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Someone Like Me: An Unlikely Story of Challenge and Triumph Over Cerebral Palsy
As a child, John Quinn had a dream of a naval career despite his affliction with cerebral palsy.After failing the physical exam, he underwent painful, self applied physical therapy for one year then successfully passed a second exam. He kept his cerebral palsy a secret from the record- keepers and medical authorities for 20 years. He had a distinguished and highly decorated career despite the pain he endured to appear normal.He served on board destroyers, a battleship, two aircraft carriers and functioned as an administrator for a Seal unit. The outside world also impacted on him further aggravating his CP when he was challenged by alcoholism and excessive grief caused by the suicide of a brother. With help, John Quinn triumphed over both, as he did the painful cerebral palsy.
220 pages, Paperback
First published April 15, 2010
8 people are currently reading
119 people want to read
About the author
John W. Quinn
1 book21 followersJohn W. Quinn was born in Detroit, Michigan on 18 April 1962. One of eight children, he joined the Navy in January 1982 specializing in administration. Throughout his distinguished twenty-year career, he has sailed around the world on carriers, battleships and destroyers, and is a plank owner of SEAL Team THREE. His numerous military decorations include four Navy Commendation Medals, Joint Service Achievement Medal, and four Navy Achievement Medals. He is authorized to wear the Enlisted Surface Warfare breast insignia. John is single and makes his home in Tucson, Arizona.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
July 5, 2010
In what amounts to a tell-all-expose John Quinn describes his life for us all to read about... and what a story!
Growing up a cop's son in Detroit, Quinn was one of three of seven siblings that were born with a medical disorder - in his case cerebral palsy. His parents treated John and his affliction like a normal kid. His Dad knew life would be hard and so gave John the mental tools to deal with his future.
Quinn wrestled his way through high school while wrestling on how to fulfill his dream of joining the Navy. He never won a wresting match and flunked his first attempt at the military's physical but this never-say-die character took life as it came at him, shook it off and found a way to dig deep and conquer his fears and physical inabilities.
Fourteen years later, after serving on board a battleship and working out with the elite Navy SEALS Quinn finally retired and not until writing this book did he ever tell anyone in the Navy that he suffered from cerebral palsy. That's right, he hid his disability from the Navy, toughed it out and became an exemplary sailor and human being.
Are you having a tough day, work getting you down? Have a read of John Quinn's "Someone Like Me' and get over yourself!
Growing up a cop's son in Detroit, Quinn was one of three of seven siblings that were born with a medical disorder - in his case cerebral palsy. His parents treated John and his affliction like a normal kid. His Dad knew life would be hard and so gave John the mental tools to deal with his future.
Quinn wrestled his way through high school while wrestling on how to fulfill his dream of joining the Navy. He never won a wresting match and flunked his first attempt at the military's physical but this never-say-die character took life as it came at him, shook it off and found a way to dig deep and conquer his fears and physical inabilities.
Fourteen years later, after serving on board a battleship and working out with the elite Navy SEALS Quinn finally retired and not until writing this book did he ever tell anyone in the Navy that he suffered from cerebral palsy. That's right, he hid his disability from the Navy, toughed it out and became an exemplary sailor and human being.
Are you having a tough day, work getting you down? Have a read of John Quinn's "Someone Like Me' and get over yourself!
October 7, 2011
Some people sit back and let life happen to them, while others take a stand and work on creating the lives they want to live. John W. Quinn clearly and unequivocally belongs to the latter group.
In his memoir, “Someone Like Me,” subtitled “An Unlikely Story of Challenge and Triumph over Cerebral Palsy,” Quinn shows the world just how hard he was willing to work to pursue his dream of a naval career. John was born in Garden City, MI and raised in a fun, lively household alongside of his 8 siblings. John was always just a little bit different. He wasn’t able to run and jump and skate like his brothers and sisters, in fact, he wasn’t even able to walk until he reached the age of four.
