Ellen Notbohm | What Readers Are Saying

Ellen's Readers Say...

Too Soon, Ancestry magazine, September-October 2006

“Words cannot begin to express how moved I was after reading your wonderful story. What a beautiful tribute to your uncle and all the men who sacrificed their lives for the freedoms we enjoy.”

What We Leave Unsaid, Autism Asperger’s Digest, March-April 2007

“Having just read this, it is difficult not to sob. So true, so heart-wrenching. The memories are painful and yet so joyful too, memories coupled with deep worries for the future. I felt every inch of your article throughout my entire body. Beautifully written, but the best part of the article was the great relaxed smile on your son's face!”

Rx for Battle Fatigue, Autism Asperger’s Digest, November-December 2006

“Outstanding! I want to share this article with everyone I know.”

Postcards from the Road Less Traveled

“Just wanted to let you know how much I love your articles. Every time I receive Autism Digest, I immediately turn to your column. They are filled with wit, warmth, humor and hope. I know that I am more filled with hope now than I was two years ago when we finally got accurate diagnoses. Thank you for letting me know I am not alone, and that our special boys have bright futures.”

It’s Not Too Late for 2008, The Oregonian, November 18, 2006

“Soon after starting to read your piece, my antennae vibrated positively. I have been voting for over 30 years and to date have never affiliated with any party. For a long time I had the feeling that I was out of the mainstream because our system seemed to assume that of course you were a member of one party or another. To me that is tantamount to taking my brain out of gear and into neutral. I can think for myself. I don't need a political party to tell me how to engage with the world. I like your mix of humor and insight, and especially your plea for some honest-to-goodness leadership and character to emerge. Don't I wish! Thank you for the article. It is most encouraging to realize that I am not alone in my view.”

“I thoroughly say AMEN to your article. Although I am a registered Democrat, I look for all the things you want in politics. My father's definition of a lie was: when you allow someone to believe something that is not true, deliberately keep yourself uninformed so you can claim you did not know, claim it was a 'joke.' I hope you know you spoke for many of we who are affliated with a 'party'. Thank you for voicing our need for honesty in our lawmakers and all that area covers.”

“What a great article! I’m a disenfranchised Republican, and like many others, only retains affiliation in order to be able to vote in the primary. Your views reflect mine to the letter.”

“Great piece of writing. It wasn't just another repeat of the same stuff. Thank you for showing that we cannot sit back and believe that we did it through our voting. There is a lot that we still have to work on to get this state and this country back. I urge us all not to fall asleep again. Communication and conversation among peoples of all views is a good thing to aim for.”

“Yours is easily the best representation of my feelings of so long standing about our election campaigns”

“All I can say is ‘keep the heat on’, cuz if we don't shoot for 100% integrity it will never happen! You do good work and I'm ever so glad you had the opportunity to get your story ‘inked.’”

“Thank you for putting into words so much of what I feel about the direction of political campaigns in this country. Although I am a registered Republican (planning on switching to Independent), I voted virtually the entire Democratic ticket this month due to my disgust with the Republican campaign tactics. It would be nice to see all parties pledge to follow your guidelines.”

Not Your Usual New Year's Resolutions
Houston Chronicle, January 3, 2006

"I have only printed two columns from the Houston Chronicle Online edition in the last four years. Your column about surviving January 24 by making the right resolutions is one of them. It was wonderful and insightful."

Younger Every Year: Remembering an Ensign's 80th Birthday
Chicago Tribune, September 12, 2004

"A great and an important reminder about heroes, and to help us all remember about the human side of our war losses in war."

"Thank you for your beautiful words. My oldest son turned 20 in April and it is unfathomable to me, as it is to you, that history continues to repeat itself."

"What an article! It definitely hit home to me, especially considering all of the young adults that are fighting now. This is a wonderfully written piece and your uncle deserves every bit of it."

Ten Things Your Student with Autism Wishes You Knew
Children's Voice, May-June 2005 and Family Times, December 2005

“Thank you for making your book so readable and enjoyable. I, also, kept thinking as I was reading, that this is just good teaching - period. If all teachers taught this way to all students, they would not have to stop and think about how to teach the student with autism for they would already be using the good teaching strategies. It is a nice dream, but one I will continue to strive for.”

