And Now to Live Again, by Betsy Barton (small HC, 1944, $2.50)
Betsy Barton writes of her own experiences after being paralyzed in a car crash. She writes what it was like immediately after the accident, during her stay at the "Institute", and after her re-entry into life.
She writes during WWII, when soldiers were returning home not only with physical injuries, but also with mental ones. Sadly soldiers and accident victims were not the only ones at the institute. There were also children recovering from neurological conditions like polio. They all go to the gymnasium to work with "teachers", to strengthen muscles and learn new vocations.
This book is not only for the wounded. Barton also writes for the families and friends of the injured. She warns people to expect anger and depression. Then she shares what helped her deal with her losses.
What makes this book even more special is the inscription, "This book is for Bea, and so am I- Donnie" You are left wondering who was Bea, and how she made out. We will, of course, never know. Neither will we know how life turned out for the others injured by war, accident, illness, or birth. Is it any different today? I would hope so, but I wouldn't bet on it. So hug your family, and your friends, and remember to reach out to those, like Betsy and Bea, who have to learn to live again. (Don, I haven't forgotten you.)
Look for this sobering, but triumphant book on the new non-fiction table. (L. med.)
