ugh a telescope into the lives of others? Who hasn't wanted to, right? In the pages of this book, God Spells Love with an X, no telescope is needed. The author, Brigitta Hebdon, welcomes the reader into her crazy family that is profoundly affected by Fragile X syndrome. This is not a parenting book, although it's told from a mother's perspective. It's not a how-to book for righteous living, because goodness knows she hasn't figured that out! It will not demonstrate exemplary positivity. You'll find that the author is human. She yells, curses, and fights. She also cries, prays, seeks forgiveness, and keeps going. It's not a book about God, although he is present in every chapter.

This is a tale of remarkable love. Jared teaches his mom every day how to view the world in unique and hilarious ways. The lessons are chronicled in the Facebook posts Brigitta has kept for the last fifteen years since Jared was in elementary school. This book is guaranteed to make you laugh, cry, and probably get a little mad. It's not a story about disability. These life lessons are for everyone, the most important one being that God is with you regardless of your circumstances.

Jared's world is beautiful, something he has to remind his mom of every day. The tapestry of his life is woven in colorful threads of childlike innocence, imagination, and his keen sense of humor. The dark hues are a result of mood and behavior disorders, as well as other affectations brought on by his disability. But a tapestry without shadows and contrasts is flat and boring. The dynamic between Jared and his mom is anything but boring! For example...

Arguing with Jared about whether or not his lunch (that I packed) sucks. Finally, he ended the "discussion" with this, "Gosh, you're being a brat."

--Facebook, November 2014, age 13

This book will make you smile and be grateful for your own life's challenges, just like the feeling you get when you watch someone pull gum out of their hair. You'll laugh at the circumstances, all the while being happy it's not you pulling out your own hair. However, these life lessons will give you tools for your own struggles, because we don't always get gum in our hair, but eventually, we all step on it!

Cover Design by Rian Elaine