His parents, in desperate search of an answer to John’s problems and wanting nothing more than to give him a good and normal life, took a young John to see the doctor, who promptly diagnosed him with a condition known as Cerebral Palsy. Cerebral Palsy, or CP, is most notably a condition that affects muscle control, but there are many other symptoms as well—variations in muscle tone, lack of coordination, involuntary tremors, favoring one side of the body, delay in motor skill and speech development, difficulty with vision or hearing, and an unusual “scissor-like gait.” John also had to contend with partial paralysis and having two different-sized feet. “Having been born with CP has made me a very goal-oriented person who does not give up easily,” says Quinn.
Quinn decided to pen his memoir when he recognized the lack of inspirational memoirs present in today’s bookstores, especially those which have been written by or about a disabled adult making his or her way in life despite the challenges. Around the same time that John made this observation, he met a young boy named Trevor, who had also been diagnosed with CP. “After meeting with Trevor’s parents I soon realized that they were looking for hope for their son - and finding it - through my accomplishments. I started writing Someone Like Me the very next week,” Quinn says.
The author wants to tell children born with CP or any other condition that would make them different from their peers that “just because you do something different does not make it wrong. It’s just different. Find your own way to succeed.” Quinn also wants to tell the parents of these children to “focus on your child’s ability, not their disability. Let them try, fail, and try again. Support them in their attempts to succeed. Allow them to find their own way in this world.”
“Someone Like Me” spans John’s early development and childhood up until the present day, but the primary focus of his memoir is on his time with the US Navy. “Serving my country is something that has always appealed to me ever since I saw my oldest brother come home from Navy boot camp,” explains Quinn. The first time he tried, John almost made it into the navy (after having withheld the truth about his CP, when the recruiter asked if there were any health conditions that should be disclosed), but he failed the physical and was dismissed. Rather than admit that his dream was lost, he decided that his problem was nothing a little time and a lot of hard work couldn’t fix.
John spent one year in his parents’ basement devoting his days to practicing the maneuver which had led to his embarrassing failure of the Naval physical—a little exercise called the duck walk. Quinn says this year was one of the hardest of his life: “I was down there in that musty cellar with nothing to keep me company but the memory of being told the navy couldn’t use someone like me. When people tell me I cannot do something, I just smile - and use it as fuel to keep going.”
John’s steadfastness paid off. The next time he took the Navy physical he passed with flying colors, and from there, a twenty-year career with the US Navy unfolded. His condition remained a secret the entire time. Although facing the constant pain of CP was tough, John found it even more difficult to hide the condition from his fellow servicemen. “I made the conscious choice to keep my CP a secret from government officials because I didn’t think they would let me into the Navy. Once this decision was made, I had to keep my guard up at all times and build an emotional wall around myself to keep my CP hidden. It was a heavy burden that almost killed me,” he says.
Throughout it all, John drew from his seemingly endless reserve of internal strength and from the love and support of his family and best friend, Phil (who now works as the principal of Pioneer Middle School in Plymouth and to whom the book is dedicated). When asked about this special life-long friendship, John says, “What can I say about someone who has always been there for me, for what, over 35 years now? Since the time I was 15, I’ve been honored to be able to pick up the telephone and talk about anything with my best friend. Everyone should have a friend like Phil.”
The discipline which John honed during his career in the Navy gave him the strength he needed to write his memoir despite the physical strain of CP which made the task difficult—sitting in a chair for hours at end, focusing his wandering eyes on the screen, and having to type almost exclusively with only his left hand. He was also inspired by some of his favorite writers such as W.E.B Griffin, Mitch Albom, and James Michener, and by his hero, Abraham Lincoln.
“I found that I could overcome many of my physical shortcomings with plain hard work mixed with a dash of determination,” John says. “And, I wanted to write a good book that has a can-do attitude.” Well, John, or “Quinn the Almighty” as some have called you, you’ve done it again—you’ve achieved exactly what you said you would; you’ve produced a deeply moving, refreshingly positive book. Reading about your life makes me feel like I can do it to, that I can succeed in any way that I want just as long as I never give up, never stop trying.
