Raising Blaze
A Mother and Son's Long, Strange Journey into Autism
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On Sale:
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29/08/2003
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Formats:
Trade paperback | E-Book
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When you have a child that doesn't fit in, what do you do? Debra Ginsberg knew that her son, Blaze, was unique from the moment he was born in 1987. What she didn't know was that Blaze's differences would be regarded by the outside world not as gifts, but as impediments to social and academic success. Blaze never crawled. He just got up and walked when he turned one. He called his mother 'Zsa Zsa' until he was three. By kindergarten, he loved the music of Miles Davis and Ella Fitzgerald. He fears butterflies and is fascinated by garbage trucks. With the same honesty that made Waiting a success, Raising Blaze: Bringing Up an Extraordinary Son in an Ordinary World chronicles Debra's experience in raising a child who has defied definition by the host of professionals who have sought to label his differences. Ginsberg introduces us to a remarkable child and her own unusual childhood. She writes about a family which shows us the redemptive power of faith, humour and love.
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Author Extras
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Critical Praise for
Raising Blaze
“This is an unusual and fascinating memoir that refutes many common assumptions about single mothers, special-ed kids, “experts” of all kinds and American public schools.”
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Publishers Weekly
“A stirring record of a mother’s battle fought with zest, humor, and love.”
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Kirkus Reviews
“Debra Ginsberg has a good ear and a good heart. This is the real story and
this book will be a welcome companion to anyone who has fought the lonely
battle for their child’s dignity in a world that makes too few allowances
for those that are different. Her belief in Blaze illuminates the book.”
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Martha Dudman, author of Augusta Gone
“Written with the consciousness and conscience of a novelist, Debra
“Ginsberg’s RAISING BLAZE is a memoir without the “me,” and in place of the me is a “thou,” her son, Blaze. It is he whom Ginsberg, like every mother of a brilliant, square-peg child, disabled only by society’s inabilities to serve him, considers a holy innocent. Her story is tough, unsentimental and moving, achieving, as only a few others do, a selfless grace.”
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Jacquelyn Mitchard, author of The Theory of Relativity
“Debra Ginsberg writes straight from the heart-and captures ours-in this crisply written, moving account of securing the best education possible for her special son, Blaze. Luckily, he has a mother who never gives up. An inspiring story of one woman’s devotion and the power of love.”
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Terry Ryan, author of The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio
“It is a journey…filled with humor and horror and above all, honesty. Ginsberg…is a gifted writer.”
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San Diego Union-Tribune
“This is the poignant and compelling story of raising a child with an undefinable disability centering on emotional/behavioral issues…This mother and son’s tale not only reveals the beauty and strength in struggle but also acts as a supportive text for parents and guardians of disabled children. Highly recommended.”
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Library Journal (starred review)
"A lively and insightful look into restaurants...Ginsberg is a charming and talented writer."
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San Francisco Chronicle
"Ginsberg not only shares delicious stories...but also dishes out advice that will make you laugh."
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USA Weekend
"Ginsberg got her education in restaurants, and she doles it out just right in this entertaining account."
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People
“This is an unusual and fascinating memoir .”
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Publishers Weekly
“[Ginsberg] not only reveals what it means to be the mother of an exceptional child but also shares a tale in which all mothers can see themselves.”
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Washington Post Book World
“With an expertise learned from sheer neccessity, she teaches all of us to fight, whatever our battles are, and she teaches us why that fight is important.”
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San Diego Tribune
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Waiting
A veteran waitress dishes up a spicy and robust account of life as it really exists behind kitchen doors. Part memoir, part social commentary, part guide to how to behave when dining out, Debra Ginsberg's book takes readers on her twentyyear journey as a waitress at a soap-operatic Italian...
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About My Sisters
On the heels of her poignant and critically acclaimed memoirs, Waiting and Raising Blaze , Debra Ginsberg explores the unique connection she shares with her three sisters. In About My Sisters , Ginsberg examines the special bond she shares with her three sisters, May, Lavander and Deja. As her...
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