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Barely Visible: Mothering a Son Through His Misunderstood Autism
Kathleen Somers’ Barely Visible is a raw and often gut-wrenching memoir that tells the story of her journey as a mother navigating the heartbreaking loss of a daughter and the challenging road of raising a son with autism. The book begins with a detailed account of the late-term abortion she and her husband chose after discovering a severe chromosomal disorder in their unborn child. What follows is the story of their second chance at parenthood, a son, Jack, whose development is anything but typical, and whose autism remains invisible to many who interact with him. With honesty and grit, Somers invites readers into the daily struggles, small wins, crushing doubts, and fierce love that shape her life as a mother.
The writing is plainspoken and real, never dressing up the pain or dressing down the joy. Somers doesn’t flinch when describing her darkest moments and emotions like grief, rage, and guilt, but she also doesn’t wallow. Her voice is steady and direct. What I liked was her description of being caught in a kind of no-man’s-land with Jack: not disabled “enough” for sympathy, not neurotypical enough to be understood. That tension runs through the whole book, and it’s heartbreaking. She captures the loneliness of parenting a child who doesn’t fit the mold and the silent battles she fights in parking lots, classrooms, and her own mind.
What I appreciated most was that this isn’t a story wrapped up with a bow. Somers doesn’t pretend to have all the answers. She admits to losing her temper, to doubting her decisions, to questioning herself constantly. But she also shows up for her son, over and over again, even when it’s hard, even when it’s thankless. There’s a quiet bravery in that. And her reflections on how people perceive disability, how a child’s challenges are judged based on how visible they are, stayed with me. She writes with a dry wit at times that cuts through the heaviness, which I found refreshing and relatable.
I would recommend Barely Visible to any parent, especially those who feel like they’re walking a path they didn’t expect. If you’ve ever struggled to make sense of a diagnosis, to advocate for a child who’s misunderstood, or to stay afloat when life doesn’t look the way you thought it would, this book will speak to you. It’s not just about autism or motherhood or grief. It’s about resilience and love and the messy, beautiful, brutal work of showing up.
Pages: 312 | ISBN : 978-1647428822
Love and Connect
In Watching Sarah Rise, you share with readers your experiences parenting a daughter with special needs and the way your family embraced a child-centered approach to autism therapy. Why was this an important book for you to write?
I wanted to share my experience with the Son-Rise Program so that more parents could know about it and how transformational it can be for all involved. I also wanted to help other people (parents and non-parents) know that any and all of their feelings are ok, even the ones they might judge as being too terrible to admit to. I often receive feedback that my honesty about my experiences and feelings that I write about in my blog is helpful for others, so I’m hoping that the book is helpful in the same way and can reach a bigger audience than my blog has so far.
I appreciated the candid nature with which you told your story. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
The hardest thing was figuring out how to share the story in a way that would make sense for others because I felt like I could write chronologically or focus around different topics. I wanted to do both at the same time, and I think I sort of managed to do so, but that was difficult and took the help of my editor and husband to make it all work. Writing about difficult experiences and my feelings wasn’t difficult. That part comes easily for me and helps me accept and understand myself and Sarah more. Every time I reread the book, I learn things from my past self about how to really love and connect well with Sarah.
What is one misconception you think many people have about parenting a child with autism?
The idea that kids with autism have trouble recognizing the emotions of others. Sarah has a keen sense of how others are feeling. She definitely knows when I am stressed or sad, or upset about anything. She will either ask me why I’m sad, listen attentively and wipe my tears away, or feed off of my stress if I’m feeling anxious. That makes for two anxious and upset people so I’m really working on how I can keep myself on more of an even keel.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from your family’s experiences?
You don’t have to know all of the answers or be a perfect parent to make a world of difference for your child.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Families who have supported a child with special needs will connect with this memoir about Sarah, a feisty girl with autism and a unique genetic blueprint. Her mom, Jenny, is equally feisty and determined, which leads her to make a commitment that dramatically changes her and Sarah’s lives—as well as those of many others.
