9/14/2009

Flying on Broken Wings

(Stories of courage in overcoming disability)


This is my newest book, with a foreword by Lovely Romulo, Chair of the National Council on Disability Affairs. It will be available at the Manila International Book Fair, September 16 to 20; and soon in all bookstores nationwide.

It's one book that took me time to finish. I agonized over every story—but I couldn't walk away. Why did I write it?

Bezalie Uc-Kung, Excutive Director of New Day Publishers, answers this for me with kind words I don’t deserve. Let me quote her in the “Publisher's Note.”

"I waited many years for this dream book to come to fruition, but I am thankful that I waited patiently for the right person to write it. Things have a way of taking shape at the right moment and this is one of them. For who would ever imagine I would cross paths with Grace D. Chong, the writer I just admired from a distance? Or that she would be willing to write for New Day Publishers on such a remote topic as a book on disability, certainly not her cup of tea?

"Reading this book, one feels the sensitive and gentle touch the author used in writing up each life story. Frankly, I never thought this kind of book could be so lovingly and wonderfully written. After all, disability belongs to the stark and ugly realities of life. But the author never tried to sugarcoat or gloss over the unpleasant truth to the point of patronizing. Grace kept a respectful distance that allowed her subjects to be alone in their thoughts and recollections; at the same time, she had empathy and rapport with them that encouraged openness and vulnerability. Each essay reads differently, but all are treated evenly. One cannot say that this story is more touching or engaging than the others. I guess this is where Grace's many years of practice as a mother come in. Thank you, Grace, for this beautiful book! Your passion for your craft and the compassion that goes with it, have given this book heart and soul.

"If this book has made the readers more aware of people who walk on this earth impaired and challenged because of physical disability; or beyond awareness, the readers have been inspired to help push our government to give more teeth to the laws we have for the People with Disability (PWD) in the Philippines, then this book has accomplished its purpose. And if, in addition, this has sparked hope and courage in our hearts, then truly this book is meant to be such a time as this."


Try to grab a copy at the New Day Publisher’s booth at the Book Fair, read it, or give it away as a gift to someone with a disability. Experience the grace of sensitivity to those who have to deal with life with less ease than able-bodied people do.

P.S.
Bezalie was born with only one foot. Her other foot is a prosthesis. She is one of millions of PWD in our midst courageously flying on broken wings.


At the soft launch: (from right) Dr. Esperanza Cabral, DSWD Secretary and Lovely Romulo
From left: Bezalie, me, and Hon. Grace Relucio Princesa, Executive Director, Dept. of Foreign Affairs

11 comments:

Yay Padua-Olmedo said...

Congrats, Grace. A beautiful and inspiring read. A cleansing cry, too!Frankly, most of us rummage through life on broken wings, invisible to others, but dysfunctional and disjointed just the same--- all in need of a God who makes everything perfect at the right time. You're a blessing, Grace!

Grace D. Chong said...

You are right about us (me) flying on broken wings! Thanks for all the support. See you at the Book Fair.

Yay Padua-Olmedo said...

Might see you at the book fair on its first day after all. That's today actually because it's already 3am now and I couldn't sleep because of too much Coke for lunch and dinner! Haha.

Grace D. Chong said...

Great ! See you there!

Grace D. Chong said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Frederick Delubiar Raz said...

Hi! Ms. Grace, i can't find a copy of your new book. Also, some of your books is not available in some bookstores. Hope the stock will be available soon.

Take Care, Ms. Grace!!! See you soon.

Grace D. Chong said...

Hi, Fred! Thanks for visiting. The last time I checked, "Flying" was available in Power Books and National Book Store in Greenbelt and Glorietta. Hope you find the other books soon.

BIG AL said...

hi Ate Grace,

you have touched lives tremendously especially by writing.i am one of them. cheers for your success and may the leaves of grace continue to abound. congratulations. looking forward to read it when im in pinas soon. im still in cambodia so dont have access for that book yet.

God bless

popoy

Grace D. Chong said...

Hello, Ptr. Popoy,

I was pleasantly surprised to see you visit my site. Thanks! When you're back in the country, please give us a call.

ming said...

hi mng Grace,

This is ming lilagan quezon, a dugong CYF from Tayug. I've heard about your new book "Flying with Broken Wings" from a friend. I've been looking for it in national bookstores in Carmen and Urdaneta but i cant find one. I was so blessed reading Books gifts of Grace 1 and 2 courtesy of mng Aie. Looking forward forward to reading your new book. Hope to see you in Umingan for the conference. May your gifts of grace continue to flourish and inspire young adults like me. Shalom!

Grace D. Chong said...

See you this PM, Ming. There will be some copies for sale in church. Thanks for the encouraging words.