Encouraging
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.