Sarah’s early years are filled with challenges, and Jenny and her husband, Carl, try various therapies in an effort to help her. At four years old, Sarah is still nonverbal, still doesn’t use the potty, and still struggles with eating. Jenny knows she must do more. She has heard of a method developed by the Autism Treatment Center of America called The Son-Rise Program, which, through loving, supportive interaction, aims to foster social connection in people with autism. It is a huge undertaking, requiring hours of one-on-one therapeutic playtime, which means Jenny needs to find and train volunteers to make it possible. Though Jenny isn’t sure she can do it, she decides to try. She calls her program Sarah-Rise.
Accompany Jenny as Sarah’s language explodes, her eye contact intensifies, and she plays games, plays imaginatively, uses the potty, eats healthily, reads, and writes. Have your heart warmed and your socks knocked off by this momentous journey.
Watching Sarah Rise: a Journey of Thriving With Autism
Jennifer Celeste Briggs’s memoir, Watching Sarah Rise, is a deeply personal and unflinchingly honest account of her journey in parenting a daughter with special needs. At its heart, it’s the story of a mother’s fierce love, persistent hope, and tireless effort to help her daughter Sarah grow, connect, and thrive in a world that often sees difference as deficiency. The book chronicles their family’s embrace of The Son-Rise Program, a child-centered approach to autism therapy, and how it transformed their lives. Blending storytelling with reflection, Briggs invites readers into her daily struggles and hard-won triumphs, painting a full and textured picture of both the heartbreak and the joy of parenting outside the norm.
I was moved from the very first pages. There’s a raw, grounding honesty in the way Briggs writes. She never pretends to have it all figured out. She’s vulnerable, tired, sometimes angry, sometimes thrilled, and always full of love. The writing doesn’t hide behind big words or try to be poetic; it’s just real. That’s what hit me hardest. She describes small moments with her daughter, spelling out “milkshake,” playing with candles between their toes, as if they were miracles. And you know what? They are. You start to see what she sees. Sarah’s progress becomes your progress, too. I also appreciated that Briggs doesn’t sugarcoat the toll, emotional, physical, and mental, that caregiving takes. She talks about the crying in the kitchen, the fights, the loneliness. But there’s always a thread of grit and warmth that carries you through.
What surprised me most was how inspiring the ideas in this book are, not just for parenting, but for life. The Son-Rise Program is about joining someone in their world, instead of pulling them into yours. That hit me like a brick. What if we all tried that more often, with everyone we love? I kept thinking about how much better the world would be if more of us acted with that kind of patience and respect. And it’s not just philosophy, Briggs shows how it plays out in real, messy, funny, frustrating, beautiful ways. It made me reflect on my own beliefs, my own judgments, and even how I show up for the people around me. That’s the mark of a good book: it changes how you see.
If you’re a parent, especially one raising a child with special needs, this book will speak to you like a friend who really gets it. If you’re a teacher, therapist, or anyone working with kids, it’s a reminder to lead with heart. And if you’re just someone who wants to understand more about love and growth and resilience, this book has a lot to teach. Watching Sarah Rise is not just about autism. It’s about listening. It’s about choosing to believe in possibility, even when everyone else says don’t bother. And it’s about rising, not just Sarah, but all of us.
Pages : 320 | ISBN : 978-1647428242
Onex: No Ordinary Dog
No Ordinary Dog is exactly what it says on the cover. This book follows the incredible life of Onex, a black Labrador who starts out sniffing out bombs for the U.S. Army and ends up saving lives in ways no one could’ve imagined. From war zones to Tennessee porches, Onex’s journey is packed with heart, heroism, and a tail-wagging amount of love. It’s the story of a dog who gave everything—his strength, his loyalty, his whole heart—to protect the people he loved, and in the end, became so much more than a service animal. He became family.
