Features
- Cover Type: Mass Market Paperback with 217 pages
- Published by: Simon and Schuster Pocket Books 1970
- Written in: English
- ISBN 10 Number: 0671443852
- ISBN 13 Number: 978-0671443856
Product Description
When Cathy lost her sight at the age of 14, she faced a very different way of life, where her other senses had to take over the work of her eyes. Adjusting to blindness was often easier than handling the reactions of people. One friend who now avoided her her. Another smothered her with too much kindness. Then came the thrill of independence after completing a tough training course with Trudy, her wonderful new guide dog. With her new freedom of movement, Cathy accepted the challenge of going back to public high school. "This book was written by an author who is herself blind, the narrative has the ring of authenticity and is moving without being sentimental or romanticized"- A.L.A. Booklist
Reader ReviewsI read this years ago, and it has stuck with me. The basis for the title is an old proverb to the effect of "It is better to light a single candle that sit and curse the darkness." Cathy, through losing her sight, faces darkness. The book details how people react to her differently, and how she reacts. It details the choices she makes, and her reasons behind them. I believe that this book was written before mainstreaming of special education students became mandatory. The book also mentions Cathy using books on records, which we now use as books on tape or CD, so modern young persons reading this might need a quick history lesson. I would one day like to teach elementary school, about 4th grade level, and this would be an ideal book to read, as Cathy is only a few years older than they. The title of the book have stuck with me over 25 years, since I read it in middle school, and I intend to purchase a copy soon. A wonderful read to have and to pass on to one's children around the age of 12 or so, or to read with youngsters over 10. I can't say enough about it.
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