Rex: A Mother, Her Autistic Child, and the Music That Transformed Their Lives

By Cathleen Lewis

Book Overview

The inspiring story of Rex, a boy who is not only blind and autistic, but who also happens to be a musical savant. How can an 11-year old boy hear a Mozart fantasy for the first time and play it back note-for-note perfectly-but struggle to navigate the familiar surroundings of his own home? Cathleen Lewis says her son Rex's laugh of total abandon is the single most joyous sound anyone could hear, but his tortured aversion to touch and sound breaks her heart and makes her wonder what God could have had in mind. In this book she shares the mystery of Rex and the highs, lows, hopes, dreams, joy, sorrows, and faith she has journeyed through with him. Endorsements "This memoir documents a musical savant in a way we have not seen before, allowing us to reconsider the limits we place on people with disabilities. Highly recommended for all public libraries and academic libraries with autism and special needs collections." -- "Library Journal," 11/25/2008 "Two of the most extraordinary and uplifting people I have ever known. Their story shows the amazingly moving struggle and success that proves love and faith can achieve miracles." -- Jane Seymour, actress, artist, author, and entrepreneur "The remarkable story of a mother's love and a child's indomitable spirit, told in a writer's style that riveted me to the page, is singularly the most important work ever written on the relationship between a parent and a child with disability. For me, as a person who happens to be blind, the experience of reading "Rex" was an eye-opener I will never forget. Bravo, Cathleen Bravo, Rex. Your work and your lives will forever change the future of disability in America. -- Tom Sullivan, author of "Adventures in Darkness" and "Together"

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1595551506
• ISBN13: 9781595551504
• Release Date: January 1
• Publisher: Nelson Incorporated, Thomas
• Length: 242 Pages
• Weight: 0.86 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 5.8" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

An Amazing Story

This is a truly inspirational book! It is well written and hard to put down! Cathleen takes readers on her journey from the grim diagnosis and her struggles with God as she seeks to unlock the mysteries of her disabled child. This is a story about a woman determined to find meaning and joy in her son's life and ends up discovering purpose and joy in her own life.

inspirational story of hope and determination

Cathleen Lewis tells a truly remarkable story of motherly love coupled with faith and steely determination. This well-written book is a page turner, you simply can't put it down as you travel with her through the depths of the challenges and the highs of the victories as they unfold. To me it was the story of both hope as well as an account of what patience, love and determination can bring to the life of a child who otherwise might never have blossomed. Bravo to Cathleen Lewis!

The transforming power of a mother's love

This is the story of the transforming power of love, specifically a mother's love for her child. It is the story of the awesome gift of music and its healing power. It is the story of rediscovered faith with all of the strength and hope that only faith can offer. Cathleen's son has autism and is blind. She tells her story of overcoming tremendous odds to reach her son and help him overcome so many of his hardships through his gift of music. I cried but also felt tremendous joy. This book will touch your heart.

The Gift of Rex

"Rex", by Cathleen Lewis, is the remarkable testimony of what a mother's love, determination and faith can accomplish in spite of overwhelming challenges. This inspiring story, infused with pure grit juxtaposed with artistic prose, is a beautiful book about a remarkable child with an amazing gift to share. Read it and pass it on. A perfect Christmas gift in the spirit of love!!!

Rex: A mother, her autistic child and the music that transformed their lives

I just finished "Rex" by Cathleen Lewis, about a mothers complete devotion to her child who was diagnosed with a large brain cyst at birth then 6 months later with blindness due to an underdeveloped optic nerve. It is so completely moving and keeps you right in the moment with both of them. The transformations that occur in their lives are charged with so many emotions, which are expertly conveyed by the writer. With every small success Rex has, a new roadblock seems to be thrown down. To say it is inspirational is a tremendous understatement. This is a fantastic book for anyone to read. Enjoy!