As someone who would rather hang out with dogs than most people, this book hit me right in the feels. I loved the way Debi Stinson writes with such raw honesty and warmth. Onex’s military service alone would’ve made him a hero, but it’s the quieter, everyday moments that stuck with me. Like when Chris collapsed in the garage and Onex sprinted off barking like crazy to get help. I teared up right there. That wasn’t just training—that was love. You can feel it. Or the time Onex chased his first tennis ball. My own pup does this goofy hop when he’s excited, and I could just picture Onex doing something similar. It made me laugh, made me ache a little too. There’s something so special about seeing a working dog finally get to just be a dog.
The last few chapters are an emotional ride. My heart was in my throat when the fire broke out, and Onex got everyone out safely. And don’t even get me started on his final days. I was ugly-crying. It wasn’t just sad, though. It was beautiful. Onex had such a purpose, and he was surrounded by people who loved him like crazy. The way Chris and Deb honored him, the way they remembered his river-dance paws even after he passed… it reminded me of the dogs I’ve loved and lost. That ache, that joy. This book gets it.
I’d recommend No Ordinary Dog to anyone who’s ever loved a dog, served in the military, or just believes in the power of second chances and loyal hearts. It’s not just a dog story—it’s a story about healing, bravery, and the bonds that never break.
Pages: 107 | ASIN : B0DXL1LD6R
Poetry Requires Precision
Thunderstroke: A Poetry Memoir Inspired by a True Story is a deeply moving and inspiring collection of poetry and memoir, offering readers a wellspring of meaning and reflection. How do you strike a balance between clarity and ambiguity in your poetry?
Poetry is a unique space where emotions and meaning can exist between the lines. For me, finding the balance between clarity and ambiguity comes naturally through my experience with aphasia. I aim to make my poetry accessible, allowing readers to feel the raw emotions behind my words, but I also leave room for interpretation—so that each person can find their own meaning in my experiences. Sometimes, what is left unsaid carries just as much weight as the words on the page.
What was the most challenging part of writing your poetry collection and memoir, and what was the most rewarding?
The most challenging part was finding the right words to express my emotions while navigating the effects of aphasia. Writing poetry requires precision, yet my struggle with language often made it frustrating. However, this challenge also became my greatest strength—it forced me to dig deeper, to express feelings in ways beyond just words, through rhythm, imagery, and raw emotion.
The most rewarding part was seeing how the poems came together as a reflection of my journey. It was not just about my personal healing but about creating something that could resonate with others. Knowing that my words might inspire someone going through their own struggles makes all the effort worth it.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your story?
I hope readers take away the message that even in life’s most difficult moments, there is always strength within us to keep going. Thunderstroke is not just about my journey—it’s about resilience, hope, and the power of finding meaning in adversity. I want readers to know that no matter how tough their battle is, they are not alone, and their story is still being written. There is always light beyond the storm.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Written for those navigating the labyrinth of loss, grief, and profound change, Thunderstroke offers solace and guidance. It reflects on the fragile tapestry of existence, unraveling how we endure the thunderous ruptures that divide life into “before” and “after.”
This memoir is not just about survival but transformation—how we heal, rebuild, and emerge stronger in the face of overwhelming challenges. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, embracing vulnerability as a source of strength and finding hope amidst despair.
Thunderstroke is more than a collection of poetry; it is a map for navigating the uncharted waters of upheaval. It invites readers to journey through the storm and discover the quiet miracle of renewal—a reminder that while life may fracture, it also holds the power to mend.
Severed Sacredness: The Miraculous Journey of Jessie Boone
Some books touch your heart. Others grip it so tightly you feel like you’re living inside their pages. Severed Sacredness is the second kind. This is Lisa Boone’s raw, heart-wrenching, and faith-driven account of her daughter Jessie’s near-fatal skiing accident and the long, grueling journey through survival and recovery. Told through the lens of a mother’s unshakable love and relentless determination, the book walks us through Jessie’s trauma, the desperate prayers, the countless medical interventions, and the hope that stubbornly refused to die. Lisa lays bare the terror, the grief, the anger, and the tiny glimmers of grace that kept her moving forward. It’s not just a medical journey; it’s a spiritual one, an emotional one, and a testament to the power of faith and community.
