Ghost Boy: The Miraculous Escape of a Misdiagnosed Boy Trapped Inside His Own Body
by Martin Pistorius is an incredible autobiography written by a quadriplegic who is unable to speak. Everyone thought he was “a vegetable”, but he proved them very wrong.
Ghost Boy is an amazing true story of perseverance that is simultaneously heartbreaking and inspiring. When he was 12, Martin fell ill and became unable to speak or move. For 14 years he spent his days in care facilities and his nights at home, watching everyone live their lives while unable to tell those around him that his mind was alive and well. However, one of Martin’s caretakers believes he could communicate, if only he had the right tools, and a trip to an augmentative communication center changes his life when it is discovered he can indeed communicate. There begins his long and tribulating journey to rejoin the world. Although the book is a bit slow and fragmented at times, I felt the writing style reflected Martin’s experience of the world and fit his story.
Recommended for: all adults (and mature teens).
