This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Reviewed by Doreen Chombu for Readers' Favorite
I Feel Your Stare is a memoir that tells the inspiring story of Cheryl Gillespie, a woman who lives with Rheumatoid Arthritis and associated blindness. From a young age, Cheryl noticed that she was different from others, as her eyesight was hindered, and she had to visit several medical facilities with her parents. These experiences led to psychological trauma and suppressed post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Cheryl had to attend a special boarding school for the visually impaired, where she learned Braille and how to get around. However, the school had prejudicial people, who tried to make her believe that she could not make it in the outside world. Despite this, Cheryl left the boarding school and enrolled in a public school, where she eventually pursued a music career, found love, and experienced loss.
Once in a while, a book comes along that has the power to change your perspective on life. I Feel Your Stare is one such book that has completely transformed my outlook on how to interact with people who have disabilities and how to approach them. Cheryl Gillespie's story is an inspiring tale of one woman's determination and unyielding faith. Her love for music, imagination, and self-reliance are all admirable qualities of her life that deserve to be celebrated. I was moved by the fact that her family supported her and did not abandon her, which is unfortunately what often happens with disabled family members. She addresses many issues that she faced, such as discrimination, medical cruelty, bullying, and prejudice. It is unfortunate to learn that she experienced most of this behavior from people in positions of authority who are supposed to help the disabled. Cheryl's fighting spirit and will to live are remarkable and will be a source of inspiration for anyone in a similar situation. Her casual tone and sense of humor made the book engaging and easy to read. I applaud and thank her for sharing her story and hope more people read it and gain understanding, empathy, and inspiration from it.
