I'm happy to share with you many reviews of my books, posted at Goodreads, Amazon, and Smashwords. A few books have only one, one has five, and another has more than ten. There are two titles yet to be reviewed by readers. I trust that in time they will be. Here are the responses from my readers ... thank you so much for helping me by reading and reviewing my work. I've included comments whether strong or weak, as I
glow through the strong reviews, and
grow through the weak.
Readers’ reviews of Terry’s Books
Teaching: Education and Academics at the Turn of the Century
Format:Paperback
This collection of essays presents
key issues in education to both parents and educators in an approachable, easy
going manner. Ms. Palardy's writing is grounded in her long career as an
educator and a parent and this book is appropriate for both. She uses common
experiences and dialogue to delve into topics ranging from education reform to
the usefulness of homework and the rank book. The development of each child
intellectually, socially and emotionally is a common thread. As an educator, I
am familiar with the topics she takes on, but her writing led me to look more
carefully at my own practice and approach. Though the pieces were written a few
years ago, the ideas continue to be very relevant today.
Format:Paperback
As a parent, teacher and administrator,
I found "Teaching" to be a thoughtful and insightful reflection of
issues that transcend teaching and learning. Each article speaks to the social,
emotional, and academic concerns facing students, parents, and teachers. The
author, Terry Palardy, is obviously an experienced educator. Her understanding
of young adult learners is to be applauded.
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified
Purchase
In "Teaching: Education and
Academics at the turn of the century," Terry Crawford Palardy writes with
compassion, care and love for her profession and her students. They must have
been lucky to have her as a teacher.
In a series of essays, Palardy explores timeless educational issues from her
experienced perspective. She asks pertinent questions from varying
perspectives. In Pendulum, we get a subtle, yet painfully accurate warning that
the educational trends swing to extremes. (The current top-down business model
of education may have been avoided if those who create education policy were
forced to teach elementary school for one year.) Her intelligent writing
explores various methods, addresses the intricacies involved in grading and
grade inflation, and ends with a discussion with the principal demonstrating
educators concerns for more than just academics. I was reading Diane Ravitch's
"The Death and Life of the Great American School System: How Testing and
Choice Are Undermining Education" concurrent with "Teaching:
Education and Academics at the turn of the century," alternating between
the two and on a couple occasions, I forgot which I was reading. That puts
Palardy in very good company. Palardy is now retired and she is reflecting on
her career in education. Let's hope she continues to shed light on an often
misunderstood profession.
I am always a bit apprehensive when a fellow writer has favorably reviewed my
fiction and then later I review their own work. The task was made easier
because "Teaching: Education and Academics at the turn of the
century" is nonfiction, and I write mostly fiction. Still, in this case,
it's even more satisfying to enthusiastically give five stars.
Jeffrey Penn May, author of "No Teacher Left Standing"
Gina rated it Three Stars out of Five
The problems that plague today's
schools are clearly elucidated in this book. It was nice to see a book that
didn't sugarcoat the problems and that wasn't afraid to call out certain
contributing factors to those problems (e.g. parents). I would've enjoyed
seeing more ideas for solutions as to how to fix the schools and the problems
that exist within them in the modern age.
I received this book for free from
goodreads.com. I was kind of disappointed in the length and depth of this book.
I had intended to give it as a gift to a teacher if I won it. It seemed there
could have been more research put in to it.
Multiple Sclerosis, an Enigma
From: another Terry
(not the author)
Five out of five stars: A Must Read for MS patients,
families and friends, January 16, 2012
By
This review is from: Multiple Sclerosis, an Enigma: Finding
a diagnosis but not a cure (Paperback)
Wow, this was an amazing book...
At this moment, I'm sitting here stunned.
Stunned because I've finally received answers I've needed for the longest time.
Stunned because I've connected to another soul with many of the strange,
uncommon symptoms I've experienced, some since childhood.
Stunned because
I no longer feel alone with the monster known as MS...
This lady's story could be mine, or one of many others. She has successfully
put into words, the things we wish we could say about the struggles associated
with MS, but oftentimes, cannot express through mere words.
