an emotional touching read

What did you like most about Breaking the Silence?

the book was so easy to follow jo's journey and each chapter led me to the next in her life

What other book might you compare Breaking the Silence to, and why?

n/a

What about Colleen Prendergast’s performance did you like?

a lovely northern accent , easy to listen to

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Grandad ... say no more

Any additional comments?

hope there is a sequel or even a movie . !! .

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A must read/listen!

Sensitively read, honestly written. An opening into a world that those with hearing and sight, may only imagine.
A courageous lady with a fantastic family and friends who support her - a lady who overcame so much and gave so much back!

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Oh wow what an insight

Well what can I say?

This is an amazing insight on hearing loss and sight loss. I wanted to find out more as I knew my sight loss as an adult was tough enough and couldn’t imagine what it would be like if I already had a hearing loss. Joanne you are amazing.

I had a different attitude to a white cane as I’d seen people out and about with theirs so saw it as a tool for independence (as it has been until the pandemic hit) I call mine my Wand Of Power however I now realise just how far I have to go.

I was appalled with how Joanne was told she was blind though it’s a similar story to mine in September 2016- just not enough support in place from the beginning. I was doubly appalled at how ill prepared to help the people running her course were (again shouldn’t be a surprise as my local Sensory Services are a shambles and I now forge my own route).

I enjoyed learning about the guide dogs as people often ask if I would consider getting one.

Overall I would say this should be compulsory reading for everyone so people can learn patience as you can never know what each person is dealing with.

PS if you say excuse me to me I don’t know if you are talking to me or not. I tend to stay one to one side and I’m as likely to stop to let you find your path around me as otherwise I’ve been known to move into your new path trying to get out of your way.

I have to admit 99.9% of encounters I’ve had are positive but early in my sight loss journey I met several people who seemed unaware of the significance of a white walking stick or a white cane and would harangue me with “are you blind?” as I stopped seeing a blur suddenly appear coming towards me. My answer of “yes I am. Sorry I didn’t realise you were too” would mostly get an apology though occasionally they would continue to yell in my face with spittle flying that I “shouldn’t be allowed out on my own”

Read this book. Get your friends, family, people you pass in the street, everybody to read this book. Let’s get the message out there so everyone can learn to help everyone to be included

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