Title: Marathon Wheeler: Living with Physical Disability
Author: Heather S. Coombes
Publisher: Mulberry Books
ISBN: 978-1951742317
Pages: 324
Genre: Christian, Memoir
Reviewed by: Lily Amanda
Hollywood Book Reviews
Marathon Wheeler: Living with Physical Disability is a memoir which offers a heart-rending presentation of author Heather S. Coombes, a unique individual who has defied inveterate drawbacks to become a notable personality and influencer to innumerable persons, families, and organizations which are allied to physically challenged people.
Coombes is an Indian-born writer and Chaplin who exhibits laudable devotedness to encourage individuals with physical incapacities. Her new volume compounds profound details of everything she has ever experienced from her childhood to adulthood as an individual who suffers from Cerebral Palsy. The story shines with a compelling focus on the impact compassionate family and friends had on her self-esteem and confidence, as well as acquiring the right guidance and support that saw her successfully live with the challenge, as well as overcome severe secondary challenges and frustrations.
A few pages into the text, readers will find themselves appreciating the gift of life considering that Coombes’ birth had been threatened by chronic difficulties, which had doctors advise her parents to move to a more friendly environment where her condition would be easily manageable and less hazardous. This saw the family move to Australia, where she attended school and later explored different careers and hobbies such as leading worship besides being a librarian at Camden Theological College. Her enthusiasm to be a benevolent human being manifests repeatedly throughout the chapters, such as when she boldly decided to join a group that was directly aiding people who were living with different kinds of impairments.
The author’s life is chockfull of supernatural interventions which will most certainly ground readers in leaning more on God’s ever-present help and faithfulness in answering even the simplest of requests. Among them, is an instance where she developed a deep craving for choc-coated ice cream but getting it from the stores would be a lot of work. It amazes one to read of the mysterious ice cream van that appeared from nowhere, after choosing to pray about the persistent yearning.
Marathon Wheeler: Living with Physical Disability is a solid masterpiece whose content will help readers understand what it’s like to have cerebral palsy. It will also open many people’s eyes to practical ways of helping such individuals to accomplish their life goals and dreams without feeling strange or left out. This book has been written with authenticity and transparency that makes the author’s words resonate quickly with readers. Her story is so relatable, and her writing skill is top-notch and will have one feel like she is sitting with her as she narrates her journey. This is a memorable read that can be enjoyed by everyone who is empathetic towards physically challenged people and is also a great addition to one’s inspiring and emotional favorites.