Thalidomide Kid

by Kate Rigby

Fate dealt to Daryl from the bottom of the deck. During pregnancy, his mother took a common prescription drug that doomed him to a life without arms. But streetwise Daryl's a fighter - self-styled Thalidomide Kid superhero at heart - and he's sworn to play his rogue cards against all the odds. Kate Rigby's gritty novel follows him through a bittersweet journey of fear and determination, failure and conquest, blind prejudice . and forbidden love. For the first time in a work of fiction, Rigby lifts a corner of the veil to reveal the cruel and uncomfortable face of the thalidomide horror that crippled a generation. Thalidomide produced suicides and heroes. Daryl is a special case. You'll never forget him. Kate Rigby bravely presents grim reality in a story that pitches full-bodied spirit against seemingly insurmountable physical inadequacy.

Unknown Binding

First published February 1, 2007

About the author

I've been writing for nearly forty years. Good gracious, that long? I realized my unhip credentials were mounting so decided to write about it. Little Guide to Unhip was first published in 2010 and is now updated and republished.

However I'm not totally unhip. My punk novel, Fall Of The Flamingo Circus was published by Allison & Busby (1990) and by Villard (American hardback 1990). It's now been re-kindled.

I received a Southern Arts bursary for my novel Where A Shadow Played (now Did You Whisper Back?)

Skrev Press published my novels Seaview Terrace (2003) Sucka! (2004) and Break Point (2006) and other shorter work has appeared in Skrev’s avant garde magazine Texts’ Bones including a version of my satirical novella Lost The Plot.

Thalidomide Kid was first published by Bewrite Books (2007)

The following books are available in paperback at the following place (or by following the Amazon links below):

Far Cry From The Turquoise Room:
https://www.createspace.com/3634041

Savage to Savvy:
https://www.createspace.com/4210694

Little Guide To Unhip:
https://www.createspace.com/4847276

Down The Tubes:
http://www.amazon.com/Down-Tubes-Kate...

She Looks Pale & Other Stories:
https://www.amazon.com/She-Looks-Pale...


E-books available:

Fruit Woman:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B013...

The Dead Club:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00V0Y73DC

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...

Fall Of The Flamingo Circus:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0088E29H2

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/14...

Suckers n Scallies (Formerly 'Sucka'):
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004WTARYY

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11...

Down The Tubes:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004UC51NK

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11...

Seaview Terrace:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004SV2DBG

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11...

Break Point:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004TNGRBU

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11...

Thalidomide Kid:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008N3I904

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11...

Far Cry From The Turquoise Room:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004ZF80N0

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11...

Little Guide to Unhip:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00C121N2E

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/86...

Savage To Savvy
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B006ASBQAE

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...

She Looks Pale:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00821360A

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13...

Did You Whisper Back?:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0077E2M26

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13...

Lost The Plot:
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12...

Tales By Kindlelight:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005J0HNSI

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12...


Short stories of mine have been published and shortlisted including Hard Workers and Headboards in various collections and anthologies:

On Your Half Century:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SJIR2OW

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...

Sharing Sarah:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PNVD5I0
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...

Cutting Edge:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00P1AQGLQ

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...

Coats:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00P1A47SU

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...

Family Tradition:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00RARWYS2

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...

Hard Workers:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009JW4OZM

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...

I'm also a reader - quit

Reviews

[Dash fan · Rating 5 out of 5]

5☆ A unique Story that once read will, truly stay with you a lifetime.

Thalidomide Kid is a coming of age story. It tackles disability, bullying, prejudice, friendship, education and growing up problems.

It's a raw, look into the life of a young boy who was born with no arms.... known as a Thalidomide Kid.
For those who don't know.... because I too didn't know.... Thalidomide was a drug given to pregnant women to help stop severe Morning Sickness.... however this particular drug.... left children without limbs.

I didn't know this before reading this story... But my Auntie had such severe Morning Sickness with both of my cousins she took this drug, both pregnancies, but thank God both my cousins are ok. Except my cousin has Scoliosis, not sure if this linked but who knows!

So we meet Daryl.... The Thalidomide Kid, as he refers himself to.
We follow Daryl through primary and secondary school as he tackles his disability, being bullied, finding friends and fitting in.
Daryl is quirky, smart, has a very big heart, kind, has a cheeky sense of humour, and a touch of sass, he was by far my favourite character.

