Review: An inspiring and heart tugging read
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 04 5, 2014
The title to this book, THE LONG CUTIE, was of immediate interest. I figured it must be something to do with a child because of the cover, and something medical, also because of the cover. Was the child extra tall? But no, it’s not that at all. The words are the phonetic pronunciation of a medical condition called Long QT Syndrome. It’s a cause of sudden death in predominantly children and young adults and is caused by a fault in the heart’s electrical system.Given that, you’d be forgiven for wondering whether you really want to subject yourself to reading a book about it but I’m happy to report that although it tugged at the emotions it was a good read.It’s an uplifting and delightful diary of sorts; of a father’s day-to-day enjoyment of his life with his three year old daughter Savvy. That she has Long QT is by-the-by. That he has Long QT is by-the-by.Interspersed with his stories of Savvy are contributing chapters from others around the world who live with Long QT. Some of the stories are funny, some heartrending, but all touch you.The author’s laid back style makes it an easy, if emotional, read. I remember a news item last year about a 14 year old boy literally dropping dead after a football game and wondering how that could possibly happen. Now I know. At the end of the book the author invites those affected by Long QT Syndrome to join the Facebook group—you don’t have to suffer it alone.An inspiring read.