Ghost Boy

Today the Book it Sisters reviewed Ghost Boy by Martin Pistorius.
(Published July 2011, 304 pages)
Book it Sisters’ Grade: A-

In January 1988 Martin Pistorius, aged twelve, fell inexplicably sick. First he lost his voice and stopped eating. Then he slept constantly and shunned human contact. Doctors were mystified. Within eighteen months he was mute and wheelchair-bound. Martin’s parents were told an unknown degenerative disease left him with the mind of a baby and less than two years to live.

Martin was moved to care centers for severely disabled children. The stress and heartache shook his parents’ marriage and their family to the core. Their boy was gone. Or so they thought.

Ghost Boy is the heart-wrenching story of one boy’s return to life through the power of love and faith. In these pages, readers see a parent’s resilience, the consequences of misdiagnosis, abuse at the hands of cruel caretakers, and the unthinkable duration of Martin’s mental alertness betrayed by his lifeless body.

We also see a life reclaimed—a business created, a new love kindled—all from a wheelchair. Martin’s emergence from his own darkness invites us to celebrate our own lives and fight for a better life for others.

Here is our report:

Judy BushAThis was an amazing story. The writing style wasn't as fluid, but the story was so incredible that I loved the book. It will affect the way I act around handicapped people!
Samantha HarrisonAI thought this was an incredible book and I will never look at a person who can't communicate verbally the same way again. I almost stopped reading at the chapter he talked about abuse that he suffered. My husband kept after me to finish it inspite of that and I am glad that I did.
Mary HalseyN/AI read the wrong book--Ghost Boy by Iain Lawrence. It was about an albino who joins a circus. I highly recommend it!
Anna McDanielsBIt was an inspiring story about what love, determination and the human spirit can accomplish. Martin is an exceptional person.
Suzanne RigbyA-I thoroughly enjoyed this story! I loved how it was written first person from his perspective. I only give it an A- because it wasn't brilliantly written, but I loved how it was from his point of view. I couldn't put it down and wanted to know how this amazing young man ended up! I'm so glad there are happy endings and people who care enough to help those in need. I will never look the same way upon the disabled.
Denise LinkAI loved how the book opened your eyes to the possibilities severely disabled might be capable of.
Cheryl ClowesAI really enjoyed this book It was simply amazing that Martin made such progress after his debilitating disease. I will never look at a disabled person the same way again. This was a terrific and uplifting story!

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