The Shape of the Eye Paperback Release

We’ve tweeted and linked to this work before. It’s the beautiful memoir, The Shape of the Eye, written by George Estreich. The Shape of the Eye won the 2012 Oregon Book Award for Narrative Nonfiction and has received resounding praise for its poetic insight and excellent writing. The book is about Estreich’s journey raising his daughter Laura, who has Down syndrome. When Laura is first born her appearance causes pause. Are her slightly too-oval eyes the result of Down syndrome, or is it a nod to her grandmother’s Japanese heritage? Estreich examines the history of his family in context of Down syndrome, all the while painting a portrait of a family that grows increasingly more unique and extraordinary.

The book was released in hardcover in 2012 and will see an extended paperback release in April, 2013. The paperback is now available for pre-order on Amazon, and has several new additions. The first is a new cover featuring a photo of Laura taken by Estreich’s oldest daughter, Ellie. The book also has an extended Afterword that carries Laura’s story into the present, and explores issues in education, disability, and technology.

We cannot say enough good things about this memoir, or its author. It’s a story you don’t want to miss.