Lisa’s writing is something special. It’s not polished in a way that feels distant—it’s raw, honest, and deeply personal. As a mom myself, I felt her pain in my bones. The moment she gets that phone call—“Mom, there’s been an accident. It’s Jessie. She’s hurt. She’s hurt real bad.”—it’s every mother’s nightmare coming to life. The way she describes the chaotic rush to get to her daughter, the helplessness of watching Jessie’s broken body in the ICU, and the sheer will it took to keep breathing through it all—it’s gut-wrenching. Lisa lets us sit in the darkest moments with her, but she also leads us toward the light, reminding us that even in the worst pain, there is hope.
One of the most powerful themes in the book is Lisa’s unwavering advocacy for Jessie. There’s a moment when a young neurosurgeon insists on an emergency craniectomy, and Lisa and her husband are forced to make a life-or-death decision within minutes. The older doctor had dismissed the nurse’s concerns, but this new doctor listened, pushed forward, and ultimately saved Jessie’s life. Lisa shows what it means to be a mother in the trenches, fighting for her child when no one else seems to see the full picture. It made me think about how important it is to trust our instincts when it comes to our kids.
Another part of the book that really stayed with me was the recurring imagery of trees. Lisa ties Jessie’s accident to the tree she hit, then expands on that symbolism throughout the book. Each tree marking a stage in Jessie’s recovery and Lisa’s own transformation. I loved this thread of nature woven into the story, the idea that life, even when it’s cut down to a stump, can grow back in unexpected ways. It reminded me that healing isn’t always linear. Sometimes it looks like a broken branch growing in a new direction, and that’s okay.
Severed Sacredness is a book about hope, faith, and resilience. It’s for any parent who has ever prayed over their child’s hospital bed, for anyone who has walked through trauma and wondered if they’d ever come out on the other side. It’s a heavy read, no doubt. There were parts that made me cry, parts that made me angry, and parts that filled me with gratitude for the strength of a mother’s love. If you’ve ever faced an impossible situation and needed a reminder that miracles do happen, this book is for you.
Pages:492 | ASIN : B0D41LWLGG
Just Love Them & Support Them
Parenting with Pride is a lifeline for parents navigating the journey of raising LGBTQ+ teens and is structured around four pillars: Embrace, Educate, Empower, and Love, with each chapter guiding readers through emotions, challenges, and growth. Why was this an important book for you to write?
Writing and journaling have always been a big part of who I am and how I express myself. I kept copious notes on all of the meetings with the dozens of professionals we worked with in those first 18 months, and having the escape of just pouring all of my thoughts and feelings onto a page was quite literally a life saver for me. As we landed on more solid ground I realized that I needed to share our story with all of its vulnerability and space for evolution so that others would realize they are not alone. I knew I could write something that was engaging and real in a way that could help so many people without shaming or isolating anyone. It was also important that there was space for reflection and prompts to help the reader really connect with where they are now and where they wish to be.
I appreciated the candid nature with which you told your story. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
I knew that in order to convey our experiences, to really honor what each of us went through and learned, I would need to put myself back in time. I would meditate and get really quiet so I could access all of the feelings and thoughts and then record them. It was particularly difficult writing about almost losing Connor to suicide, although the editing process zoomed out quite a bit from the gritty emotion of the first draft. If you read anything and thought “wow, that’s intense” or “that must have been so difficult, ” know that I felt it over and over again as I wrote and edited the book.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Oh my goodness, so many! The four pillars really helped me organize everything I wanted to share with readers in a way that I hope will help them remember. I think there are essentially four main ideas: 1. Embrace the messiness and the unknown. Embrace that there is no such thing as a perfect parent and that some of the best moments are found in owning our mistakes and modeling being human. 2. We ALL have biases, that is not a judgement call, and we are ALL capable of unlearning and evolving. 3. Learning to trust yourself and set healthly boundaries is so empowering, which then allows you the knowledge, space, and ability to empower your kids. 4. More than anything else in the world, our kids just need us to see them, hear them, and love them without conditions or spirit of transactionality.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your book?
