Please join me in welcoming Bill Schmalfeldt to the site. I think you’ll be moved by his personal story in No Doorway Wide Enough:
It was just about three weeks after his 45th birthday in 2000 when Bill Schmalfeldt was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. In 2007 while working at a federal agency as a writer and podcaster, telling other people about the importance of clinical trials, Bill heard about and volunteered for an experimental brain surgery to determine whether or not “deep brain stimulation” could be done on patients in the earlier stages of the disease. This is the story of Bill’s “Parkinson’s Decade” from being diagnosed in 2000, to having the surgery in 2007, through today. The story is told in a humorous, satirical, almost jovial style considering the fact that Bill’s motor skills and cognition continue to degenerate.
This is an audiobook that should be heard by anyone who HAS Parkinson’s, anyone who knows and loves someone with Parkinson’s, and anyone who is considering deep brain stimulation surgery.
Bill has promised to donate 100 percent of the author’s proceeds from the sale of this book to the National Parkinson Foundation and the Charles DBS Research Fund at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
As we tend to do in these instances, Podiobooks.com is passing 100% of your donations along (we normally keep 25%) to Bill’s chosen charities. Enjoy the story!
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on Wednesday, July 14th, 2010 at 12:00 am and is filed under New Books.
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July 14th, 2010 at 12:34 am
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Podiobooks.com. Podiobooks.com said: On the Podiobooker – Now releasing No Doorway Wide Enough by Bill Schmalfeldt http://goo.gl/fb/9PhrA [...]
July 14th, 2010 at 4:37 am
[...] it out. Let Podiobooks know what you think, and let ME know what you [...]
July 15th, 2010 at 9:05 am
This is a must-have podiobook. A brilliantly irreverent, and sometimes laugh-out-loud tale (about a serious subject) told by one of the most charming and amusing authors to hit this site. Plus, he’s got great pipes and a love for old time radio schtick. What’s not to like? I look forward to further episodes of this fascinating and well-told story.
July 15th, 2010 at 9:47 am
[...] got a review of my Podiobook! This was posted by a gent (I assume) calling himself “Zeus.” This is [...]
July 20th, 2010 at 6:15 am
Let me start off by saying that I heartily recommend this podiobook. Admittedly, a life-altering disease like Parkinson’s is not something that one would envision as light and cheerful subject matter for a podcast book, and it was thus with some trepidation that I started listening to the first episode of “No Doorway Wide Enough”. Imagine my surprise at finding myself not only intrigued by, but drawn ever more strongly into, the thread of the ongoing tale of this man’s personal struggle. Even while painting a vivid picture of the advance of Parkinson’s Disease and its effect on his life and future, Bill Schmalfeldt succeeds in keeping the subject light, cheerful, informational, humorous, even inspirational. Needless to say, I very much respect Mr. Schmalfeldt for his resolve and inner strength, not only for bearing up under what must feel like a personal ‘Calvary’, but for caring enough to share this with the world. Give it a listen.
July 22nd, 2010 at 12:07 pm
[...] got a review of my Podiobook! This was posted by a gent (I assume) calling himself “Zeus.” This is [...]
August 2nd, 2010 at 2:20 pm
[...] NOW: An Audio Book at Podiobooks. (Free, but donations accepted.) [...]
August 2nd, 2010 at 2:54 pm
As we stumble through life trying to learn what is important and what isn’t, No Doorway acts as a guidebook on how to handle life-changing, insurmountable problems. Its answer- humor. Parky Bill meanders through a decade-long tale about his experiences before and after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. What I found amazing about the book is that Parky Bill maintains a sense lightness and humor even during the most frightening, and life-threatening events. Doing so, Parky Bill narrates his tale with a voice of strength, courage, and sageness. Doorway is a book where readers will make a lot of connections, and believe it or not- find a lot of answers. Thanks Bill.
August 7th, 2010 at 11:40 pm
Honestly at first reading the description of the book I was skeptical. It sounded like an all too depressing subject with the real possibility of turning into a sob-story.
How I was surprised though. The author is an amazing narrator, writer, podcast editor, and all around person. He is charismatic, charming, and funny all the while dealing with some of the toughest life altering events anyone is likely to go through.
The book is inspirational, amusing and informative. Quite frankly it’s a book you really must listen to.
September 29th, 2010 at 8:22 pm
Warm and engaging, this book provides an honest, witty and eye-opening look at daily life with Parkinson’s Disease. We don’t often get to hear the tales of the non-celebrities that have to deal with PD, and its refreshing to hear one person’s forthright view on it. I felt I learned a lot from the book and am so glad Bill chose to share his story with the world. I plan to encourage everyone I know to listen.
April 19th, 2011 at 7:15 am
This is an excelent book, everyone should give it a listen and/or buy a copy. I educated me about Parkinson’s Disease while making me smile and laugh at the same time.