Embracing Zak

“You may not have grown up in a rural town, as the one in which this story is set, but by the time you finish reading this thoroughly enjoyable book, you will feel as though you had. Save this book for a weekend, because once you start it, you will not want to put it down!“

“Jodee Kulp is a gifted writer whose mission is to make those who feel invisible more than visible, but embraced for all of who they are, including gifts and talents, as well as quirks and challenges. Embracing Zak is masterful storytelling, and is the second of a series to be released. In each of her novels, she highlights those affected by prenatal alcohol exposure along with a larger social injustice. It is also part of the Embraced Project, a transmedia effort to raise awareness for those living with this condition, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). The character of Embracing Zak’s protagonist, Zak, is an amalgamation of 100 interviews with people living with FASD, and conducted by Embraced Project’s Joel Sheagren. With this novel, Kulp also highlights the experiences, feelings, quirks and strengths of other forms of neurodiversity, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder. Her characters have such authentic depth that you will relate to them as your neighbors, friends, or perhaps yourself. With Embracing Zak, Kulp picks up the threads of a novel she wrote twenty years ago, which addressed the injustice of racism, and which remains equally relevant today, by including many of the same characters, now twenty years older.”

Patricia Kasper, Your FASD Coach, host of the podcast
Living with FASD Podcast: Candid Conversations with Patti Kasper

Embracing Zak, is the first of several formats within The Embraced Project to be released, and its mission is to move the public’s awareness of FASD as being something that happens to “others” to something that can happen to anybody when parents of childbearing age use alcohol. It is shockingly easy to look the other way when we believe we are immune to specific harm. As much as society preaches inclusion, we humans distance ourselves from what we don’t understand—those with a neurodiversity, especially a condition with the world’s most popular drug, alcohol, in its name. Thanks to Jodee Kulp, we are brought back to reality by meeting a wonderful person named Zak and the group of people who reshape their lives and their community towards a positive future for all.

“Embracing Zak” takes you to a small Midwestern town inhabited by characters written so believably and with such depth by Jodee Kulp that you will feel as though you’ve known these people for years. In the story, you will appreciate variations of neurodiversity by resonating with brilliantly interwoven characters whose struggles and strengths shape the life of a vibrant community. The book teaches that FASD consists of strengths as well as challenges. By relating to multiple neurodiverse characters, you will realize that embracing our unique learning preferences and strengths is how we come to terms with our humanity and find ways to contribute to the lives of others in our community. Indeed, our combination of strengths, learning style preferences, and challenges is as unique as our fingerprint.

As we embrace the characters in this story, we fully appreciate the saying about tapestries woven from threads of many colors. A complete and rich life must include differing ideas, perspectives, and gifts, creating a delicate and sometimes dramatic intricacy pattern.

The characters in Embracing Zak, the lessons each one has to offer, and how each person touches others in creating moments of life more significant than any of them individually will stick with you long after you read the last word and turn the final page.

This story is one you will not want to end.

MAIN THEMES of “Embracing Zak” include:

• Humanity and Empathy: By presenting deeply relatable characters, the novel fosters empathy and a deeper understanding of the human condition, emphasizing the value of every individual’s experiences and contributions.
• Neurodiversity: The novel emphasizes the importance of understanding and accepting neurodiversity, showcasing characters with various neurological conditions, including Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).
• Community and Belonging: Set in a small Midwestern town, the story highlights the significance of community support and the interconnectedness of its residents.
• Strengths and Challenges: The book explores the dual nature of living with FASD, focusing on both the strengths and challenges faced by individuals with the condition.
• Acceptance and Inclusion: A central theme is the acceptance of individual differences and the inclusion of diverse perspectives and abilities within the community.
• Personal Growth and Contribution: The narrative underscores the idea that embracing one’s unique strengths and learning preferences is essential for personal growth and contributing meaningfully to society.

I hope this book opens hearts and minds to the
hidden issues so many people are challenged by. – Jodee Kulp

Available at Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Embracing-Zak…/dp/B0DB6GB75K

About the primary author: Jodee Kulp has spent her entire life in Minnesota. Some pioneers not only pave the way for others to follow but also shape the landscape to show its existence. Jodee has authored and published more books about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders than any other parent advocate in our time. Her work has helped thousands of families and individuals living
with FASDs and has also enhanced professionals’ understanding to support parents and their children. Jodee’s expertise and experience are matched only by her creative insight in communicating complex information in a unique and entertaining manner.

Jodee is an illustrator, author, co-author, or contributor of twelve books and curricula that promote understanding and offer healthy and creative approaches to living with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). She is an international and national speaker, trainer, and advocate, helping individuals, families and professionals address the emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual needs of individuals with this disability to enable healthy community living.

Jodee and Karl are the parents of Liz Kulp (1986-July 6, 2024), who is also an award-winning author. Through Better Endings New Beginnings, a social initiative, Jodee’s work sets the standard for creating a safe community environment for individuals with fetal alcohol brain injury. She is a co-founder of the International Red Shoes Rock, FASD Aware Alliance, the Expanding Mindz with Canines Program, Biblical Health Coach and a PraiseMoves certified fitness instructor. She offers hope for children, teens, and adults.

What People Say

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We can all C.A.R.E. together.

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