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Jabberwocky: Lessons of Love from a Boy Who Never Spoke
"This is a holy book"
--Rabbi Lawrence Kushner
Graham Hale Gardner died before turning twenty-three and never learned to walk or speak due to severe cerebral palsy complicated by epilepsy. Yet he left a legacy of love and compassion that deeply moved scores of people from widely different backgrounds.
How was that possible?
Graham's story, written through the eyes of his father, speaks of the enormous legacy left by a boy who never spoke. A story that raises provocative questions about the "invisible lines of connection" that make us human.
Graham was a strikingly beautiful boy who faced formidable challenges on a daily basis that most of us will never encounter. His ability to confront adversity with resilience and grace astonished and inspired nearly everyone whose lives he touched.
On the bucolic island of Martha's Vineyard, at a pioneering summer camp for the disabled, a place "where hope flourishes," Graham and his father become camper and camp doctor. There, they encounter an eclectic group of people who eat, work and create together. They write and cry together. They argue and dance together.
Camp Jabberwocky, as it is widely known, embraces the boy and his father and they become part of a passionate and zany extended family that will forever change how they see the world.
As the years pass, Graham and his parents experience both surprising adventures and formidable challenges. Wherever they live and travel, they encounter people who are drawn to Graham. These people, from widely different backgrounds, want to be near him, to assist in his care and to laugh with him. To them, the person they uniformly cherish is nothing less than a living angel.
Can we imagine living in a parallel universe known as "Jabberwocky," where people open their hearts and minds to those who are different and nobody is left behind?
--Rabbi Lawrence Kushner
Graham Hale Gardner died before turning twenty-three and never learned to walk or speak due to severe cerebral palsy complicated by epilepsy. Yet he left a legacy of love and compassion that deeply moved scores of people from widely different backgrounds.
How was that possible?
Graham's story, written through the eyes of his father, speaks of the enormous legacy left by a boy who never spoke. A story that raises provocative questions about the "invisible lines of connection" that make us human.
Graham was a strikingly beautiful boy who faced formidable challenges on a daily basis that most of us will never encounter. His ability to confront adversity with resilience and grace astonished and inspired nearly everyone whose lives he touched.
On the bucolic island of Martha's Vineyard, at a pioneering summer camp for the disabled, a place "where hope flourishes," Graham and his father become camper and camp doctor. There, they encounter an eclectic group of people who eat, work and create together. They write and cry together. They argue and dance together.
Camp Jabberwocky, as it is widely known, embraces the boy and his father and they become part of a passionate and zany extended family that will forever change how they see the world.
As the years pass, Graham and his parents experience both surprising adventures and formidable challenges. Wherever they live and travel, they encounter people who are drawn to Graham. These people, from widely different backgrounds, want to be near him, to assist in his care and to laugh with him. To them, the person they uniformly cherish is nothing less than a living angel.
Can we imagine living in a parallel universe known as "Jabberwocky," where people open their hearts and minds to those who are different and nobody is left behind?
280 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 15, 2021
73 people are currently reading
88 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
September 20, 2021
What thin lines this writer navigated to write this poignant yet uplifting story. In particular, while one certainly wants to respect every individual, it seemed to cross lines when this father deified his son, suggesting that even in life the son transcended mortality. Losing a child is excruciating for married parents but can be even more so for divorced parents. While it seemed the father tried to include the mother of this child in the story, it felt like he set himself up as the exemplary parent and left the reader wondering about the mother's role. And finally, I bristled every time the writer assumed he and his son experienced every activity with the same feelings of joy and love. No one can know the thoughts of another person, no matter how close one believes they are to the other. In summary, the father's self-righteousness irked, and I found myself wondering why he felt the need to present himself as such a perfect person. What kinds of personal inadequacies and failures might he be trying to hide?