Daryl's family are what some might call.... rough!... with no money, father in prison, brothers in Borstal it's no wonder Daryl has learnt to stand up for himself. His family use him to steal.... they prey on his disability, no one questions him so they get away with it.

But all Daryl really wants is to be himself and be a normal kid. Which is why his mother desperately fights to keep him in a 'normal'...(mainstream) school.

Daryl however has made one friend Celia.
They become best friends at primary school. Celia was the new kid and Daryl just got picked on, so they looked out for each other.

Celia comes from a well to do, working family. Her Father is the head of her Secondary School. He doesn't like Celia and Daryl hanging out, as he says Daryl is a bad influence.
But Celia sees past his disability and home life.
She sees a sweet, funny, cheeky, caring boy who protects her and looks after her.
If only others could see it too!

I loved their relationship. It was so heart warming to watch.

Kate Rigby has written a raw and poignant account, the language is current to the decade in which it is written, it's a powerful portrayal of how people treated others.... for example the terminology.... 'cripple'.... which is not ok and offensive.
I applaud Kate for being Authentic and not holding back and being afraid to get her point across. It makes Thalidomide Kid a real and relatable story, I couldn't put down.

The characters were well thought out, relatable and engaging. Kate bought her characters to life and I truly felt protective of Daryl he warmed my heart.
The plot was genuine and realistic, powerful, emotive and thought provoking.

Thalidomide Kid is a totally absorbing read that's beautifully written, it's an engrossing and Compelling coming of age story, that tackles serious issues with sensitivity but still makes a powerful impact.
It truly is one of those unique books that once read will truly stay with you for a lifetime.

Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.


My Review is also on my Blog Website :-

https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2018/1...


( there is also a Book Giveaway on my blog as part of the book tour)

[Patrice Gotting - #prdgreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was kindly sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I’m going to be honest, i requested this because I am a disabled person and was excited about the representation of disabilities in a book, but I was also really nervous that it wouldn’t be done right.

I’m not a massive fan of the title of this book, I feel there is more to a disabled person than just their disability & should therefore not be referred to as ‘the thalidomide kid’ that being said, it actually worked for this book as it is how Daryl refers to himself.

This story was absolutely heart wrenching at times, reading about Darryl being bullied was hard for me to read, it really took me back and reminded me of my school days, but that’s just a sign that Kate is a good author and I’m glad she didn’t sugarcoat those scenes.

I also laughed out loud at points too, what a fantastic book which did a good job of showing that people with disabilities really are no different to those without!

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ll be honest and say I agreed to review Thalidomide Kid because I am of the age that my mother was offered the drug as an anti-sickness relief during pregnancy and thankfully there but for the grace of god go I she refused otherwise my life might have been completely different. For those who don’t know Thalidomide is a drug which caused stunted limb growth, particularly well known at the time as causing ‘flippers’ for arms.

As for the book it’s a subject which has been well dealt with in the sense Daryl is a typical kid, comes from a rough family trying to lurch his way through school, life, puberty and gaining the girl from the other side of the tracks. Celia is a middle-class girl who in general would be considered too good for him but you need to read the story to see which direction the friendship goes.

I did enjoy the way the reader is taken back to the 70’s, it’s a trip down memory lane. Daryl is a cheeky boy who you can’t help but become attached to, he goes through life relying a lot on his humour and the belief that he can do what he wants regardless of circumstances. He is Daryl who just happens to be different because he is handicapped and not just that disabled kid. It’s a fine line and I think the author did well to create that image.

Thalidomide Kid is a coming of age story like many others on the market, the thing that sets it apart is the characters and how they deal with something that could have torn their lives apart especially when other people are so fast to judge somebody different.

Thanks to the author, publisher and Rachel from Random Resources. I read and reviewed voluntarily.

[Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the 1950’s a new pill to combat morning sickness to expectant mothers hit the pharmacy shelves, but no one could ever have predicted the consequences of what one pill could do to an unborn child. Thousands of children were born deformed and disfigured. Daryl Wainwright was one of these children.

