silverneurotic

Alicia Richards loved her daughter from her very first breath. Days later, when tests confirmed what Alicia already knew--that Chloe had Down syndrome--she didn't falter. Her ex-husband wanted a child who would grow to be a scholar. For Alicia, it's enough that Chloe just is.

Now twenty-five, Chloe is sweet, funny, and content. Alicia brings her to adult daycare while she teaches at a local college. One day Chloe arrives home thrumming with excitement, and says the words Alicia never anticipated. She has met someone--a young man named Thomas. Within days, Chloe and Thomas, also mentally challenged, declare themselves in love.

Alicia strives to see past her misgivings to the new possibilities opening up for her daughter. Shouldn't Chloe have the same right to love as anyone else? But there is no way to prepare for the relationship unfolding, or for the moments of heartbreak and joy ahead.

With grace and warmth, Colleen Faulkner tells an unflinching yet heartrending story of mothers and daughters, and of the risks we all take, both in loving and in letting go.

 

When I read a review for this book a few weeks back, I knew I had to read it. I work with developmentally handicapped adults and I was very curious about how this book was going to play out...curious, and nervous. Romantic relationships are very common at my agency amongst the participants though marriage is very uncommon. Not unheard of....but uncommon. So I definitely had a vested interest in this book.

What I liked: I loved the plot and the characters, especially Chloe and Thomas. I found them to be very realistic characters which definitely pleased me. Colleen Faulkner did a wonderful job with creating these two characters. I also liked the story line, for the most part. 

What I didn't like: I did find the writing to have something lacking, especially in terms of the dialogue. In many spots it was awkward and several times I found myself having to reread bits as the first time around it didn't quite make sense. I also found the pacing to be kind of off. Some parts dragged on, some parts sped by 

I liked this book, but I do think there could have been some changes in it.