The Boy Who Loved Too Much

Starred review from May 1, 2017
This terrific debut from Latson, a journalist, takes up the story of Eli and his mom, Gayle, when Eli is 12 years old. Any parent will recognize the factors in play: hormones, parental expectations for school, concerns about bullying, and so on. The multiplier effect for Gayle is her son’s genetic disorder, known as Williams syndrome. Since Williams amps up the oxytocin in Eli’s system, making him love everyone indiscriminately, Gayle has to teach her son skills that run counter to his nature—but that may keep him safe. Eli’s slowed development and stiff joints mean that complete independence from his mother at any future point is unlikely. Gayle, a single mom, confides, “I want him to live a long, happy life. I just want to be there for him.... If I could live just five minutes longer than he does, I’d be happy.” The author skillfully interweaves the science—what we do and don’t know about genetic disorders such as Williams—with a powerful story line. Eli and especially Gayle are beautifully drawn, and their struggles with an unknown future are both unique to their situation and universal to all parents. As the book’s perspective deliberately pans out to include teachers, counselors, family, friends, and, finally, Eli’s entire eighth-grade class, Latson delivers some unforgettable lessons about inclusion and parenthood. Agent: Brettne Bloom, Kneerim, Williams & Bloom.

May 1, 2017
A personal look at Williams syndrome, "a genetic fluke that strip[s] one in every 10,000 people of the inherent wariness, skepticism, and inhibition that [are] hardwired into the rest of us."In her debut, former Houston Chronicle reporter Latson combines the moving story of Gayle and her son Eli, a child with Williams, with scientific data on this rare genetic disorder. Characterized by an elfish appearance, sleeplessness, heart murmurs, sensitivity to sound, and cognitive and developmental difficulties, the biggest issue with Williams syndrome is that people who have it are overly friendly, too trusting, and unconditionally loving toward everyone, including strangers. For Gayle, this meant she was not able to let Eli out of her sight, for she never knew when he would head toward someone with open arms, wanting a hug or wanting to give a hug. Approximately 30,000 Americans have Williams syndrome, making it less common than Down syndrome or autism, but its effects on the parents and children are no less profound and life-changing. Latson shares Gayle's story from the moments of Eli's diagnosis and into his teen years. As a single mother, she struggles with raising Eli, trying to navigate the health care system, work, and finding places where Eli can be himself without causing disruptions. Attending a special camp helped Eli make new friends, but Gayle was unable to relax and enjoy herself. When Eli entered puberty, Gayle faced further obstacles, as Eli openly experienced sexual desire but was not fully aware of what that meant physically. Latson tells the story with great sympathy and eloquence, giving voice to the frustration, anguish, and despair a parent feels when their child struggles with a rare disorder. A well-researched, perceptive exploration of a rare genetic disorder seen through the eyes of a mother and son.

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April 1, 2017

Journalist Latson's work about Williams Syndrome is partly a portrait about a mother and her love for her special-needs son, and partly an exploration of the condition itself. Williams Syndrome is explained as a genetic disorder that causes intellectual disability as well as physical abnormalities. What is most striking, though, is that people with Williams are intensely drawn to social contact. They rush to hug total strangers indiscriminately and light up when they see even a face they don't recognize. Relying on observations, interviews, and thorough research that makes this rare disease easier to understand, Latson tells the story of Eli and his mother, Gayle. From the boy's diagnosis as a toddler, through his difficult middle school years, and into his first year of high school, when negative behaviors level off and he starts to make friends, she describes Gayle's constant struggle to control inappropriate behaviors as well as advocate for him in school and the community. Her fierce love for her son is undeniable. VERDICT Recommended for parents and caregivers of anyone with special needs.--Terry Lamperski, Carnegie Lib. of Pittsburgh, PA

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