Darryl Wainwright was born on the wrong side of the tracks. His family was poor, his father in jail, and stealing just became a way of life. But deep down, Darryl was just a normal kid trying to make a life for himself through all the adversity of being born different. The seventies were such a different time back then and anyone born handicapped was treated quite differently than they are today. Darryl’s mom fought for her son to go to a normal school. Just because he had a deformity did not mean that he was slow. Darryl is a regular kid just like everyone else and that is how Darryl’s mom and family always treated him.

Darryl likes to poke fun at himself a lot calling himself “that Thalidomide kid.” In a way, he is bringing his disability to the forefront and sometimes it acts as a buffer against people talking about him or making fun of him. When he finally starts attending a normal school, he meets Celia Wainwright after she sticks up for him when two girls make fun of him. From then on, Darryl and Celia were instant friends and together they learn about life, what it means growing up, and along the way they fall in love.

There is so much to really like about this book and Kate Rigby writes with such honesty and compassion, but she also does not hold anything back. Kids and adults can be cruel and I can see that here in this story. Darryl gets labeled by others as “the cripple” and is poked fun at a lot of times, but through it all, Darryl is a tough kid and his mother brought him up the right way in not ever feeling sorry for himself and to always remember there are kids worse off than him.

Darryl is really a standup kid and the way he treats Celia is so wonderful and so innocent like as they explore together as kids, first relationships, experimenting, heartache and breakups. The coming of age aspect of this story is so spot on and beautifully written and you can see how both Darryl and Celia were coming into themselves as they grew into their teenager years experiencing life in the same and yet different ways.

Thalidomide Kid is an authentic coming of age story that is beautifully and honestly written. It shows that being different is not necessarily a bad thing and anyone no matter if they are handicapped or not can have the life they deserve. This is such a fantastic and emotional read and this is why I have given this book five stars. What an absolute heartfelt and emotional story!

[Gail Carroll · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly brilliant book. I loved the way Daryl and Celia's friendship gently grew to love with tenderness and humour from junior through to senor school. So well written I could see, smell and taste their experiences from their childhood into adulthood - I was right there with them. Thank you for a brilliant read.

[Cassandra MADEUP BookBlog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Initially I must say that I was a bit put off by the title, as it frustrated me from a Moral standing. I was sent the copy of the book to give an honest review, and if not for that I probably would not have read it.

That being said, I am thoroughly glad that I did.

The story is written beautifully and i loved seeing how the two MCs relationship grew throughout the stages of their life that we see. I loved seeing how beautifully their friendship blossomed.

I also enjoyed the anecdotes from Daryls perspectives, and it was from these that the reason for the title becomes clear, and does suit the book. He has a keen Wit about him, and is very self depreciating at times, seeing a sardonic humour in his situation.

There were several points at which it was uncomfortable to read the story due to how others treated Daryl. Their words and actions made me cringe and squirm in my seat, and made me feel downright uncomfortable, but this to me means the author has done an amazing job of recreating how Daryl must have felt in the situation.

The situations were beautiful crafted to put you in both peoples views, so that you felt uncomfortable both as a bystander. And from seeing Daryls reactions and emotions. Right at the start when at the fun fair, Daryl isn’t allowed on the ride. I wanted to cry for him, and I felt so much anger at the person running the ride! But he takes it in stride as does Celia.

This Book is a beautifully crafted work that is a mixture of emotions, but a stunning representation of what life can be like for a person with a learning difficulty or disability. By seeing the world through Daryls eyes, we are shown with sometimes uncomfortable clarity, just how horrific peoples actions can be, from blatant ignorance to sheer rudeness.

That being said, this is something I would love to see being read far and wide, and to be honest i feel would do well being a recommended book for Schools! But perhaps, although once reading the book the title is relevant and logical, it may be worth considering alternatives... Purely for my initial Reaction.

I can only hope the Author considers this at some point in the future..

[Cal · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gritty, thought provoking and moving coming of age story that follows the childhood and teenage years of Daryl and Celia in 1970s England. Daryl’s mother was one of the many women who took a new ‘wonder drug’ for morning sickness that resulted in him being born without arms, and throughout the story he refers to himself as ‘The Thalidomide Kid’.

