Synopses & Reviews
The New York Times references Elaine Hall as The Child Whisperer." Her profound bond with children has been the defining force of her life and has led her to the successive miracles she documents with grace, humor and heart in her memoir: Now I See the Moon: A Mother, a Son, a Miracle.
Elaine was an A-list Hollywood acting coach for children when she learned that she could not have biological children. She adopted a beautiful two year old boy from Russia, who was subsequently diagnosed with severe autism. Refusing to heed the admonitions to send him back she used her professional knowledge and wisdom garnered from leading, humanistic authorities on autism to guide him through the inspiring, miraculous journey that has made him the happy, increasingly independent teenager that he is now.
Drawing on that experience, she went on to create The Miracle Project, through which she took on the seemingly impossible task of engaging children on the autistic spectrum to create and perform an original musical. Sparked by her conviction that involvement in the performing arts has the power to transform, her program has been a triumph, the subject of the award winning HBO documentary, and a miracle shared by all who witness it or participate in it. Elaine Hall believes in miracles, and so will anyone who reads her personal account of how faith, persistence and love can bring them into being. The title of the book comes from an ancient Chinese Proverb: My barn burned down, but now I can see the moon.
Review
“Elaine Hall yanks the reader out of preconceived notions of what having a child with autism means. This book is for anyone wishing to learn about the potential autism has to bring out the best in peopleand for developing a deeper appreciation of what true humanity is all about.” Stephen Shore, professor of special education and author of Beyond the Wall
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“Now I See the Moon is must reading for anyone connected with a child who has special needs. A beautiful example of love and determination. It is also an inspiration to all women going through life transitions and learning to connect with and trust their inner guidance.” Dr. Margaret Paul, author of Do I Have to Give Up Me to Be Loved by You
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“Now I See the Moon isa riveting and miraculous ride. Elaine Hall weaves her incredible story in a gutsy, inspirational, painful, hilarious, but always honest manner...overflowing with moments that realistically convey the agony of autism, as well as the gifts autism brings.” Barry M. Prizant, Director of Childhood Communication Services, and Adjunct Professor in the Center for the Study of Human Development, Brown University
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“In Now I See the Moon Elaine Hall leads us on a journey to blessings, uplift and hope. In a voice filled with wisdom, she quickly becomes our coachthat unique person who teaches us the power of persistence, resiliency, faith, and love. This book is a revelation, a miracle.” Naomi Levy, author of To Begin Again and Talking to God
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“Elaine Halls Miracle Project is a “miracle”a miracle of ingenuity, human intimacy, and creativity. This magnificent work vividly demonstrates the joy and hope of discovering the creative and emotional capacities which exist in all children, but especially in those children with autism and other special needs.” Dr. Stanley Greenspan, author of The Child with Special Needs and Engaging Autism
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“Enlightening…timely, painstakingly positive...[Hall] beautifully chronicles Neals development. She created her lifes work in the Miracle Project, a theater arts program for autistic kids” Publishers Weekly (starred review)
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“A moving, unvarnished look at living with autism and a helpful guide to action.” Kirkus Reviews
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“An amazing story written by an indomitable woman and an important book for anyone wanting to nurture and appreciate the special gifts of autistic children.” BookPage
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“Above all else, Elaine has written a book about the power of faithfaith in God, in the universe, in Neal and ultimately herself. It is because of her faith that Elaine stays positive, but it is because of Neal that she realizes that the miracle is in the journey.” Linda Walder Fiddle, Founder and Executive Director of The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation
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“Now I See the Moon provides insightful ways to teach and work with individuals with autism and severe disabilities. It will give parents great hope.” Temple Grandin, author of Thinking in Pictures
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“Now I See the Moon is a beautiful story about a Mothers love, a boys depth, and the transformative power of hope. Her son Neal is an inspiration and a miracle. I encourage every parent to read this wonderful book; It will change the way you think about autism.” Rabbi Bradley Shavit Artson, Dean of the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies at the American Jewish University and author of The Bedside Torah
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“Elaine Hall must have been granted a magical visa into the world of children. She understands their wants, their fears, their dreams. Now I See the Moon is the story of a mothers awesome love for her son. And how art and music can be coaxed from silence.” Doug Atchison, writer and director of Akeelah and the Bee
