Unexpected Lessons From Professor Hig..., Patti Smith
Unexpected Lessons From Professor Hig..., Patti Smith
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Unexpected Lessons From Professor Higgins

Author: Patti Smith

Narrator: Patti Smith, Tara Janae Smith

Unabridged: 7 hr 33 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 04/23/2025


Synopsis

You will laugh and cry when you read how Patti Smith lovingly and honestly reveals transformative lessons gleaned from forty-plus years of caring for (and being tutored by) her son, Christopher. His diagnosis as a baby with Down Syndrome at first tilted her world off-axis, only to reveal itself to be the thing that actually set her worldview at the exact right angle.In an inspirational and heartwarming manner, Patti explains how her life was changed for the better in profound ways.With her son as her master teacher, Patti learned to see life through his perspective and discover the joy in situations requiring her to dig deeply into her own psyche to identify beliefs needing adjustment. She shares the way she changes with vulnerability and light-heartedness, while giving credit to her clever son who is respectfully referred to as her own Professor Higgins.This book is not just a book about how to raise a child with Down Syndrome, but an inspiring and humorous reflection of parenting and relationships in general.
Awarded the Olive Woolley Burt Award for Creative Writing in the New Voices category.
What readers are saying:"This book changed the way I want to parent!” - Ryan H.“An incredible book, I laughed, I cried, I couldn't put it down!” -Julie L.“I loved this book so much I purchased extra for friends and family to read.” -Chante M."A wonderful self-help book disguised as a memoir." - S.B.

About Patti Smith

Patti Smith is a writer, performer, and visual artist. She gained recognition in the 1970s for her revolutionary mergence of poetry and rock and was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2007. Her seminal album Horses, bearing Robert Mapplethorpe’s renowned photograph, hasbeen hailed as one of the top one hundred albums of all time. Her books include M Train, Witt, Babel, Woolgathering, The Coral Sea, and Auguries of Innocence.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Jo on May 01, 2025

The professor, aka buddy aka Christopher’s lessons deserve nothing less than 5 🌟 my family are incredibly lucky to have a member with the chromosome of magic, so I could easily relate to many of Patti’s stories, and of course Christopher’s lessons. Patti is frank and open about Christopher’s diagnos......more

Goodreads review by Elsa on April 16, 2026

Review of advance copy received from Netgalley I absolutely loved this book. It hit me so hard, but in the most wonderful and heartwarming way possible. I grew up with an autistic big brother who struggled with speech, among other things. I have always referred to myself as his big little sister, and......more

Goodreads review by Michael on October 11, 2024

Patti Smith shares her very personal path of raising a son with Down syndrome. Patti courageously questions, honestly admits, and soulfully seeks meaning. Through her journey, she helps us all discover our own spirituality.......more

Goodreads review by FaithfulReviewer on May 19, 2025

Thank you to Two Octaves Publishing, the author and NetGalley for an audio ARC in return for an honest review This audiobook is narrated by the author's daughter, actress, singer/songwriter and voiceover artist Tara Janae Smith (Christopher's real life sister). Thus making the unfolding story an even......more

Goodreads review by Nancy on October 02, 2024

Greatly enjoyed the insightful, perceptive, and sensitive storytelling. A must read for greater understanding of life with a Down Syndrome child in a joyful journey for those who open their hearts to the love and life lessons offered. Thanks for the love and laughter. Nancy Howard......more