Debra Ginsberg

When you have a child that doesn't fit in, what do you do? Debra Ginsberg knew that her son, Blaze, was unique from the moment he was born in 1987. What she didn't know was that Blaze's differences would be regarded by the outside world not as gifts, but as impediments to social and academic success. Blaze never crawled. He just got up and walked when he turned one. He called his mother 'Zsa Zsa' until he was three. By kindergarten, he loved the music of Miles Davis and Ella Fitzgerald. He fears butterflies and is fascinated by garbage trucks. With the same honesty that made "Waiting" a success, "Raising Blaze: Bringing Up an Extraordinary Son in an Ordinary World" chronicles Debra's experience in raising a child who has defied definition by the host of professionals who have sought to label his differences. Ginsberg introduces us to a remarkable child and her own unusual childhood. She writes about a family which shows us the redemptive power of faith, humour and love.… (more)

My process for choosing a book is a little eclectic. If it's written by an author I know I like, I just get it, no questions asked. When looking for a new author, however, a catchy title or showy cover will grab my attention. If I like the blurb on the back, I'll give it a chance. I never open the book and read a sample before making my decision. What if I catch a glimpse of a critical moment in the book, and the whole experience is ruined because of this slip? (#booknerdproblems). This particular book was set on the shelf backwards, with the back facing out. The plot sounded interesting. I was hooked.

When I began the book, I was struck by the style of writing. It was very simple, almost juvenile compared to the poetic prose of the last few books I had read. Three pages in, and I was trying to remember the last time I put a book down without finishing it. But the blurb on the back sounded so good, so fresh and different from what I'd been reading. So I decided to give it a chance. I'm glad I did.

I'm not sure if the writing got better, or if it just stopped bothering me, but I suspect that the writing improved as the author hit her stride. There were several descriptions that struck me like an electric shock because they were so good. I enjoyed the story, was surprised by the twist, and felt satisfied by the ending.

Once again, I am humbled and reminded that good authors come in all genres, structures, and styles. What one author lacks in fanciful language, she make may up for in creative execution and original ideas. Four and a half stars.… (more)

I've never been a waitress but I've been served by hundreds. Debra Ginsberg has been a waitress for 20 years and chronicles her adventures in this great book. It's really fascinating. Not long ago I read [b:Kitchen Confidential|33313|Kitchen Confidential Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly (updated edition)|Anthony Bourdain|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1168422043s/33313.jpg|4219] about what it's like to be a chef in a restaurant. Now I've got the serving point of view. I am certainly going to enjoy my restaurant adventures with new points of views from here on out.… (more)