The Polio Journals: Lessons from My Mother

• Winner, 2012 Next Generation Indie Book Awards
• Finalist, 2012 Benjamin Franklin Awards
• Finalist, 2012 Eric Hoffer Book Awards
• Finalist, 2011 National Indie Excellence Awards

Description: Part memoir, part social commentary, The Polio Journals tells the story of Carol Rosenstiel, who contracted the disease in 1927 at the age of two, leaving her permanently paralyzed from the waist down.In the 1920s, society viewed polio as a shameful reflection of the dirty lifestyle of its victims, leading Carol's parents to silence all issues related to their daughter's disability. Pushed by her parents to be exceptional in order to make up for her impairment, Carol became a successful musician, married, and raised two children. Prior to her death in 1985, she broke her silence and poured out her memories in a series of diaries. The Polio Journals explores Carol's inspiring life, probes the changing cultural landscape that impacted her lifelong quest to be accepted by others, and examines the havoc wreaked on families by silencing that which causes shame.