I think often people are embarrassed to ask questions about disabilities, and the book really confronts Burcaw’s SMA head on. The book is frank, funny, educational, and a good resource for able-bodied kids to see that people with disabilities aren’t so different from themselves.

This novel got my attention as it sounded funny but it really didn’t have me in stitches. Shane shows us his life with spinal muscular atrophy. Say what? Shane has a neuromuscular disease which causes his muscles to deteriorate over time. Shane was born with this disease and has been in a wheelchair since the age of 3. He writes a blog with many followers and he was out on tour as part of his documentary for his nonprofit organization which is the same title of this book. I found it amazing that he was 21-years old and this was the first time he was free from his parents. Shane addresses his childhood and how he was ostracized by a majority of his peers. Shane accepts his disability and he tries to get others to accept him. He doesn’t expect special treatment and he wants to be included just like everyone else. Every subject is covered in this novel and Shane’s tells it like it is. I wasn’t quite sure what age would like to read this novel as some of the subject matter was rather juvenile while other topics dealt with sex and other mature matters, it definitely had variety. Shane remains positive through it all and that tells me what type a person he really is.

(Description nicked from B&N.com.)

“With acerbic wit and a hilarious voice, Shane Burcaw’s Laughing at My Nightmare describes the challenges he faces as a twenty-one-year-old with spinal muscular atrophy. From awkward handshakes to having a girlfriend and everything in between, Shane handles his situation with humor and a “you-only-live-once” perspective on life. While he does talk about everyday issues that are relatable to teens, he also offers an eye-opening perspective on what it is like to have a life threatening disease.”

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