Reader, if you are looking to be inspired, motivated, and charmed, then don’t pass up the opportunity to read “Someone Like Me.” Now that I’ve introduced you to John, hopefully you’d like to learn more about his story, about his time growing up, his time with the military, the physical and emotional obstacles he overcame, and the courage he exhibited every step of the way.
Since the release of his memoir, John has been traveling the country to meet with his readers and to give motivational speeches for schools, organizations, and corporations. A series of children’s books reflecting the various themes of “Someone Like Me” is also in the discussion stage, and John is working hard to get his story up on the big screen. If I know John at all, I expect that the “Someone Like Me” feature film will be hitting theaters soon—very, very soon.
In his memoir, “Someone Like Me,” subtitled “An Unlikely Story of Challenge and Triumph over Cerebral Palsy,” Quinn shows the world just how hard he was willing to work to pursue his dream of a naval career. John was born in Garden City, MI and raised in a fun, lively household alongside of his 8 siblings. John was always just a little bit different. He wasn’t able to run and jump and skate like his brothers and sisters, in fact, he wasn’t even able to walk until he reached the age of four.
His parents, in desperate search of an answer to John’s problems and wanting nothing more than to give him a good and normal life, took a young John to see the doctor, who promptly diagnosed him with a condition known as Cerebral Palsy. Cerebral Palsy, or CP, is most notably a condition that affects muscle control, but there are many other symptoms as well—variations in muscle tone, lack of coordination, involuntary tremors, favoring one side of the body, delay in motor skill and speech development, difficulty with vision or hearing, and an unusual “scissor-like gait.” John also had to contend with partial paralysis and having two different-sized feet. “Having been born with CP has made me a very goal-oriented person who does not give up easily,” says Quinn.
Quinn decided to pen his memoir when he recognized the lack of inspirational memoirs present in today’s bookstores, especially those which have been written by or about a disabled adult making his or her way in life despite the challenges. Around the same time that John made this observation, he met a young boy named Trevor, who had also been diagnosed with CP. “After meeting with Trevor’s parents I soon realized that they were looking for hope for their son - and finding it - through my accomplishments. I started writing Someone Like Me the very next week,” Quinn says.
The author wants to tell children born with CP or any other condition that would make them different from their peers that “just because you do something different does not make it wrong. It’s just different. Find your own way to succeed.” Quinn also wants to tell the parents of these children to “focus on your child’s ability, not their disability. Let them try, fail, and try again. Support them in their attempts to succeed. Allow them to find their own way in this world.”
“Someone Like Me” spans John’s early development and childhood up until the present day, but the primary focus of his memoir is on his time with the US Navy. “Serving my country is something that has always appealed to me ever since I saw my oldest brother come home from Navy boot camp,” explains Quinn. The first time he tried, John almost made it into the navy (after having withheld the truth about his CP, when the recruiter asked if there were any health conditions that should be disclosed), but he failed the physical and was dismissed. Rather than admit that his dream was lost, he decided that his problem was nothing a little time and a lot of hard work couldn’t fix.
John spent one year in his parents’ basement devoting his days to practicing the maneuver which had led to his embarrassing failure of the Naval physical—a little exercise called the duck walk. Quinn says this year was one of the hardest of his life: “I was down there in that musty cellar with nothing to keep me company but the memory of being told the navy couldn’t use someone like me. When people tell me I cannot do something, I just smile - and use it as fuel to keep going.”
John’s steadfastness paid off. The next time he took the Navy physical he passed with flying colors, and from there, a twenty-year career with the US Navy unfolded. His condition remained a secret the entire time. Although facing the constant pain of CP was tough, John found it even more difficult to hide the condition from his fellow servicemen. “I made the conscious choice to keep my CP a secret from government officials because I didn’t think they would let me into the Navy. Once this decision was made, I had to keep my guard up at all times and build an emotional wall around myself to keep my CP hidden. It was a heavy burden that almost killed me,” he says.
