Raising Jess

Raising Jess is a powerful story of love, courage, and hope, chronicling one family's journey through the unexpected challenges of raising a daughter with a rare chromosome deletion. Written with compassion, honesty, and humor, it tells of a family changed forever by the birth of their child with special needs, the decision to have more children, and their courageous decision to choose hope. “Our path differed from many of our friends and neighbors. But different does not mean worse or sad; merely different. Our opportunities and experiences changed our lives for the better."

Vickie and her husband Mitch never gave up on their dreams for Jess, showing that people with cognitive or physical differences can achieve far more than many realize. The book also explores how Jess's disability affected her siblings and extended family. Through years of research and trying various therapies, Vickie offers valuable insights for other families seeking effective and meaningful support for their loved ones.

Vickie also highlights the crucial role of family involvement in the lives of people with disabilities. Her dedication to advocating for Jess continued even after Jess moved into a group home, demonstrating the ongoing effort needed to ensure quality care and opportunities. This touching story showcases the potential within individuals with disabilities and provides inspiration and guidance for other families facing similar challenges. Vickie's background in working with people with disabilities adds depth to her perspective, making the book a must-read for anyone connected to this field, families, caregivers, and anyone who wants a feel-good story.

This discussion guide was created and shared by the author, Vickie Rubin

Book club questions for Raising Jess by Vickie Rubin

Use these discussion questions to guide your next book club meeting.

What were your initial thoughts about the book and its portrayal of raising a child with disabilities? Did the memoir meet your expectations?

How did the author's experiences and emotions as a parent of a child with disabilities resonate with you? Were there any particular moments that stood out as especially moving or insightful?

Discuss some of the major challenges the author faced while raising Jess. How did these challenges shape their family dynamics and personal growth?

How does the memoir highlight the importance of support systems, both formal (like healthcare professionals) and informal (like family and friends)? How did these systems impact the author’s journey?

How did the book affect your understanding of the experiences of families raising children with disabilities? Did it change any preconceived notions you might have had?

For those in professional roles supporting families with disabilities, what key insights or takeaways from the book can be applied in your work?

How does the memoir address societal attitudes toward disabilities? Did it make you reflect on how society supports or fails to support individuals with disabilities and their families?

The title suggests a story of hope. What future hopes and dreams does the author express for Jess? How do these reflect broader hopes for people with disabilities?

How did reading "Raising Jess" impact you personally? Has it changed your perspective or actions in any way?

After reading this memoir, do you feel inspired to make any actions or changes in your own life or community to better support individuals with disabilities?

Raising Jess Book Club Questions PDF

Click here for a printable PDF of the Raising Jess discussion questions

“Couldn’t Put it Down! Raising Jess is an amazing book! I started it at 9 pm and stayed up all night to finish it in one sitting. Vickie Rubin’s writing is masterful! Highly recommend” -Mike S. Ph.D.

“I read this book cover to cover in one sitting. Vickie, the author, does such a great job telling their story with the perfect balance of facts and feelings. Beautifully written.” –Kelly S.

“This book was honest, well-written, and inspiring. Once you start the book, you can’t stop reading it. Love makes all things possible, even with a few speed bumps along the way. I will recommend this book to many friends and colleagues. Read this book!”–Rick B.

“Vickie Rubin is a vulnerable and eloquent storyteller. Vickie shares a story from the beginning of her family's journey with Jess: the highs and the challenges with such grace and humor. This heartfelt book is a must-read for parents, caregivers, and professionals who want to understand and experience true hope.”

“Courageously exploratory, making for a truly enlightening read” -Kirkus Reviews

“An inspiring story brilliantly and powerfully told. I highly recommend it.” -Ashley Adams, author

“This book is beautifully and honestly written from one heart to another. Raising Jess embraces a number of different perspectives and because of this, shines brighter than other stories of families who have children with special needs. Vickie Rubin had me at the first quote, "I thought I would have to teach my child about the world. It turns out, I have to teach the world about my child." -Robert Conway, author

“Vickie Rubin’s heartfelt account of raising her daughter Jess is a must-read for anyone who has a family member with a disability. She said she and Mitch never gave up on their goals for Jessica. The story also shows how people with cognitive or physical differences are capable of so much more than most people realize. She masterfully described how Jessica’s disability also affected her siblings as well as other family members. Her years of research and the explanation of how they pursued different therapies for Jess will help many families pave the way for more effective and meaningful services for their family members. As a person whose career involved working with people with disabilities, I realize how important a family’s involvement can be. Vickie not only advocated for Jess relentlessly after she lived in a group home, but she also showed her readers how to work collaboratively with the staff members who worked with Jess. An inspiring read for anyone!” -Mary P.