Random House New Releases - Health & Fitness - Diseases - Genetic

Spelling Love with an X by Clare Dunsford

2008-10-01T00:30:00-05:00

Spelling Love with an X A Mother, A Son, and the Gene that Binds Them
Written by Clare Dunsford

Trade Paperback, 216 pages | Beacon Press | Family & Relationships - Children with Special Needs; Family & Relationships - Family Relationships; Health & Fitness - Diseases - Genetic | $16.00 | 978-0-8070-7280-6 (0-8070-7280-X)

When her son, J.P., was first diagnosed with fragile X syndrome, the most common inherited form of mental retardation, Clare Dunsford discovered that she and three of her four siblings carried the fragile X premutation and had therefore passed on the full mutation to J.P. and several of his cousins. An English professor by training, Dunsford draws on poetry to explore her new identity as a "mutant" and reflect on her life with J.P., a colorful young man with great verbal dexterity and a lovable cheeky streak. Brimming with warmth, Spelling Love with an X shares the disarming insights of a compassionate scholar on motherhood, disability, and genetic inheritance.

The (Strangest) Song by Teri Sforza

2006-10-02T00:30:00-05:00

The (Strangest) Song One Father's Quest to Help His Daughter Find Her Voice
Written by Teri Sforza

Hardcover, 296 pages | Prometheus Books | Health & Fitness - Diseases - Genetic; Biography & Autobiography - Composers & Musicians | $26.99 | 978-1-59102-478-1 (1-59102-478-1)

This is the first book to tell the story of Williams syndrome and the extraordinary musicality of many of the people who have it. Interweaving science and the personal in a compelling narrative, author Teri Sforza follows the quest of biochemistry professor Howard Lenhoff to help his mentally handicapped daughter, Gloria. From his discovery of Gloria’s outstanding vocal talent and innate musical gifts, Lenhoff becomes convinced that people with her disorder have an unusual capacity for learning music, despite their profound mental disabilities. Lenhoff is at first rebuffed, called obsessive, and finally vindicated when scientists—and his own formal research—confirm his hunch.
Williams syndrome is a rare genetic aberration that occurs once in every 7,500 births. It springs from a peculiar mishap on the molecular level, a tiny chemical error, but one that exacts an enormous toll on body, brain, and personality. The result is an atypical body and a profoundly asymmetrical mind. Thanks to Howard Lenhoff’s single-minded determination and love for his daughter, he succeeds in helping his daughter beyond his wildest dreams. Gloria’s talents take her to a concert at Washington’s Kennedy Center and a number of classical recordings. Lenhoff also helps establish the first residential college for mentally disabled musicians in Massachusetts.
An inspiring blend of human interest and breakthrough science, The Strangest Song offers startling insights into the mysteries of the brain and hope that science can find new ways to help the handicapped.

Choosing Naia by Mitchell Zuckoff

2003-09-02T00:30:00-05:00

Choosing Naia A Family's Journey
Written by Mitchell Zuckoff

Trade Paperback, 312 pages | Beacon Press | Family & Relationships - Children with Special Needs; Family & Relationships - Parenting; Health & Fitness - Diseases - Genetic | $22.00 | 978-0-8070-2817-9 (0-8070-2817-7)

A dramatic and carefully detailed account of one family's journey through the maze of genetic counseling, medical technology, and disability rights; destined to become required reading for anyone touched by any of these issues.

Lupus by Suzy Szasz

1995-10-01T00:30:00-05:00

Lupus
Written by Suzy Szasz

Trade Paperback, 243 pages | Prometheus Books | Health & Fitness - Diseases - Genetic | $25.99 | 978-1-57392-023-0 (1-57392-023-1)

This work is a courageous account of living with a chronic illness, a powerful lesson in self-determination, and a personal declaration of independence.

Random House New Releases - Health & Fitness - Diseases - Genetic

Spelling Love with an X by Clare Dunsford

Spelling Love with an X A Mother, A Son, and the Gene that Binds ThemWritten by Clare Dunsford