#BookReview ~ Emma’s Laugh: The Gift Of Second Chances by Diana Kupershmit

A Beautiful Story

Description

As Diana surveyed her newborn baby’s face, languid body, and absent cry, she knew something was wrong. Then the doctors delivered devastating news: her first child, Emma, had been born with a rare genetic disorder that would leave her profoundly physically and intellectually disabled.

Diana imagined life with a child with disabilities as a dark and insular one―a life in which she would be forced to exist in the periphery alongside her daughter. Convinced of her inability to love her “imperfect” child and give her the best care and life she deserved, Diana gave Emma up for adoption. But as with all things that are meant to be, Emma found her way back home.

As Emma grew, Diana watched her live life determinedly and unapologetically, radiating love always. Emma evolved from a survivor to a warrior, and the little girl that Diana didn’t think she could love enough rearranged her heart. In her short eighteen years of life, Emma gifted her family the indelible lesson of the healing and redemptive power of love.

This is a mother’s requiem to her perfectly imperfect child―a child who left too soon, but whose lessons continue to inspire a life lived and loved.

• Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆
• Title: Emma’s Laugh: The Gift Of Second Chances
• Author: Diana Kupershmit
• Genre:  Memoir
• Length: 253 pages
• Publisher: She Writes Press
• Release Date: June 15, 2021

My Thoughts

Diana’s writing was one of the first things to catch my attention. I’m not sure what I was expecting, but in all honesty, I didn’t expect it to envelop me the way it did. Her writing style conveyed a heartfelt, emotional story that was extremely easy to feel and visualize.

After giving birth to her first child, Diana immediately knew something wasn’t right when the baby was placed on her chest. She later learned that Emma was born with a chromosomal anomaly that caused significant physical and developmental disabilities.

While it no doubt helped to label what had happened, Diana and her husband, Tolya, were left with many questions and decisions. Would they ever be able to have healthy children? Would they be capable of caring for a child as needy as Emma? Even if they could care for her, what would be best for Emma? 

It is obvious that Emma’s Laugh is written in an attempt to share the author’s deepest feelings, even when it doesn’t always show her in the best light. I could easily see a woman who was depicting herself as human, with feelings that nearly all of us would have wrestled with. 

This inspirational book kept me turning pages. Though I can’t begin to know the major ups and downs of caring for a child who requires so much. Diana shares her true emotions with us. The tears and the laughter.

This story was truly an eye-opener. It provided a degree of understanding of what it’s like to love and care for a child who needs so much more than most of us are prepared to offer.

My Concerns

None

Final Thoughts

I highly recommend this beautiful tribute which allows Emma to touch so many hearts with her happy spirit and laugh. This story chronicles the rollercoaster ride of unanswered questions and emotions that new parents face when a sweet, special needs child comes into their life.

And last but not least, this special memoir shares the love and lessons that Emma shared with her family.

My thanks to the author for a copy of this book and the ability to post a review with no stipulations.

About the Author

Diana Kupershmit holds a Master of Social Work degree and works for the Department of Health in the Early Intervention program, a federal entitlement program servicing children birth to three with developmental delays and disabilities. She has published online in the Huffington Post, Mutha Magazine, Manifest Station, Power of Moms, Motherwell Magazine, Her View From Home, and Still Standing Magazine. On the weekends, she indulges her creative passion working as a portrait photographer specializing in newborn, family, maternity and event photography. She lives in New York City with her family.

If you purchase through the links in this post, I may earn a small commission. This helps support Pick a Good Book and allows us to continue bringing you great content.

Hot Off the Press

Top Boxes Loved By Refinery29, BuzzFeed, USA Today, CNN and More!

We Craft Box

We Craft Box is an award winning monthly kids craft kit delivered to the home for kids ages 3-9. With a themed story, 4 or more coordinating crafts, easy to follow photo and video directions, and all materials included, that can be shared between 2 crafters, we’re helping busy families unplug from the screen and connect though creativity!

• Great gifts for kids – curated for ages 3-9 years
• All materials included (except for scissors) and can be shared between 2 children!
• NEW Video Tutorials for the crafts!
• Creative, imaginative, and artistic activities for the family – the gift that keeps on giving all year long!

Authentic Books

We are a monthly subscription box that brings together self-care with an immersive book experience. Your boxes are always full of quality goodies from US-based artisans and boutiques with clever connections to the book. 5% of your membership will support children’s literacy.

• Hardcover new releases
• Themed soy candle
• Themed cocktail or tea
• Custom book music playlist
• Themed self care and beauty products