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The Berkeley Book: A Story of Hope, Happiness, and Down Syndrome Kindle Edition

5.0 5.0 out of 5 stars 32 ratings

“You may want to consider putting him into a home,” the doctor said as he pushed a pamphlet featuring a picture of a large, cement structure with barred windows across the desk. Standing, Dad shoved the pamphlet back toward the doctor. “We will not institutionalize our son.” He and Mom walked out of the office, shutting the door behind them. When Berkeley became strong enough, they brought him home from the hospital; and the family started the best adventure of their lives — living with Berkeley!

Fall in love with Berkeley through a chronological collection of stories about Berkeley told from a sister’s viewpoint. All chapters include a short, practical help section with insight for family, friends, and acquaintances.
  • Laugh with Laura while she teaches Berkeley to drive.
  • Cry happy tears when God sends an angel to help through those first scary days.
  • Hold your breath when a car of teenage boys descends on Berkeley and Laura on a deserted country road.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CLK7Z5KP
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 28, 2023
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2062 KB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 169 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    5.0 5.0 out of 5 stars 32 ratings

Customer reviews

5 out of 5 stars
32 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the stories in the book heartwarming and insightful. They describe it as a great, enjoyable read that offers practical advice. The book is described as fun and easy to read, with a thoughtful writing style. Readers laugh and cry at times, making it an enjoyable read for any age.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

13 customers mention "Heartwarming stories"13 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the heartwarming stories about a loving family. They appreciate the insights into the family's journey and the tremendous love they had together. The notes to families and friends are also appreciated. Readers praise the author's gift for storytelling and find the book an encouraging tribute to their family.

"...It is beautifully and thoughtfully written. The stories are heartwarming and the tips are truly applicable to anyone who has a down syndrome child..." Read more

"...You will fall in love with Berkeley too! Delightful & Encouraging!" Read more

"...Laura has found the perfect balance between delightful storytelling and practical help for families and those who love them, as for those of us who..." Read more

"...them, and how blessed he was to be born into and to be loved by such parents and siblings. ❤️" Read more

13 customers mention "Readability"13 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book. They find it a great read and practical, with humor and warmth. Readers praise the author as superb and say it's a must-read for families and friends of those with Down Syndrome.

"...It was fun to read and offered some great practical advice as well. My 12 yr old daughter also read the book and enjoyed it very much!" Read more

"I enjoyed this book thoroughly. It is beautifully and thoughtfully written...." Read more

"...You will fall in love with Berkeley too! Delightful & Encouraging!" Read more

"Highly recommended this book. Author shares informative & at times hilarious account of growing up with younger brother with downs syndrome...." Read more

10 customers mention "Advice level"10 positive0 negative

Customers find the book informative and helpful. They appreciate the practical advice and tips provided at the end of each chapter. The author provides good descriptions of what happened in each story.

"...It was fun to read and offered some great practical advice as well. My 12 yr old daughter also read the book and enjoyed it very much!" Read more

"...The stories are heartwarming and the tips are truly applicable to anyone who has a down syndrome child in their family or knows a family who does...." Read more

"...the perfect balance between delightful storytelling and practical help for families and those who love them, as for those of us who care about the..." Read more

"Highly recommended this book. Author shares informative & at times hilarious account of growing up with younger brother with downs syndrome...." Read more

6 customers mention "Laughter rate"6 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's laughter and tears. They find the stories sweet and humorous.

"Captivating Read! Equally Warm & Hilarious!..." Read more

"...Author shares informative & at times hilarious account of growing up with younger brother with downs syndrome...." Read more

"...and then laughing hysterically as she tells the sweet stories of her family and their beloved Berkeley...." Read more

"...Berkeley, her siblings and parents amazed me and at times, made me tear up...." Read more

5 customers mention "Enjoyment"5 positive0 negative

Customers find the book enjoyable and recommend it for readers of all ages.

"...It is a wonderful book and we recommend it to be enjoyable for any age!" Read more

"Entertaining. Educational. Stole my heart on page one!" Read more

"Warm, fun, challenging..." Read more

"Fun and insightful..." Read more

3 customers mention "Writing style"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the writing style thoughtful and easy to read.

"I enjoyed this book thoroughly. It is beautifully and thoughtfully written...." Read more

"A beautifully written glimpse into the day to day world of loving and living with a person who has down syndrome...." Read more

"Very easy to read!..." Read more

Non-stop Laughs & Tears
5 out of 5 stars
Non-stop Laughs & Tears
I loved Laura’s book with so many great stories from an older sister’s perspective growing up with Berkley. It was a page-turner which I could not put down! Laura ends each chapter with interesting practical applications for other families with Downs children or siblings. I loved it!
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on November 30, 2023
    I’ve always had a special place in my heart for the DS community, so I ordered this book right away. Laura captured so beautifully the challenges and joy of her relationship with her brother. It was fun to read and offered some great practical advice as well. My 12 yr old daughter also read the book and enjoyed it very much!
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 2, 2024
    I enjoyed this book thoroughly. It is beautifully and thoughtfully written. The stories are heartwarming and the tips are truly applicable to anyone who has a down syndrome child in their family or knows a family who does. I would recommend this book to everyone.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on April 24, 2024
    Captivating Read! Equally Warm & Hilarious!
    Laura tenderly shares moments from her life, as the big sister of Berkeley, who happens to have Down’s Syndrome. You will fall in love with Berkeley too! Delightful & Encouraging!
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 4, 2024
    Berkeley and Laura's stories make you just want to keep reading from beginning to end. Laura has found the perfect balance between delightful storytelling and practical help for families and those who love them, as for those of us who care about the special needs community and how to help and not hinder and encourage and not discourage.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on April 25, 2024
    I worked with Laura for several years so perhaps I have some greater insight. I learned so much by reading this book about amazing Berkeley, and I am in awe of the love and support within this beautiful family. What a gift Berkeley was to them, and how blessed he was to be born into and to be loved by such parents and siblings. ❤️
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 24, 2024
    A beautifully written glimpse into the day to day world of loving and living with a person who has down syndrome. The author reveals how wonderful the journey can be for the person, family members, and friends with her inspiring stories and tips. Highly recommend.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on November 13, 2023
    Highly recommended this book. Author shares informative & at times hilarious account of growing up with younger brother with downs syndrome. Tells how her family did all they could to give her brother as normal of life as possible. At the end of each chapter she gives tips for family & friends of what & what not to do!
    3 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on March 14, 2024
    I loved this book. Beautiful stories about a loving family. I also loved the notes to the families and friends.

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