Throughout it all, John drew from his seemingly endless reserve of internal strength and from the love and support of his family and best friend, Phil (who now works as the principal of Pioneer Middle School in Plymouth and to whom the book is dedicated). When asked about this special life-long friendship, John says, “What can I say about someone who has always been there for me, for what, over 35 years now? Since the time I was 15, I’ve been honored to be able to pick up the telephone and talk about anything with my best friend. Everyone should have a friend like Phil.”
The discipline which John honed during his career in the Navy gave him the strength he needed to write his memoir despite the physical strain of CP which made the task difficult—sitting in a chair for hours at end, focusing his wandering eyes on the screen, and having to type almost exclusively with only his left hand. He was also inspired by some of his favorite writers such as W.E.B Griffin, Mitch Albom, and James Michener, and by his hero, Abraham Lincoln.
“I found that I could overcome many of my physical shortcomings with plain hard work mixed with a dash of determination,” John says. “And, I wanted to write a good book that has a can-do attitude.” Well, John, or “Quinn the Almighty” as some have called you, you’ve done it again—you’ve achieved exactly what you said you would; you’ve produced a deeply moving, refreshingly positive book. Reading about your life makes me feel like I can do it to, that I can succeed in any way that I want just as long as I never give up, never stop trying.
Reader, if you are looking to be inspired, motivated, and charmed, then don’t pass up the opportunity to read “Someone Like Me.” Now that I’ve introduced you to John, hopefully you’d like to learn more about his story, about his time growing up, his time with the military, the physical and emotional obstacles he overcame, and the courage he exhibited every step of the way.
Since the release of his memoir, John has been traveling the country to meet with his readers and to give motivational speeches for schools, organizations, and corporations. A series of children’s books reflecting the various themes of “Someone Like Me” is also in the discussion stage, and John is working hard to get his story up on the big screen. If I know John at all, I expect that the “Someone Like Me” feature film will be hitting theaters soon—very, very soon.
January 27, 2012
Ultimate testimony to the power of perception and self determination!, January 27, 2012
Someone Like Me describes John's journey in life with Cerebral Palsy and his unbelievable self determination in life to succeed, and be accepted. John never gives up, and describes how he gets himself through high school, wrestling for 5 years and never winning, getting in and surviving 20+ years in the U.S. Military, and life's tragedies all while he is hiding his disability. Well written and engaging.
Thank you for the trip down memory lane, John. I graduated a year ahead of John from the same high school. The book brought me back to the days in G.C. playing kick ball in the neighborhood streets, flooding and freezing the backyard for skating and hockey, great neighbors who treated you like family, Villa Bakery and Tasty Freeze.
Someone Like Me describes John's journey in life with Cerebral Palsy and his unbelievable self determination in life to succeed, and be accepted. John never gives up, and describes how he gets himself through high school, wrestling for 5 years and never winning, getting in and surviving 20+ years in the U.S. Military, and life's tragedies all while he is hiding his disability. Well written and engaging.
Thank you for the trip down memory lane, John. I graduated a year ahead of John from the same high school. The book brought me back to the days in G.C. playing kick ball in the neighborhood streets, flooding and freezing the backyard for skating and hockey, great neighbors who treated you like family, Villa Bakery and Tasty Freeze.
April 23, 2011
I could relate to this book since I have a older son with "borderline" cerebral palsy and I was a Navy wife. Plus years later when I was going through breast cancer treatment my youngest who has ADHD was in marine boot camp at the same time my treatments started. This is a very inspiring book and an amazing story how John dealt with his cerebral palsy and how he became a Navy Officer!
August 14, 2012
This is the story of John Quinn. He is a wonderful author and his story is one of conquering huge obstacles, and really not taking no for an answer. His is an incredibly motivating story living with Cerebral Palsy, and following his dream to be in the Navy. If you need some inspiration, this is the book. Excellent, excellent read.
August 15, 2011
I absolutely loved this book. With the help of Twitter, I was in contact with Mr. Quinn even before I was done reading it. As a someone who has cerebral palsy, it was a blessing and truly on honor to read this book. I related to a good portion of it.
April 10, 2012
A wonderful book. I want to meet this guy. Here's a guy with cerebral palsy and he decides he wants to go to boot camp and become a sailor. Not only does he, but he makes a career out of it. Other issues in his life make you think he'd have quit long ago, but no. He is the energizer bunny.
