Hemiplegic Utopia
This is a collection of short stories from first-time author Lee Seymour - based around his interpretation of the world which surrounds him.
Lee was born suffering from a condition known as hemiplegia, and he struggles valiantly with this lifelong impairment. In this book he deals with a range of issues such as bullying, death, family and sex. His brief and sometimes frank admissions are a breath of fresh air in a society that fails to understand that disability isn't something to be scared of.
"If you believe what my grandmother says, I've been touched by the hand of God. I've suffered (if you can call it that) from hemiplegia since birth. It's a form of cerebral palsy that affects one side of the body. My family were told I'd never walk, play for Manchester United or be a concert pianist. First of all it'd be a cardinal sin to change my allegiance to the red side of the city... and secondly, I'm more of a drumming fan than a keys man.
I defied the critics, and walked before I started school. Granted, I may go about my business on the left toes and right heel - though surely, if that's the only hindrance I've to put up with, I'll be doing fine. That, and a left arm which has a mind of its own."