Book Reviews of Hope and Optimism, Non-fiction, People, Perspectives, Stories of Hope and Optimism

Book Review: It’s Easier to Dance – Living Beyond Boundaries by Annie Haris-Meachem

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Although progress is being made in our society, being female remains a disadvantage in various contexts, particularly in certain countries. We’ve all heard countless stories of racial discrimination, and in a world that’s already fiercely competitive, it’s only natural to expect that those with disabilities will face even greater odds. What happens when someone finds themselves at the intersection of these three challenges? How does one cope, and what actions can they take to overcome such formidable barriers?

Annie L. Harris, the daughter of African-American parents, was declared dead at birth. Born with cerebral palsy, a neurological condition that stunts physical and intellectual growth, she defied the odds and survived, despite predictions of a short life. Yet, Annie is not one to be easily confined by limitations. In Easier to Dance: Living Beyond Boundaries, she shares her remarkable journey, showcasing her determination to challenge stereotypes, biases, and societal expectations.

On a negative note, I initially found myself distracted by numerous errors throughout the manuscript. Capitalisation issues, missing words, punctuation mistakes, inconsistent spacing between words and paragraphs, and misspelled words were evident, even in the early pages. However, I was genuinely touched by the fact that Annie’s husband took the time to edit her manuscript with such care. These technical flaws could easily be resolved with a thorough professional edit, and I believe the manuscript’s redeeming qualities far outweigh these shortcomings.

For one, the writing style is simple and easily understandable, which helps mitigate any potential confusion caused by the editing lapses. Though it is a short read, the book is filled with compelling anecdotes that are interwoven with details about Annie’s milestones, achievements, and insights along her path. The primary storyline—transforming adversity into positivity—intrigued me. I was particularly moved by her mother’s unwavering determination to ensure Annie lived fully, which resonated with my own family’s preferences during my precarious birth. Despite Annie’s extraordinary circumstances, her candid reflections on her experiences made her struggles relatable. Her resilience and faith in the face of adversity were genuinely inspiring; the countless lives she touches and uplifts could easily put my own hesitations and inhibitions to shame. Her words of wisdom serve as sturdy anchors during life’s turbulent times.

Originally published in 2010, I cannot grant this 2017 revised edition a perfect rating due to its technical flaws. However, it remains an endearing memoir that will stick with me, especially in times of difficulty.

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3 Comments Add yours

  1. Pingback: Battling the Odds – Words of Hope and Optimism
  2. Andrea Fernandez says:
    May 25, 2019 at 8:37 pm

    It seems like a very inspiring read. I hope it gets the polishing and editing it deserves.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Esperanza Pretila says:
      May 26, 2019 at 9:16 am

      You’re quite spot on, Andrea. I could often overlook the flaws if I get too overwhelmed by a compelling story, but I agree that shortcomings should be sorted out when and as necessary. Thank you for sharing your insights and kind words.

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