Reviews
I’ve received some wonderful reviews of ‘Couldn’t You Just Call Me John?…’ over the last few months - from those I’ve sent copies to and from the general public on Amazon.
So, I thought I’d gather a select few, to share with you here:
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This is just the sort of book I’d welcome as a parent of a child or an adult who is what the author calls troubled. Written for lay readers, the case studies make it hugely informative in evoking the character and atmosphere of the various services available for those with learning disabilities, autism or special educational needs. It is very different and I enthusiastically recommend it.
Dame Stephanie Shirley CH, Philanthropist and founder of research charity Autistica
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When I was seventeen, I worked in a small, local hospital for men and women with a variety of learning difficulties. It was incredibly rewarding. This book is about how people like those I knew are treated today. It is a hugely important subject and the so-called normal world should understand these lovely people better.
Dame Kelly Holmes
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From my initial conversations with Chris Rowley about this book “COULDN’T YOU JUST CALL ME JOHN?”, it became clear that he was going to undertake this project with the level of vigour and investigation that was required in order to tell the story about the often hidden and forgotten lives of people with Learning Disabilities. This book shines a light on a hidden history, it shares stories about real lives that would otherwise never have been told, opening up interesting debates about areas of support offered to some of the most vulnerable people in our communities. The author does this so that is easily understood to the reader, in a non-jargon, non-clinical way, describing the lives of individuals with complex needs along with the services they depend upon, both now and from an historical perspective.
It often strikes me that we need more stories to be shared, we need to reflect and learn from the past. This book is a step in the right direction, opening up debate, sharing histories and bringing forgotten members of our community in to the sunlight. I would recommend this book, I enjoyed reading it and I remembered a lot of the historical services that are referred to and some of the individual stories. Thank you Chris, I enjoyed it immensely.
Mark Walker, Kent County Council Director for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
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We still have a long way to go before we accept that we are all different and all the same . . . But one thing is certain. This book can do nothing but good in increasing understanding and lessening the gaps between ‘them’ and ‘us’ – between us all. A lifeboat that has pushed people away is an unhappy, guilty lifeboat. A lifeboat which has pulled everyone on board may feel a little full, but it’s a much happier ship.
Sir Richard Stilgoe, OBE
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Many thanks for letting me read your illuminating work on a subject too easily overlooked by those not directly affected… The thought of how to care for a child with acute needs is something every woman (or at least I did) considers when pregnant. I found the book most moving in its description of the everyday heroism of staff and parents…
Jojo Tullah, Food Writer
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‘Wonderful, important book’
A remarkable investigation into the often hidden world of provision of services for the support of children and adults with special educational and living needs today, by a gifted, perceptive, and open-minded non-specialist social historian, concentrating on Kent and neighbouring areas of SE England, but clearly of great use throughout the country. Motivated solely by compassionate curiosity, Chris Rowley personally interviewed over 300 people, ranging from senior political, social and educational professionals, through teachers, therapists and GPS, to - most importantly - the users of the services provided themselves, and their families. It's humane, thorough, and rather reassuring - although he criticises and gives warnings where he sees failings. It's also, for a serious study with copious notes and references, beautifully written and a rattling good read. I've bought copies for friends with disabled family members, and for a member of my own family who is a psychiatric professional working in the community with disadvantaged adults for the NHS; but I thoroughly recommend it not only for those who may directly or indirectly be affected, but for anyone who wishes to be informed about how our society cares for the vulnerable. Buy this book!
Dick Quinnell
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‘An important contribution…’
Chris Rowley, by concentrating on how learning disabilities are approached and handled in one corner of England, manages to dispel the idea that these are problems which do not affect most of us. We see how the anxieties and frustrations of a single sufferer spread outwards from family and friends, to teachers and other professionals, and across the wider pool that is society. Told with affection and empathy, it is a story of gains and losses, but one with an overall sense of progress and possibility. The verbatim accounts of personal experiences provided by those who have been labelled 'autistic' are particularly affecting, but the contributions from siblings and other family members are equally memorable. This is a book that should find a place in every public library, every medical waiting room, every school staff room, and every teacher training establishment.
Michael Bowers
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This ‘Layman’s Guide’ covers everything that a layman might want to know about the subject, whether as a parent, relative, a carer, a neighbour or just somebody with an inquisitive mind . . . The book fully accomplishes its aim . . . It is hard to think of anyone who would not benefit from reading this book . . .
Dr John Ford, MD, FRCP, MRCGP
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. . . I have just read the book. What a comprehensive covering of all the different problems and services available . . . The thing that came through most was how many thoroughly decent people work really hard in schools and the care sector . . . I would have found this book invaluable in my consulting room . . .