Your child, friend, or colleague sharing their sexuality or gender identity with you is a gift. It takes courage and vulnerability. Trust that they know who they are and just love them and support them.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website
Your kid just came out to you, and amid the flurry of emotion or worry you might feel, you know you would do anything to protect their health and happiness. And you are not alone! Heather Hester, coach, advocate, and host of the #1 rated podcast, Just Breathe: Parenting Your LGBTQ Teen, combines an honest retelling of her own son’s coming-out experience with wide-ranging research, conversations with dozens of professionals, and the unique experiences of other families to provide the ultimate guidebook for parents embarking on this journey.
In Parenting with Pride: Unlearn Bias and Embrace, Empower, and Love Your LGBTQ+ Teen, Hester provides parents and caregivers with four transformations that gently, but purposefully, walk them through the four pillars toward fully supporting and loving your LGBTQ+ child: Embrace, Educate (or Unlearn), Empower, Love.
With trustworthy information and an accessible, straightforward plan, Parenting with Pride provides actionable yet profound tools and mental shifts to help parents support their teens and themselves and to be a catalyst for change in their communities.
Parenting with Pride: Unlearn Bias and Embrace, Empower, and Love Your LGBTQ+ Teen
Parenting with Pride by Heather Hester is a lifeline for parents navigating the journey of raising LGBTQ+ teens. The book is structured around four pillars: Embrace, Educate, Empower, and Love, with each chapter guiding readers through emotions, challenges, and growth. Heather’s personal story as a mother of a gay teen is both raw and relatable. It’s a book that reassures you that you’re not alone while offering practical advice to love and support your child authentically.
Right off the bat, I was pulled in by Heather’s honesty. Her opening story about her son Connor’s coming out after a terrifying night where he went missing made my chest tight. It was such a real, imperfect moment of relief and love. That’s the tone of the whole book: compassionate, messy, and human. I could feel her struggle and determination in the early days of not knowing what to do but knowing she had to do better. It mirrored my own fumbling attempts to figure out how to support my kid.
Heather’s advice is practical but not preachy. The chapter about “embracing the journey” was an eye-opener. She talks about how parents need to accept their “movie reel” of what they thought their child’s life would be and let it go. I remember reading her list of “what not to say” and wincing because I’ve said some of those things. She gently guides you to shift your mindset without making you feel like a failure. That balance of tough love and encouragement is what makes this book so powerful.
What really stuck with me were the sections on educating yourself and leaning into discomfort. Heather lays out why unlearning biases is just as important as learning about LGBTQ+ issues. One part that hit hard was her reflection on how her son’s fear of rejection stemmed from things she didn’t even realize were hurtful. Like small comments, assumptions, and the culture they grew up in. It made me think about the little ways I might have made my own teen feel unseen. It’s not easy to sit with that discomfort, but it’s how we grow.
By the end, I was ready to embrace her final pillar: love. She explains that love isn’t just an abstract feeling but a daily practice. Loving unconditionally doesn’t mean you won’t mess up, but it means showing up anyway, learning from your mistakes, and being a safe space for your child. Her suggestions, like using humor to diffuse tension or practicing mindfulness, were simple but impactful. It reminded me that I’m still learning, just like my kid, and that’s okay.
I’d recommend this book to any parent with an LGBTQ+ child, whether you’re just starting the journey or further along. It’s also a great read for allies and educators who want to better understand and support these kids. It’s a guide, a mirror, and, most importantly, a reminder that love really does lead the way.
Pages: 243 | ASIN : B0CW4P9T42
LITERARY TITAN 