Unexpected Lessons from Professor Higgins
By Patti Smith

As the mother of a young man with Down Syndrome I am always on the lookout for books with good representation. They are not easy to find, and often they fail to hit the mark because there are as many ways to experience life with a person with Downs as there are people with Downs. There is a tenancy for society to lump people with disabilities into one category as if one size fits all.

There are however certain things that all of us "Downs families" can relate to that bond us despite how unique and individual our person with DS is, and they usually come by way of a story that makes us smile or giggle in recognition.

These stories always come from a place of love and usually mark a moment when we are shocked and surprised by how we have underestimated our person's ability or cognition in some way.

Patti Smith is telling us the story of her life with Chris (Buddy/Santa/Elvis) and the challenges that brings and the ways she has had to arrest herself and meet him where he is. But also of the unbridled love and joy that Chris has brought to her and her families' lives. It is so moving, but also funny, hysterically so if you can match your personal experiences to theirs.

There are 24 lessons that Patti has distilled all her 40+ years of being taught by her son into, and each and every one is a true and accurate version of life with DS. I worried that the story was going to be the story of Patti, but she gracefully allows Chris to be the star of the show and I fell like I really know him.

It is authentic, and exuberant, honest and very very funny. I plan to relisten to it with my own son and I can't wait to see his face when he hears someone else's version of his legendary deeds.

Thanks to #Netgalley for providing an ALC for review purposes.

A lovely read. I enjoyed hearing the family stories immensely. Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this.

I enjoyed this book very much. I started listening to the audiobook and couldn't stop. I finished the book in one day. Patti Smith does a wonderful job of showing the lessons her son has taught her through his 40 years of life. Patti's daughter Tara Janae Smith is the narrator of this book, and she is wonderful!
My grandnephew is a child with Down syndrome, so I have some experience with knowing what Patti is referring to. I have also had the great pleasure of knowing a few adults with Down syndrome as well. Every one of these incredible individuals has the most amazing outlook on life. Patti mentions that her son Chris seems to have a special gift for judging character in people, and I have to agree with this statement. I have noticed the same gift in my friends with Down syndrome.
I am so grateful for the ARC of this audiobook. Thank you to Netgalley, Two Octaves Publishing, and Patti Smith for writing this wonderful book.

Patti’s first child, a son she named Christopher was diagnosed with Down Syndrome and so her journey of discovery begins. This book details the love of a mother and child plus the wider family. The gifts that a child so special could impart to others throughout their lives to those around them. This influence can change the way we look at life, society and expectations.

Very well written and well narrated by Patti’s daughter (I listened to the audiobook). I enjoyed listening to how Chris (aka Professor Higgins) brought wonderful lessons to his family.

Thank you to Two Octaves Publishing, the author and NetGalley for an ALC in return for an honest review.

This audiobook is narrated by the author's daughter, actress, singer/songwriter and voiceover artist Tara Janae Smith (Christopher's real life sister). Thus making the unfolding story an even more emotional read. She gives voice to her brother’s story and the heartfelt moments that shaped their family.

The author refers to her son as Professor Higgins not just as a term of endearment, but because he truly taught her how to live, love, and see the world with fresh eyes. I could go into so much more detail about this wonderful book but I don't want to spoil the full experience for anybody. Just know that this book will enrich your life in so many ways. Go and read it now.

The most heart-warming non-fiction book I've ever read!

#ULFPH #NetGalley #DownsSyndrome

The professor, aka buddy aka Christopher’s lessons deserve nothing less than 5 🌟 my family are incredibly lucky to have a member with the chromosome of magic, so I could easily relate to many of Patti’s stories, and of course Christopher’s lessons.

Patti is frank and open about Christopher’s diagnosis and her own feelings throughout the early chapters. Each chapter is its own story, and a genuine joy to listen to how the family found their way, and all of the lessons they learned along the way. Christopher sounds like an absolute star, and I laughed and smiled my way through. I think this book would be a great resource for new parent’s of a child with downs just starting their journey, but I also think it could be a valuable tool to any parent of any child. While Patti does talk about religion and my beliefs don’t necessarily align with hers the overreaching message is one of love and I’m definitely here for that.

Beautiful narration by the profs sister!

All the stars 🌟
#Jorecommends

Huge thanks to Two Octaves Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this audiobook which is available now 🎧