For a personal story of triumph over cerebral palsy, John W. Quinn has written "Someone Like Me." Despite having been born with cerebral palsy, John wanted to be in the U.S. Navy, but the Navy didn't want him. Even though every step he took was measured in pain, the Navy requirement for a "duck walk" initially disqualified him. He never made mention of his CP. Instead he put himself into a regimen of self-applied physical therapy for a year until he could fulfill the requirement. It meant learning to deal with a new level of pain and it led to a twenty-year career in the Navy! He retired as a senior chief petty officer and earned numerous citations and awards. This is not the story of an easy life at any point along the way, but it is one of great determination that can serve as an inspiration to those born with CP and anyone else inclined to feel sorry for themselves. --Bookvues by Alan Caruba
When someone says you can't do something, the natural human response is defiance. "Someone Like Me: An Unlikely Story of Challenge and Triumph Over Cerebral Palsy" tells the story of John W. Quinn, and how for decades he hid his condition and rose through the ranks of the US Navy. Born with cerebral palsy, no one expected him to achieve officer rank in the Navy. "Someone Like Me" is a fascinating and uplifting story, very highly recommended. --Midwest Book Review,
For a personal story of triumph over cerebral palsy, John W. Quinn has written "Someone Like Me" ($16.96, History Publishing Company). Despite having been born with cerebral palsy, John wanted to be in the U.S. Navy, but the Navy didn't want him. Even though every step he took was measured in pain, the Navy requirement for a "duck walk" initially disqualified him. He never made mention of his CP. Instead he put himself into a regimen of self-applied physical therapy for a year until he could fulfill the requirement. It meant learning to deal with a new level of pain and it led to a twenty-year career in the Navy! He retired as a senior chief petty officer and earned numerous citations and awards. This is not the story of an easy life at any point along the way, but it is one of great determination that can serve as an inspiration to those born with CP and anyone else inclined to feel sorry for themselves. --Bookvues.com June, 2010
A truly remarkable story of Quinn's determination, despite being diagnosed at age 4 1/2 with cerebral palsy. Patience in overcoming his disability - which included a limp, shakiness and a balance problem - by using physical therapy and sheer grit (supported by an occasional sympathetic physician) allowed Quinn to rise to the rank of senior chief petty officer in the U.S. Navy.
"This book is a must for every physician, therapist and other caregiver that treats individuals with a disability," wrote Dr. Edward Hurvitz, a rehabilitation specialist at the University of Michigan. --Arizona Daily Star, August 1, 2010
Owner Reviews, Ratings, Comments and Criticism
I know it may not be fair for me to rate this book. After all, John and I have been friends since middle school. I have told John's story many times to my students as a way to show them that they can overcome seemingly insurmountable barriers. John now tells his story in "Someone Like Me." I can attest to the fact that this book is an honest portrayal of the most incredible person I have ever known. I am sure that you will find his story inspirational.
