A friend
gifted me with a copy of Thunder Dog, and I am so
appreciative. With a family member who is visually impaired, legally
blind, I found this book to be a great encouragement regarding the
quality of life blind people currently enjoy, although Michael
Hingson does make a case for continued work on social integration
into society at large. This book focuses on what blind people are
capable of doing, achieving and enjoying rather than on their
limitations. This outlook is supported by the inclusion of Kenneth
Jernigan's Blindness: A Left-Handed Dissertation in which he
draws parallels between blindness and left-handedness in their impact
on daily living in society.
Author,
Michael Hingson, became blind after over exposure to oxygen following
a premature birth. Unlike many in 1950, Michael's parents chose to
raise him at home rather than placing him in a residential center.
Michael was always encouraged to do as much as he could, and to say
that he was fearless is an understatement. He has continued
throughout his life to test his limits, to assist the blind community
with accommodations and encouragement. Michael's work and
accomplishments may have been enough to bring him national attention,
but he was rocketed there when he and his guide dog, Roselle, were
among the survivors of the attacks on the World Trade Center,
something that provided him with a platform for advocating for the
blind community.
Even if
the reader does not have a personal connection to someone with visual
impairment or blindness, this memoir is one that will amaze and
encourage everyone, and I would highly recommend it. I extend my
gratitude to MaryAnne R. for gifting me with this thoroughly
enjoyable read.
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