Have you ever read a book and loved it so much, you began getting nervous as you neared the final pages, wishing that you could slow it down and savor the story a bit more? This is how I felt reading Kim Stagliano’s heartfelt memoir. I wanted to linger in Kim’s world a little longer. Here’s the thing, no matter how much hardship she may have gone through in her life, she writes about it all with such humor and spirit that it actually inspires confidence in the reader. The book may be titled All I Can Handle, but it makes you think–no matter how bad your situation may be–I CAN HANDLE THIS. Kim did!
I loved so many things about this book, but here are few anecdotes that stuck with me most:
Her honesty: Any mother–whether she’s a mother to an autistic child, or not–knows how trying parenting can be. Kim’s take on motherhood was so refreshing, and I have to say, I will always, always remember the scene in the book about how, in a moment of crazy mamahood, she just left the takeout at the restaurant (rather than cart her fussy kids in to pick it up). Kim, I would have done the exact same thing.
The bit about golf: I have to admit, I got a chuckle out of her musings about her husband’s love of golf. Maybe it’s because my husband likes to golf too–a lot. Nothing against the sport. I like it, too. I even took lessons growing up. I think it’s swell. But when you have kids, it’s kind of nice to have a hobby that, well, doesn’t take up 7 hours on any given weekend. Just sayin’. Kim, I’m with you sista.
Her love and devotion to her family: Writing a memoir requires a certain amount of backbone. First you have to put yourself out there, in kind of a major way. And if you dare scratch the surface and share any semblance of what life is really liked behind closed doors, you’re bound to have critics who say you’ve sold out your family, your kids, etc. And, because people are petty and critical and just bored, I’m sure Kim will hear from a wacko or two. I’m not buying any of what they may say, though. Here is a woman who is opening the curtain on a world that many of us don’t know about. She’s sharing a very important story–her story–one we all can learn from and be warmed by. And as far as I’m concerned, there’s no doubt this woman loves her kids–fiercely.
A parent or not. A member of the autism community or not. This is a memoir for anyone.
Buy the book here, or wherever books are sold!
Congrats on your exciting debut week Kim!
xo, Sarah
Thank you – I’m most gratified that people outside the autism community are “getting” the book and what makes me even happier – they are laughing. With the stories, the style, not the topic per se. As I said in my post yesterday, you have to let it all hang out in a memoir. And that’s not easy. So I wrapped my naked self in humor. Thanks, fellow Debs. Thanks, readers.
KIM
Kim, thank you for sharing your naked self with us.
Wait, that didn’t sound right.
Well, you know what I mean.
Also, can I join the sisterhood of golf widows even though golf isn’t my husband’s vice, per se? He’s an avid cyclist, so “I’m going out for a quick ride” means “I’m peddling 90 miles up the side of the mountain and won’t be home for eight hours.”
Tawna
Yeah, but at least cycling gives him a nice a$$, right? There’s a benefit… 90 year old men can play golf – very little benefit except for strong hands which make for good massages! 🙂
My hope is that those “lurking” this week realize we’re not simply being nice to Kim. ALL I CAN HANDLE is fantastic reading experience for everyone!
I totally agree, Larramie. I was amazed by how much I love this book!
I can’t wait for this book to be such a huge success that they ship Deb Kim out to L.A. to do more press. It’s totally self-serving — after reading her amazing book, I want to hang with Deb Kim even more than I did before!