Now I See the Moon: A Mother, a Son, a Miracle

It was so exciting. I went home to read the book and couldn't put it down. Even though I know many of the stories... I don't know.. It is so beautifully written. I think all parents should have this book. I think all professionals should have this too because it is such a rich look into your life, your joys and struggles as well as the influence that you have had on others, and they have had on you. Congratulations on another great success! And congratulations to Neal for allowing all of us to learn from him. He is doing what he is meant to do... bringing enlightenment, understanding and love to those he touches. Shel

I saw the movie "Autism, The Musical," and now I have a history to connect it with. Elaine Hall has written a stunning memoir of her life-- her struggle to maintain a pregnancy, her adoption, her slow acceptance of her son's autism, her unending hard work on his behalf. Weaving in and out of this story are several subplots that flesh out her character-- the middle and the end of her first marriage, the start of what will become her second marriage, her deep connections with family and friends, her organic spirituality. Most of all, her love and fierce devotion to her son Neal, are front and center. Though I am an ABA therapist and do not support Floortime or SonRise (and found it ironic that many methods she described are also ABA methods), I share her joy over her son's progress, and in the new community of specially abled people and their parents that she discovered while founding and running The Miracle Project. This is a delightful, uplifting book by a very talented writer.

I also have to say, "Wow!" Once I picked this book up I could not put it down. Beautifully written and eminently readable, Ms. Hall's journey as she listens to her inner voice and learns to connect with her nonverbal autistic son is a must-read for anyone whose lives have been touched by autism or other special challenges. For everyone else, this gripping true-life account of a mother's strength and wisdom will touch and inspire. Stays with you long after you've turned the last page.

WOW!!!! Started reading this book and could not put it down. It was really well written and I can easily imagine a movie made from it. The book made me feel Elaine's hopes, despair, pains, overwhelming joy for each of Neal's successes and disappointments when things did not go as planned. Also the relevation that Neal did understand everthing that was going on around him and if he could have been able to communicate his feelings how much easier it could have been for him. That really is an important lesson for all of us. I knew that Autism was always very hard to deal with but I never realized to what extent. Elaine's tanacity and belief in knowing to listen to her inner voices, believing in herself and conviction of doing what was best for her son was a "Miracle in itself. This book not only tells the story of her son, but bring awareness to other families with Autistic children and the community at large. E & M FRYMER

The story of Elaine's journey is amazing. You laugh, you cry you are filled with wonder. It is a must read.