Reader Ratings: 393
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The author of the popular blog Enjoying the Small Things recounts the first year of life with her daughter Nella, born with Down syndrome-a celebration of the beauty found in the unexpected, the strength of a mother's love, and, the gift of experiencing life in a wondrous new way Love me. Love me. I'm not what you expected, but oh, please love me. That was the most defining moment of my life. That was the beginning of my story. When photographer Kelle... more
At 270 pages, there were times when I felt like I was reading my kids' papers when they were trying to make a word count.
Full ReviewI was amazed at the brutal and naked honesty with which Kelle shares her heartache and sadness.
Full ReviewHampton rarely reveals her own vulnerability...."I not only hugged Fear and Sadness that night at the computer, but I let them unpack their bags and stay awhile—come across as slightly disingenuous, if not simplistic.
Full Review...it’s all about extremes. Nothing is average or middle-of-the-road, and the constant extremity of it all diminishes her credibility. she’s very prone to melodrama, canned-sounding nuggets of wisdom, clichés, and sophomoric expression.
Full ReviewThis book is beautiful, it's heart wrenching, it makes you love bigger.
Full ReviewPerhaps too sweet (despite its harsh realities) for some readers, BLOOM is a thoughtful examination of motherhood and facing unexpected difficulties.
Full ReviewIt is a beautiful book with a wonderful message and it does an excellent job of conveying how beautiful life can be, even when it takes an unexpected turn.
Full ReviewBut the end result is that the book is pretty self-centered, focusing almost entirely on Hampton’s own sadness and how she coped.
Full ReviewThe one thing you learn from this beautiful book is the importance of family and friends... It's about dealing with something unexpected in your life, something that most of us will have to face at some point.
Full ReviewTouching, emotionally gripping and oftentimes downright funny, Hampton’s prose and charm will have you evaluating your own outlook through the telling of her personal story.
Full Review...her detailed description of the grieving process reminded me that sometimes, we have to journey to happy...my favorite portions of the book were about parenting and life.
Full ReviewI almost didn't want to finish the book because I so enjoyed being inspired each day that I read it.
Full ReviewIt will break your heart,you will cry, and then as the book moves past that you will cry for completely different reasons. There is way more happiness than sadness and Kelle had a brilliant way of getting the story all out there.
Full ReviewIt's a thought-provoking book in many ways and with those disclaimers, I cautiously recommend it.
Full ReviewWhat I felt most when reading this book was not just how Kelle managed to accept that Nella was beautiful and perfect, but how much she acknowledged each step that led her to that moment.
Full ReviewKelle’s writing flows deeply from the heart and grips you with such emotion, you can’t help but be drawn in to the special gift their family has been given. Full of stunning photography Bloom is a must read for anyone struggling to count the blessings God has handed them.
Full ReviewWhen Kelle Hampton hurts, you hurt. You can literally feel her pain through her words. This is a great book to add to any collection. Kelle’s story is one to inspire.
Full ReviewI think that while she is a very good blogger, she is not a very good writer - living proof that there is a an enormous difference between handling a blog and writing a book.
Full Review...this book will hit close to your heart and hopefully leave you with a sense of hope that good things do come in the littlest packages, even surprise ones.
Full ReviewBy the end of Bloom, it felt like I was reading cuss words on every page.
Full ReviewShe has written out her story beautifully, a story which a lot of people find themselves in.
Full ReviewA beautiful but overlong book with a positive message, recommended but not a personal favorite.
Full ReviewShe has an excellent way with words.... Serious and witty all in the same post.
Full ReviewI can't say enough how much I loved Kelle Hampton's book.
Full ReviewI think Kelle was incredibly courageous to share such raw emotions with her readers.
Full ReviewWhen Kelle begins to accept Nella’s diagnosis, to the point of speaking at conventions and walking to raise awareness for Down syndrome, you can’t help but want to join the Net and cheer her on.
Full ReviewIt's true that Kelle's generally optimistic attitude has attained its share of detractors... But I loved it.
Full ReviewKelle's passion for being a mama is evident and I fell more in love with her, her photography, and her writing after reading Bloom.
Full Review