Customer Reviews

Blind Courage

5 star:		(21)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I just finished reading "Blind Courage" for the second time. Bill Irwin's story offers a timeless story of courage, faith, and a triumphant spirit as he was the first "blind" person to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail. I write "blind" because Bill may not have the sense of eyesight, but throughout the book has great insight into persons he meets along his walk, and relates the greatest insight into his own self and his strengths and weaknesses, on a hike (he was not an experienced hiker) all possible by his enduring faith in our Lord and his confidence in his Seeing Eye dog, Orient. The book flows well,doesn't sound "preachy", and reads quickly--almost too quickly as we want to hear more. This is a great story by a great man who spent his first almost 50 years in turmoil, broken relationships, and losing his eyesight, but he finds himself and encourages and uplifts others along his hike. By the way, if you have an opportunity to hear him speak, Bill Irwin is an outstanding public speaker with a great message and is a very friendly individual. In summary, read this book if you are looking for modern heroes and uplifting people of faith doing the "impossible" regardless of whether you enjoy "outdoor/hiking/camping" books or not.

Bill Irwin and Orient leads us down the trail over the mountains and into the forest unlike any other author. We see what he feels and senses around him. With every step we walk along with Bill and Orient, and we camp along with them and met some wonderful people along the way helping Bill and Orient along the trail. Wonderful story. Would love to meet Bill and Orient.

The story told in this book is truly mind-boggling, on several fronts. First, there is the adventure of hiking the Appalachian Trail. Secondly, there is the story of a BLIND man doing it! Third, is the whole topic of seeing eye dogs and the bond that develops between them and their owner. It blew me away, that this dog was able to do what he did, thus enabling Bill to complete this hike. Last but not least, it shows what is possible if we put our faith in God. Most of us rely on our own selves--Bill put his faith and trust in God in order to complete this journey. The book is easy to read, short chapters (which I like--makes it easier to pick up and put down), written from the heart. A great gift book!

My review of this book is one of pure joy and inspiration. From the moment I laid eyes on this book I knew it had a great message written in it. I meet Bill and Orient when they came to the Lititz Grace Brethern Church. Even after reading his story and hearing his testomony it was totally indescribleable. Bill is a wonderful speaker and Orient is just the most lovable dog you could ever know. To have a dog like that which leads you over that terrain from Georgia to Maine is a true friend.

They both had a good friend in the Lord and he truly lead them on a spititrual path and from all of this a remarkable story. Again I personally give this book FIVE STARS.

I have thru-hiked the entire Appalachian Trail, and I do not have any idea how Bill Irwin pulled it off. This book is a major factor that inspired me to go out and thru-hike the Appalachian Trail in sections so I wouldn't lose any semesters in college. I had a difficult time hiking the trail, but I was fortunate to have one thing that Bill didn't. My eyesight. This book talks about a modern-day adventure. The book is a book that once you have picked it up, it is hard to put down. He talks about places and people who are still out there, and I gives an accurate portrayal of the Appalachian Trail, and all persons associated with it. Mr Irwin gives what is probably one of the best portrayals of what the Appalachian Trail is all about.

I met Bill Irwin and his dog "Orient" at Bill Gaither's Praise Gathering in Indianapolis, IN. in October, 1993. I attended one of his seminars. What an amazing testimony! I have an autographed copy of his book that I treasure. The story will keep you spellbound as you travel along with Bill and Orient. You can not picture in your mind the difficulty of this feat. I live in Virginia and can see the Blue Ridge Parkway from my house. I have been up on the Appalachian Trail as it crosses the Blue Ridge near where I live. It's truly amazing what he accomplished. There is also a 20 min. color video available from Lynne Whelden Productions, titled "Amazing Grace". If you like stories of courage and commitment, you'll love this book.

Bill Irwin, the Blind Hiker who hiked the entire 2100+ mile Appalachian Trail in 1990 with his seeing eye dog "Orient," writes a wonderful book! He shares so much of himself one really gets to not only know Bill, but Orient too. And yet one easily senses their growth, all along the way. I was captivated by it and can highly recommend it! To give you an idea of what he faced here's his first few steps on the A.T.: "He [Orient] seemed hesitant and uncertain about where we were going. Within ten yards, he had stopped at a large rock lying in the path. I kicked it with my boot to let him know I was aware of the obstacle and gave him the command, "Hop-up," which means "Keep going straight ahead." If he stopped for every rock on the A.T., they could expect us in Maine sometime around the turn of the century. Of course, Orient was doing exactly what he was trained to do in the city -- stop whenever he encountered an obstacle more than two inches high."

I am 14 and I have hiked on the trail from Amacolola Falls to Tessnatee Gap (43.2 miles) and God must have been on his side because I have 20/20 vision and I even drifted off the trail I do not see how he did it.

This is the first book I have read completely, it has inspire me to be a better person and a more positive in life and to just fallow God more closely than I was before. Thank you Mr Bill for a fascinated story.

I did meet this wonderful man and I played with Orient. Bill's talk was the best I've ever heard. His clear sincere blue eyes leave you wondering if he is of this world. His trials on this earth surpass most. I don't know why this book ever went out of print. Everyone needs to read it, especially if they are depressed. I bought an illustrated version for my Grandson. I wish it would be brought to the forefront of children's literature today. Phyl gramawphyl@juno.com