As you would expect for the time period, the attitude towards disability is appalling and Daryl is mercilessly taunted not only by his peers, but by some adults too. But he doesn’t let this get him down and his resilience is one of the things that make this story so readable. Some of the language used is hard to stomach, but is exactly as it would have been and is a true depiction of what life would have been like for someone with disabilities at that time. The story moves through Daryl and Celia’s teenage years, tugging at the heart strings along the way, but is also full of the humour and teenage angst you would expect from a coming of age story.

‘Thalidomide Kid’ is a beautifully written story that captured my imagination from the very first page and didn’t let go until the final page had been turned. I cared about Daryl and Celia from the moment they were introduced and was rooting for them to have the happy ending I felt they deserved.

A moving and heartwarming 4.5 star read that I highly recommend.

Thank you to TBC and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read an ARC of this book.

[Monica Mac · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't think I have ever read a book where someone in it was affected by Thalidomide. This was certainly a very honest and gritty account of a boy with a significant disability, coming of age in the 70's.

I remember the 70's quite clearly myself, although I was a child rather than a teenager, as the characters in this book were. Nevertheless, I found myself chuckling at the descriptions of the clothing etc, the author does a good job of setting the scene, I felt like I WAS back there again.

Daryl is from a family who are doing it tough, and he has a lot of siblings, as well as a father, who find themselves in trouble with the law on a regular basis. Celia, on the other hand, is expected to behave like a lady at all times, because she is the deputy Head's daughter. Two more diverse backgrounds you couldn't imagine, but somehow these two connect on a very deep level.

The book covers several years of their lives, all the ups and downs that you would expect of young people, with a disability thrown in the mix, which makes things more challenging in unexpected ways sometimes!

I really enjoyed this book, although the ending felt a little bit abrupt to me, I would have enjoyed a distinct epilogue, I think.

I give it 4.5 stars :)

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thalidomide was the drug given to pregnant women to help stem severe, debilitating bouts of morning sickness. Unfortunately it was many years before they realised the significance of the number of deformed babies and the link to the drug. Daryl was born with no arms but perfect in every other way. Daryl meets and falls in love with Celia, unfortunately Daryl comes from a family with a rather 'criminal' reputation and Celia is the daughter of the deputy head at the local secondary school. This book draws you in right from the start, telling the story in two voices. You cannot help but fall in love with Daryl's kind heart and protective nature. Despite his personal difficulties and the chronic abuse and bullying, there's always a smile and a joke and I was sometimes unsure whether I had tears of joy or sorrow, in my eyes.
Despite such insurmountable odds 'Thalidomide Kid' get's the girl. Together Celia and Daryl grow from friends to deeply in love, and all the emotions in between, including the distaste of others. Kate Rigby has taken prejudice and bullying and shined a light on it. At times the characters reactions to Darly make you feel uncomfortable and it is this discomfort that shows just how believable those characters are. If you want to understand the true meaning of inclusion, this book shares it. Thank you Kate Rigby for showing that everyone's normal is different and that's ok.

[Kayleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given this book in exchange for an honest review. I chose to read this book in particular as I am disabled and wanted to read something that may in someway represent me. I was worried that it could be tasteless but I was happy to find a story wherein the plot revolved around blossoming love rather than the struggles of a disabled person. the story moved at a good pace and was a pleasure to read. I would recommend it to family and friends.

[Greta Halliday · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a lovely, refreshing read from beginning to end. I did think the ending was quite abrupt but is it possibly leading to a follow on book? I would love to see this story continue.

