There’s so much literature out there nowadays that I thought it may be helpful to offer reviews of books that I’ve found worthwhile. I hope you enjoy as well!

~ Maureen

Harmony, by Carolyn Parkhurst

There are a number of books written by moms and dads about parenting a child with autism. Some are good, some are great, and some are just so-so. I had seen Harmony on the summer reading list from the Wall Street Journal and thought, “that sounds like a book I’d enjoy reading by the pool.” One of my favorite authors, Jodi Picoult, recommended the book so I was sure it was going to be a winner.

Harmony, by Carolyn Parkhurst, tells the story of a mom struggling with the challenges facing her family as they navigate life with her 11-year-old daughter, Tilly, who has Asperger’s, and her younger, neurotypical child, Iris. Unable to decrease their daughter’s behavioral outbursts, the family elects to leave their home and relocate to a camp led by a charismatic, cult-like counselor.

As the families cope with their new, strict, living arrangements, required to abandon technology and vehicles to the counselor, questions arise as to the counselor’s motive and emotional stability.

I don’t want to give away the ending, but I can tell you that this was a page-turner all the way through! Certainly an entertaining summer read with a surprising twist!