The Peaks
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5.0 • 2 Ratings
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- $9.99
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- $9.99
Publisher Description
In 1949, a son was born to Edna and Russell Peak. They were told he was "a mongoloid" and to put him in an institution, but they refused and took him home to raise, naming him David. Mongolism was a mystery when David was born and would not be discovered as Down Syndrome until many years later. Edna comes to believe she caused it, and doctors believe they can "cure" it. Complicating life, Edna, who suffered from paranoid schizophrenia and manic-depressive disorder (eventually known as bi-polar disorder), undergoes barbaric electric shock treatments and the family must pull together during these dark times. Meanwhile, Russell is quickly becoming the world's premier glass fly fishing rod craftsman and renowned expert of fly fishing. His rods are in demand and he makes custom rods for the rich and famous, for clients all over the world, and even for a president of the United States.
David is the bright spot in the family's lives and they experience adventure, joy, and laughter together because of him. They also have some tense moments; with a rattlesnake, a corral of horses, and the day David gets lost in Los Angeles on New Year's Day.
Through it all, the Peaks have a special devotion to one another, and theirs is a true family love story.
Customer Reviews
Loved this Book!!
Such a good read. I highly recommend this book to anyone needing a feel good honest perspective on how to live life to the fullest. Thank you Jill for sharing your talent in writing this book about your sweet family.
Amazing story about family love
I learned of this book through family and had to read it. I know the characters depicted in this book well, as I am the boy born on the day of Uncle Davie’s bus rides and big football game - all alone at the Rose bowl (story is part of the read). I grew up with David in my life and always knew he was special. As I grew older into an adult I clearly realized what a blessing he was to our Peak family. One thing I remember clearly, from when I was graduating college and visiting Pasadena. I stood at the Peak house having been able to stop by and knock on the door. I could see through the little door-window that nobody was home? To my surprise, David came slowly out of the back of the house, then he sped to the door with a huge grin. He opened the door fast and reached out and gave me a huge bear hug - saying Jimmy, Jimmy, Jimmy!! He recognized me even though I was just a young teenager the last time I could remember seeing him, maybe Ten or more years earlier. He was an angel on this earth for sure. The end was so great to read through happy tears. Just like I may have imagined… Thank you Jill for this awesome book!!!
James Russell