EDITORIAL REVIEWS
Product Description Scott Porter, institutionalized at the age of twenty in a state institution for the developmentally delayed. Ironically, Scott is not developmentally delayed. He suffers from a hereditary neurological disease, Huntington's chorea, which Scott admits is "one of Mother Nature's cruelest jokes." Huntington's has rendered Scott virtually unable to do anything for himself, including communicating verbally. The only communication he has is the subtle vibrations in a person's being, that only a handful of the more sensitive care-givers, where he now lives, understand. Scott's brilliant mind is still intact, it's his body that doesn't want to function any-longer. So with all the problems that Scott has, how does he tell his story? "It's a miracle." Scott tells his story through his mind-his thoughts-in a no holds barred, down to earth style that is humorously entertaining, but he can not hide his constant struggle with a deep depression and loneliness. Blue Institution illustrates the tragedy of one individual coping and dying from Huntington's chorea, and how its tragedy touched the lives of his family and care-givers. Through Scott's eyes, it is a timeless witness, portraying life in a state institution for the developmentally delayed, in the mid nineteen-seventies and eighties.
CUSTOMER REVIEWS (Average Customer Rating: 5.0 based on 8 reviews)
Captivating This has been one of the best books I have read. The character of Scott was captivating. The author's writing kept me wanting more. I actually couldn't put the book down. Mr. Kish's insight and expressions throughout the book are nothing short of amazing. So much spirit came through this book. I felt as though I knew Scott personally. His intelligence, his humor. The descriptions of each of the other patients, their struggles, their characters...the staff..all of it just brought me into their world for a short period of time through Scott's eyes; the author's words. I have learned much from this book, it made me think of things I never thought of or never knew regarding institutional living and how things can be perceived. And the feelings...so easily expressed through Mr. Kish's words. The ending was very sad, but inevitable. The author's words, everything, every part of this book allowed the story to flow. July 16, 2007
Consistent I would say a look at the new counter-cultural text since Ken Kesey's, "One Flew over the Cuckoo's Nest." A gem in itself if carefully scrutinized. Consistent through-out. The writing style was punctuated by prolific poetic prose. Well thought-out and patiently constructed. Looking forward to reading more from this author. June 22, 2004
Thought Provoking (to say the least) I've heard the term being used in discusing Blue Institution's merit around a brightly lit coffee table filled with cocktales of all sorts, "Haunting...the story of a young man afflicted with Huntington's chorea while living in an institution for the developmentally delayed, (see, you've got us doing it now Ernie Kish, 'developmentally delayed') gives a voice to the voiceless." Yea. I heard about it and didn't think too much about it until somebody said it was Huntington's chorea that Woody Guthrie had. Not everybody knows about that. So I look into the local book store and order me up a copy and Bang...! Right away I'm struck in the face...captured...only able to stop reading...got up to page 3 where you're already immersed in drama...only to have to stop to get into my car and drive away. So much drama, three people involved in a confusing situation only to be compounded by another who takes total charge just to preserve the dignities of a schedule and manhandling a client whether it be for his good or not only because the schedule could not be broken. That's how intense this author is. May 28, 2004
Stirred my emotions. It made me laugh and it made me cry. This is a very sensitively written work. There's too much detail written into the book for it not to be based on a true story. The author really does a good job at bringing out all those wonderful words and uses them with craft to stir your emotions. I mean he really gets you going at times. My husband also liked it and I overheard him talking about it at a dinner party we went to the other evening. My husband is a big Tom Clancy fan and I a big Nicholas Sparks fan. It's funny that my husband and I both enjoyed reading Blue Institution. It's the kind of book I think Oprah Winfrey would recommend to her audience, and perhaps she will if she hasn't already. It's a story about a young man who stuggles with a terrible disease in an at times horrible setting. Yet, he tries to maintain his sense of humor and even feels sympathy for the rest of his "friends" that live in this state institution. I don't want to spoil your reading of Blue Institution so I won't give away any more details. I hope you enjoy it as much as I. May 23, 2004
This is a good book. I laughed for about 20 minutes after reading the last chapter, then remembered something in the middle of the book and found myself trying to find it. After I found what I was looking for I mentally congradulated the author for what he did and/or how he did it. It's not your typical story. I feel you too will enjoy reading this book. You may find some surprises also. It was also a learning experience for me as I'm studying teaching in a special environment. I only wish some of my college textbooks read this well. May 18, 2004