Whether or not you are a fan of TLC's The Little Couple (a.k.a. Bill Klein and Jennifer Arnold, MD), you will find this tender memoir fascinating. For those of you who don't know, Bill and Jennifer are little people, both born with skeletal dysplasia. They married in 2006 and eventually adopted a son and daughter who are also little people, albeit with a different form of dwarfism. Their story is told in alternating chapters and all of it is eye-opening, from their multiple surgeries to correct the bone deformities caused by their dysplasia, to the wonderful ground-breaking work done by their mutual doctor, Steven Kopits, and their experiences with bullying, friendships, and romances. They traveled seemingly parallel routes in life. Both were the only little person in their respective families, both sets of parents eventually divorced (though Jen's would remarry), both were treated by Dr. Kopits at Johns Hopkins, and both started college intending to become doctors (Bill eventually became a successful businessman instead). Bill and Jen actually did meet once at the hospital when Jen was 11 and Bill was 10, and a nurse friend desperately tried unsuccessfully to get them together in their early twenties, but it wasn't until they posted profiles on an online dating site for little people that they actually met at around age 30. The rest is history!
Today Bill and Jen and their children Will (from Inner Mongolia) and Zoey (from India) allow the world into their lives for few weeks each year through The Little Couple. Their challenges have included moving to Houston for Jen's medical career, Bill opening a new business, building an accessible house, Jen's bout with cancer, Bill's back surgery, and, of course, traveling halfway around the world twice to meet and adopt their children. This wonderful book is full of grace, humor, and love. I am amazed at what this couple has each endured just for a chance at a normal life, and the devotion , love and support of their families throughout. If you want to be inspired, read it! I wish I could thank them personally for sharing their stories.
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