Mrs. Palardy has written an honest, painful, at times heartbreaking account of
her journey through life, MS, and the assortment of medical testing and
treatments. She has faced the issues in her life head on with courage, strength
and personal fortitude. Terry is by no means a victim, but a slayer of this
dragon. Her husband, a true knight in shining armor, stands strong by her side,
supporting her, facing everything this ugly disease can throw at them.
This is an honest, important, inspiring, empowering book, which will help anyone
with MS, and will bring knowledge and a deeper understanding to the loved ones
and friends of those with the disease.
Thank you Terry for this gift you have given. Your story and courage has made a
difference in my life.
Jul 04, 12
Read in June, 2012 Five Stars
This story is a honest look inside
the world of a multiple sclerosis patient and woman trying to adjust to the
MonSter.It is a good beginner's guide about plotting through the world of auto
immune diseases. She is honest and refreshing sharing her thoughts with the
readers and tells the pros and cons of this vague disease. She has a strong
support system and knows how to advocate to the physicians for the treatment
all ill individuals deserved. I like the upbeat positive attitude she is
developing along her journey to transform her life from a Type A personality to
a mellow lady with an I do not care attitude who lives for each day.
She was brave enough to put in the Almighty's hands and release herself from
Western medication and look for a better approach to deal with the symptoms of
loss muscle and cognitive capabilities. She explains how it affects her and her
husband and the adjustments they made to learn how to dance and not be furious
with the personal storm some of us experience every day. Kudos for sharing your
experiences and trials with others who might have just received the news
"You have MS". This is a good book to start to come to terms with the
diagnosis of any autoimmune condition.
Mar 28, 12
Read in March, 2012 Five Stars
Bookended by the challenging
generational demands of growing children and seriously ill elderly parents,
dedicated educator Terry Crawford Palardy put everyone else's needs before her
own for years--even as she experienced perplexing neurological symptoms.
Fluid dialogue and vivid descriptions reveal the author's protracted,
diagnostic odyssey. Readers share alongside Terry the physical and emotional
toll of getting to and through physician consultations, diagnostic procedures,
tests, and treatments. The escalating frustration, confusion, and fear she
feels when she interacts with certain medical, pharmaceutical, and insurance
company staffers may be familiar to others who have a chronic illness or their
caregivers.
Finally, Terry connects with doctors she trusts. A once elusive MS diagnosis
becomes definitive. Throughout her ordeal, Terry resolves to preserve her
dignity. She is bolstered both by her religious faith and by her husband's
consistently calm, reassuring presence. His devotion to her is the embodiment
of unconditional love. Despite losses and lingering unanswered questions, Terry
remains true to her conviction to decide treatment options for herself.
When I finished the last chapter, I applauded Terry's determination to deal with
multiple sclerosis on her own terms. It was a rousing ovation I hoped somehow
she could hear.
Dec 11, 11 Five Stars
Read in December, 2011
This book is a clear account of the
author's own experiences. Terry takes us through each step of her journey in a
detailed and straightforward way, without the 'pity me' overtones that such
books so often contain. During the course of reading this book I felt that I
really came to know Terry in quite a personal way, and that I like her for her
strength and no nonsense attitude to her experience. She describes in plain
detail each step on her journey through diagnosis and treatment and you cannot
help but feel her frustration alongside her as she deals with each new crisis
as she fights to find a way of coping that feels comfortable for her.
Anyone going through their own journey with MS will find an immediate
connection with Terry. Her story can only serve to help others going through
similar experiences who may be lost and anxious and frustrated at the lack of
empathy displayed by the medical fraternity. Those who have loved ones with MS
will find this book a valuable resource in helping them towards a closer
understanding of those they live with and look after.
Jan 13, 12 Five Stars
Recommended to Carol by: Ms
Palardy's review
Recommended for: Anyone who has MS
Read in January, 2012, read count:
once
Read your book and I have so many
mixed emotions at the moment. Tears came to my eyes more than once. Terry you
are such a courageous woman. All the trials and tribulations that were endured
by both you and your husband are unbelievable. You stayed true to yourself
throughout and never ever gave up. Never once did you forget about your
students and the obligation you had to them as their teacher. This is excellent
account of how MS can control one's life if you let it but once you begin to understand
it's invasion adjustments may become acceptable. Wish I could have given a much
higher rating, it deserves much more. For those whom have MS (Or knows someone
with MS), I urge you to purchase this book.
