Our father who art in an iron lung
By Douglas Dodd
The book comes out July 8.
Pre-order now to reserve your copy.
"Our Father, Who Art in an Iron Lung, a book-long love note to the necessary bridge between tragedy and perseverance, will captivate you. ... A carpenter by trade, Dodd constructs stories like one would a house built to sustain generations of life."
- Melissa Cundieff, author of Darling Nova
A Note from the Author:
I have a story to tell because I built 295 houses, condos, apartments and office condos and all that entails. I built the home of someone who became a Governor of NH and is now a current US Senator.
I have a story to tell because I have a daughter with Down syndrome whose life has been very much entwined with mine who still calls me daily and sees me weekly; and because of her I coached a Special Olympic swim team for 19 years.
More importantly, I have a story to tell because when I was five my father became permanently paralyzed from the polio virus and lived like that for 21 years — mostly in an iron lung — and became a huge and positive influence on his 4 children and anybody who knew him or knew of him.
I have a story to tell because I broke my neck on a job site and missed dying or becoming paralyzed by millimeters.
I have 3 smart independent daughters who I adore and who adore me. One of them works in an ER and shares stories telling me to be careful. The other is a gardener and works in the legal pot world of Maine. The third one has Down syndrome and is an inspiration to all who know her.
I have a story to tell because when I was 17, a 5-year-old neighbor got a bridal costume for Halloween and decided she needed a groom and asked me because she had a little girl crush on me. Forty-four years later we got married.
Happily, my story is now an 80,000-word memoir and will be published by Atmosphere Press on July 8 The book is titled “Our Father Who Art in an Iron Lung”, a reflection of the irreverence with which my family faced our challenges.
About the Book
"In 1955, Bruce Dodd contracted polio and the lives of his wife and his four young children were forever changed. Bruce’s paralysis and his dependence on respirators, however, did not define him. Rather, they revealed his strength. For the next 21 years, much of it spent in an iron lung, Bruce defied limitations and was a devoted father, mentor and an unwavering source of inspiration. Through personal anecdotes, poetry, and heartfelt reflections, this memoir chronicles his journey, the sacrifices and resilience of his family, and the profound impact he had on those around him.
Bruce’s journey is told from the perspective of his son, Douglas Dodd. This deeply moving account explores not only Bruce’s life, but the challenges and triumphs of the entire family as they navigated disability, hardship, and their own personal trials. From childhood memories to life-altering struggles as an adult, —including the author’s own experiences raising a child with Down syndrome and almost becoming paralyzed himself—this book is a testament to the enduring power of love, family and determination.
For the 5.4 million Americans living with paralysis, their families, and anyone who has faced unexpected adversity, Bruce’s story offers hope, wisdom, and a reminder that even in the face of overwhelming obstacles, a meaningful and influential life is possible."
About Doug
Douglas Dodd is a retired home builder living with his wife, Jessica, in a converted warehouse in Dover, NH. Although retired, his children will always find reasons for him to bring his tools over to their houses to fix or build something. Prior to this memoir his only writings of consequence, other than letters to friends and girlfriends, were specifications and contracts for his construction projects. When he’s not working on family properties or his own home, Doug still continues to hike in the White Mountains of NH and will always find time to see his three daughters and three grandsons.
