Helpful Score: 4
This is a very interesting read and a glimpse into the life of Helen Keller. She skips around a bit in telling her story, but I found it fascinating to read about all the famous people who helped her along her path.
Helpful Score: 2
Helen Keller (1880-1968) is a revered figure in American popular culture. Struck deaf and blind by illness at the age of 19 months, she still managed to get an education and become a writer and activist. Her story was further popularized by William Gibson's play "The Miracle Worker," which was also adapted for both film and television.
Keller's autobiography, "The Story of My Life," first appeared in installments in "Ladies' Home Journal" in 1902. This book is truly one of the great American autobiographies: an inspiring story of a courageous individual who overcame tremendous odds.
Keller writes about many things: her childhood in Alabama; her relationship with her beloved teacher, Anne Sullivan; her attendance at the Wright-Humason School for the Deaf in New York City; and meeting such eminent figures as Mark Twain. She especially stresses her love of literature, which she describes as "my Utopia."
Along the way are some fascinating details and profoundly moving passages. Her tribute to the Homer, the blind poet of ancient Greece, is particularly powerful. I also loved her interpretation of the biblical Book of Ruth: a story of "love which can rise above conflicting creeds and deep-seated racial prejudices."
I think that many will regard Keller's autobiography as a mere historical or sociological document. But I think the book deserves a place as a great work of literature, and moreover as a work of literature in the great American tradition. Keller's poetic, often sensuous words about the natural world are comparable to the work of Emily Dickinson. And her stirring account of her revelatory awareness of language reminds me of Frederick Douglass' account of his first awareness of the power of literacy. The book as a whole is enhanced by Keller's charming, likeable literary style.
"The Story of My Life" is a wonderful book by an amazing individual. Helen Keller still has, I believe, much to say to contemporary audiences.
Keller's autobiography, "The Story of My Life," first appeared in installments in "Ladies' Home Journal" in 1902. This book is truly one of the great American autobiographies: an inspiring story of a courageous individual who overcame tremendous odds.
Keller writes about many things: her childhood in Alabama; her relationship with her beloved teacher, Anne Sullivan; her attendance at the Wright-Humason School for the Deaf in New York City; and meeting such eminent figures as Mark Twain. She especially stresses her love of literature, which she describes as "my Utopia."
Along the way are some fascinating details and profoundly moving passages. Her tribute to the Homer, the blind poet of ancient Greece, is particularly powerful. I also loved her interpretation of the biblical Book of Ruth: a story of "love which can rise above conflicting creeds and deep-seated racial prejudices."
I think that many will regard Keller's autobiography as a mere historical or sociological document. But I think the book deserves a place as a great work of literature, and moreover as a work of literature in the great American tradition. Keller's poetic, often sensuous words about the natural world are comparable to the work of Emily Dickinson. And her stirring account of her revelatory awareness of language reminds me of Frederick Douglass' account of his first awareness of the power of literacy. The book as a whole is enhanced by Keller's charming, likeable literary style.
"The Story of My Life" is a wonderful book by an amazing individual. Helen Keller still has, I believe, much to say to contemporary audiences.
Helpful Score: 2
Fine book, with chapters that stand as fine essays. Helen Keller describes her life and in doing so displays her attitude that made her such an inspiration. She also reveals a wonderful attachment to nature, a sense of humor that is honest and ironic, and expresses love that we often have trouble showing in our every day world. Fast read, gentle to the mind, and made me smile.
An amazing look into the life of someone who is deaf and a blind. From her memories before her prison of a world was unlocked well into her life. Letters from her to those in her life give insight also to her personality, thoughts, and daily life. This was a fanscinating book. I was in awe at her intellegence and how much she accomplished - far above even the above average person, with such great handicapps. Made me think about how much more I could and should be doing with my perfect sight and hearing.
Fascinating book!
Autiobiography of Helen Keller, the deaf/blind woman who learned to speak with the help of her dedicated friend and teacher Annie Sulivan.
Reading Helen Keller's own account of her life made my hero even more heroic to me! She was a gifted communicator and her experiences and her reaction to the things that happened to her can teach us all. I am glad I got her perspective from this book...not just the "Hollywood" version.
I would recommend this book.
I would recommend this book.
This is the autobiography of Helen Keller - very neat to read about her in her own words.
Very Inspirational! Did you know that Helen Keller could speak three languages? WOW!
very good book.
I wanted to like this book,just could not get into it. Has a great deal of history which I found very interesting. She has read some very interesting books and is highly educated and has overcame obstacles.The problem I had she just comes across so arrogant and spoiled. She does say she was a naughty little girl but I was reading and thinking, Spoiled Brat would be a more accurate description.
The inspiring true story of Helen Keller. 152 pages-softcover
loved it!!!