[Chantelle Atkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

For me, this book drew me in, charmed me, held my attention, evoked my empathy and made me totally believe in the characters. Those are the things I am constantly looking for in novels, and this story delivered and left me smiling and wiping away the tears. At the start of the story, Darly and Celia are nearing the end of the final year at Primary School. Celia is the daughter of the deputy head of the local senior school, and Daryl is the youngest son of a family with a reputation for criminal activities and bad behaviour. The novel follows their formative years, from the last year of Primary, to the last year of Secondary school. At first it is Celia who is curious about the boy with no arms. They become friends slowly and hesitantly, although they move in different social circles, and it is clear from the start that Celia's father does not approve of Daryl or his family. Darly soon falls for Celia in a big way, but it takes an age for them to finally get together. The author handles this perfectly, our emotions lifting and falling with the characters, as they circle around each other during their early teenage years. So many issues are handled in this gentle exploration of puberty, sexual awakening and social acceptance. You cannot help but feel for Celia, as she finds her footing in senior school and struggles to cope with bullying from both teachers and pupils. Daryl is such a strong character, you cannot help but fall in love him. At times I had a nervous feeling in my stomach whilst reading, as I so desperately wanted things to go right for him! The author is realistic however, in the likelihood of happy endings, although Daryl is able to prove himself in heroic fashion to Celia's father. I loved how the story was told from their point of view, using their language, and I absolutely adored the retro quality to this novel. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys character driven fiction, gritty storylines which explore social issues, all weaved together with a delicious nostalgic feel. It made me smile from start to finish and I will continue to think about the characters and wonder what happened next...

[Marion Grassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads. Big thanks to Kate Rigby! That being said, the following is my considered review of the book.
The Thalidomide Kid is a well written and sensitive tale set in the early 1970s about the relationship between Celia, a young girl from a middle class, ‘respectable’ family and Daryl, a boy from a very different background – a family with more than its share of run-ins with the law. The story follows the two from their final weeks in primary school through puberty and their secondary school years. The pair each have their own problems to overcome, both physical and emotional, and encounter difficulties and predjudices with adults as well as other children. Daryl was born without arms.
I mention this almost as an aside because to me it seemed his condition was not the main theme of the story and the book illustrates well how, despite his disabilities, Daryl tries and manages, to live a largely normal life.
The lead characters were well written, likeable and felt very real. While the story did not resort to over-sentimentality or pity, as a reader I found I sympathised and cared about what happened to them. The easy to follow style of writing kept me turning the pages and yet kept me guessing to the end.
I delighted in reading this story. Its setting (Britain in the early 1970s) was well portrayed. The detailed account provided a strong sense of the fashions, language, general views and predjudices of the time. Although the story is set some forty years ago it could easily relate to many of the issues facing today’s children at this stage in their lives.
On a personal level, this was precisely the era I moved from primary to secondary school myself and I very much enjoyed the memories it evoked in me. On more than one occasion I found myself humming or singing to myself a long-forgotten song after reading the lyrics here.
A most enjoyable read.

[Steph Gravell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that could perhaps have been written about any two characters from totally different backgrounds. Whilst Daryl is the "Thalidomide Kid" and he is central to the story, his disability is not.

The story follows the trials and tribulations of school days for the Deputy Headteacher's daughter Celia who lives under the scrutiny of her middle class parents, and Daryl the youngest of the renowned family of scoundrels more often than not on the wrong side of the law.

The two main characters thoughts and feelings are expertly explored and expressed, and I found myself desperately hoping for a happy ending.

[Stacy Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

My initial outlook for this book was that the writer would focus heavily on the fate of Daryl and his disability making me believe that this was set to be an extremely difficult and heartbreaking read. In reality, this wasn't the focus and Kate Rigby portrayed Daryl in such a positive light with a can-do attitude that as a reader you instantly took a liking to his character and backed him throughout the entire story. 


The storyline doesn't pick you up and take you on any sweeping adventures but focuses primarily on the day to day lives of the two main antagonists, Daryl and Celia, who is the new girl at school and takes an instant liking to Daryl. The pace of the book does dawdle along but what Kate Rigby can do extremely well is create characters that are so vivid and full of life that you're instantly pulled into their world, seeing their thoughts, whether good or bad and routing for them to make it in life. I especially loved the times that Daryl was pulled out of the story and into his own thoughts where he became Thalidomide Kid the comic superhero who can take on the world and conquer anything. This created such an endearing aspect to his character and coupled with his ability to be positive and make light of his disability meant that he is without a doubt the standout character in the book.


The Thalidomide Kid touches on coming of age topics that are still relevant in today's society making it transgress its 1970's timeframe and question our current ideals making this book a must-read. In the concluding chapters, the story, in my opinion, is left at a pause, as opposed to a final end. Whether this was deliberate to spark thought in the reader in order to make up their own mind as to what happens next I'm unsure. But I do feel that there is more left in this story, a sequel perhaps?

