A Father's Memoir of His Exceptional Daughter - Uncomplicated Life

I finished An Uncomplicated Life in two days. I couldn't put it down. Jillian's journey parallels my son's journey in so many ways I was able to relate to. And Paul Daugherty's writing is engaging and flows so beautifully. I am thrilled to read of the adventures of adults with Down syndrome. I love the way Paul and his wife Kerry gave Jillian the freedom to make mistakes and learn from them. Many parents protect their children/adults with Down syndrome to their detriment.
I love that you didn't accept the "special" college programs! And allowing Jillian to be fully included in life with her relationship evolving to intimacy, and living together. I only wish the book had waited until the wedding! I did enjoy the article about the wedding but I love the details only a book can provide. I think a sequel is in order. Bravo Paul--I hope the book is as viral as your keynote "Expect Don't Accept" speech from Xavior U!

Paul Daugherty and his wife, Kerry, were overjoyed at the prospect of another baby to join their son Kelly. But then Jillian was born and she had Down Syndrome. How do you cope with the news and how do you raise your child? With love, joy and confidence is how the Daughertys decided! This is Jillian's story lovingly told by her father. Full disclosure: I received an advance copy of this book from The Reading Room in exchange for an unbiased review.

Beautifully written! I found Paul's book impossible to put down. He has a gift for being able to let the reader not only visualize his experience, but to feel it as well. I have nothing but respect for how he and his wife, Kerry nurtured, supported and acted as their daughter's advocate as she grew up facing more than the usual challenges. He states in the book that being around his sweet, vibrant daughter makes you want to be a better person. She approaches her very full life with the simple belief that, "All you have to do is love somebody, and they will love you right back." Wouldn't that mantra make us all better people! My bookclub group was honored with a visit from Paul where we had an opportunity to acknowledge his book and his family. His honesty was only overshadowed by his humility. He lets his reader into a very personal place in An Uncomplicated Life. It was a privilege to meet him in person and learn that he is as real as the loving Dad portrayed in his book.

A gratifying book about a very personal story. This is a beautiful and heartwarming story, but what makes it so special is how well written it is. Other reviewers have commented on the fact that the author hasn't written it in a chronological order. But I found that made it so much more interesting. Events that occurred in the present could trigger thoughts of Jillian's childhood and the author then filled that in. The book is very informative, but also thoroughly enjoyable.

Love this book. This book strikes just the right balance. It is very uplifting and encouraging while painting a very realistic picture of parenting a child with Down syndrome. As the mother of a youngood one with Ds, it is hard to read stories that are all rainbows and unicorns. This journey called parenthood, with or without special needs is never all roses. This book describes the successes and challenges along with some very vulnerable moments that are so relatable. Loved it very much.

Daugherty's book, "An Uncomplicated Life" is poignant, moving and honest portrayal of a father's relationship with a wonderfully unique daughter. Every element of the book was thoughtful and was an incredible tribute to Jillian, Kerry and Kelly. I thoroughly recommend this book to anyone as the life lessons enclosed are meaningful regardless of the circumstances. Daugherty's words of wisdom ("Expect, don't accept", "See don't look") are lessons that are essential to living a full, honest, judgement free life and I found the narrative that he wove around these truths to be uplifting, emotional and thought-provoking. What a wonderful tribute to a truly wonderful woman. Highly recommended!

Every expectant parent wishes for a healthy baby. But what do you do when, after nine months of anticipation, you find out that your baby has Down syndrome? First you panic, then you blame God. Once you pull yourself together and realize that this is not a punishment but a blessing, you make a plan. A plan to give your child the best possible life. A life that is just as happy and fulfilling as any other child’s. For Paul Daugherty and his wife, that’s exactly what they did. They refused to allow the school system or society to dictate the direction of their daughter, Jillian’s life. Instead they educated themselves and became their daughter’s biggest advocates.

In this book, you will follow Jillian’s journey from birth, primary school, college, all the way to her engagement! Throughout, you will see the power of love and what one can do when given the proper tools. You will feel the happiness and pure joy that Jillian brings to not only her family, but everyone she encounters. And you will see that one’s challenges can turn out to be their biggest strength!

