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Reviewed by Frank Mutuma for Readers' Favorite
In The Shape of Normal by Catherine Shields, she discovers she is pregnant with twins during one of her visits to the hospital. Everyone seemed to be happy about it, but Catherine was upset as she hadn't anticipated twins and her previous pregnancy with Alia had medical complications. A pregnancy with twins meant double the risk, and it scared her. The gestation period went well without medical emergencies, and then it was time for her cesarean section. The twins, Sarah and Jessica, are born, but from the onset, Jessica is very irritable and cries a lot, something that takes a toll on Catherine. As the twins develop, it is clear that Jessica isn't developing at the same rate as Sarah. She is later diagnosed with cerebral palsy. The diagnosis is hard on Catherine. She is committed to doing everything to make her little girl "normal."
What is normal, and who gets to decide? These are some of the questions I asked myself as I read The Shape of Normal by Catherine Shields. I loved how candid Catherine was with the descriptions of her emotions, leaving nothing hidden. She was very realistic, and I believe this will help those facing a similar situation relate quite well. Another thing that captured my attention in this thought-provoking work was the need for society to accept the disabled and integrate them into society. The government also has a role in ensuring the establishment of institutions that cater to the needs of the disabled. Catherine's story is one of resilience, and I believe it will give hope to many parents. I look forward to reading something else from this author.