Mar 25, 12
Five Stars
I entered this contest for my aunt.
It took her a while to read it because of her condition but she finally emailed
me to tell me what she thought. She wanted me to thank the author for allowing
me to win this and that although she is in really bad shape, she said it gives
her hope. I believe that she is going to be trying some of the steps that Terry
took and will run some by her doctor as well. And she said she is going to
start a journal to occupy her mind. Tv is getting old she said. All those
channels and nothing to watch. LOL Her words Not mine. Sorry it took so long
Terry. And thanks for the book. It put a smile on my aunts face and gave her
some hope.
5.0 out of 5 stars A book for anyone with a disease
without a cure., January 19, 2012
By
This review is from: Multiple Sclerosis, an Enigma: Finding
a diagnosis but not a cure (Paperback)
This book is
a must for anyone with MS or a friend or family member of a MS patient. It
gives insight into the everyday tribulations of this disease, but it is also a
valuable book for anyone with a disease which has no cure and tends to be
progressive, for it is a book that not only tells about MS, but how one brave
person faces the hardships and frustrations of having such an illness. Being an
MD I would highly recomend this book to patients suffering one of several such
diseases.
5.0 out of 5 stars A love story in comparison to no
other...., April 8, 2012
By
This review is from: Multiple Sclerosis, an Enigma: Finding
a diagnosis but not a cure (Paperback)
This book
took me so many places. It reminded me when a family was not just man and wife
but ALL of them family as I was raised and is so forgotten in today's day and
age. We live in a time and space where inconvenience is swept under the rug and
when there is too much clutter under the rug heck throw out the rug and get a
new one. This love story is real commitment to parents, brothers and sisters,
children and how the Palardy's lived their lives; putting themselves last but
each other before the other.
As I was reading the story and I could feel Terry's frustration I have known it
so many times during the terrible years of diagnosis then follow ups and appointments,
relentless arguing with Insurance companies and then finding out not to be
covered for a particular treatment or medication. There is a moment in the book
when the author is going through all of this and she hands the phone to her
husband Rick and he takes over from there and you just think; he most
definitely is her knight in shining armor.
I would highly recommend this book to any one facing possible MS diagnosis or a
family member or caretaker. It is also a great guide, spiritual awakening and
support for those facing tough decisions about elderly care and real hard
questions and answers to different care options that this family has to go
through with both sets of parents.
Overall and more so than any of the things I mentioned above it is a love
story. It is a story of commitment made between two people when they were
young, vibrant and full of life to their resolve to any obstacle that crossed
their path and they triumphed over. Not a triumph of a finish line but a
resolute triumph of life, real life not the white picket fence with sugarplum
cookies but the real life and burdens that we tackle everyday some try to sweep
that "real life" under the bed, others turn around and sprint the
other way, others like Terry and Rick sing a melody that only two heart as
synched as theirs could dance to; it is in my opinion a true love story.
5.0 out of 5 stars Much more than expected...,
January 16, 2012
By
This review is from: Multiple Sclerosis, an Enigma: Finding
a diagnosis but not a cure (Paperback)
This brief
book is much more than the title suggests. It is a love story, a family drama,
an ode to having old school work ethic, and a moving description of dealing
with chronic illness. Terry Palardy has put into print many of the experiences
shared by people with a chronic illness: anxiety filled tests to determine
diagnosis and progression, managing schedules and multiple doctors, maintaining
personal standards at work and at home and the heart wrenching conversations
trying to make sense of it all. Those who recognize themselves in her words
will find the comfort of shared experience but equally important is the
potential impact it may have in helping family and friends understand as well.
5.0 out of 5 stars Multiple Scerosis An Enigma, April
30, 2012
By
This review is from: Multiple Sclerosis, an Enigma: Finding
a diagnosis but not a cure (Paperback)
I found
this a very illuminating story. A very personal account of disease, disability,
and the failure of the medical system to be able to deal with it. There are a
great many diseases, and people in this same situation who would find this
helpful.
