An Uncomplicated Life

A Father's Memoir of His Exceptional Daughter

By: Paul Daugherty

Narrated by: Robert McCollum

Length: 9 hrs and 17 mins

Publisher's summary

A father’s exhilarating and funny love letter to his daughter with Down syndrome whose vibrant and infectious approach to life has something to teach all of us about how we can better live our own.

Jillian Daugherty was born with Down syndrome. On the day Paul and Kerry, her parents, brought her home from the hospital they were flooded with worry and uncertainty, but also overwhelming love, which they channeled to “the job of building the better Jillian”. While their daughter had special needs, they refused to allow her to grow up needy - “expect, don’t accept” became their mantra.

Little did they know how ready Jillian was to meet their challenge. Paul tells stories from Jillian’s mischievous childhood and moves to her early adulthood, tracing her journey to find happiness and purpose in her adult life, sharing endearing anecdotes as well as stories about her inspiring triumphs.

Having graduated from high school and college, Jillian now works to support herself, and has met the love of her life and her husband-to-be, Ryan. In An Uncomplicated Life, the parent learns as much about life from the child as the child does from the parent.

Through her unmitigated love for others, her sparkling charisma, and her boundless capacity for joy, Jillian has inspired those around her to live better and more fully. The day Jillian was born, Paul says, was the last bad day. As he lovingly writes, “Jillian is a soul map of our best intentions” - a model of grace, boundless joy, and love for all of us.

©2015 Paul Daugherty (P)2016 Novel Audio Inc.

Critic reviews

“Raw, real, touching and poignant--everything a memoir should be.” (The Huffington Post)

“An expressive, nostalgic series of memories of living life with a special needs child.” (Kirkus)

“Affecting. ... This feel-good memoir will appeal to all parents of children with special needs.” (Booklist)

What I liked the most

Narrator was great. I also liked that this book made me think about many thing and it confused my personal opinions that I had from before reading it, so in that sense, great job, writer.

-LECL

Fantastic!!

I absolutely loved this book. It was clearly a passionate portrayal of a dad’s love for and friendship with his daughter, parents who were willing to fight for everything their daughter deserved. This was definitely one of my best reads for 2020.
The one thing was, if you listen on Audible, a little after chapter 20, the reader is off on the chapter numbers. Otherwise I would say this is a MUST read. Thank you Paul Daugherty for letting us into your world!

A Story on the Beauties of DS

I am a Registered Behavior Technician who works with primarily autistic children, but since DS children also have behavioral issues this memoir was relevant. I thought it really leaned on the good things that can come from having a child with Down syndrome, and all of the lessons such a child can teach the rest of us. My only complaint would be that Daugherty said several times that his life would be harder had Jillian had severe autism instead of DS- why is he comparing disabilities? All people with developmental disabilities should be considered worthy of love and acceptance.