Customer Reviews

Joni: An Unforgettable Story

5 star:		(25)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is one of those few stories that never leave you. Even after you have read the book, closed it and put it on the shelf, the story remains and you can't get it out of your head. A bright, energetic, full-of-life girl goes diving into the shallow water - an act that will forever change her life and ultimately change the lives of millions of others.

Suddenly, this athletic, independent young girl is trapped in a body that will not move. Paralyzed from the shoulders down, she finds herself no longer independent, but fully dependent on the care of others for the simplest of tasks. Things we take for granted like wiping away tears, blowing your own nose or brushing your hair - now on someone else's time table, not your own.

Understandably, this turn of events shakes her faith as she shakes her mental fists at God for dashing all her hopes and dreams for the future. Failed romances, rocky friendships, family heartaches - Joni holds nothing back in this insightful view into her world.

Through her emotional and spiritual failings, the author shares her growth and understanding of God's plan for her life and the lives of others. Using her mouth to draw and paint, the author became an established artist long before people realized that the artist whose work they were admiring was completely paralyzed and unable to use her hands. This revelation thrust her into celebrity where she has been able to make more of an impact on the lives of others than she would have ever been able to have accomplished prior to her injury.

Through her charity, Joni & Friends, the author has provided for wheelchairs for the disabled around the world and opened the doors of opportunity to wheelchair bound people everywhere.

I've seen the author on Larry King a few times and always wondered, "how does that woman keep smiling and keep such an upbeat attitude?" It is hard to imagine a worse fate than what she has endured since her accident, yet after reading her personal account of her life since that fateful summer in 1967, the reader understands exactly why she smiles and truly has joy in her life. I picked up this book thinking it would be 'interesting' and nothing more - I was delightfully surprised to find this to be a page-turner I could not put down. Even though I've finished reading this autobiography, I doubt I will ever truly put this book down. This is a story that sticks with you long after you've closed the back cover.

I WAS FIRST INTRODUCED TO THIS BOOK AS A YOUNG CHILD. JONI HAS TRULY BEEN AN INSPIRATION TO ME. I AM NOW A 22 YEAR OLD WOMAN WHO HAS LIVED WITH CEREBRAL PALSY SINCE BIRTH. LIKE JONI, I TOO AM A BORN AGAIN CHRISTIAN AND I TRULY CANNOT IMAGINE (MY) LIFE WITHOUT THE LORD JESUS CHRIST IN IT. IN THIS MEMOIR, ONE TRULY SEES THE STRUGGLES, THE HEARTBREAKS, AND THE JOYS AND TRIUMPHS THAT THE LORD BRINGS THIS YOUNG LADY THROUGH. THIS IS A MUST READ FOR ANYONE-IN A CHAIR OR NOT, AND I TOO CAN SAY THAT I WOULD MUCH RATHER BE IN A CHAIR WITH THE LORD, THAN ON MY FEET WITHOUT HIM.

I read this book a few months a go. I haven't read many of christian writer's story about their lives, but some that i have read never really touched me the way Joni did. I was impressed and blessed from her honesty in pouring out her thoughts and feelings, even the bad ones. It did not discourage me, but instead it made me realise that we need to deal with ourselves to be able to see the real us and to be able to see what God wants to do in our lives.

I first read this book when I was 11 years old. Joni's story evokes deep feelings of despair, sorrow, anger, frustration, hope, inspiration and love. At 11 years old, this book provided a much-needed introduction to the hardships of life. I believe reading this book at such a young age prepared me for life and ministry.

I first learned about Joni and her life through my nurse. I watched her movie and since then, I have deeply admired her in more ways than one, especially for her strenght and insiring attitude.

I read the book "Joni" and I think it's much better than the movie because it explains in much more details everything that she went through. Joni is a great writer and reading her books is a very pleasant experience!!!

I am also a quadriplegic, and Joni has brought me closer to God by her movie, books, radio programs, website, etc ... I can relate to her when it comes to how it is to live with a disability, so what she says and writes does reach me!!!

I do recommend the book "Joni" to everyone, disabled or not!! It tells the story of a young woman who did overcome a personal tragedy, found a way to keep living and now she is a happy person who helps so many people!!

As she said somewhere ..... " There are many things which are more important than walking"

Carolina (Lola)

This book is beautiful,it shows with gods love and help you can overcome anything, her pictures that she draws with her mouth, are just beautiful. This story of her life, should encourage everyone to go on no matter what the cost. JESUS LOVES YOU !!!!!

Joni is an amazing woman. Her story touched me, and brought a deeper understanding of disablities, and the importance of faith. A good book to pass along to friends. Everyone will get something from it.

I loved this book. I think it would be helpful to read for anyone that has suffered a spinal cord injury or that has encountered a personal struggle in their life. I love the message of this book, it tells people that they can overcome any obstacle if they beleive in god because they have been given the strength. My favorite line in this book is, "God never closes a door without opening a window." I believe this book was written to open the window to others about the love of god.

If I could I would give this book the highest rank of rating out of any book that I have read. I believe that this book is emtionally and sipirtually lifting. I loved this book and I reccomened this book to any persono that is goin through alot in their lives.

Thank You

It has been several years since I read Joni's story, but I still remember being spellbound by her story, all the while identifying with so very much of what happened to her. It's one thing to have been born with a debilitating disablity as I was and it's quite another thing to have it "happen" later in life. If you enjoyed Joni, you will also enjoy YES, I CAN! by Lynn McDaniel. Joni, I would love for you to read my story and read your review. Please stay tuned for its sequel, YES, I CAN TOO! which should be out soon. Lynn McDaniel, Montgomery, Alabama