5.0 out of 5 stars Multiple Sclerosis, an Enigma,
March 29, 2012
By
This review is from: Multiple Sclerosis, an Enigma: Finding
a diagnosis but not a cure (Paperback)
Amazing!
As I read along, I felt I was walking right beside her. In the story you could
see that she was sticking to her recollections of symptoms throughout her life
starting at an early age. And as I stated to her, I wonder also, were her family
members misdiagnosed and had MS as well. We will never know. I felt comfortable
walking beside Terry through her journey as I felt she had my heart in hand. I
admired her for many years, but now is "special" to me! Quite brave
to share such intimate details along this struggle we all experience in the
Dragon of MS.
I recommend to all with MS and friends/family of someone suffering from MS!
Beautiful Read!
5.0 out of 5 stars An important novel, March 16, 2012
By
This review is from: Multiple Sclerosis, an Enigma: Finding
a diagnosis but not a cure (Paperback)
Terry's
memoir is a story of courage and hope. It's so well-written that I feel I know
the author personally. She writes of her life which was interrupted with the
diagnosis of multiple sclerosis - a debilitating disease.
It's important for anyone who is newly-diagnosed or for family members,
caregivers, friends to read this novel and get a good understanding of how MS
can shake up a person's life.
Kudos to Terry for writing and sharing her innermost thoughts on her
disability.
4.0 out of 5 stars Going Forward Together, June 15,
2012
By
This review is from: Multiple Sclerosis, an Enigma: Finding
a diagnosis but not a cure (Paperback)
Terry
Crawford does an exceptional job humanizing all of the aspects of diagnosis
from the perspective of the patient. Is this the correct diagnosis? What about
other diseases with similar symptom profiles known to run in the family? While
dealing with all of those issues, her story simultaneously describes the impact
of MS in our society where definition is so often derived from profession. Her
story is one of a school teacher not wanting to take time off, even to deal
with her own health issues. How many of us want to leave a job seen as a
vocation? How do we make the decision to do so? Then what do we do next?
While I have read many stories recounting the doubts of diagnosis when it comes
to MS, I think this book could justifiably be thought required reading for
spouses of patients dealing with uncertain chronic medical conditions. While
the book doesn't overly dwell on this aspect, that makes it strike exactly the
right balance. He is always there supporting when needed in words, deed, and
some times just silent support. This book would be a very good book for a
couple to read as they come to grips with what MS may mean.
5.0 out of 5 stars Not just for MS patients and families,
April 27, 2012
By
In
"MS: An Enigma," author Terry Palardy takes a reader along with her
through the process of her MS diagnosis. This book, however, is not just for MS
patients and their families, and it's not just a list of medical tests. Readers
will relate to many of the author's experiences: childhood memories, combining
work days with family and illness responsibilities, and caring for aging
parents. Terry's writing style is easy to follow, and the book is well-edited.
I read the ebook edition, and was happy to find the pages well-formatted.
From the first chapter of the book, Terry is completely transparent with her
readers, inviting them to share the emotion and frustration of the moment. She
also shares the support she receives from her husband, Rick. The author does
not separate descriptions of the illness and treatment from her daily life, and
instead tells a story.
In this book, it's clear that a diagnosis is not an event with a date that can
be marked on the calendar, but rather a series of moments that begin early in
life. Terry begins with moments in her childhood, and her writing is engaging
as she creates in herself and her family complete characters for us to follow.
Rather than simply list medical tests she was subjected to, she tells the story
of how the test impacted her work day and how the constant interruptions
affected her emotions. A careful description of her MRI experience will
encourage anyone about to go through the same test.
Terry ends her story with a treatment experiment, and I hope she revises the
book at some point to include her results. As the author is about the same age
as my own mom, I was also looking for her experiences telling grown-up kids
about her diagnosis and their reactions--but perhaps that is a story for them
to write.
True to her academic roots, Terry ends the book with a section of reliable
resources readers can turn to for information about multiple sclerosis, along
with a list of online forums readers can go to for a community of
encouragement.
