In
Melodies of My Life, readers will
uncover a funny, moving, coming-of-age portrait of a young woman who has overcome
and come-over the numerous obstacles life has thrown her way. At thirty-one
years of age, Denedria Renee Banks wears many hats—from daughter to sister to
friend, from public speaker to single fun loving, independent Black woman, from
medical social worker to a woman with a disability who is often on the patient
side of the medical system. In her own words, Denedria has provided a rare
glimpse into living life with a debilitating disease when the person afflicted
refuses to let that illness define who they are or what can be achieved—not an
easy task when you have a disability in the land where image is everything—Los
Angeles. This is especially true in the appearance-conscious L.A. African
American social scene, where many do not fully accept or acknowledge those with
disabilities.
Each
chapter is a sampling of the complex chords, harmonies and disharmonies of her
life’s passions, from travel to friends to family and the search for the love
of a good man and ultimately the true love that comes from putting yourself
first and loving every flaw and imperfection and taking each day one
step—literally—at a time.
This
no-holds-barred, moving and beautiful true story will deeply touch all who dare
to read it. Doctors, nurses, physical and occupational therapists, students,
persons with disabilities and their loved ones, and all who seek to understand
the human condition on a deeper, complex and fully realized level will
appreciate and experience the emotional and insightful journey of this young
woman’s life so far—its highs and lows, its darkest hours and brightest
successes.
Dear
Denedria, I think that you have done a very fine work with weaving
together many issues of identity, family, race, cutlure and social work.
I also think that you have described very well what happens when people acquire
a disability, rather than experience this as part of their identity from
birth. I am recommending that our faculty use it as a reader for the
first year students in graduate school, as part of the first required core
course, since you have brought all of these issues so well into your
autobiography. For the same reason, I am recommending it for the BASW
social welfare core course. I wish you the very best in your expansion of
your career.
MSW Practicum Coordinator
I wanted to let you know I just finished your book. Thank
you so much for the honor of being chosen to review your work. It was so good
to be able to get to know you better through your writing. I was always so
impressed at your ability as a public speaker. The students were always moved
by your presentation. I'm sure your story will help many people struggling with
their own "disability." As you pointed out (which I think was a
fantastic point) this is a relative term. I think all people deal with personal
"disability" at some point in life. I was saddened to hear some of
the struggles you've had since we met but it sounds like you've raised above
them all and are going strong.
You are truly an inspiration!
I will definitely be putting your book on my reading list. As I mentioned to you before, I give the students several choices of texts written by authors who have learned to live with disablity. Your text will be there right amoung the others!
Best wishes to you and I wish you much success with your
work!
Clare Lewis PT, PsyD
Assoicate Professor, CSUS
This book touched me in so many different ways. There are so many
people living with disabilities, but it takes a special person to come out and
expose themself to the world as Ms. Banks has done. This was truly a
no-holds-barred personal journey. I really loved the last chapter in which Ms.
Banks shares with us her feelings now, the hardships of everyday life, and the
lessons she has learned throughout life. I really believe everyone can gain
something from "Melodies of My Life."
