Love is Blind

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A book review of Love is Blind by Ruth E. Vallis. The story of a woman who suddenly became blind at the age of 3.

A book review of Love is Blind by Ruth E. Vallis. The story of a woman who suddenly became blind at the age of 3.

Stars: *****

Friesen Press (2021)
Memoir
204 pages

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This post contains affiliate links.

Summary: Excited and full of the confidence of youth, totally blind Ruth arrived in London, England, to study Physiotherapy. She spoke the same language, was domestically independent, and had good mobility skills: how hard could this be?

As it turns out, far more difficult than she could have ever imagined, but Ruth was determined to succeed. People who are blind face many challenges, but perhaps the biggest obstacle is the low expectations of others. You can let those who don’t understand you define who you are, or you can ignore them and follow your dreams-as Ruth did.

“Love is Blind” is the memoir of Ruth Vallis. Blind before the age of 3, Ruth was the youngest pioneer of integration in the public school system in Canada, blazing a trail for many to follow. At every stage of her extraordinary life, Ruth defied the low expectations of others, and took on such challenges as biking from Ottawa to Toronto, completing a Master’s of Science degree online before technology accessibility was legislated, and more. Through it all there was her tender, tough-loving mother, Peach, offering encouragement, support and humour to overcome enormous challenges.

Love is Blind

This is a captivating memoir which is high praise for her first book. Ruth’s story is interesting and I honestly can’t believe all the things she is able to do blind.

Being clinically blind from the age of 3 could have really set her life back. It could have stopped her from achieving anything or living her life fully. She didn’t let that happen.

She accepted her new normal and moved on with her life the way she wanted to. Her mother was an amazing support and I’m sure she’d be in a different place if it weren’t for her.

This is not just a memoir of a woman who was blind. She grew up blind in the 60s and was part of the Canadian public school system’s attempt to integrate blind children into regular schools. A blind person now would have supports, especially digital ones, that Ruth did not have in the 60s. It makes her achievements all the more amazing.

That’s right, Ruth grew up in Canada. I love reading books that take place in my home country.

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About Kathleen

I've been a nonfiction lover for as long as I can remember. I love children's nonfiction as well and love to share my knowledge and the books I gained them from, with the world. I wish more people would give nonfiction a chance.