The heart of this valuable book lies in a wish that Ferdinando Ceccato, president of the Union of the Blind and Visually Impaired, expresses in his introduction: "...that this book might give the blind person confidence and concrete proof of what is possible to achieve when hope, ingenuity, and stubborn determination guide the way. For the reader, it may be easier to learn about us, to discover that before we are blind, we are something else that sees—and that, despite our differences, we are equal to all human beings."
The book's greatest strength lies in eighty testimonial interviews in which blind and visually impaired people describe the "successes" they have achieved despite their blindness. Journalists, sculptors, athletes, painters, photographers, musicians, teachers, therapists—the range of voices is remarkable. Reading these accounts, you find yourself astonished to witness people (men and women, young and old) pursuing their dreams and making them real, turning them into examples both surprising and unimaginable.
To say that we sighted people feel inspired not to lose heart when facing life's challenges understates the impact. For someone who is blind or has become blind, these stories can serve as a mirror in which to recognize the possibilities that remain, despite so significant a handicap.
One regret: the book does not sufficiently describe or acknowledge the essential role others play—companions, assistants, aids—which in many cases is indispensable.
M.B., 2007