Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 98 votes)
5 stars
31(32%)
4 stars
33(34%)
3 stars
34(35%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
98 reviews
July 14,2025
... Show More
This short book serves as a remarkable and glowing testament to the indomitable will and unwavering determination of the human spirit. It showcases the ability to find enjoyment in life even when confronted with seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

Helen Keller, who became blind and deaf due to an early childhood illness, endured a life of painful emotional isolation until the arrival of her beloved teacher, Miss Sullivan. Miss Sullivan taught Helen language by spelling words into her hand. Gradually, Helen learned to read, write, and later, she was determined to learn speech and lipreading through touch. She enrolled in college, using a Braille typewriter to write. With the assistance of her teacher, she engaged in a variety of activities that were previously unattainable for a blind and deaf person, such as swimming, bicycling, and going to the theater. She had a particular passion for reading, as it allowed her to experience stories and sensations that would otherwise have been out of her reach. She also learned Greek and German, met and conversed with a wide array of interesting and famous people, and maintained a large correspondence.

I was especially struck by her profound enjoyment of life and the vivid richness of her descriptions of her experiences and sensations. We often assume that seeing and hearing encompass the entirety of our experiences, but Helen proves otherwise. Another astonishing aspect is the eloquence and richness of her language. For someone who was unable to hear sounds and see letters, to achieve such a high level of literacy is truly remarkable and makes one believe that anything is possible.

The reason I deducted a star was that she wrote this at the age of 22, so it mainly focuses on her education, and towards the end, it becomes a bit repetitive. Nevertheless, overall, this is a book that everyone should read. It is incredibly inspiring and serves as a reminder of the power of the human spirit.
July 14,2025
... Show More
At least it can be said that it is wonderful.

It is a twofold wonder. A wonder of the amazing power of God in creating this human being and what she has achieved in terms of knowledge and culture and how she achieved it, and the wonder of the other human being who made Helen Keller achieve what she achieved, which is her teacher Annie Sullivan.

It is not an exaggeration to say that the personality of Helen Keller was created by the dedication of her teacher Annie, who felt what that poor child was going through after losing her sight, hearing, and then her speech at the age of 19 months. She felt the eagerness to learn and the perseverance within her student, which made her transform from a disabled and mute girl into a source of inspiration for future generations.

Every teacher should read this book to know to what extent they can influence a child's life.

Close your eyes, your ears, and your mouth and imagine how you can understand simple meanings like "love" and "thinking". How will you understand them? How will you feel them?

Read and enjoy Helen's description of the moment when she learned those meanings. And you will know the effort that Annie Sullivan put in.

July 14,2025
... Show More
I've given this 3 stars for the fact that some of it was interesting, not because I liked it.

The first half of the book was interesting. It was mostly focussed on Helen's blindness and deafness and how she learned to overcome it with the help of her teacher Anne Sullivan. There were also a few pages about the obstacles she had to surmount in order to go to college.

The second half of the book, starting after she wrote of attending college, was written almost as a list of the books she read leading up to the writing of The Story of My Life. Considering the fact that a lot of the books she writes about are not widely read (or even at all) today, the detail she gives us is completely irrelevant to today's reader.

Another reviewer said that they were expecting more about what it was like to be both deaf and blind in a time before the technology we have today that could have made her life much easier and more normal. When I read that comment, I was ready to argue that her book must be wonderful, simply because a deaf and blind woman wrote it. However, since reading the book for the first time since the age of 10, I now agree with that other reviewer.

I don't know if it's a characteristic of books written in the early 1900s or if it was published as Helen wrote it and she wouldn't allow it to be changed, but it seems to me that this book would never be published today without a complete overhaul by a very tough editor. I found the Wikipedia page about her more enlightening and enjoyable to read.

