By Leslie Lindsay

This just in:  Speaking of Apraxia: A Parent’s Guide to Childhood Apraxia of Speech has arrived!!  I knew the book was scheduled for release Wedneday, March 28th but that as the author I would be receiving the book slightly ahead of schedule.  And it wasn’t able to be delivered to my home address, due to the need for the books–all 100–to be signed for.  So, I dutifully gave my publisher the address to my hubby’s office and waited on pins and needles to hear of the delivery.

One day, about two weeks ago, my darling husband had said in passing “I can’t wait to open up those boxes and see it for myself.” 

“Oh no, you don’t!” I responded.  “You will bring those books home and let me have the first look.  You will not–and I repeat–not–be opening that box at work!” 

He grinned.  I wasn’t sure if he was teasing, or he just enjoyed seeing me get all fired up. 

Alas, the books arrived yesterday around 1:30pm.  All 100 of them.  Each box weighing a hefty 40lbs.  (and he waited, bringing them home early with flowers and balloons).  Sort of sounds like birth stats, doesn’t it?  It’ss here!  Monday, March 26th at 1:30pm after 4 years of labor, weighing in at 38o pages of text, plus an additional 20 or so of references, appendices, and more.  Please stop by to visit the doting new “parent” Leslie Lindsay and the book’s inspiration, Kate.  (Well, in this case…share your support by purchasing the book and telling all of your friends about it). 

I must admit, that while I have a real live book right here in my hands, the whole thing still seems sort of surreal.  Really?!  I did this?  Couldn’t be!    (to the tune of Who Stole the Cookie from the Cookie Jar).  Yep.  I did.

As I thumb through all of these pages, I can remember–actually recall–where I was when I wrote that particular section.  Yes…I was at Panera when I wrote the section on reading difficulties and summarized the appendix that follows on the different kinds of studies conducted on kids with speech-language impairments and reading challenges.  I was at my kitchen table late one Thursday evening a few summers ago deciphering all of these “old school” texts on Murial Morley’s work in the speech-path field.  I was at Caribou Coffee as I worked on the section on kids and family coping.  I had a turtle mocha that day.  I remember it all like yesterday.

And now, I want you to read this book.  I want you to help a child with CAS.  I want you to help yourself understand what childhood apraxia is all about.  I want you to share this book with someone you think can benefit from it…because, let me tell you…I benefitted from writing it.

(Photos to come.  For some reason, they won’t download to my Skydrive right now).

For more information, see www.woodbinehouse.com, the book is being offered by Amazon.com as well as Barnes and Noble.  See information under “in the media” for my first public book signing.