If there is one book you read this year, it should be Brave Lotus Flower Rides the Dragon by Tracy Todd. It’s exceptional. One of the best books I’ve ever read, in fact.
Tracy writes about her life, which – at the age of 28 – was turned upside down when a horrific road accident left her a quadriplegic. Prior to the accident, she was an athletic, marathon-running mother and teacher.
Tracy’s book tells the warts-and-all story of her life after the accident. She is brutally honest throughout, detailing her ups and (many) lows.
The book has many sad parts and some funny ones too; I found myself alternating between crying and laughing. Most importantly, though, I found that I simply could not put it down.
If you’re ever feeling sorry for yourself (and, let’s face it, who doesn’t), pick up this book and read it. Even if you’re NOT feeling sorry for yourself, read it. It will change your life – as it did mine. Tracy, I salute you!
HOME-FIX DIY
This book review was written by regular ROLLING INSPIRATION contributor Mandy Latimore
When ROLLING INSPIRATION asked me to review I Can Do It I was keen to see what Penny Metcalf had put together, as I remember her from the Independent Living Centre (ILC) days in the 1980s, when we all used to bring in our “home fixes” – items that we had adapted to make our lives a little easier.
This book is a great source of information on how to take items from the household and adapt them to your specific needs without breaking the bank – and it’s told from the experience of a delightful, positive woman who has managed a very full and active life despite her disability.
We should all be sending her our “Quick Home Fixes”, so that she can expand this information set even more. Penny, you will need to do a second book!
As a person with a disability who has battled for 37 years, there is one sentence from this book that speaks straight to my heart. It’s going to be my new motto in life: “The most precious gadgets on earth are kind people.”
LIVE AND WORK IN INACCESSIBLE SOUTH AFRICA
This book review was written by regular ROLLING INSPIRATION contributor Mandy Latimore
I Don’t Want to Walk Again is an intensely personal account of Bongathini Mbatha’s life, and his unique take on how to live and work in our inaccessible South Africa. He offers advice and information based on his experiences. It is interesting to see that he has decided to “retire” at a young age to enjoy life.
Although the title seems to have a negative connotation, it is really that he feels his spiritual path is important and should be “walked” from the perspective of a person with a mobility impairment, as this is what God has planned for him.
He is living life despite his disability.