Perhaps if the book had delved deeper into Helen's personal experiences and emotions rather than just listing the books she read, it would have been a more engaging read. As it stands, it feels a bit disjointed and缺乏连贯性. Nevertheless, it is still an important piece of literature that gives us a glimpse into the life of a remarkable woman.
July 14,2025
... Show More
Every sentence, you would try to imagine what it would be like to be in her shoes, then with despair you would realize that you can't even imagine.


Have you ever been at sea in a dense fog, when it seemed as if a tangible white darkness shut you in, and the great ship, tense and anxious, groped her way toward the shore with plummet and sounding-line, and you waited with beating heart for something to happen?


Did she mean the same thing as I do when she said 'red'? Did she enjoy the music same way as I do?


They are always asking: "What does this beauty or that music mean to you? You cannot see the waves rolling up the beach or hear their roar. What do they mean to you?" In the most evident sense they mean everything. I cannot fathom or define their meaning any more than I can fathom or define love or religion or goodness.


Hers is a story of triumph of human endeavor over adversities seeming unsurmountable. Every episode of her life, no matter how normal she had tried to make it appear, is awe-inspiring.


And finally, if her love for books, ( 'Literature is my Utopia' as she puts it), won't inspire you to read, read and read, then nothing would.


"Knowledge is power." Rather, knowledge is happiness, because to have knowledge--broad, deep knowledge--is to know true ends from false, and lofty things from low. To know the thoughts and deeds that have marked man's progress is to feel the great heart-throbs of humanity through the centuries; and if one does not feel in these pulsations a heavenward striving, one must indeed be deaf to the harmonies of life.



Helen Keller's life is a remarkable testament to the indomitable spirit of human beings. Despite being deaf and blind from a young age, she managed to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles and achieve great things. Her story is not only one of personal triumph but also an inspiration to us all.


When we read her words, we are forced to confront our own limitations and realize how much we take for granted. We can see the world, hear the sounds, and communicate freely with others, yet we often complain and feel sorry for ourselves. Helen Keller, on the other hand, had to struggle to understand the simplest of things, but she never gave up.


Her love for books and knowledge was truly remarkable. She devoured everything she could get her hands on, and through reading, she was able to explore the world and learn about different cultures and ideas. Her passion for learning was infectious, and it inspired many people to pick up a book and start reading.


In conclusion, Helen Keller's life is a shining example of what can be achieved through hard work, determination, and a love for knowledge. Her story should serve as a reminder to us all that no matter how difficult life may seem, we should never give up on our dreams.
July 14,2025
... Show More
It is very beautiful. At first, it is a bit dull, but then it is really interesting. I would like to read the biography of Ann Solivan.

Unlike the others, Helene, who she was supposed to be, and her role reminds me of the perfect teacher, this fictional one that we only see in the movies. I can't imagine the difficulty of her life or their lives together. And always, anything related to her reminds me of the greatness of the blessings that I have = )).

Moreover, the story seems to unfold a hidden world that is full of emotions and challenges. The characters are vividly portrayed, making it easy for the reader to empathize with them.

As I continue to read, I find myself more and more immersed in the plot, eager to know what will happen next. It is like opening a door to a new adventure, filled with surprises and revelations.

The language used in the story is also quite charming, with descriptions that paint a vivid picture in my mind. It makes me feel as if I am right there, experiencing everything along with the characters.

In conclusion, this is a story that has captured my attention and imagination, and I look forward to seeing where it will lead me.
July 14,2025
... Show More
I have always held a deep admiration and been truly astounded by Helen Keller and her remarkable teacher Anne Sullivan.

It wasn't merely the actions they took. It was how Helen managed to rebound from the tragedy that had such a profound impact on her life. Additionally, it was the era in which she lived. She had far fewer advantages compared to what we enjoy today. And yet, she accomplished so very much!

For many of us, simply learning how to communicate would have sufficed. But Helen was insistent on achieving so much more. She pursued a college education, mastered multiple languages, and even dedicated herself to helping others. She was incredibly fortunate to be part of the family she had. They were not only patient and loving but also reasonably well-off. The others that Helen worked tirelessly to assist were not as fortunate. However, because of her, they were given a glimmer of hope and a chance at a better life.

