Cover Image: Blind Not Broken

Blind Not Broken

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Member Reviews

Such a great book for anyone dealing with disabilities, mental and/or physical, grief or just going through a bad time. The way Lucy compares the stages of grief to her own personal experiences really helps to understand her better and understand yourself and out things into perspective.
It was an emotional and helpful read. Such a good book

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This book was suggested for those losing their sight or going through grief. As someone who is experiencing neither I still found this book relatable and guiding with the self help tips at the end of each chapter being a bonus! The book offers insight to things a sighted person wouldn’t even consider or see as an obstacle. The book highlights how far we have come with including those with poor sight but also how much we still have to go to improve in some areas. Lucy’s optimism is contagious and while she describes the hardships she has faced, she always seems to have a positive message and outlook. I picked this book as I’d vaguely heard of Lucy via TikTok and wanted a perspective of someone different from my own, this book was perfect for that, interesting and practical! I would recommend this book to anyone, there was nothing to dislike!

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book!

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I absolutely loved this book. It was a little slow to start with as there was a lot of scene setting for the self help sections, however a little over half way I couldn’t stop listening. I thought I wasn’t after a self help book when I started to listen to it, however the advice is so sincere and tested by Lucy herself, and all of it seems really sound stuff that I whole heartedly agree with. This is a beautiful piece of writing that brings to attention how ableist the world we live in is which makes me sad for anyone with a disability. Lucy gives some great advice about things to do and not to do when you are interacting with anyone that has a disability. Thank you Lucy for writing this book, I have gotten so much from it, I am in awe of what you have achieved.

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Having discovered Lucy on Tiktok with her "how does a blind girl" series I was intrigued to find out more about her. I think as a blind person she is doing a wonderful job to raise awareness and help to create a fairer world for those with sight loss. I am in awe that she was not only able to write a well written book on her experiences but to narrate it so flawlessly also.

After losing her sight completely at 17 Lucy's world changed in a way you could never imagine and she describes her experiences with saying goodbye to her then hopes and dreams with sadness and the frustration of having to re learn many skills. Her family and friends provided her with a loving support system which allowed her to grieve her losses and build courage and determination to engage with life again.

Written thoughtfully and honestly I really enjoyed hearing about how Lucy has navigated life with sight loss. The surprise section for me was when her family members contributed their thoughts on Lucy's sight loss and it was heartwarming to know that she is loved so much by those around her.

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I received this audiobook from NetGalley and Hachette UK Audio | Hamlyn in exchange for a free and an honest review.

I found this audiobook very eye-opening as an able-bodied person I never imagined all the hoops that people with disabilities have to go through to just exist. I think that the author's description of how she lost her sight and subsequent depression was very vivid, and I feel that it is important to show others that people go through hard times and that they come out of them through support. This is especially helpful for people who suffer with depression and cannot see an ending to their woes. The instances where the author experienced ableism was quite sad and disheartening. I liked that she included a chapter on carers and family, as maintaining a strong relationship with friends, family and carers helped her get through difficult times and the tips that were shared can be used by people who are also trying to help their relatives adjust to their new normal. I was also quite pleased with everything that is being big tech is doing to empower visually impaired people from screen readers to labels that can be read by a scanning pen. Plus the charities that provide guide dogs, giving a measure of independence. However, there is a lot more to be done to make education and facilities accessible to everyone. The narration by Lucy Edwards was also well done and I hope that the final copy has a PDF to do the exercises at the end of each chapter, plus, look at the photos that she described.

Overall, an informative audiobook and would be especially useful for people with disabilities as the author also sites the need for more representation so that people see that they aren't alone and that they can have a fulfilling life.

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What a fascinating and inspiring audio from Lucy Edward’s. We have a genetic eye condition in my family that can lead to blindness so I have grown up around blind family members and this book has opened my eyes and taught me a lot. My sister however has now been instructed to buy a talking microwave (who knew). I am also so impressed to hear about the work Pantene have done to make their products more accessible for their market well done guys let’s hope everyone else follows suit. From my side of things after loosing some of my mobility some years ago this book and the grief process you go through has helped me immensely. I would recommend this book to anyone..

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Wow what a book. Lucy Edwards has given a powerfully moving look at the effects of loosing her sight to a very rare condition. Diagnosed at a young age she first lost her sight in her right eye. Whilst partially sighted she gave a detailed description of how she managed with day to day activities and schooling. It was heart breaking listening to how as a teenager she finally lost the sight she had. She then went on a journey of grief and depression.

But Lucy's personality shines through in this book. How, with the love of a very supportive family and friends. Yes some with four legs too !!! She has come to channel positivity into her life and those around her. In her words yes she blind not broken.

I work in a clinic where we perform specialised eye tests. As much as patients can tell you about their day to day lives you don't fully get to know them. Lucy has given me a greater understanding of the world through 'her eye's'. I will certainly be recommending my colleagues read this book.

Lucy you are amazing. The world is your oyster. I can't wait to see more chapters of your life evolving.

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Lucy Edwards shares her journey after she became blind, and gives some excellent self-help tips to find your way in the midst of your grief. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

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Lucy Edward’s is a remarkable young woman. She has not only overcome the devastating effects of loss of sight, she has used and developed other skills to become an accomplished writer and broadcaster as well as a career in the advertising world. I ‘knew’ her from the bright and colourful hair product tv ads, but I had no idea of her life story,

Blind Not Broken is her account of what happened and how she has dealt with her sight loss. She has an engaging way of writing and although not easily moved, I was emotionally affected by her story within the opening pages. The stark reality if her ladt sighted memory being a side ward at Moorfields really hit home. Her world turned and instead of sitting her A levels, she was plunged into acceptance that her dreams were not going to be realistic. Such is the resilience of this young lady, she’s tackled every adversity with courage and hope. There have been dark days, but she’s weathered them and this account is almost incredible. She has my utmost admiration. As well as being a fascinating insight into the world of being blind, she has tips to help with difficulties. She could be an ambassador for anything she chose as she has such an empathy with people and the world around her. This is a moving and honest account and one of the best autobiographies I’ve heard. Her narration throughout is balanced and articulate. I wish her well and thank her for sharing her journey.

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An insightful and inspiring audiobook narrated by the author herself giving it extra potency.
Lucy Edwards allows us to accompany her on her journey through coming to terms with her sight loss at a young age and transitioning into a world fundamentally set up for non-disabled people. Alongside telling her story Lucy offers practical suggestions for others coping with loss and although many of her examples are related to her sight loss the concepts are applicable to other losses people may experience. The impact on mental health of physical disability is huge and this is well addressed throughout the book. In sharing her views on the medical and social models of disability Lucy helps make sense of the lived experience for disabled people and offers alternative, more empowering thinking for those trapped in the medical model.
I am grateful to the publishers and NetGalley for an advanced listener copy of this book and am leaving my honest review voluntarily.

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A moving story that affected me deeply on an emotional level. Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for giving me a copy of the book.

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**Listened to the audio book**

Firstly, loved the fact that the audiobook is read by the author. It makes it so much more personal.
I have followed Edwards for a while on socials, so this book was a great chance to find out more about her. She is incredibly honest, and at times it's a really tough listen- particularly when speaking about her sight loss and how she felt during that time.
This book follows her journey but it's not all doom and gloom - she is very witty and her charisma and energy just shines through the audiobook.

I just wish the book was longer. Would have liked even more! Was over too quickly.

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