Reviews
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A story of intermingled triumph and tragedy, What About the Boy? will touch not only those who have dealt with autism or any other disability but also those who have been spared those agonies. In life, agony comes to most of us, but Gallup’s book is a testament to living. |
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What About the Boy? is an homage to parental love and sacrifice. Judy in particular is a rock, unyielding in her advocacy for Joseph, even with her husband. It is socially relevant, exposing gaps in American medicine and underscoring the need for all parents to be vocal and vigilant when it comes to their children. What About the Boy? is a challenging book, filled with tragedy and determination, high expectations and acceptance. It is no easy task to read, but it does let parents in similar circumstances know that they are far from alone. |
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This story moved me more than I could have imagined. When I commenced reading What About the Boy? A Father’s Pledge to His Disabled Son, I had read the blurb so knew what the story was about. However this did not prepare me for how heart wrenching, and loving this story really is. … This story is very thought provoking. What would I have done if I had been in a similar situation? |
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Stephen Gallup’s memoir is an amazing and inspiring story of one family’s struggle for an answer, for help, and for a normal life. His writing style is easy-to-read, flows at a good pace, maintains a good level of detail, and makes the reader feel like they are part of his story; I laughed, cried, and sympathized with the family’s constant ups and downs as I read, and was completely taken in. |
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This book is definitely a powerful story of a father’s love for his child and the desire to do anything and everything to make him well. It is also a book that tells what it really is to be a parent . . . But for me, it is a book that stirs up more questions than gives answers. And maybe that is part of the mystery of life – a life that we may not ever fully understand while we are here on this earth. |
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What About the Boy? is a lovely tribute to the power of a parent’s love. Steve and Judy literally gave everything to Joseph – because, as their son, he was everything to them. Their story will touch your heart – and sometimes break it – in the manner of all the best stories. |
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I would recommend this book to every first-time parent like me, whether or not they have a disabled child. It is also something that should be assigned reading to students in the allied health courses. If I had read this book when I was still a nursing student, it would have helped me develop a better empathy and attitude towards patients entrusted to my care. |
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Stephen Gallup and his wife refused to give up, refused to accept that Joseph couldn’t be “normal,” and continued to have big dreams for their son against all odds. They showed a determination to move beyond that I am not sure that I could muster myself, yet what choice did they have? |
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This is the story of an amazing family. Parents who were willing to make great sacrifices for their son, and a son who was strong enough to do what the “experts” said he couldn’t do. I won’t say it’s an easy read because there is some emotion involved, but it’s well-paced and well-written. I highly recommend this book to everyone, especially parents. |
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Something close to normalcy is all many people want. What About Boy? A Father’s Pledge to His Disabled Son is a parental memoir from Stephen Gallup as he faces the problems faced by a son, who doesn’t seem to be developing as a boy his age should. Through it all, he pledges never to give up, and this leads the family down a road against all odds. What About the Boy? is a story of never-ending parental devotion and empowerment when facing disabilities. |
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Author Stephen Gallup shares with readers his journey to give his son Joseph more than what the medical community says that he can have, a life outside of a world of his own, a life that Gallup passionately refers to as Joseph’s birthright. |
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On the whole I would say this is a very interesting read and it kept me involved the entire time. The love for Joseph shines through the book and the level of dedication shown to him is to be applauded. I’d say to read this if you want to gain an idea of what it can be like to be a disabled person and especially to be the parent of a disabled child. I wouldn’t recommend this book if you’re looking to it for treatment options simply because I personally don’t condone the treatments – although I don’t know enough about them – and all such decisions should be based on more than just anecdotal evidence. I’m glad I read this book because it made me think a lot and consider a viewpoint very different to what I believe in. |