I know, I know! Don't at me until you read it. ( )

I was very skeptical going into this book. After reading it, I would recommend it for anyone who is parenting a child with developmental delays. I am totally inspired to look at how I care for my daughter in a different way. People that work with her comment frequently that her disabilities resemble autism. Because it is not one of her many, many formal diagnoses I've never looked into to. When you are already drowning, the last thing you need is more water. Well, this book is oxygen. My favorite quote: "There is no Ronald McDonald House for us, no wing at St. Jude's to offer help, or even hope." This book gives me hope. And right now, that is what I need. ( )

A good read for any parent - even if they aren't touched by autism. ( )

In Mother Warriors, Jenny McCarthy writes about her journey to becoming an activist and spokesperson regarding autism. This book is controversial because McCarthy is convinced that vaccines can trigger autism and advocates cutting back on the number of vaccines given to young children. She encourages detoxification, special diet, and supplements to combat the symptoms of autism. She presents the stories of several families and their struggles with autism as support for her views.

Scientists have not been able to find support for McCarthy's statements in their experiments and, as a result, do not agree with her conclusions. Whether or not her statements are accurate, this would still be a good book for parents of autistic children to read, as McCarthy and others tell what has helped them through their ordeals.

McCarthy has been a model, a host of several television shows, and an actress. Since the birth of her son, she has become a New York Times bestselling author of books chronicling her life through pregnancy, childbirth, beginning motherhood, and coping with autism.

Pretty much everyone who knows me knows that I do NOT do serious books, movies, or even TV. I feel that life has enough challenges to justify my entertainment being purely entertaining. Or at least subtlety disguising the thoughtful stuff in between the adventures or humor. But I started out reading Jenny's books long before anyone, certainly Jenny herself, ever considered that she would have so much serious information and so many life-changing experiences to convey, and I knew I had to stick with her. And I'm glad I did. I admit it, I cried my eyes out several times while reading this book. And I don't regret a moment.

The basic concept that so many children have serious physical illnesses that are contributing to their developmental delays and problems is a critical concept that everyone who loves children should consider. And the journeys of so many families through the morass of autism and childhood illness should be honored. Jenny is an amazing spokesperson and a real inspiration, as are the others Warriors presented in this book. Please read it. ( )