Dr Adam Skinner, senior partner, GP practice
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This substantial and very readable book… is an eye opener for the ‘layman’ at whom the book is aimed, to be made aware of the enormity of a question which requires the daily expenditure of time, energy and money on a gigantic scale, but which is one that the majority of us rarely think about…
John Morgan, retired teacher
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‘Every lay person should read this’
What an excellent book. First, it sets out all the various labelled learning disabilities and learning difficulties, so that the ordinary person can make head or tails of the whole thing. Then it includes at every stage real-life stories of people with the various conditions - which brings the whole thing to life. Then it examines the various ways we interact with what we must now call 'service users' (until a new vogue term is invented!).
And it's brilliantly, clearly written, in engaging and lively style, as well as being a major eye-opening for most of us in the 'normal' world. It focuses on Kent for its examples, but the lessons are national - or indeed global.
It's a tour de force that should be on everyone's reading list - not least because it turns out that all of us know one or several people who are in these categories. We need to know this stuff - and Chris Rowley has given us a brilliant entrée into a world we know too little about.
Anon
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‘Important read for learning disability supporters…’
The author speaks for those that have no voice. Everyone should read this book, especially if this is a subject that does not touch your life personally. An insightful introduction to the challenges of living with a disability, or supporting someone to live with one.
grafun
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What a great book – there can’t be many practical guide books that bring a lump to your throat. I love the duality of the book. It serves as valuable resource that could be dipped into for anyone trying to navigate their way around the care provision services. At the same time, it has remarkable first hand accounts by people who have been impacted by disability and care provision. The personal accounts have wonderful dignity about them, filled with love and the significance of human bonds and, although not always easy reading, I found them uplifting. Impressive and a powerful perspective on one’s own life – not bad for a hand-book.
Peter Hoare, relative with learning disabilities
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‘Full of information and a good read’
I like this book. Masses of information, both anecdotal and factual, to help not just the special needs expert but also parents and mainstream teachers. It is well written and accessible and to be recommended.
Bruce Williams
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I have read the book, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I only wish it had been available when we were struggling to work out what to do with supporting our youngest who has mild learning disability.
Sandeep Katwala, father of twenty-one year old autistic boy
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‘A real eye opener.’
My daughter bought me this book and I have to say I was unsure about reading it at first. The stories are full of warmth and incredible strength in the face of adversity. Glad these stories are being told.
Anon
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The title of this book appealed to me immediately, indicating just how difficult it is to find a collective noun for those with a learning disability or autism. And actually, how misguided it is to try to apply a ‘label’ in the first place. As well as, in my opinion, being a must-read for teachers, classroom assistants and other professionals whose job brings them into contact with children with learning differences and their families, this book is well worth the attention of the rest of us; particularly those who have known someone who is ‘a bit different’. It’s an easy but thought-provoking read, flowing well, and with a good balance between the many moving interviews and informative commentary.
Loris Clements, Brand and Communications Consultant
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‘Fantastic read, very informative’
A very eye opening book and must read for teachers, nursery staff and classroom assistants. The only guide book i’ve read that’s brought a lump to my throat! Highly recommend!
Charlotte
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. . . an incredibly well-researched and thorough examination of a really complex and often emotive subject; helping to explain and simplify the range of different diagnoses and how they can present, and the discrimination that many people with learning disabilities and additional needs still face on a day to day basis. Hopefully a book like this will help shed some light on the journey many families go on in order to access the appropriate services and support to ensure their sons or daughters are able to thrive and achieve their full potential, and ultimately, be happy and understood.
Rebecca Thomas, mother of six year old autistic boy
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‘A wonderfully and thoughtfully written and researched guide’
The book is insightful and full of anecdotal evidence - all written in a helpful and useful way.
A book everyone should have on their shelves.
Caroline Pedley
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What I found really interesting were the details personal histories and interviews with the care providers etc. The descriptions of what the author observed, and the accounts of what he was told, are the perfect way to allow readers to reach their own conclusions about the nature of what a particular disability and the support measures that are in place to meet there needs . . . with a really useful insight into accommodation options and day care provision for those with more significant learning disabilities.
Helen Scott, mother of twenty-two year old autistic boy
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. . . the picture you build up, collage-like, is so appreciative and heart-warming . . . I remember the term ‘mongol’ being used in my sister’s early years – the terms are always changing and I think that books like yours do a great service in making people conscious of how enriching these lives can be both for the disabled themselves and for those who support them . . .
Martin Gulbis, sister with Down’s Syndrome
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You can see some of the original reviews here on the book’s Amazon page.