While the tone of the narration of this book grated, I found it introduced me to the world of special needs individuals in a way I'd never known before. I think this book a powerful tool in helping individuals better understand the needs of people with unique challenges. The book brought tears to my eyes on many occasions and profoundly changed my understanding of the parents of children with handicaps.
While the tone of the narration of this book grated, I found it introduced me to the world of special needs individuals in a way I'd never known before. I think this book a powerful tool in helping individuals better understand the needs of people with unique challenges. The book brought tears to my eyes on many occasions and profoundly changed my understanding of the parents of children with handicaps.
July 14, 2021
Inspiring
I would give 5 stars, but the book seemed to "drag" on. Otherwise it was an awesome story. So many special needs children are left on the sidelines, as many say they can not live meaningful lives and experience the joys experienced by "normal" children. All parents and families, even caregivers should read this book! I wish that assistive devices were more accessible.
I would give 5 stars, but the book seemed to "drag" on. Otherwise it was an awesome story. So many special needs children are left on the sidelines, as many say they can not live meaningful lives and experience the joys experienced by "normal" children. All parents and families, even caregivers should read this book! I wish that assistive devices were more accessible.
January 8, 2022
Jabberwocky
What a beautiful story about a boy with a disability. He couldn't speak but communicated his needs to his caretakers. Truly so heartbreaking and beautiful at the same time.
What a beautiful story about a boy with a disability. He couldn't speak but communicated his needs to his caretakers. Truly so heartbreaking and beautiful at the same time.
September 18, 2023
I downloaded this book to my Kindle a little over two years ago and finally found time to read it. I am glad I read it and will be recommending it to others to read. Not everyone would have the financial means, the stamina, or the patience to be the kind of parents Graham had and deserved. Not everyone could write a book detailing in such depth the challenges and solutions the family faced and solved. Graham and his parents set high standards for themselves and are an inspiration for others.
June 28, 2021
Such an uplifting and memorable book
I am always on the lookout for a narrative that will not only occupy my senior long lonely hours but will enrich my mind and heart. This is a perfect written and true retelling of a young man who lived a life of grace. Thank you to his parents for the sharing of their sons short but impactful life. I'll always remember Graham.
I am always on the lookout for a narrative that will not only occupy my senior long lonely hours but will enrich my mind and heart. This is a perfect written and true retelling of a young man who lived a life of grace. Thank you to his parents for the sharing of their sons short but impactful life. I'll always remember Graham.
August 24, 2021
Angels Helping Angels
This is one of the most beautiful and powerful books that I have ever read. The love expressed for and by everyone across all barriers was heart warming. The world needs more people like Dr Gardner and his caregivers who didn't see his son as disabled but differently abled helping him experience life to the fullest.
This is one of the most beautiful and powerful books that I have ever read. The love expressed for and by everyone across all barriers was heart warming. The world needs more people like Dr Gardner and his caregivers who didn't see his son as disabled but differently abled helping him experience life to the fullest.
August 29, 2021
Excellent Tribute to an exceptional young man
A very moving and heartfelt story about a father and a son and a mother who combined have shown an ensuring and special kind of lives and love.
A very moving and heartfelt story about a father and a son and a mother who combined have shown an ensuring and special kind of lives and love.
December 20, 2021
Remarkable story.
A wonderful true story of parents who made every effort possible to give their son, who was born with Cerebral Palsy, a life filled with incredible love,, and living life to the fullest opportunities.
A wonderful true story of parents who made every effort possible to give their son, who was born with Cerebral Palsy, a life filled with incredible love,, and living life to the fullest opportunities.
July 14, 2021
Recommended to me by the friend of a friend. I was reminded of grieving the death of my parents and what a process that is! This is a father grieving a son and thus even more poignant.
August 30, 2021
Love between Dr Steve and his son is palpable!
This is a beautifully written book about the love that parents and children have for each other and a beautiful community at Jabberwocky who extended the love to others.
This is a beautifully written book about the love that parents and children have for each other and a beautiful community at Jabberwocky who extended the love to others.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews