"Where Fairy Tales Go is a compelling, candid reminder that when the world goes upside down, it's still possible to keep moving forward...a playbook for all of us about the power of love, the definition of home and the importance of family and friends." Lee Woodruff, New York Times #1 bestselling author, In an Instant "A powerful, moving story, beautifully written. " Mike Lupica, New York Times #1 bestselling author, Heat, Travel Team and Million-Dollar Throw "A moving and beautifully written story of resilience, love, and faith." Donald T. Phillips, bestselling author, Lincoln on Leadership "This powerful narrative will grab you and not let go. I could not put the book down. Annette Ross's memoir chronicles a catastrophic medical error that profoundly affected her life with her husband Bill and their five daughters. Where Fairy Tales Go reflects on medical ethics, faith, forgiveness and family. Above all it's a testament to the love that endures when two people have the courage to persevere in the face of tragedy." Thomas H. Murray, author, The Worth of a Child "Annette Ross' story is a profound example of a family displaying courage and love in the face of undeserved calamity." Frank Roosevelt, co-author, Understanding Capitalism "Annette Ross' beautiful and deeply personal memoir invites you into her life through the most difficult of times and, in the end, you will see what bravery and faith look like." Jacki Zehner, Chief Engagement Officer, Women Moving Millions and Former Partner and Managing Director, Goldman SachsAbout the AuthorAnnette Ross was born in Chicago, graduated from Sarah Lawrence, and lives with her husband and five daughters in San Diego. are there any free book apps Where Fairy Tales Go: A Love Story
12 of 13 people found the following review helpful. Beautiful and profound.By PamelaThis memoir touched me for many reasons and on many different levels. Annette shares her journey as a wife and mother, daughter and student. We enter her life through a life altering event and we have the opportunity to leave transformed - I am looking at things differently, better, gentler. Her story is her own and my experiences are totally different yet I related on almost every level because of her honesty. It's a story told with dignity and grace and quite honestly I couldn't put it down. I look forward to more and I hope this book gets the attention it deserves.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. "Barn's burnt down; now I can see the moon." A well written account of living a full life after an unexpected tragedy.By nose in a book(SPOILER ALERT - THIS IS BOTH A REVIEW AND A SUBSTANTIAL REHASH OF EVENTS IN THIS BOOK)As I get older, I know more and more people who are touched by unexpected tragedy and heartbreak, none of which you ever think will come your way when you are bright eyed and hopeful in your 20s, when life stretches out before you all shiny and seemingly yours for the taking. For those who persevere through being "broken open" with grace, they are then many times are blessed with wisdom and a greater compassion to the pain of the world. Some generously offer up their personal lives to give us a view of their journey. This is what Annette Ross has done with her new memoir "Where Fairy Tales Go".The first chapter launches right into the moment a distracted anesthesiologist arrives in her hospital room to give Ross an epidural before the birth of her second child. With each sentence that Ross details of that day, our own unease mounts. As a writer she has the ability to create suspense and dread, even as we know what is coming. It was such a present account, I found myself wanting to rush into that room to somehow stop the inevitable.We are right there as she then learns she is paralyzed as a result of a bungled epidural. We nod in agreement with her natural assumption that something can be done, that this new state is temporary, reversible and will be overcome with enough determination, hard work and faith. What she doesn't realize then, is that this is just the beginning of a long journey of further heartbreak as Ross, her husband, and family, struggle to manage the care and expense that this tragedy has wrought on them all. The graceful and joyful life she had imagined veers jarringly off course.As she weaves in stories of her childhood, along with life with her husband pre-accident, we see the basis for the lessons she must later use of faith, love and hope that give her the determination to be not only present for her children (as sometimes her own mother was not able to do for her), but to honor the hard work of her loving husband Bill, whose devotion and love mirrors that of her steadfast and faith filled father, a major force in her life.While you think one tragedy is enough for anyone, we learn that there are no fairy tale guarantees here. Ross is blessed with a small group of steadfast friends, a wonderful therapist and completely unexpected subsequent pregnancies, but also of more major losses. These include several miscarriages (including the loss of an only son far into a pregnancy), her husband's business and income, and their much loved family home -- her own personal haven from a now somewhat treacherous outside world that the disabled face. None of it is easy and Ross is frank about the difficulties of facing the repeated onslaughts. I admire her honesty.Ross is able to gracefully shoulder more change when her husband finally reaches the breaking point of an overload of stress from the loss of control over his own life's trajectory, and asks that she leave everything she knows and head to California to start anew. While not diminishing how hard this is for her, she understands this is a full on life or death crisis for him, and acquiesces immediately, pawning possessions, selling their home, giving away belongings and heading west to yet again, start her life over. She does for him in some part, what he has done for her, giving up many of the last dreams she has been able to hold on to in order to make sure he is OK, and has a chance to create his own destiny and reach for his own dreams.Throughout her memoir, Ross celebrates her adoring husband, her faith, and the joy in creating their family of 5 daughters. Like every mother, she worries about the lessons their particular upbringing will imprint on them. I think there is enough research and anecdotal evidence that children who see parents face and overcome obstacles with courage and love, then are able to do that themselves when called. From dealing with staring people and insensitive comments, to leaving their own home, friends and schools, I will bet they will develop the "grit" to will allow them to flourish during life's inevitable challenges. After reading this memoir, I feel quite sure that these 5 girl's have inherited their parent's intelligence, resilience, character, love and faith.What I only realized after I put the book down for a day after finishing it, how much Ross did NOT say. She glides over the myriad of small indignities and physical hurdles she confronts minute by minute and on a daily basis for the rest of her life. And while others might have heaped abuse and hatred upon the anesthesiologist, she realizes that she too has suffered as a result of that awful day, and hopes only to relieve her guilt and make peace.Looking at my own life after reading this book, I tried to imagine each step of my mothering day (endless driving, laundry, cleaning, bed making, trash carting, cooking, sports, schools) without the use of my legs. How would I manage raising 5 children while confined to a wheelchair through the stages of infancy, toddlerhood, grade school and the terrible teen years? It is simply unimaginable. She barely mentions all she must contend with, but generously credits her steadfast husband Bill for the herculean job he has done over the years. That in itself is a testament to her character and they seem beautifully well matched and devoted. Less loving and steadfast couples would not have made it through together. They could certainly write a book about how to survive, and thrive, in a long term marriage beset by hardship.I met the author briefly close to 20 years ago, before she had her accident, and then used to see her occassionally around CT over the years before she moved away. She was never without her trademark big smile and gracious manner. I just heard about this book, and after reading it truly hope this is just the beginning of her writing career.5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. Broke my heart and put it back togetherBy NY MomI am usually not one to promote products, but I must recommend this book to anyone with a heart and soul. Annette Ross is a truly beautiful human being and hero. Her story is really important. If you are looking for a gift for a strong woman in your life, your mother or aunt or grandmother, I highly recommend this book. Annette's book is a love story, about disability, motherhood, healthcare, faith, and just living in this insane and beautiful world. It is beautifully written and will 100p make you cry.