Blogger Book Club: "Bloom"

 

I could not have been happier when Kelle Hampton's Bloom was chosen for this month's book club.  I had seen the book floating around the blogosphere and was dying to read it.  It did not disappoint. 

 One of the things that made me fall in love so quickly were the pictures.  It is clear that the book is written by a blogger, because each page is brightened up by pictures of Kelle and her family, full of love and happiness.  It is impossible to not fall instantly in love with baby Nella and be so moved by her story.

I love that Kelle was completely honest throughout the entire story.  There was no sugar coating her reaction to Nella being born with Down Syndrome.  While I love how she strove to see the good in each situation, I think it was that honesty that made it real, and made the book so easy to relate to.  She never claims to be a perfect mother, and I think he willingness to share the darker moments in her life will inspire other struggling mothers.  I am not a mother yet, but my maternal instincts kicked in while reading this book and I can honestly say I think the book has changed my life.  I cried big wet tears along with Kelle through the first chapter and actually felt my heart breaking.  I actually was asked by the person sitting next to me on the airplane if I was okay because I couldn't keep it together!  Her writing is just so moving and hits you straight in the heart!

I felt for both Kelle and little Nella.  It hurt me deeply as Kelle wrote about holding Nella to her chest that first night, trying desperately to feel the mother/daughter bond she was supposed to feel.  I cannot fathom what that must feel like for a mother, and that feeling hasn't left my heart since I read the quote above.  I'm tearing up again just thinking about it!  It makes me think of what I would have done.  would I have loved my daughter right away?  Would I have wanted to take her and run, or take my already intact perfect family and run away like Kelle imagined?  I don't think anyone can answer that until they are in the situation themselves.

The book was not all sad though, and I adored how Kelle showed the beauty that eventually bloomed from her situation.  Reading how the pain turned to acceptance, and then to love and celebration was so rewarding.  I cheered along with her when she went to the Down Syndrome confrence and saw the beautiful, sweet, happy people living with Down Syndrome.  Her victories became my victories as I was reading.  I can't remember the last time I felt that way reading a book.  Plus, how could you not smile when looking at this precious face?

Kelle's writing really makes you feel like you are going on the emotional journey with her, and she doesn't try to hide how the sadness creeps back into her mind every now and again.  It is so brutally honest, it's fascinating.

Some of my other favorite things about the book are her humor, and that she doesn't leave her other daughter, Lainey, out of the story at all.  I loved how the book was a true chronicle of the first year of Nella's life, and how in effected everyone in Kelle's life.  It's not a cookie cutter story by any means, it's just real.  I wish I had better words to describe how amazing this book is!  I had a million thoughts going through my head as I read it, and now I just want to tell everyone about it and force every person I know to stop what they are doing and read it!

 ...I'm on love.

If you have read the book, I'd love to hear what you think about her honestly.  I personally think it made the book amazing, but I can see how some might be offended by her initial reactions.  Should she have sugar coated her reactions to make it more P.C.?  Please, tell me what do you think!