I wholeheartedly recommend this book. It offers an inspiring and thought-provoking account of Helen Keller's extraordinary journey.
July 14,2025
... Show More

Definitely one of the all time best

This remarkable piece is not just an autobiography of a handicapped female. It is so much more. It is a truly lovely and engaging conversation from a little girl about life.

She has a unique perspective that allows her to see the beauty and wonder in the simplest of things. Her description of how every small thing in life is so funny, crazy, and loveable is both charming and heartwarming.

We are taken on a journey through her eyes, experiencing the world as she does. Her words paint a vivid picture of a life filled with joy, laughter, and love, despite the challenges she faces.

It is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, there is always something to be grateful for. This little girl's story is an inspiration to us all, and a testament to the power of the human spirit.
July 14,2025
... Show More
This book was a bit mature for my 7-year-old daughter. However, we managed to get through it together.

She showed a great deal of interest in the details of Helen's family. She wanted to know about her parents, siblings, and their relationships.

Also, she was curious about Helen's illness. She asked questions about how it affected her life and how she coped with it.

Although the content was a bit challenging for her age, it was a good opportunity for her to learn about different aspects of life.

We had some great discussions along the way, and I was impressed with her ability to understand and empathize.

In the end, it was a rewarding experience for both of us.
July 14,2025
... Show More
When the door of happiness closes, another one opens. However, very often we look so long at the closed door that we don't see the ones that have opened for us.

Appreciate the teacher and understand her efforts.

Without the dedicated teacher Sullivan, Helen Keller would not have been able to write this book. But I will never forget that Helen's will was above the clouds. She managed to learn three languages - French, English, and German. This in itself is a miracle for a girl who had lost her hearing and sight.

I knew Helen Keller before this book from the movie "The Miracle Worker". Then I watched the film that shows what happened to Helen until she was able to pronounce the word "water".

The book is beautiful and reminds me once again that the gift of hearing and sight is the most important gift of all.
July 14,2025
... Show More
Helen Keller is a remarkable personality. When you read her book and encounter those precise descriptions of nature, beauty, and life, two different feelings will grip you.

First, you wonder how a woman who can neither hear nor see can describe such beauty with such precision. How can she describe the whiteness of the snow, the sounds of insects and birds? It must be the spirit that sees and hears. Many people have eyes but do not see the beauty around them.

Second, you will feel that you have a lot. You have eyes that the blind long for to be able to read just one page, and you have ears that can hear all the beautiful sounds. And there are many other blessings. But you don't care or feel that you have a lot, and you will only feel the loss of what you could have utilized when you had it.

When you lose blessings but don't lose hope, and when you have the spirit of perseverance and challenge double obstacles and can overcome hardships just by believing that you can, you will understand the true meaning of life.
July 14,2025
... Show More
One of the most interesting books that I have ever read is truly a remarkable piece of literature.

It takes the reader on a captivating journey through a world filled with unique characters and exciting adventures.

The author's writing style is engaging and immersive, making it difficult to put the book down once you start.

Each chapter unfolds a new layer of the story, keeping you on the edge of your seat and eager to discover what happens next.

Whether you are a fan of fiction or non-fiction, this book has something for everyone.

It not only entertains but also provides valuable insights and lessons that can be applied to our daily lives.

I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a great read that will leave a lasting impression.
July 14,2025
... Show More
Frankly speaking, this work didn't meet my expectations in terms of excitement and insight.

When I was a child, I had a great passion for reading various children's books that depicted the life of HK. In those books, HK's life seemed to be extremely interesting and full of charm.

However, in this article, her childhood tantrums are either presented in a downplayed manner or exaggerated in other aspects. It makes me feel that the real HK is not as vivid and engaging as I imagined from those children's books.

Maybe the author could have explored more deeply into HK's character and experiences to make the article more captivating and thought-provoking.
Leave a Review
You must be logged in to rate and post a review. Register an account to get started.