Laughing At My Nightmare Download Free (EPUB, PDF)
With acerbic wit and a hilarious voice, Shane Burcaw's Laughing at My Nightmare describes the challenges he faces as a 21-year-old with spinal muscular atrophy. From awkward handshakes to having a girlfriend and everything in between, Shane handles his situation with humor and a "you-only-live-once" perspective on life. While he does talk about everyday issues that are relatable to teens, he also offers an eye-opening perspective on what it is like to have a life threatening disease.
Audible Audio Edition
Listening Length: 6 hours and 11 minutes
Program Type: Audiobook
Version: Unabridged
Publisher: Audible Studios
Audible.com Release Date: October 14, 2014
Language: English
ASIN: B00OH3LWG2
Best Sellers Rank: #20 in Books > Teens > Personal Health > Diseases, Illnesses & Injuries #114 in Books > Audible Audiobooks > Children's Books > Biographies & History #114 in Books > Audible Audiobooks > Children's Books > Nonfiction
I have to confess I approached this book--and the blog of the same name--with some mild trepidation. I feared Burcaw was exploiting his disability, i.e., currying praise for being inspirational when all he's doing is, you know, surviving. I don't like referring to a disability as a disease, either. It's like playing the pity card, emphasizing medicalization and portraying yourself as a victim of said disease.BUT … as Shane himself says, he's just a normal guy. He doesn't want to be pitied and he doesn't want to be special. In fact, he's sort of making fun of all that, turning "aw" & "ow" on its head (to "wa-wo," I guess).BUT … Shane is definitely a talented writer. He's funny and expressive and moving. He has a distinctive "literary voice."BUT… this is a good, quick, and gripping read. It's unfortunate that the publishing pros have relegated it to the "teen" market because it would be good for anyone of any age.Full disclosure: I, too, grew up with spinal muscular atrophy, just like Shane. I identify with many of the experiences he describes here. Some of it cuts so close to the bone that it makes me shiver. That's not funny, I want to scream, when for example he describes being herded to the wheelchair section at a talk Michelle Obama gave at his school, separated from his friends. That's tragic!Yet isn't it also illegal to ghettoize wheelchair folks, to deprive them of at least one "companion" seat? I do wish Shane had a stronger sense of disability rights, of his place in a broad community with a proud and deep history. Not to make the book all serious-like and angry and boring. Just so he'd have some righteous anger.
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