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The Gymnast - by  Patrick J Bird (Paperback) - 1 of 1

The Gymnast - by Patrick J Bird (Paperback)

$19.95

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About this item

Highlights

  • The Gymnast might have been an "everyman" memoir: Patrick grew up hard and fast in the New York of the 1950s and '60s.
  • Author(s): Patrick J Bird
  • 302 Pages
  • Biography + Autobiography,

Description



Book Synopsis



The Gymnast might have been an "everyman" memoir: Patrick grew up hard and fast in the New York of the 1950s and '60s. He found a sport and then a career he was passionate about. Found love, raised a family.

Except The Gymnast isn't any old coming-of-age tale. Patrick contracted polio, and one of his legs atrophied because of it. He became the boy with the "repulsive leg," as he called it, and for a long time, he didn't believe he'd have a normal life.

With grit and dedication (and lots of luck), Patrick forged the life he wanted. He successfully competed on Big Ten and NCAA championship gymnastics teams and coached the sport at the collegiate level. He earned a PhD with an emphasis in exercise science. After a turbulent romance, he married his childhood sweetheart, and they raised three children.

Humorous and sad, heartwarming as much as it is heart-wrenching, The Gymnast follows a unique thread that weaves together disability, sport, and romance. Few stories talk about disabled people dealing with sex, romance, bullying, and competing successfully at the highest level of sport. Patrick may have grown up different, but his compelling story will resonate with every reader.



Dimensions (Overall): 9.0 Inches (H) x 6.0 Inches (W) x .63 Inches (D)
Weight: .89 Pounds
Suggested Age: 22 Years and Up
Number of Pages: 302
Genre: Biography + Autobiography
Publisher: Hellgate-Triborough Books
Format: Paperback
Author: Patrick J Bird
Language: English
Street Date: September 10, 2024
TCIN: 94349476
UPC: 9798218962807
Item Number (DPCI): 247-40-2879
Origin: Made in the USA or Imported
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Shipping details

Estimated ship dimensions: 0.63 inches length x 6 inches width x 9 inches height
Estimated ship weight: 0.89 pounds
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Q: How does the book blend humor and sadness?

submitted by AI Shopping Assistant - today
  • A: The narrative combines humorous anecdotes with poignant moments, reflecting the complexities of Patrick's life experiences.

    submitted byAI Shopping Assistant - today
    Ai generated

Q: What is the main theme of the book?

submitted by AI Shopping Assistant - today
  • A: The book explores themes of disability, perseverance, and the journey of self-acceptance through sports and personal relationships.

    submitted byAI Shopping Assistant - today
    Ai generated

Q: What sport did Patrick J Bird excel in?

submitted by AI Shopping Assistant - today
  • A: Patrick J Bird excelled in gymnastics, competing at both Big Ten and NCAA championship levels.

    submitted byAI Shopping Assistant - today
    Ai generated

Q: What challenges did Patrick face growing up?

submitted by AI Shopping Assistant - today
  • A: Patrick faced the challenge of contracting polio, which affected one of his legs and impacted his self-image.

    submitted byAI Shopping Assistant - today
    Ai generated

Q: What educational achievement did Patrick attain?

submitted by AI Shopping Assistant - today
  • A: Patrick earned a PhD with a focus on exercise science, showcasing his dedication to the field.

    submitted byAI Shopping Assistant - today
    Ai generated

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