5.0 out of 5 stars Medical Trials Framed in a Loving
Family Portrait, April 4, 2012
By
This review is from: Multiple Sclerosis, an Enigma: Finding
a diagnosis but not a cure (Paperback)
As avid
readers know, the quality of books in the literary landscape has changed, but
Multiple Sclerosis, an Enigma by Author Terry Crawford Palardy renews our
appreciation for the written word. Author Palardy skillfully composed a
well-written book and conveyed a story of compassion and resilience for her
respected readers.
As a former teacher herself, Author Palardy did not ask the reader to overlook
typos, or disregard poor sentence structure. Instead, the book is a
well-formatted, fluid glimpse into the sometimes challenging, always endearing
family she so eloquently introduces to us.
We learn who the self-described author and her family are, not by what she
says, but by what they do. She doesn't tell us within quotes, that she and her
spouse love their parents instead she tells us that they visited them daily,
sacrificed their own finances, yet continue to smile when visited by a memory
of their now dearly departed parents. Her wonderful husband doesn't spout I
love you's either, rather the author tells us that he carries her purse without
hesitation. In addition, she doesn't 'tell' us that she's a dedicated teacher,
but she tells the willful doctor that she's happy to see him...anytime outside
of school hours. We experience the compassion and commitment that exists within
this family from the deeds so proficiently, yet humbly described.
Yes, there is talk of doctors, diseases, diets and medications, but it's framed
so very well in a magnificent family photo.
Multiple Sclerosis, an Enigma, is a story of unconditional love shared over
decades between generations of two families joined by a marriage strengthened
from reverence to their marital vows.
It's a worthy investment for the serious reader who will immediately share this
title when asked, "Have you read any good books lately?"
Poetry to Share, Vol. I
5.0 out of 5 stars Great poetry, November 5, 2011
By
This review is from: Poetry to Share, Volume 1: Come walk
with me, and we shall see... (Paperback)
Every poem
in the book was thought-provoking and inspirational. Quick to read but very
enjoyable just the same.
Great writing.
Georgetown at the Turn of the Millennium
5.0 out of 5 stars Love for the town of Georgetown, MA,
April 21, 2012
By
This review is from: Georgetown at the Turn of the
Millennium: When the Calendar Was Turning Twenty-One (Paperback)
Georgetown
at the Turn of the Millennium written by Terry Crawford Palardy
The author of this fine book has looked beyond her windows into the small New
England town of Georgetown where she grew up. Through her eyes, those of us who
do not live in Georgetown get a glimpse of idyllic small town life.
Terry describes a scenic town full of nature's attractive seasonal gifts. But
more importantly, she describes a town that has a deep commitment to the people
who live there. It is a town made up of volunteers who run the fire stations,
coach children's sports, and conduct Town Governance. It is a town that values
the wisdom of its elders and has great hope and faith in its children who will
grow up and offer new, creative, and vibrant changes that will make Georgetown
even stronger.
As an accomplished writer, Terry Palardy encourages us to consider the
"gifts" within our own communities.
Format:Paperback
I had read Mrs. Terry Crawford Palardy's memoir book "Multiple
Sclerosis, an Enigma" and was at an ahh by this authors writing. Having
been diagnosed myself with MS years ago and was surprised to see that
it is so much more than an MS story;it has compassion, love, hero's and
evil all wrapped up. Which brought me to "Georgetown at the Turn of the
Millennium: When the Calendar Was Turning Twenty-One". This book was
completely different from the previous book I had read by the Author.
It lifted my spirits and took me back in time to what life was and what
it should still be with the values of community, friendship and support.
I truly felt as if I was in a Norman Rockwell portrait. After reading
this book you will see that the Norman Rockwell era has not ended and
still exists that community push and pull of togetherness. This also
shoes that another famous Author; Hilary Clinton that wrote the book "It
takes a Village" was on to something. I highly recommend this book and
it is a PERFECT book to give for the Holidays!
And these two books are waiting for readers to enjoy/review what they have to offer. Both books can be previewed at Amazon, and they are also 50% off at Terry's webstore.
Teaching Vol. II, Stories Reflecting the Classroom
Poetry to Share, Vol. II, honoring the work of writers, artists, teachers, and Mother Nature
