Imprint
- Piatkus
- Piatkus
Biography: general, Prose: non-fiction
Based on the success of her popular and moving blog, Grace Under Pressure (www.courage-is.blogspot.com), Sophie Walker writes brilliantly about the highs and lows of parenting a child with Aspergers and how she took up running to help her cope.
When Sophie Walker's daughter Grace was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome, her world unravelled. Her high-powered job was in disarray, she couldn't sleep, often woke in tears and felt hopeless and useless in her role as a mother.
One day she realised she hadn't done any exercise for months - neglecting her physical health as well as her mental wellbeing. Previously a keen runner, she set herself the challenge of running the London Marathon to raise awareness of Asperger Syndrome and make herself physically strong enough to support her daughter.
Invigorated by the physical challenge she had set herself, Sophie began a blog - Grace Under Pressure - writing about both day-to-day life raising Grace alongside training for the marathon. The combination caught the imagination of readers and the blog took off, garnering praise from a wide range of sources.
Now transformed into a book, GRACE UNDER PRESSURE is a moving story that charts the highs and lows of raising a child with Asperger Syndrome and the physical challenge of training for a long-distance running event.
Praise for Grace Under Pressure: Going the distance as an Aspergers mum
-
Very powerful, very moving, and an important contribution to better understanding of a much misunderstood condition - Alastair Campbell
-
This is a book about Asperger's Syndrome and a book about running, but it's so much more than that. It's at heart a love story, testament to the power of a parent's fierce devotion to their child. Any parent will see in it something of themselves - Gaby Hinsliff, journalist and author of Half a Wife
-
Incredibly moving and inspiring. A mother always wants what's best for her daughter, but this mum has to really fight -- and run -- to get it - Ruth Field, bestselling author of Run Fat Bitch Run
-
A powerful account of how exercise can restore you physically and mentally - Top Sant?
-
Grace Under Pressure is a beautiful book. It tugged on my heart strings in the most orchestral fashion. Well done - Kathy Lette
-
extraordinary reading - mumsnet.com
-
London-based Walker, a Reuters reporter, marathon runner, and popular Asperger's and parenting blogger, offers an honest and inspiring portrait of parenting a child with the disorder . . . In the midst of her struggles, the author begins running for her own health and sanity as well to raise money for the U.K.'s National Autistic Society. As she trains, Walker's setbacks and triumphs are mirrored by Grace's parallel journey. Parents of children with Asperger's or other spectrum disorders will find information, validation, and hope in Walker's detailed and moving portrait of a mother/ "Aspie" daughter relationship - Publishers Weekly
Sophie Walker
In 2014 Sophie Walker became the youngest woman to design a garden at RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Having studied art history, Sophie later qualified in horticulture, plant science, and garden design. Based in London, she practises globally. In addition to designing gardens, Sophie lectures on conceptual design, the Japanese garden, planting, and the garden environment.
Find a book you’ll love, get our Word Up newsletter
.png?auto=compress&w=150&h=60&fit=crop&fm=jpg)
.png?auto=compress&w=150&h=60&fit=crop&fm=jpg)
Hachette Australia acknowledges and pays our respects to the past, present and future Traditional Owners and Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuation of cultural, spiritual and educational practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Our head office is located on the lands of the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation.
