Having a special needs grandson, this book drew me in from the beginning and offered an informative look into the family dynamics when life gives you a special needs child. Whether by birth or adoption, when a parent is faced with raising one of these children, they must make choices that most parents do not have to face. This book gives the reader insight into one scenario that could be chosen. Many things have legally changed since the year this story developed. We no longer put young children into homes for ‘crazy people’.

We no longer refer to people as retardants, idiots, stupid, mongols, etc. However, there is a real and present quiet discrimination in our society against anyone who is intellectually damaged. Hidden behind looks of sympathy, whispered rumors and gossip, fear and sometime apparent revulsion, these children and their caretakers are mentally and emotionally challenged to live ‘normal’ everyday life. Sometimes everyday tasks are too much to handle and some parents lose the ability to make sensible decisions. (This very thing happens in this book) As you read The Precious Jules, you might get a bit uncomfortable and not want to finish. I challenge you to finish. I challenge you to find the ‘silver lining’.

I challenge you to be kind. But more so, I challenge you to reach out and find that family with a special child and provide them with some encouragement. Offer to get to know their child. Offer to watch the child so they can have a bit of time off. More acceptance by our society would make a huge difference in that child’s life and in the lives of their caregivers.

I’m giving this book 4 stars because I felt the author spent too much time developing the sibling connections. Overall I would recommend this book to book clubs around the world. It certainly should provide interesting discussions.