Book Review: Miracles Happen: One Mother, One Daughter, One Journey
By Jennifer Perry (jenperry2001@yahoo.com)
I found this book advertised in a mainstream magazine and decided to pick it up. The topic intrigued me as a disabled young person pursuing higher education. Yet, I still approached this book with some caution. I wondered if the story, the story of Brooke Ellison and her mother Jean, would be a manipulative endeavor to say, "Look what this girl did, she went to Harvard University and graduated top of her class despite using a wheelchair and a ventilator as a result of a childhood accident. Isn't she just great?" I also worried about a story that stressed, "Look what this mother did for her child. She attended college with her, sacrificed her life, so that Brooke could pursue her dream." My initial skepticisms subsided when I began to read. What I read was the truthful story of a college student, Brooke, who dealt with college issues, and more broadly, the educational opportunities that are out there for all to access, disabled or not. It was not a story of "look at me and what I overcame." Rather, it was a story of a girl who dealt with education, her own identity, and family issues just as we all do, whether we are disabled or not. However this is not to say that disability issues are sidestepped in favor of a heartwarming "growing up story" devoid of any application outside entertainment or motivation. Though not a policy or advocacy book on disability rights, the book illustrates some overriding policy issues relating to access to education for persons with disabilities while not making it blatantly obvious. It simply tells the story of one girl who, with her mother and other supportive friends, professors, school staff, confronted these issues firsthand.
Reflection and Identity: Disability Central?
The book, which is co-written by Brooke and Jean Ellison, is organized in such a way that it resembles a diary. While clearly not written as the events were occurring in real time, this approach allows for ample reflection on instances and emotions, within a specific social context and situation. Such events range from the mundane (a typical day attending class) to those special events (being accepted into Harvard or experiencing graduation day and being chosen to speak) that we talk of for years after. In the process of her reflection on all events, we are given an inkling about how disability, that is, her own identity as a disabled person (and her mom's identity and role as a parent of a disabled daughter), affected her perception and reactions to each event.
This could be a dangerous thing. If taken too far, it could have supported the view that we see the world with one lens and that perhaps, people with disabilities see the world and their experience in it, in such a way that is shaped only by the fact that they have a disability. However, this book steered clear of that danger. For example, when discussing whether or not to attend Harvard, the Ellisons discuss the ramifications of such a decision. Clearly, the fact that Brooke had a substantial disability played into any discussion. There were questions of accessibility and other needs to be addressed. However, Brooke and her mom expressed how many other factors played into their decisions regarding Harvard. These factors, such as family, finances, and career goals, transcend the disabled/non-disabled "boundary" making it all the more appealing by giving the book a certain quality which readers could relate to on many levels.
Harvard: Deserving Praise?
As mentioned, disability policy issues confront Brooke and her mom face to face on many occasions throughout the book. Although Brooke and her mom dealt with educational administration figures during her years in middle and high school after her accident, the situations they confronted at Harvard were a bit different considering the residential nature of the campus.
Despite some initial problems with dorm accessibility, accessibility to campus events, and transportation, Brooke sings Harvard's praises for helping her be fully integrated and included in virtually all aspects of campus life. While Harvard administration personnel did make every effort to allow for full inclusion and integration for Brooke, I can't really understand why the issue of ADA was not brought up. Brooke was clearly thankful for all that Harvard offered her and I understand that this was in no way a legal or policy analysis/application book, but I question why neither Brooke or Jean brought up the fact that Harvard is required by law to provide equal access for their students.
While the initial purpose of the book was, I would argue, to share their story of strength and the importance of support to achieve any goal in life in the midst of setbacks and challenges, I would also argue that a good look at why and how social influences and mechanisms can hinder or help overcoming obstacles is essential. Upon graduation, Brooke pursued a career in the disability field and gave speeches on issues relating to her own experience. Perhaps these opportunities stemmed from the book. Perhaps, though, the book would be more effective if it framed her experiences in light of the mechanisms that allowed for integration and inclusion. It would then be a means to educate through reflection on her personal experience.
Seeking a Balance
There are a few things this book does well. It tells a story from a personal point of view in such a way that one can fully relate to it. The diary style is especially effective without being emotionally manipulative. It encourages understanding that Brooke's disability is not the sole definition of her identity. Disability rights/policy analysis is not "in-your-face and is always expressed within the context of a personal experience, keeping with the diary/autobiographical format of the book.
Yet, though the book does do all these things well, it would, I think be helpful to contextualize the personal experiences with a reference to the social and legal mechanisms that enabled these events to happen as they did. This could, I think, be done without sacrificing the balance between policy analysis/discussion and personal reflection and story-telling. In this way, the story would be told but with an added dimension educating readers as to the broader social mechanisms that provided the framework for her personal story to develop as it did.
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