February 27, 2012
I really enjoyed the honesty of this book.
August 24, 2012
Recommended by someone who understands, this was a wonderful profile of courage and inspiration.
January 11, 2018
This is a gripping story of one man's successful struggle and victory over Cerebral Palsy. He still lives with a range of chronic conditions affecting the brain's ability to control body movement and coordinate muscle movement, but he beats it every day. He successfully fought his way into the US Navy and, through hard work and incredible determination, completed a full career as a professional standout, eventually retiring as a Senior Chief Petty Officer. I served with John Quinn in USS IOWA (BB-61) and never suspected that he was anything other than a tall man who walked in a gangly manner about the decks. His example has led many to overcome similar conditions and lead productive lives, making contributions throughout our society. I am proud to call him shipmate.
September 9, 2018
Inspiring. I selected the book for a 1st hand perspective of what it's like to live w/cerebral palsy, which my toddler son has. Not only was it informative in caring and habilitation for my son, but the story is an inspiration to me personally on how to overcome any challenge. I will recall John Quinn's father's response to John's initial rejection from the Navy often , "Life is hard. Question is, what are you going to do about it?”
November 14, 2019
I thought John Quinn's book "Someone Like Me" was phenomenal. What an inspiring story of his
sheer determination to hide his CP so he could be afforded all the opportunities and be a part of the
all the things he wanted to. I am amazed of John's strong will, fortitude, resilience and unstoppable
spirit. My hope is that John's story makes it to the big screen where I believe it would become a box office hit.
sheer determination to hide his CP so he could be afforded all the opportunities and be a part of the
all the things he wanted to. I am amazed of John's strong will, fortitude, resilience and unstoppable
spirit. My hope is that John's story makes it to the big screen where I believe it would become a box office hit.
November 27, 2021
Oddly ablist story about the life and Navy career of a man with cerebral palsy. Although I think the author had come to terms with his CP, his life of hiding it was the main theme of 95% of the book. Well written, though.
November 14, 2017
What an awesome book by a great guy!!!
January 9, 2012
I am copying what my review was that I wrote and submitted at Amazon-
I ran across John and the mention of his book on twitter of all places. He having been a career Navy and an officer it of course spiked my interest, as my own son is also career Navy. That was right about 3 months before his book was due to be published in August of 2010. I followed John on twitter, then we "friended up" later on, on Facebook. I was able to finally get my copy at a bookstore in Fargo, North Dakota, just blocks away from where my own son had enlisted 14 yrs ago, and of course had to share it with the Navy recruiters there. So, I have not met John personally, but through reading his book (several times I might add, as it is a read and re-read kind of book) and our common connections, I feel I know him better than I do some next door neighbors. I live in rural small town Northern Minnesota.
I started reading his book that evening, after getting home from Fargo, and, I just plain did not stop or put it down (except to wipe a few tears every so often) until I finished reading it several hours later some time much into the late morning. When I finished it, I sat there, feeling totally awestruck and amazed at the human spirit, and what can be done when we put our minds to it. John is and will be an inspiration to many, he will and has touched many lives by revealing so much of himself, and the details of his experiences, pain, sadness, and extreme joy and proud accomplishments in his story of his life and also his 20 year career in the Navy. His story is so much more than a story about being in the Military, it is a story about Life, and how you deal with it, live with it and in some cases over come it.
Someone Like Me, is John's personal triumph over himself, and the challenges and in many cases the gifts he was given at birth and from his family, then from the extreme challenges he under took, through his own determination and perseverance when he choose, this was a determined choice, and one of conviction he made to serve his Country in the United State Navy, and to serve 20 years. I personally believe this is where the motto "Never Give Up" must have been coined from, although I know better.
As a mother of a child who has had her own different and unique challenges since birth, I have watched her exhibit with much of the same determination and drive to over come them, and John's story made me, "remind myself" of her precious accomplishments, her own unique strong will, how unique she is and also how proud and honored I am to be her mother. Thank you John for that gift, the gift of reminding me!
