"...interesting and well-written...great job of interspersing personal vignettes...purchase copy for...neurology house staff library and also for chaplain�s office...insightful for health care workers dealing with GBS patients--perhaps especially nurses, P.T.�s etc."
--Dr. James Q. Miller,
Prof. Neurology, Univ. VA Medical Center.
Judy�s body is tricked by a virus into attacking itself. She wakes up paralyzed. Her creative mind fights back with the themes and spirit in the stories of her life. Armed with insight gleaned from her own stories about events and people in her past and present both in Turkey and the US, and told with restrained humor and often with Appalachian flavor -- Judy discovers that her spiritual desire to "walk" is stronger than the fear of "falling."
This book is truly an inspiration for anyone who has ever run into a brick wall in life."
--Simone Poirier-Bures,
author of three memoirs including, CANDYMAN.
"Our great author of CATCH 22, Joseph Heller, told of his experience with Guillain-Barre in NO LAUGHING MATTER. Now Judy Light Ayyildiz equals--and in some ways surpasses--his account in her book, Nothing but Time."
--Walter James Miller
author, co-author, or editor of 67 books and LOVE�S MAINLAND
"Throughout, the reader feels like an intimate friend....Her sudden immobility motivates her to look for meaning in this unexpected crisis...caused when a virus tricks the body�s immune system into attacking itself...betrayal of an �ememy within� brings out a more relavant need for self-reflection, which Ayyildiz does in a gentle and insightful way. She relates memories of childhood, courtship, child raising and other life events revealing the interconnections within her life. NbT is a beautiful study of a woman�s psyche as she experiences great trauma and portrays how one can balance her own recovery with her responsibilities to her children and partner. With wonderful metaphors and a healthy dose of humor Judy engages the reader and turns a depressing situation into an inspiring story about courage in the face of a huge setback in life.
--Eser Turan, TURQUAZ MAGAZINE
��a compelling odyssey of life�s house of cards dealing with the hand dealt�very inspirational, terrific�skillful style of looking back casting the net to bring the reader in to the psyche, the reality check of the present, the wary peering around the uncertain corner ahead with its capricious nature. The emotional detail throughout is what makes the book because its riveting honesty pulls the reader forward, encouraging understanding, its independent strength not necessarily seeking sympathy for its own sake.�
--Helen Canuk, DC
"...a heartening book that takes you by the hand through a fearful landscape, and out onto the other side. The writing is often lyrical, the emerging, self-buoyant; but what I valued most is the unremitting honesty."
--Bell Gale Chevigny DOING TIME: 25 YEARS of PRISON WRITING,
a PEN American Center prize anthology, NYC
"...gripping."Donna Miles,Toronto,Canada
�A captivating testimony to the human spirit and the power of the collective self. Ayyildiz is living proof of the healing potential residing within everything we have known be it within ourselves or in and among the life we have shared with those around us.� --Chris Briddi, Ph.D.
Counselor Education, Kent State University
��how moved I am by your story! The book is a beautiful and deeply life affirming testimony to those who choose the path of life, even in the face of such difficulty. �taught me something about positive intention, love, faith and the human spirit.�
--Andrea Clearfield, composer, NYC
��an amazing and inspiring story of recovery�.such courage, strength, optimism and humor, leaves you feeling uplifted and capable to handle any challenge. As a speaker Judy is energetic and engaging. �very encouraging and a wonderful addition to any library.�Sharon Shepherd, Executive Director, Martinsville and Henry County Mental Health Association
"I read it at a gulp - it is beautiful...!" Katie Letcher Lyle, prize-willing author of 18 fiction and non-fiction books, including WHEN The FIGHTING is ALL OVER, Lexington, VA
"Nothing But Time is a courageous, inspiring, masterfully written memoir. The author seamlessly weaves through it unforgettable tales of her West Virginia roots as she learns to cope with sudden paralysis. A born storyteller, Judy Light Ayyildiz taps a wide variety of emotions in her journey -- from hilarious to poignant. As a person with a disability, I can say that Judy captured vividly and accurately the horror of awakening one morning with a body that didn�t work and describes how she and those around her were affected. NOTHING but TIME is an insightful, candid testament to the strength of spirit and creativity."Carol Willoughby, Founder of Saint Francis Service Dogs
�I read it all the way on the plane to Turkey. I swallowed it, lived with Judy at times with wet eyes, at times smiling.�
--Unseli Isci, Head of English Department and Women�s Studies,
Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
�Beautifully written. I will donate book to our PT Clinic. ...sure it will be a great inspiration��
--Dilek Izmirli, PT Clinic Office Manager, West Palm Beach, FL
�Enjoyed�brings back numerous childhood memories�where we lived in the foothills of the Smokies� We too ate water cress and also �polk salad�.�
--Doris G. Wallace,Marco Island, FL
�I�ve not read anything more intense and heartfelt in a long while. I read it orally to my mom, my two nieces, my sister in law and my husband. �absolutely beautiful. I cannot put into words how much the passage about Judy�s mother moved my soul�displayed a love that I can understand but have never been able to express�spoke of unspeakable love� --�Melissa Woodson,
Executive Director, YWCA, Roanoke, VA