Kathleen Norris reveals much more of her personal history in this new memoir, REBECCA SUE: A Sister’s Reflections on Disability, Faith and Love.

Many readers, myself included, know disability firsthand from a family member or friend and realize the disability is just a small part of the individual; good points and annoying points coexist as part of their unique personality, unrelated to any disability.

That’s certainly the case with Norris’ younger sister who suffered oxygen deprivation at birth and then a lifetime of dealing with the results. Norris shares the details of her sister’s life and their big sister- little sister relationship, from childhood to companioning her through her death from cancer.
Like Norris, Becky was a writer on her own terms. She frequently wrote down her feelings, tumultuous as they were, and that deepens the insight this book provides.

With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher IVP, InterVarsity Press for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book gave a great perspective of what it is like to have a special needs family member. The letter as Becky wrote them were a wonderful addition. It helped to show how her maturity was well behind her age. But at the same time, it shared her level of intelligence as well. It was hard to read how hard life was for Becky. And how hard it was for those who loved her as well. Then at times, her letters or the way she spoke, brought a smile to my face. She said what he thought. It was a lovely read.

I love Kathleen Norris' writing so I knew I would enjoy this book. It was a bit different than her other writing, but still thoughtful, authentic, and made me want to turn the page. I had no idea that her life was so impacted by her sister and it's probably one of the reasons she is such a deeply reflective writer. I appreciated her intelligent but simple storytelling of what must have been a very hard journey. I'm sure it's a book that will be greatly appreciated by anyone who has a mentally disabled family member. Norris does a great job of sharing not just the hard, hard parts, but the humor and the happiness too. Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review.

I have long been a fan of Kathleen Norris' work, especially her writing on religion and spirituality. This memoir offers a new perspective on her work and life. It's also an excellent examination of disability and the social model with which we think about it.

I have loved Kathleen Norris's writing about other topics, and this time she turns her thoughtful reflections to the life of her younger sister, who had learning issued because of having been deprived of oxygen at birth. Her reflections on her family life and her sister's challenges, presented in short and roughly chronological passages, are contemplative and compassionate, and as her sister liked to write, there is much of her sister Rebecca's voice in the book. For anyone who enjoys Kathleen Norris's writing and.or likes interesting memoirs, this is a worthwhile read.