Also as a mother of a United State Navy officer, it woke me up to the huge accomplishments, and allowed me to enter his world, of which we do not so often understand or comprehend as family of a Soldier, yet I could relate to John's mother so well thru his written words. I learned so much about my own son's career and deployments, and understand him so much more. Thank you again, John, for that gift, the gift of Enlightenment! I am a proud mom of a Sailor, just as your mom was and will always be, and your father as well.
Also as a Mother of a Law Enforcement Officer, you reminded me and gave me the gift of Faith, that my daughter loves what she does, will be safe, and protected, and is honorable and is just as strong willed and determined, giving, caring and righteous, as we her family taught her and brought her up to be, thank you John, for that Gift of Faith, in the words of your story.
Also as a person who has also lost some one very close, your words reminded me of that pain, and that to we will heal, live and go on, thank you for that Gift of remembering, and healing.
And as one who has been in recovery herself, John's story, was and continues to be a reminder of what we all need to do, remind ourselves each and everyday of our own gifts and talents and uniqueness, and that our recovery is also a gift, and to reach out and help others. Recovery is a gift, and not to be taken lightly. Thank you, John for that Gift of sharing.
John Quinn's book and story, is a story which is full of hope for those who at times may feel hopeless, it fill you with inspiration many time over, it will remind you and teach you all at the same time. Be prepared though, it is not a book that you will put down, you will finish it in one sitting, and then turn around and read it again a week or two later, with pen and highlighter in hand, and dog ear the pages, then want to share it with everyone while carrying it in your purse. Navy Mom's do those kind of goofy things until we get a kindle!: So if you have a Kindle - do not wait, get your down load of John's book now, so you can share this gift, and John's gifts with others. I am honored to have read his book, and will continue to share it with others when I can.
Becky C
I ran across John and the mention of his book on twitter of all places. He having been a career Navy and an officer it of course spiked my interest, as my own son is also career Navy. That was right about 3 months before his book was due to be published in August of 2010. I followed John on twitter, then we "friended up" later on, on Facebook. I was able to finally get my copy at a bookstore in Fargo, North Dakota, just blocks away from where my own son had enlisted 14 yrs ago, and of course had to share it with the Navy recruiters there. So, I have not met John personally, but through reading his book (several times I might add, as it is a read and re-read kind of book) and our common connections, I feel I know him better than I do some next door neighbors. I live in rural small town Northern Minnesota.
I started reading his book that evening, after getting home from Fargo, and, I just plain did not stop or put it down (except to wipe a few tears every so often) until I finished reading it several hours later some time much into the late morning. When I finished it, I sat there, feeling totally awestruck and amazed at the human spirit, and what can be done when we put our minds to it. John is and will be an inspiration to many, he will and has touched many lives by revealing so much of himself, and the details of his experiences, pain, sadness, and extreme joy and proud accomplishments in his story of his life and also his 20 year career in the Navy. His story is so much more than a story about being in the Military, it is a story about Life, and how you deal with it, live with it and in some cases over come it.
Someone Like Me, is John's personal triumph over himself, and the challenges and in many cases the gifts he was given at birth and from his family, then from the extreme challenges he under took, through his own determination and perseverance when he choose, this was a determined choice, and one of conviction he made to serve his Country in the United State Navy, and to serve 20 years. I personally believe this is where the motto "Never Give Up" must have been coined from, although I know better.
As a mother of a child who has had her own different and unique challenges since birth, I have watched her exhibit with much of the same determination and drive to over come them, and John's story made me, "remind myself" of her precious accomplishments, her own unique strong will, how unique she is and also how proud and honored I am to be her mother. Thank you John for that gift, the gift of reminding me!
Also as a mother of a United State Navy officer, it woke me up to the huge accomplishments, and allowed me to enter his world, of which we do not so often understand or comprehend as family of a Soldier, yet I could relate to John's mother so well thru his written words. I learned so much about my own son's career and deployments, and understand him so much more. Thank you again, John, for that gift, the gift of Enlightenment! I am a proud mom of a Sailor, just as your mom was and will always be, and your father as well.
