Full Circle

By: Vera Alexander © 2013

Cover Design By: Manuela Cardiga © 2013

Published by umSinsi Press © 2013

I have drawn inspiration for this book from the wonderful work done by many who work with people with This Ability and from the people themselves who have fought for acceptance.

I was privileged to teach at the Open Air School in Durban for a short stint as a locum. I was feeling bruised and battered by an experience in a main stream school. The children welcomed me with open arms. Their ready acceptance and joy for education helped heal my battered teacher's psyche. I salute them for their abilities to achieve regardless of major physical problems. In four short weeks they crept into my soul.

"Full Circle" will be launched at Exclusive book stores on the morning of 27^th November.

I have a stand at the "ThisAbility DEEP Expo" on the 2^nd and 3^rd December where all my books will be on display.

All my books are available as e-books on Amazon. "Full Circle" will be published on Amazon towards the end of the first week of December.

Reviews:

Manuela Cardiga (author of “Guilty Pleasures”):

Bandile was a boy like any other boy. He loved soccer, TV, music and dancing. Most of all Bandile wanted to dance, and then one moment in one carefree day something happened and all his dreams were swept away.

He had to learn that with courage and a little help from friends and family he could dance the true dance of life.

Vera Alexander has gifted us with a story of perseverance and courage all wrapped up in a stubborn joyous optimism, uncluttered by cheap sentimentality.

This is the story of one boy’s life – Full Circle – from a devastating loss to his recovery taking back his life and his dreams; and Alexander writes it with the impassioned and unpretentious simplicity of a true story teller.

Alexander has captured the African culture, its very tone and cadence and attitude with great tenderness and admiration. I love this book!

Elaine Duncan:

I sat down and read your book in one sitting. The flow and staccato sections are an integral part of the story; the characters’ names are as colourful as they are; the tragedy touches one’s heart, without being over-dramatic.  The book is great.

The concept of this story is unusual and, in fact, quite unique. The story progresses effortlessly page by page, and one never knows what to expect next, or where it is going.  An initial reaction that baby Bandile’s life is destined to tragedy dissipates as soon as the colourful characters in the story are established, and it becomes apparent that he is part of a very loving family. This holds him in great stead when his life takes an unexpected turn. There are morals in the story, but they are not shoved down one’s throat. It’s a thoroughly engrossing story, and a very good read.

Heather Miller (Primary School Teacher):

I simply loved Bandile! Thank you so much for the privilege of reading it.

Peter Turner (Photographer):

I read "Full Circle" and enjoyed it very much. My first impression was that it was a children's story that had much bigger undertones but that is fine - look at the many 'children's' books that have been taken seriously at all ages - like 'I am David' - have you read it? Keep on going!

A write-up of the book can also be found on www.umsinsi.com