I,Win: Hope and Life my journey as a disabled woman living in a non-disabled world (bio) Paperback – October 21, 2012

I had the pleasure of reviewing this book after the author found me on Facebook and asked me to look at her story. Eager to support a new writer, I downloaded her book and finished it in one sitting. In retrospect I feel very blessed to have had the chance to check out this story.The author's amazing spirit shines through even though she lives her life with cerebral palsy. I wouldn't dare say she "suffers" from cerebral palsy, as I really got the message that she does not suffer; it presents challenges in her life, but she does not use it as an excuse. It is very obvious that she embraces life and faces it's many challenges life head on and with a smile on her face. She keeps herself motivated and doesn't use her disability as a crutch. Instead she uses it as a teaching tool to help encourage other people with disabilities to follow suit and pursue their passions despite any challenge put in their way.I find it very fascinating that with the help of friends and family that she learned how to ski and snowboard and found a way to excel at it. I also find it amazing that she transcribed her memoir using Suri (voice-to-text software)!!! Her artwork is also amazing!!!I, Win; Hope and Life; my journey as a disabled woman living in a non-disabled world is an important book - it needs to be read by every single person that has ever looked at someone with a disability and not seen the person behind the disability. I strongly encourage this story to be shared over and over and over...God Bless you Win - keep shining and keep painting; you're a shining light in a world that sometimes forgets to be optimistic and hopeful. I am pretty positive that your mother is smiling down on your and beaming with pride!!!Marianne CurtisAuthor of Finding Gloria, Moondust and Madness: A collection of Poetry, Behind Whispering Pines, Finding Gloria - Second Edition and Brian's Last Ride

is a story about truly living and the power of a triumphant spirit. Win was diagnosed after a premature birth, with Cerebral Palsy. She started her fight for life right away, arriving as a premature infant and spending her first six months in Denver Children’s’ Hospital. Win was born in Aspen, CO and was given all the opportunities other kids her age were despite her diagnosis. Her parents made sure she was given ski lessons at a young age as well as other opportunities. They did not tell her about Cerebral Palsy until she was in 7th grade. Up to that point, Win knew she had to work harder than the other kids, but she did not have a name to call it. When her mother tells her, she realizes that there is a name and actual difference between her and the others.This does not hold Win back at all; it only gives her more of a reason to fight harder. Although, she expresses the frustration she feels at times, she is a remarkable young adult with an amazing support system of friends and family. Her parents support her through many surgeries and empower her to be independent.The story follows the life of this vivaciously stubborn woman through extreme challenges that would break most of us. It is captivating to be a part of her life as she gives the reader an intimate glimpse inside her world. It gives a new perspective to the non-disabled and bridges a gap that desperately needs it. Win aspires to bring the disabled and non-disabled worlds together and I believe she does just that through her writing and her creative expression.This author touched my heart and inspired me in many ways, mostly to engage with life in every chance I get. I cannot find enough words to praise this book. I wish we could make it required reading in schools. It is a real eye opener.

I,Win (Hope and Life my journey as a disabled woman living in a non-disabled world) by Win Charles is not a simple book to read, process or categorize. In my opinion, the book is part confession, part tribute to author's parents (especially mother), and part musings on how a disabled person can succeed in a society of those who take their own able-bodiedness for granted. It even includes tribute to Aspen, the city long known for it's wealth and privilege but also a very nice place to grow up in.Written with raw passion, book mainly focuses on author's journey from a premature and sickly baby to a thriving business owner and an artist. During this journey she learned how to ski and snowboard, she got involved in programs that help disabled people, she went to college and is working towards her goal of teaching art someday.The writer's outlook on life is complex yet positive. It is not simple New Agey 'let's us count our blessings' approach, it is much more energetic and realistic than that. There are challenges, and everybody faces them on daily basis. You can sit and feel sorry for yourself or you can do something about them. To quote the line I especially liked: "For everyone, I want my life story to show that it is always possible to move forward, no matter what the challenge is. Ultimately I win, and you will, too."And that's what the book's message is for me. Moving forward, dealing with challenges and knowing that victory is not just possible but inevitable.

Wow Win! I can't tell you enough. How this story has taught me. I just like you, lost my mother-my rock, my everything at the age 20 years old, and she told us, my brother and 4 sisters we could do anything. Me an artist forgets and feel I'm not good enough. So i want to give up and don't remember her what she said, "You can do it." and she did. This book has inspired me to remember my mom-She is why I'm who I am today. I'm reminded of her struggle of a single mother fearlessly poor raising 5 children, however she moved on with class and confidence. Now when i read your story I remember my mom, and her saying you can win. I'm inspired to win, if i don't at least I've tried. Their in heaven now taking care of us from above, and God will give you what you need. This is a great book for the human spirit, a memorizing for one who has lost thier mother, because that space can't be filled. Thank you for this book!

I read this in a matter of hours because Win writes with a style that remains hard to ignore. That's a bonus to the amazing story she has to share, for all to hear!In humility,Mac Gives

Thank you Win for your book. You are giving many readers an insight into how a disability doesn’t have to shape us.And you’re so right many of us have a disability. Be it physical, mental or emotional. You are truly courageous and an inspiration. Thank you for sharing your story.

This will probably be one of the shortest reviews I have ever written but then it is one of the shortest books I have read (80 pages). In addition I do not wish to spoil the read for others by repeating relevant content, which with a short book could easily be done.The author, who was born with cerebral palsy, was only twenty four when she wrote this memoir. As she says her desire was to honour her mother for how she loved and helped her. However, this memoir encompasses far more. In many ways it is an amazing tale of how someone with such physical limitations has lived a full and active life. In fact she, in the few years of life already experienced, has undertaken far more than many physically able people.Throughout she is upbeat and positive and her exuberance for life is apparent. And she has the right to be proud (not arrogant) of her achievements. There is some repetition but this does not unduly detract.Besides informing us, who did not before, about the different limitations of the illness and about the different types of cerebral palsy Win goes on to discuss how ‘able-bodied’ people tend to treat those with obvious physical disabilities. She wants us to learn and understand. I, having known people with a variety of different disabilities, may confirm she is very accurate in her observations. If we fail to understand it us who will miss out on knowing and connecting with some unique individuals.The book is written in a short, concise manner with the author’s voice readily apparent throughout.Cover: So much emphasis is placed on cover designs these days that I consider it an appropriate part of a review to refer to these. In this case the design does not really convey the content. However, the author is also an artist who has her own art business. The cover is an example of her artistic ability.This is an upbeat and inspiring memoir showing how something most of us would consider disastrous may be overcome. I believe in applying star ratings according to their definition and happily allocate four **** to this genuine memoir.The book is available from:UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B009YLKW54USA: http://www.amazon.com/dp/BooYLKW54The author’s art business: http://www.redbubble.com

I had the pleasure of being interviewed by Win for her podcast and was keen to read more about her life. This is quite a short autobiography of a still relatively young woman but she sure has packed a lot into her life. This book is the inspiring story of Win's battle with Cerebral Palsy. She has refused to let her disability define her life. Win's story is both motivating for anyone suffering from a disability as well as enlightening for those of us fortunate not to have a disability. Win bares her soul and shares the ups and downs of her life. There is no question of Win feeling sorry for herself and this remarkable woman proves anything is possible in life with the right attitude. Highly recommended.

Loved it, an excellent read that felt deeply authentic! Mina&Rose