“A book told in the voice of an individual with disabilities is a rarity. This book — so rich and full, so vivid and moving, so free of cliché, so bursting with hope — is a marvel.” — Rachel Simon, New York Times bestselling author of Riding the Bus with My Sister and The Story of Beautiful Girl

“Wonderful… Informative and inspirational … A different perspective.” — Barbara E. Bromley, Ph.D., California State Polytechnic University, Pomona

“Michael Long tells the truth in this book. And truth about what it means to be a human being is hard to come by.” — Nancy R. Thaler, Deputy Secretary for the Office of Developmental Programs, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Michael S. Long is a dreamer, and this candid memoir brings you into those dreams and into the reality of life with a disability.

Born with an intellectual disability and cerebral palsy, Michael takes you right along with him as he recounts his youth and teen years — when he was mocked, ridiculed and branded “a retard” — through his young adult life, when he learned to truly believe in himself and in the power of his potential.

Michael will win you over with his plainspoken style as he shares how he fulfilled his dreams — to have a home of his own, a career, and someone to love — and offers the inspiration to go after your own heart’s fondest desires, no matter what.

Karl Williams