Road Map to Holland - Jennifer Graf Groneberg - Book Review

Title: Road Map to Holland
Author: Jennifer Graf Groneberg
Publication Date: 2008-04-01
Short Description:
When Jennifer Groneberg and her husband learned they'd be having twin boys, their main concern was whether they'd need an addition on their house. Then, five days after Avery and Bennett were born, Avery was diagnosed with Down syndrome. ​
Where to Buy:
Amazon.com
​Amazon.ca

​Description of the Book from Amazon

When Jennifer Groneberg and her husband learned they'd be having twin boys, their main concern was whether they'd need an addition on their house. Then, five days after Avery and Bennett were born, Avery was diagnosed with Down syndrome. 

Here, Jennifer shares the story of what followed. She dealt with doctors-some who helped, and some who were disrespectful or even dangerous. She saw some relationships in her life grow stronger, while severing ties with people who proved unsupportive. And she continues to struggle to find balance in the hardships and joys of raising a child with special needs. This book is a resource, a companion for parents, and above all, a story of the love between a mother and her son-as she learns that Avery is exactly the child she never knew she wanted.

My Review

This book gives great insight to the thoughts, feelings, and day to day life after having a child born with Down syndrome. Not only was she a new mother of twins but she had the added challenge of having a child with special needs. I loved how the author shares the raw emotions of herself, her family, her friends, and strangers. She included many tiny details that might have seemed insignificant but in her life at that time they were very important. I also liked the amount of resources the author provided. Not only did she talk about different books that she read but she also includes the list in the notes at the back of the book. This was very helpful for me because I can add some new books to my "to read" list. My only issue with this book was the tense it was written it. I felt that at times the flow was off when reading just because of how it was written. I would have rather read it completely in the past tense like a reflection instead of present tense like things were happening right then and there. If you have or are pregnant with a child with Down syndrome this is a must read book. It will take you through what the first two years might be like for you. Of course every child is different, every family is different, but I feel that reading as much as you can not only about Down syndrome but about real life stories can definitely help you fell like you are not alone. My situation is different than most because I am specifically adopting a child with Down syndrome but it still gave me a lot of information and an example of what I might expect.