to NetGalley for my audiobook copy.

[Christine Dixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Patti Smith's stories about raising a child with down's syndrome are not only for parents of children with and extra chromosome The lessons are for all parents. I found them poignant, sometimes funny, always enlightening. I highly recommend it

[Michelle]

I was given a copy from my Mom and really enjoyed the stories from this book. Particularly poignant were her thoughts in the 2nd to last chapter about the “value” of a life based on perception of public benefit.

[Jae (spoiler free reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️ Awarded the Olive Woolley Burt Award for Creative Writing in the New Voices category. ⭐️

Rooted in themes of family and parenting, this memoir highlights the extraordinary bond between a mother and her son with Down syndrome.

What I appreciated most is how the author doesn’t shy away from the difficult moments, yet always highlights the joy, humor, and wisdom her son brings into her life.

This book made me reflect on my own perspective of what it means to live a full, meaningful life. It also inspires readers to challenge assumptions, reminding us of the beauty in celebrating differences.

The audiobook is beautifully produced, and the narration by the author’s daughter, Tara Janae Smith, adds a special layer of intimacy. Her pacing and tone are natural and engaging, and the way she lovingly captured her brother Chris’ voice made the story feel even more personal. I highly recommend experiencing the audiobook.

Thank you, Patti, for sharing your story with such honesty and heart.

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this audiobook.