Amazon No. 1 Bestseller in Biographies & Memoir; Eye Problems; Health, Fitness & Dieting; Disorders & DiseasesWhen adventurous overseas traveler, Amy, is diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa, she has no idea what difficulties lie ahead. After finishing mobility training from the Bureau of Blindness, she thinks her problems are solved, but when Amy tackles the streets with her white … with her white cane, the real fun begins. Determinedly sweeping away her fears, she starts to celebrate the reality of vision-impaired independence. Join the chaos and laughter in this series of uplifting anecdotes as Amy looks to the lighter side of mobility.
Note: The Mobility Series books are stand-alone and do not need to be read in sequence.
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Note: When obtained it was not realised this is the second book in a series. Nevertheless, it is not reliant upon the reading of Book 1 and consequently stands on its own.
Though the subject of this memoir is a serious one the author has, as the sub-tile indicates, opted to present the facts and circumstances in a light, fun, style. The book primarily deals with the issue of facing sight loss through the progressive disease of Retinitis Pigmentosa. The condition leads to decreased peripheral vision; difficulty seeing at night; tunnel vision and other limitations.
To be informed one has the condition and that sight will steadily decrease with the ultimate potential for total blindness (though not a foregone or common outcome with the condition) would send many into a complete depression. However, it quickly becomes apparent the author is not one to concede to difficulties and has every intention of living as fulfilled and active life as possible, which sometimes seems to be an impossible aim. In addition, she evidently does not suffer from a ‘poor me’ syndrome.
This is indeed a light hearted and amusing book most readers will find entertaining. With humour and some self-deprecation the author shares events, circumstances and difficulties encountered as a consequence of her decreasing sight. In the early stages, having been someone who had frequently travelled and worked overseas, she was unwilling to abandon the adventurous and interesting life. Through some of her mishaps, the author provides readers with insights into cultural differences; ethnic customs; national acceptabilities; varied attitudes; etc. Among these incidents are: ending up in a broom cupboard (having intended to find the exit door) and picking up the wrong coat (depriving the owner of its protection on a particularly cold day). Of course, there are other such situations but it would spoil the read for potential readers to say too much more. It should be mentioned the author’s taste for adventure is never suppressed with her even climbing a mountain at one stage.
Though the majority is presented in a humorous manner most readers will be able to discern, between the lines, the serious nature of such a condition and the limiting difficulties resulting. The tale also provides some meaningful insight into fully sighted people’s attitudes, misunderstandings and misconstrued ways of assisting someone with limited vision.
For readers with perfect sight, and for those of us who must put on glasses to see the numbers on cash machines and put on two pair of glasses to read small print, “Cane Confessions” opens windows in our minds and hearts to increase our understanding of the visually impaired—and ourselves.
Due to an incurable genetic eye disease, Retinitis Pigmentosa, author Amy Bovaird is going blind. Her book details the journey of a sighted person becoming blind and learning to use a cane to retain her independence. Instead of being depressing, it imparts the gift of hope, joy, and faith. The author states it best, “Lessons with my cane stretch me. They teach me to be open-minded, patient, and positive, to appreciate the efforts of others and the here and now with my limited sight. Humor plays a role in every adventure.”
And adventure best defines Amy’s life from living life as a gypsy, teaching English and traveling around the world, to climbing Mount Fuji at night in spite of night blindness. “Despite the dismal vision outlook destined for my future, with the help of my cane, and friends, my life feels full of promise.”
She gifts that promise to her readers.