
about Carissa’s Law
“Carissa’s Law” is an inspiring coming-of-age story that challenges our perceptions of ability, ambition, and love. Through eighteen-year-old Carissa Schultz’s journey, author Misty Boyd crafts a powerful narrative about finding your voice and pursuing your purpose, even when life presents extraordinary challenges.
Born with spina bifida, Carissa navigates the complex transition to adulthood with grace, determination, and an unwavering sense of purpose. As she balances her first year of college with managing her health needs, she feels called to become an advocate for the generation coming after her. But life has a way of complicating even the most noble ambitions.
When Isaac enters her life with his own dreams and aspirations, Carissa must learn to balance her growing feelings with her sense of mission. Their developing relationship raises questions that many young adults face: How do you pursue your calling while nurturing a relationship? How do you maintain your independence while accepting support from others? How do you change the world while still taking care of yourself?
Drawing from her own experiences living with spina bifida, Boyd creates an authentic and nuanced portrait of a young woman determined to make a difference. This isn’t just another coming-of-age story or disability narrative – it’s a compelling exploration of how personal challenges can fuel a larger purpose, and how love can both complicate and complement our life’s mission.
Through Carissa’s story, readers will discover that our perceived limitations often become the foundation for our greatest contributions to the world.
Editorial Review ★★★★★
A Beautiful and Authentic Coming-of-Age Story
In “Carissa’s Law,” Misty Boyd crafts a remarkable narrative that transcends typical coming-of-age conventions to deliver something truly special. Through the compelling journey of eighteen-year-old Carissa Schultz, Boyd creates a story that speaks to universal truths while offering unique insights into the experience of navigating early adulthood with a disability.
The book’s greatest strength lies in its authenticity. Drawing from her own experiences with spina bifida, Boyd creates a protagonist who feels genuinely real – neither defined solely by her disability nor unrealistically divorced from its daily realities. Carissa emerges as a fully-realized character whose challenges and triumphs resonate on multiple levels, making her story accessible to readers from all walks of life.
Particularly noteworthy is the novel’s handling of Carissa’s simultaneous journeys – managing her first year of college, developing as an advocate, and experiencing first love. Boyd demonstrates remarkable skill in weaving these threads together, showing how they complement and complicate each other in ways that feel both natural and compelling. The introduction of Isaac and the evolution of their relationship adds depth to Carissa’s character while raising universal questions about balancing personal relationships with professional ambitions.
The narrative gains considerable momentum when exploring the tension between independence and interdependence. Boyd tackles complex questions with nuance and sensitivity: How does one maintain autonomy while accepting support? How can personal challenges become catalysts for positive change? These themes are explored with depth and insight, avoiding easy answers in favor of honest exploration.
Where the book truly excels is in its portrayal of advocacy and purpose. Carissa’s journey to become a voice for others is portrayed with complexity and realism, acknowledging both the challenges and rewards of such work. Boyd skillfully demonstrates how personal experiences can fuel a larger mission while avoiding the pitfall of making her protagonist’s disability the sole driver of her ambitions.
The author’s prose style deserves special mention, striking a perfect balance between descriptive richness and emotional resonance. Whether depicting Carissa’s daily routines, her college experiences, or her growing relationship with Isaac, Boyd maintains an engaging voice that pulls readers into the story without overwhelming them with unnecessary detail.
“Carissa’s Law” succeeds brilliantly in demonstrating how our perceived limitations often become the foundation for our greatest contributions to the world. This isn’t just a story about living with disability – it’s about discovering one’s purpose, finding love, and learning to navigate the complex balance between personal needs and larger ambitions.
For readers seeking a coming-of-age story that offers fresh perspectives while honoring universal experiences, this book delivers on every level. Boyd has created a narrative that enlightens, entertains, and inspires, proving that the best stories are those that help us see both ourselves and others more clearly.
About This Author
Misty Boyd was born in August of 1983 with spina bifida, the same birth defect as her main character, Carissa, in her novel, "Carissa's Law”.
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