As a parent to a special needs child, and an advocate for the special needs population, this book spoke volumes to me. I could relate to much of what the family has gone through. From the shock of finding out your child has needs, to dealing with the school system, to educating others in hopes of changing society’s “norms” I felt like I was reading a story based on my life.

In this day and age, with many people choosing to terminate pregnancies or put a child up for adoption when they discover that their child has needs, I commend the author (and his family) for being so proactive in Jillian’s life and giving her an upbringing that is no different than a typical child’s. After all, don’t us parents all want the same things for our children? For them to be happy and live productive lives?

Thank you, Paul, for sharing Jillian with us. She truly is an exceptional person!

This is a transformative work. It can change the way you see any person with a "disability." The stories are real and direct, as uncomplicated as the life they describe. I think I'll be a better person for having read it. And it was a delightful read, filled with anecdotes that make you laugh as well as ones that bring tears to your eyes. The Daugherty family has led a trailblazing life, and they give us a wonderful behind-the-scenes look without being preachy. Jillian is a superstar who will have you on the edge of your seat.

One of the most sincere, moving, and upbuilding (and funny in places) books I have read in a long time. By the time I was nearing the end of it, I had begun to feel deprived simply because I have not had the privilege and joy of knowing Jillian.

I read this story slowly, delaying the inevitable last page. Each morning on the bus into work, another chapter was consumed and coveted. By the time I got to the chapter where the author recounts his kite dream, well, let's just say I was glad to be sitting alone in the back of the bus.

This is a book every father should read. Every father. It's a tale of love, acceptance, perseverance and more. You will not be the same after knowing Jillian's magnificent journey.

Well done, Mr. Daugherty.

I loved Paul Daugherty's story of his child, Jillian, born with Down Syndrome. Using lyrical and realistic language, he relates his and his wife's joys and struggles with Jillian. Everything from tying her shoes to riding a bike were challenging for this persistent child and her even more persistent parents. He describes in detail their efforts to overcome the educational bureaucracy so the Jillian could have a normal high school and college education. I identified with the book as I had a sister with Down Syndrome and experienced my parents efforts to make sure that she reached her potential. I would highly recommend this book.

Someone once said, "While we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about," and truer words could have not been spoken about this memoir. It is an exceptionally well written book that captures the raw emotion of a father (and his entire family) raising a child with special needs. It is an insightful look into their challenges and triumphs, and was thought-provoking, heartwarming and inspirational. Thank you, Paul, for sharing with the world how exceptional an uncomplicated life can be.

This is a poignant, raw and emotional love letter from a father and husband to his family. Paul Daugherty shares his intense love for Jillian with us and also their challenges and triumphs in raising her and getting her the education she deserved. It's a wonderful read. It's also a "how to" book for anyone needing to be an advocate for their child or other loved one & not knowing where to begin. After reading this book I feel like I have met this family! It's a beautiful, inspirational story that should not be missed!

I received this book for free from Goodreads First Reads.

Jillian is an inspiration.

I was very glad for the opportunity to meet Jillian through her father's very well-written words.

Everyone who gets the opportunity should get to know Jillian.

I promise your lives will be better for having done so.

Sometimes our life is so overwhelmed with the unknown just 6” between our ears; the perceptions of others, but not yet our truths. Paul Daugherty shares his truths via his deepest emotions as the parent of a child labeled at birth with a disability.

“An Uncomplicated Life” should be read by every parent as it reaches out to the daily struggles of parents on so many levels. It will make you think of all the things you didn’t take the time to do with your child and wish you had. Paul and Kerry Daugherty took the time.

From sadness to laughter, from tears to joy, this emotional book gives every reader a hug, an innate connection, and the ability to trust and move forward with greater confidence as a human to never give up.

I was sorry to see this book end.

A great read for all parents...not just those whose child has been born with a disability. Let your child define who he or she is going to be, not the so-called experts. Jillian's story will bring tears to your eyes and then make you laugh. I enjoyed it from beginning to end.

One of the best things about Kindle is the option to get a sample of the writing. The sample in this case is simply the table of contents, No sample of the writing AT ALL! I always sample before I buy, in this case I will not buy. Hopefully this is simply an oversight, and a true sample will be made available, and I can submit a more favorable review.