Book Link: Naomi's Story
This is a delightful, heart-warming read, something a little different from my usual choice of horror, psychological thriller and action. It’s nice to mix it up a bit. Throw in something different to the compost heap that is my writing mind.
Jon Casimir decides, even before his daughter is conceived, to keep a diary that he can pass on to her to show how loved she is. He never expected his wife, Helen, to experience such a traumatic pregnancy, and he never imagined that his baby would be born with serious health issues. Jon handles it well, but not without heart, tears and humour, and it’s his sensitivity and ability to keep his head up even when he and his wife are emotionally shredded, that makes this book a quality read. And, at times, he portrays himself in a less than bright light, and he is to be admired for his honesty.
From the outset, I fell in love with Jon’s writing style. His words flow easily; honestly, so raw that it’s hurts to witness his heartache, his helplessness to protect his baby from suffering. He carries this as a crushing weight at times, feeling that his role of protector and father is denied because of something he has done – some failure, weakness, inherent flaw that left his daughter vulnerable. It’s misplaced, of course, but guilt manifests in unfortunate ways, and when he asks a doctor which of the parents find it hardest to cope with child illnesses, it’s unsurprising to learn it’s the fathers.
In no way is this book maudlin. Jon’s humorous, dry sarcasm and self-depreciation lightens what could be a torturous read. He recognises how things could be so much worse, and aches for those who aren’t as fortunate as he and Helen… and Naomi.
The funniest part: as an Australian about to go to America for a month, I laughed out loud at Aussie-Jon visiting a Los Angeles supermarket just to ogle at the huge variety of cereals. I’m going to check this out myself. See if it really is true that the US excel at variety… I mean, how many types of cereal can there be? In a week and a half, I will find out for myself. I can’t wait!
Jon Casimir decides, even before his daughter is conceived, to keep a diary that he can pass on to her to show how loved she is. He never expected his wife, Helen, to experience such a traumatic pregnancy, and he never imagined that his baby would be born with serious health issues. Jon handles it well, but not without heart, tears and humour, and it’s his sensitivity and ability to keep his head up even when he and his wife are emotionally shredded, that makes this book a quality read. And, at times, he portrays himself in a less than bright light, and he is to be admired for his honesty.
From the outset, I fell in love with Jon’s writing style. His words flow easily; honestly, so raw that it’s hurts to witness his heartache, his helplessness to protect his baby from suffering. He carries this as a crushing weight at times, feeling that his role of protector and father is denied because of something he has done – some failure, weakness, inherent flaw that left his daughter vulnerable. It’s misplaced, of course, but guilt manifests in unfortunate ways, and when he asks a doctor which of the parents find it hardest to cope with child illnesses, it’s unsurprising to learn it’s the fathers.
In no way is this book maudlin. Jon’s humorous, dry sarcasm and self-depreciation lightens what could be a torturous read. He recognises how things could be so much worse, and aches for those who aren’t as fortunate as he and Helen… and Naomi.
The funniest part: as an Australian about to go to America for a month, I laughed out loud at Aussie-Jon visiting a Los Angeles supermarket just to ogle at the huge variety of cereals. I’m going to check this out myself. See if it really is true that the US excel at variety… I mean, how many types of cereal can there be? In a week and a half, I will find out for myself. I can’t wait!
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