Also as a Mother of a Law Enforcement Officer, you reminded me and gave me the gift of Faith, that my daughter loves what she does, will be safe, and protected, and is honorable and is just as strong willed and determined, giving, caring and righteous, as we her family taught her and brought her up to be, thank you John, for that Gift of Faith, in the words of your story.
Also as a person who has also lost some one very close, your words reminded me of that pain, and that to we will heal, live and go on, thank you for that Gift of remembering, and healing.
And as one who has been in recovery herself, John's story, was and continues to be a reminder of what we all need to do, remind ourselves each and everyday of our own gifts and talents and uniqueness, and that our recovery is also a gift, and to reach out and help others. Recovery is a gift, and not to be taken lightly. Thank you, John for that Gift of sharing.
John Quinn's book and story, is a story which is full of hope for those who at times may feel hopeless, it fill you with inspiration many time over, it will remind you and teach you all at the same time. Be prepared though, it is not a book that you will put down, you will finish it in one sitting, and then turn around and read it again a week or two later, with pen and highlighter in hand, and dog ear the pages, then want to share it with everyone while carrying it in your purse. Navy Mom's do those kind of goofy things until we get a kindle!: So if you have a Kindle - do not wait, get your down load of John's book now, so you can share this gift, and John's gifts with others. I am honored to have read his book, and will continue to share it with others when I can.
Becky C
July 25, 2014
A book everyone should read
Someone Like Me by John W. Quinn tells the story of a boy who grew-up outside of Detroit, Michigan in the 1960s and 1970s. Son of a police officer father and a stay-at-home mother, with a several sisters and brothers. On the outside everything appears, run-of-the-mill. There are family dinners, backyard ice rinks, ketchup filled pranking, and true-blue best friends. When you look inside you discover that this family and this son are much more than average.
John Quinn was born with a neurological condition called cerebral palsy that in his case causes muscle tightness in many areas of the body, a lack of balance and vision impairment. Also causing him to fatigue more quickly and easily than a typical person and developed his extraordinarily high pain tolerance.
At the time of his diagnosis, his father chose to free his son of a label that is often misunderstood, feared and more limiting than the actual diagnosis his son received. This would not be the last act of love this father bestowed on his son. Fifteen years later a phone call between John and his father will become instrumental in the path his life takes. The tone John's father sets wishing for his sons medical records not to reveal this truth began a lifetime of concealment for John who went from the his neighborhood school wrestling team to twenty years in the US Navy while not disclosing his cerebral palsy. Instead of living a limited life defined by disability he chooses to live the life he defines for himself despite it.
As a person whom has lived life with cerebral palsy (a mixed type, not unlike John's) I am biased in my love for this book. I could truly understand and relate to that aspect of his life but this is so much more than a book about "...triumph over cerebral palsy." To believe this is a book about disability would be one dimensional and to pass this book over thinking of it only as a recounting of a man's career in the military would still be a mistake. Tragedy strikes the Quinn family, hard times are to be had, and this too, shapes the story John tells.
Someone Like Me is a book about courage, determination, strength, love, finding a place to belong and learning that there is always hope and that a person is never alone.
Someone Like Me by John W. Quinn tells the story of a boy who grew-up outside of Detroit, Michigan in the 1960s and 1970s. Son of a police officer father and a stay-at-home mother, with a several sisters and brothers. On the outside everything appears, run-of-the-mill. There are family dinners, backyard ice rinks, ketchup filled pranking, and true-blue best friends. When you look inside you discover that this family and this son are much more than average.
John Quinn was born with a neurological condition called cerebral palsy that in his case causes muscle tightness in many areas of the body, a lack of balance and vision impairment. Also causing him to fatigue more quickly and easily than a typical person and developed his extraordinarily high pain tolerance.
