Praise for Amelia & Me

“Melinda’s writing is moving and informative and gives a real insight into deafness from a mother’s perspective.”

CHARLIE SWINBOURNE,

editor of online news website, The Limping Chicken

“Melinda’s writing is suffused with love and poignancy about the yearnings and achievements of her deaf daughter. While reading Amelia & Me, I sensed the press of Amelia’s little hand in my hand, tugging me forward to still greater adventures and joy.”

DONNA MCDONALD,

author of The Art of Being Deaf: a memoir

“There are tears in this book, there is some deep reflection on what disability and mothering means, but there is also an awesome and proud little girl starring in the show who will win you over in the end.”

BELINDA BARNET,

author, Senior Lecturer in Media and Communications, Swinburne University

“Melinda’s incredible, no-holds-barred memoir exploring her journey of raising a daughter with hearing loss and autism is a brilliant combination of deeply inspiring, humorous and heart-wrenching. Witty, intelligent and completely authentic, this book should be mandatory reading for all families of children with hearing loss and/or autism, their families, carers, and all who interact with them.”

JULIE POSTANCE,

author of Breaking the Sound Barriers and director of iinspire media

“It’s the story of feisty and determined little girl who will perform this thing called life her way, and a mother and father who watch with love and pride, sometimes from the wings.”

AMANDA APTHORPE,

PhD author and teacher

“This book will make you cry, it will make you laugh, but most of all it will help you walk in the shoes of a mum and a little girl who together are taking on the messy journey of life.”

PROFESSOR JANE BURNS,

CEO, Young & Well Digital, Professor of Innovation and Industry, University of Sydney

“Melinda is open about the grief she sometimes feels, but the overwhelming tenor of her writing is one of powerful joy at watching her young daughter bloom.”

MIKI PERKINS,

senior writer, The Age

“I was captured by Amelia & Me from the beginning, and was completely drawn into the honesty and frankness with which Melinda tells her family’s story – it cuts deep. There’s no doubt in my mind that there will be a lot of families who will find this book inspiring, and fall in love with Amelia as I did.”

AMANDA SPEDDING,

professional editor, proofreader and award-winning author

Amelia & Me is simply a divine love letter, from mother to daughter. Melinda’s love for Amelia is evident on every page. A wonderful memoir of parenting when things don’t go quite to plan. Amelia is one very lucky little girl and her mum sure can write.”

NICOLE ROGERSON,

CEO Autism Australia

“Melinda is an incredible writer with an amazing story. One she tells with insight, humour and brilliance. You must buy this book for everyone you know.”

CATHERINE DEVENY,

writer, comedian, author & social commentator