The Book Has Gone Global!

Every once in a while, I "google" the book to see where it is being sold.  Of course, it is not available in brick-and-mortar stores but, so far, it is sold online in the US, Canada, UK, France, Italy, Norway, Finland, India, China, Japan, Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.

But how come it is not available in the Philippines?  Sadly, even for a color-interior paperback, it would be too expensive for most due to the prohibitive shipping costs.

SHEILA'S BLOG

I follow Sheila's blog (http://sheilamaya.blogspot.com ) and read it with interest, not just because she is my niece but also because it gives me an insight to what she faces everyday. I sometimes go to StumpsRUs.org website and read the Questions/Answers. So many people who have lost their limbs are looking for answers or just want to connect with those who are in the same situation. It is fortunate that there are quite a few organizations who provide support and assistance to amputees like StumpsRUs, Lessthanfour, Amputee Network Blog, Amputee Coalition of America, etc.

A Life Reclaimed - The Background

Sheila, her mom, and I talked about documenting Sheila's experiences for many years but only decided to develop it as a book in Spring 2007. From Sheila's notes and contributions, recollections, and photos from various family members and friends, I started writing her story in September 2008. After several layers of editing, the book slowly took a form of its own.

In April 2009, I started painting Sheila's portrait which I always intended to use for the book cover. After putting the final touches on the manuscript and working closely with the book designer on the interior and cover design, the book was finally published on September 30, 2009.