At the time of his diagnosis, his father chose to free his son of a label that is often misunderstood, feared and more limiting than the actual diagnosis his son received. This would not be the last act of love this father bestowed on his son. Fifteen years later a phone call between John and his father will become instrumental in the path his life takes. The tone John's father sets wishing for his sons medical records not to reveal this truth began a lifetime of concealment for John who went from the his neighborhood school wrestling team to twenty years in the US Navy while not disclosing his cerebral palsy. Instead of living a limited life defined by disability he chooses to live the life he defines for himself despite it.
As a person whom has lived life with cerebral palsy (a mixed type, not unlike John's) I am biased in my love for this book. I could truly understand and relate to that aspect of his life but this is so much more than a book about "...triumph over cerebral palsy." To believe this is a book about disability would be one dimensional and to pass this book over thinking of it only as a recounting of a man's career in the military would still be a mistake. Tragedy strikes the Quinn family, hard times are to be had, and this too, shapes the story John tells.
Someone Like Me is a book about courage, determination, strength, love, finding a place to belong and learning that there is always hope and that a person is never alone.
January 11, 2015
This is a very inspiring true story about a man with cerebral palsy who overcame all odds and was able to have a successful career in the Navy. Presented in a simple and honest style, this book is a compelling and easy read. I've watched many films and read many books about the military. And it sounds very tough to endure all the training and hardship even for a person in top physical condition. John Quinn had a tough perseverant mind that made up for any strength his body lacked. And as I read, I found myself cheering for him and wanting him to prevail. He made his share of mistakes along the way. But he learned some lessons and kept trying to be better. And the winner I love to read about isn't the man or woman who makes it to the finish line easily. The winner I love to read about is the one who has to put in the extra mile for every small achievement. And that's what you get in spades in this story about John Quinn.
April 18, 2012
An autobiography of someone who has Cerebral Palsy (CP)? As someone who has Cerebral Palsy, I was quite glad to find out about this book. Since CP is pretty much different in every person, the author's experiences don't exactly match mine, but there's a lot that's close.
Since there's precious little out there about adults with CP or CP in books, I'm very happy about the book. That said, the writing isn't the strongest and there's parts of the story that drag.
All told, I'd rate it somewhere around 3.5 stars. It's not the best book, but I still think it should be read so people can understand what it's like to live with Cerebral Palsy.
Since there's precious little out there about adults with CP or CP in books, I'm very happy about the book. That said, the writing isn't the strongest and there's parts of the story that drag.
All told, I'd rate it somewhere around 3.5 stars. It's not the best book, but I still think it should be read so people can understand what it's like to live with Cerebral Palsy.
April 22, 2023
He must read
As a quadriplegic of 40 years and someone who follows John Quinn on LinkedIn, I was very interested in reading this autobiography. It more than exceeded my expectations. It is authentic and although I do not have CP, there is so much I can relate to. Every person in America should read this book to understand what life with a disability is like. What you are told, how other people react to you, and how you are perceived. So much negativity. The support of family and friends and personal resilience is a must. And as John says at the end, there is always hope.
As a quadriplegic of 40 years and someone who follows John Quinn on LinkedIn, I was very interested in reading this autobiography. It more than exceeded my expectations. It is authentic and although I do not have CP, there is so much I can relate to. Every person in America should read this book to understand what life with a disability is like. What you are told, how other people react to you, and how you are perceived. So much negativity. The support of family and friends and personal resilience is a must. And as John says at the end, there is always hope.
June 26, 2013
Wow! Someone Like Me is a truly wonderful and inspirational book! I also deal with the same issues and also do things one day at a time and then some. It's great to read about anyone who's able to accomplish dreams that other's say that we cannot.
February 21, 2015
Absolutely lovely book about hard work and determination while turning a disability into ability. Inspiring read.
January 19, 2014
Good one
very inspirational even people with cerebral palsy will be inspired. he has been through a lot of challenges in his own life but he still overcome that situations
very inspirational even people with cerebral palsy will be inspired. he has been through a lot of challenges in his own life but he still overcome that situations
January 2, 2016
For a young adult with CP this book is very valuable ,Very inspiring story.
May 11, 2010
My feelings about this book and the author are noted on Amazon and the back cover of this book.
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