[Natalie Gardner · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was torn when I was first offered a copy of this book – the blurb looked good but I was a little put off by the title.  I am glad I decided to go with the blurb though as I did enjoy it.

This is a great tale about kids growing up and maturing.  I especially enjoyed the viewpoint of Daryl who is disabled.  He was a fantastic main character – humorous, sarcastic and self-deprecating.  Very much how I have always tried to be about my disability – I never liked taking myself too seriously and still don’t really!  He has given himself the name ‘Thalidomide Kid’, much as I (although my year four teacher Mr Mottram also had a part in it) named my arthritis Arthur when I was younger.  Arthur was, and still is a pain and has now been joined by Stanley the stoma who can also be a pain when he wants to be!

Celia was also a great character and I liked the fact that the book covered this whole period of time in their lives – the changes, challenges and feelings that come with growing into adulthood for both everyone, and the extra ones people with disabilities may face.  I enjoyed seeing how these two handled those situations!

This was a pretty quick read and I would recommend to others to give it a try.  It is nice to see a book containing a disabled character without the ‘woe is me’ attitude than many assume we have.

[Maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daryl didn't get a great start to life. Born into the Wainwright family, infamous in the district for their criminal activities/tendencies was bad enough but his Mum, with the best of intentions took thalidomide when she was carrying him & he was born with just flippers for arms. Not that he let is wear him down. In his thoughts he was The Thalidomide Kid'- super hero!

Celia's upbringing was very different. Daughter of the Headmaster is never easy! He older sister, who once was a pal is now a moody teenager. When Daryl arrives towards their last term at Primary school she tries to stick up for him with the bullies , only to be rebuffed. However they do go on to become friends.

When they move to Senior school Celia's Dad follows them as the school's new Deputy Head- and she still has the old problems. Daryl also has to put up with pre-judgements about his family and his disabilities.

This is a wonderful coming of age story and we follow the pair through their secondary school, struggling to cope with all the angst adolescence brings.

Thanks to TB Reviewers Group for giving me the chance to read this- I loved it!

[The Endless Unread · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an extremely interesting and imaginative read. I particularly loved the style of the book and it made sure to grab me from the very beginning and hold my attention to the very end.

It's an extremely fast paced book with full of adventure. The characters were very inventive and they make sure to engage you from the start.

First time reading any of this authors work and I thoroughly enjoyed it. This is a well thought out and interesting story. I found myself looking forward in anticipation to the next scene. The story flowed very well and at the end I wanted more. There are many twists and turns. I did not want to put it down

I particularly loved how strong the character of Daryl was and how this is an inspiring story of disability. Truly inspirational.

This book can be enjoyed time and time again.I highly recommend it and I cannot wait to read more from this author.

Will definitely recommend to all friends and family

[Amy Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Remarkable Story

Rigby pens a grand story in Thalidomide Kid. The story premise is very good, and interesting. It's a character driven book, with Daryl being the main character. He also has a disability, but the story isn't about that. Rigby's characters have great depth, and are very interesting. Daryl's family is interesting, but so is his new friendship with Celia. In the beginning of the book, the author explains about the drug Thalidomide, and how taking it affected many children. I enjoyed reading this book, and look forward to reading more by this author.

[ChillwithabookAWARD With · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thalidomide Kid by Kate Rigby has received a Chill with a Book Readers' Premier Award.
www.chillwithabook.com

A great story about young love and the pressures of becoming a teenager. Thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.

Pauline Barclay - Founder of Chill Awards

[Joie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really good insight into what life might have been like for a teenager in this situation

[Matt Peters · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a great coming-of-age story about a boy who happens to be handicapped/crippled rather than a story about a handicapped/crippled kid. The subject matter had potential to get sappy and melodramatic, but Rigby keep things realistic and gritty. Rigby's characters are deep, complex, and well-rounded. Daryl's a low-class kid who's trying to win the girl and be the first in his family to make it through high school despite not having any arms. His love interest, Celia, is from an upper-middle-class family but trapped in her own world of problems and needs Daryl more than he needs her.

The only drawback was that the novel is set in South-Western England during the 1970s. The slang was a bit hard to understand at times and, as an American, I couldn't understand the British education system, but these things didn't hinder my enjoyment of the story.

Loved it and I'll read more of Kate Rigby's novels.