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“This serene and spiritual account of bringing up a shrewd, loveable and intelligent autistic boy also sparkles with the exuberant tale of how Elaine founded The Miracle Project, a terrific theatre group for autistic and ‘typical kids alike. The book goes far beyond ‘brave, and well into ‘spectacular.” Carolyn See, author of Making a Literary Life
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“In her courageously candid memoir, Elaine describes the challenges and rewards of parenting a child with autism. She usefully explains how shes expanded her sons world through theatre and play. Most of all, Elaine describes the human heart. And how rising to meet the challenges of love will grow it.” Janet Grillo, executive producer of Autism: The Musical
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“Underlying all her work and life is Elaines deep spirituality, her love for kids, and her respect for all. That is Elaines great lesson and her gift to all who read her: accept children where ever they are. Meet them there. Then, take a journey of growth and community together.” Alice Dewey Goldstone, producer of Hercules, Walt Disney Studios
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“A brilliant, spiritual journey filled with out-of-the-box creativity, love and passion. Elaine Halls voice lingers long after turning the last page, inspiring powerful living despite any and all challenges. Best read with milk and warm gluten-free cookies.” Keri Bowers, director of Normal People Scare Me
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“Elaine Hall is a miracle worker with kids who face special challenges. She has an intuitive, creative connection with them, which together they put into theater and film with profound results for the kids and their families. Our family experienced this first hand. Her story is powerful and inspiring.” David O. Russell, director of Three Kings, I Heart Huckabees, and The Fighter
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“How many nonverbal children with autism can understand every word we are saying? Elaine Hall tells us one such story in her heart-rending and beautifully written book, Now I See the Moon. Anyone who reads her book will find their own life illuminated by the experience.” Portia Iverson, founder of Cure Autism Now and author of Strange Son
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“Inspirational and realistic, Now I See the Moon shows how real progress can be made in the life of a child. So many of Elaines experiences reminded me of my own familys struggle, as we search to find answers that will bring us closer to solving the mysteries of autism.” Suzanne Wright, cofounder of Autism Speaks
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“Many books about autism are either instructive but clinical, inspiring but not informative. Now I See The Moon is that rare combination: it reads like an inspirational tale, yet it educates and advances important issues. Elaine is at once a guide, a counselor, an educator, and a truly inspiring mom.” Erik Linthorst, Director of the film Austistic-Like: Graham's Story
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“Elaine Hall has a written a book of shimmering honesty. The generosity of her telling made me grateful, inspired, proud, and at times, awe-struck. Anyone interested in the human journey should read this book. I look forward to offering it, like a torch, to my favorite people.” Ilana Trachtman, director of Praying with Lior
Synopsis
When her son, Neal, was diagnosed with autism, former Hollywood acting coach Elaine Hall, aka Coach E, took matters into her own hands and used her resources to guide him toward an increasingly independent life. In the process, she founded The Miracle Project, a groundbreaking organization that uses the performing arts to connect with children with autism. Both controversial and unorthodox, Elaine's innovative approach has been praised by leaders in the field of autism. Now I See the Moon is a story of hope, faith, and miracles; it is a story only a mother could tell.
Synopsis
“
Now I See the Moon provides insightful ways to teach and work with individuals with autism and severe disabilities. It will give parents great hope.” — Temple Grandin, author of
Thinking in Pictures “This magnificent work vividly demonstrates the joy and hope of discovering the creative and emotional capacities which exist in all children, but especially in those children with autism and other special needs.” — Dr. Stanley Greenspan, author of The Child with Special Needs and Engaging Autism
When her son Neal was diagnosed with autism, former Hollywood acting coach Elaine Hall, aka “Coach E,” took matters into her own hands and used her resources to guide him toward an increasingly independent life. In the process, she founded The Miracle Project, a groundbreaking organization that uses the performing arts to connect with children with autism. Both controversial and unorthodox, Halls innovative approach has been praised by leaders in the field of autism. She was also the subject of an Emmy-Award-winning documentary Autism: The Musical. Hall now speaks around the country sharing her wisdom. Now I See the Moon is a story of hope, faith, and miracles; it is a story only a mother could tell.
About the Author
Elaine Hall, aka Coach E, is an educator, writer, and childrens acting coach for film and TV. Her groundbreaking organization, The Miracle Project, a theater and film program for children of all abilities, was profiled in the Emmy Award-winning HBO documentary Autism: The Musical. Elaine is a keynote speaker and autism advocate throughout the United States and Canada and focuses on being “Miracle-Minded” and bringing out the best in all children. She has received hon-ors from Autism Speaks and the Autism Society of America and spoke at the United Nations for International Autism Awareness Day. Elaine lives in Santa Monica, California, with the two loves of her life: her son, Neal, and husband, Jeff Frymer.