“As a physician taking care exclusively of children on the autistic spectrum, I laud your article and hope that EVERYONE will read it. I have long believed that these children are special and deserve 100% of our love and attention. Congratulations for issuing a siren call to all of society.”

“Wow! What a great summary of important lessons for educators and parents. This is the most helpful thing I have seen in years.”

“Bravo! Amazing! I just loved the part about the ‘repair’ mode. I was fixed on that part for my son. Too much of his life was focused on what needed fixing. You really have a way of capturing ideas and the heart of these children. I just wanted you to know how much your article touched me.”

The Wind Beneath My Wings
Autism Asperger's Digest, March-April 2005

"I had to write to tell you what a beautiful and inspirational piece this was to me... It made me sad and then happy. After I read your story twice, I realized that my son is going to be OK when he is a kindergartener."

Risk is Not a Four-Letter Word
Autism Asperger’s, Digest September-October 2005

“When I read your article, I thought that's our child to a T. Thank you for articulating the very concept that we have been trying to ascertain – teaching the concept of degrees.”

Ten Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew

I started and finished ‘10 Things Every Child With Autism Wishes You Knew’ yesterday. I was given both books (child/student) by the mother of a child with Autism that I work with and was so enthralled by the book that I read it in one sitting. Closing lines in the forward ‘did you choose me’ sent me into tears and I just sobbed and sobbed and promised myself I would write in to thank you.”

“Your well-written book was not only like balm to my soul, but also gave me hope and inspiration. I too am a mother of two sons..., What seems to set your book apart is that it brings real experiences to life. It helps us understand not only the person who has an Autism Spectrum disorder but tells the story of the mother as well. Very many of the experiences you had with Bryce were so similar to mine and when you explained the reasons for your actions I felt like I wasn’t alone in this.”

“I just wish I could have read your book when my son was first diagnosed. It would have cut my grieving time in half.”

“The most important book I have ever read.”

“Your book is awesome, I am a changed person because of it.”

‘You’ve met my son? How did you know? I am only half way through reading your book but I felt compelled to write and tell you it has really touched me and given me strength. Your words have empowered me, even more, that my son can acheive so much. I'm sure you get thousands of email just like mine, but know that each one is straight from the heart, and that by sharing your personal experiences you are helping so many of us.”

“Thank you Ellen for writing this book. I read it today in one sitting. My wonderful son was just diagnosed with ASD. Our world was rocked to say the least. I've been through every emotion, every possibility, every scenario. I am scared and overwhelmed by all the information “out there”. My mother-in-law gave us a few books, yours being one of them, yesterday. I thought, great, more bad news. I was so encouraged and feel so empowered to let my wonderful, charming, funny, smart, loving boy be all he can be. I am sure he chose me too.”

“I wanted to send you a very special Thank You. Your book has made a huge impact in my life, just made my eyes open. We have been so worried about therapies, IEP’s, and social interactions. I think that we have lost the “fun” of being with my son. We have made some changes in all of our lives and it has opened our eyes to what my son is giving to us as a family. Your book gave me a sense of enlightenment. Thank You for being a voice for my son, when he cannot always speak. I will always be grateful.”

“Wow! Ten Things is outstanding. I have been teaching for more than 20 years now. This is the best book that I have read about autism because it seems to hit it all while not being boring or repetitive. Thanks for the great resource. I am telling all the 'powers that be' that we need for everyone to read it.”

“After reading your book I feel so much better and refreshed that what I was feeling was normal and also that I do want my child to be all he can be. I have been very blessed by your book. Thank you for changing our lives.”

Little Boy Found: the voyage of a 111-year-old tombstone ends where it began Ancestry Magazine, July 2005

“I just had to write and say thank you. I was with you every step in the adventure. The best part was your final words. People who are not into genealogy often ask me why we walk and record cemeteries. Now I have the best answer and I hope you will not mind that I use it: ‘We do it because every life matters.’”

“I felt prompted to write you, though I have no connection. Your story moved me because of what you personally expressed in your article. I have learned that if something isn't worth sharing, then it isn't really worth anything at all. (As) an amateur genealogist, my biggest rewards have come when I helped someone else. Your story of Willie touched me, and I know you have also experienced those types of events.”