You Only Want Me For My Mind & other bedtime stories

by John Rynn, John Corrigan

Overview

You Only Want Me for My Mind reveals a quirky boy born not only with cerebral palsy but with an uncanny ability to overcome obstacles and mobilise people. In a world reminiscent of My Left Foot and The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, we watch him laugh off the verdicts of the experts as he grows towards a life of his choosing – as an independent artist, writer and mentor for young people.

Despite being completely non-verbal with only the limited movement of one hand hovering over a communication board, John Rynn is making a statement in writing this book. Composed by writing twenty-nine words a day over a gruelling seven years, this memoir stands as a testament to his creativity and pluck.

This is a story of how to survive and prevail over the impact of life shattering events. Even more, it’s about surpassing the limits dealt to us and thriving with gratitude, humour and vitality.

Product Details

BN ID:	2940148443896
Publisher:	IP (Interactive Publications Pty Ltd)
Publication date:	07/01/2013
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	200
File size:	8 MB

About the Author

John Rynn:

Born with non-verbal quadriplegic cerebral palsy in Bowen, Queensland, John Rynn recently completed his Diploma of Community Services at the North Brisbane Institute of TAFE, adding to a long line of adult education achievements completed precisely because people predicted he couldn’t. Recently he was made a life member of the Cerebral Palsy League of Queensland for his “outstanding contribution to Queenslanders with cerebral palsy” and is an active member of ISAAC and AGOSCI both peak international and national bodies devoted to research into severe communication impairment.

Using a speech device, he has travelled within Australia and overseas delivering motivational talks and papers about overcoming and dealing with the effects of disability. His advocacy can be summed up in ‘choosability’ – a word he coined to promote an active, positive lifestyle for people with disabilities.

As a painter, he regularly sells his work to raise money for charity. He has published two books of poems, Stop and Think (1969) and Mind Over Body (1989) and had his poetry published in anthologies, other author’s books including Leaves of Life by Australian gardener, Ester Deans, and in newspapers and periodicals. You Only Want Me for My Mind is his first memoir.

John Corrigan:

Born in Hobart, Tasmania, John Corrigan completed his Bachelor of Arts in English at the University of Tasmania and remembers ruminating over off-curricula writers like novelist Hermann Hesse and their preoccupation with the inner life.

Having moved to Brisbane in the 1990s, he works as a disability support worker to facilitate the life goals of people who for whatever reason find his assistance useful. He has worked with John Rynn for the last seven years. After completing several short courses through the Writers Studio in Sydney, he is currently working on an anthology of short fiction.

You Only Want Me for My Mind is his first collaboration and his first published work.

Editorial Reviews

John reminds us to look into the eyes and souls of all individuals; to respect their uniqueness, honour their goodness, and admire their courage. His story exemplifies how adversities can strengthen one’s spirit, not destroy it.

Human Development; USA National Board Certification: Exceptional Needs Educator - Leonore Rizy MA

John relates his personal memories of the challenges and highlights of his life with humour, courage and insight. Joys, sadness, achievement and a sustaining positive attitude to life despite many setbacks ring through John's story.

Book blurb - Dr Yvonne Burns, AO