The Story of My Life
Back of the Book
With unforgettable immediacy, Helen's own words reveal the heart of an exceptional woman, her struggles and joys, including that memorable moment when she finally understands that Anne's finger-spelled letters w-a-t-e-r mean the fluid rushing over her hand. Helen Keller was always a compassionate and witty advocate for the handicapped, and her sincere and eloquent memoir is deeply moving for the sighted and the blind, the deaf and the hearing. "Her spirit will endure," said Senator Lister Hill at her funeral, "as long as man can read and stories can be told of the woman who showed the world there are no boundaries to courage and faith."
We Love It Because
In The Story of My Life we find an such an eloquent articulation of an extraordinary life, that puts to the forefront Keller’s sparkling wit and the joy that seems innate to her. Keller’s compassion for herself and her condition is echoed throughout the narrative, as it allows her to reach the heights that she does - beyond just her fascinating life, one can learn much from Keller’s treatment of her own thoughts, in retrospect.
Memorable Passage
I remember the morning that I first asked the meaning of the word, “love.” This was before I knew many words. I had found a few early violets in the garden and brought them to my teacher. She tried to kiss me; but at that time I did not like to have any one kiss me except my mother. Miss Sullivan put her arm gently round me and spelled into my hand, “I love Helen.” “What is love?” I asked. She drew me closer to her and said, “It is here,” pointing to my heart, whose beats I was conscious of for the first time. Her words puzzled me very much because I did not then understand anything unless I touched it.
About the Author
Helen Keller (1880–1968) was a remarkable American author, lecturer, and advocate whose life story remains an enduring source of inspiration. Stricken by illness as a toddler, Keller lost both her sight and hearing, rendering her effectively deafblind. With the guidance of her teacher Anne Sullivan, Keller triumphed over these challenges, learning to communicate and becoming the first deafblind person to earn a bachelor's degree. Her autobiography, The Story of My Life, chronicles this journey and is a testament to her indomitable spirit. Beyond her personal achievements, Keller dedicated her life to advocating for people with disabilities, women's rights, and social justice. A prolific writer and lecturer, she used her voice to challenge societal norms and championed the cause of equality. Helen Keller is worth knowing not only for her remarkable personal story but also for her lifelong commitment to breaking down barriers, fostering inclusivity, and leaving an enduring legacy of resilience and activism.
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