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 🎧

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was so interesting to see through the life experience of the author, Patti Smith. I have met her son, Chris, and he is absolutely as charming and joyful as her book depicts him to be. I loved how every story showed the impact children can have on their parent’s world view if we are flexible enough to see through their eyes. There were a few stories that even had me tearing up (the Elvis story will absolutely stay with me). Her stories helped me reflect on my own children’s uniqueness and how I could be more empathetic in my parenting. It was such a great book! Thank you Patti, for sharing your experiences.

The audiobook narrator had a professional tone and also was able to inflect emotions at just the right time to make it personable. I enjoyed the layer of empathy she helped create.

A beautiful story about a mother’s love for her son over decades, and going against the odds to take her son with Down Syndrome/Trisomy 21 home when in that era parents were encouraged not to. A lovely, inclusive story about love conquering all, and seeing the strengths and abilities in all people. Having a cousin who has Down Syndrome, these stories are so important. 🫶🏻

as an occupational therapist myself who specialises in helping children with a special needs reach their developmental milestones, this was such a tender and honest book and I appreciate how the author was very transparent about her experiences.

This was a great read. It’s a memoir recounting the experience of the author as the parent of someone with down syndrome. The audiobook was beautiful and it was actually read by the author’s daughter.

The author highlights the lessons she learned from her son as a parent but also as a human being in general.

I feel like this books is, in general, an enjoyable read for anyone. But I feel every expecting parent needs to read this. I feel like many parents don’t really know what to do or what they even want, and they can learn a lot from Pattie Smith. I also recommend this book if you like memoirs like I do.

I knew very little about Down Syndrome before listening to this book, so I appreciated the chance to learn more. But mostly, this is about Patti Smith’s relationship with her children and how she changed and grew thanks to various experiences raising her children. The stories are focused on her son Chris, who was born with trisomy 21, also known as Down Syndrome. The author is very honest about her mistakes and misjudgments and how she overcame them.

Many of the stories were both touching and humorous. It was delightful to hear about how Chris was such a positive in the lives of his family, friends, and community.

The audiobook production was good, and the author’s daughter, Tara Janae Smith, did a wonderful job with narration. Her narration was well-paced, easy to understand, and conveyed the humor and emotions of each scene effectively. I loved how she mimicked her brother Chris’s voice.

I received a free review copy of the audiobook through NetGalley. I volunteered to provide an honest review.

This book, written by the mother of a boy with Down syndrome and narrated by his sister, shares a series of life lessons through personal stories. The goal is not to cause sadness or pity, it’s actually quite the opposite: it’s about showing the world how Down syndrome can make someone truly special.
While the narration sometimes felt a bit overly emotional, I really liked the warmth and lightness in many of the stories. They were honest, genuine, sometimes tough, but somehow always positive. I wish more people could learn to see these beautiful moments, even in life’s most challenging situations.

⭐️ Awarded the Olive Woolley Burt Award for Creative Writing in the New Voices category. ⭐️

Rooted in themes of family and parenting, this memoir highlights the extraordinary bond between a mother and her son with Down syndrome.

What I appreciated most is how the author doesn’t shy away from the difficult moments, yet always highlights the joy, humor, and wisdom her son brings into her life.

This book made me reflect on my own perspective of what it means to live a full, meaningful life. It also inspires readers to challenge assumptions, reminding us of the beauty in celebrating differences.

🎧 The audiobook is beautifully produced, and the narration by the author’s daughter, Tara Janae Smith, adds a special layer of intimacy. Her pacing and tone are natural and engaging, and the way she lovingly captured her brother Chris’ voice made the story feel even more personal. I highly recommend experiencing the audiobook.

Thank you, Patti, for sharing your story with such honesty and heart.

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this audiobook.

I words how much this audiobook made an impact. It is written by Patti Smith who is the Mother of Chris whom was diagnosed with Trisomy 13 shortly after birth and narrated by his sister, Tara Janae Smith. It spans the life of Chris and discusses the lessons learned by Patti while raising Chris. The part that was the most touching was the discussion on the emotions surrounding the fear of the health of Chris during the pandemic. I highly encourage everyone to listen to this audiobook.

Thank you to Patti Smith, Tara Janae Smith, Two Octaves Publishing and NetGalley for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest review. It truly made an impact.

This book was so wonderful. I appreciate it wasn’t written for pity or sadness but rather to show the ins and outs of someone with Down syndrome and how special those with it, and those who have people with this syndrome in their lives, can be.
I thought the narration itself was good. I appreciate the use of Chris’ sister and the heads up from the author, her mother, to explain the use of her for Chris’ voice too.