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Mouthdropping!!

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I first read Joni in 1977, when I received it as a H.S. grad present. Having been born with disabilities due to German measles, I could identify w/ Joni a wee bit. Frustrations, anger, questions, etc. Yes, I could identify a little bit w/ her. But as I read her book, all I could think was "Wow!!" I certainly didn't have a problem now, did I? God most certainly used her in ways I could never imagine. I am SO thankful that Joni allowed God to use her in all the ways that He has. I know that I have benefitted from Joni and her organization's generosity. Thank You, Lord, for allowing the rest of us to learn so much from her!! May Ken and Joni Tada continue to be a blessing to so many people, and in return, be blessed themselves. Thank you, Joni, and thank you, Ken, for being who you are.

Joni - A true story of adversity and the healing power of faith

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This book is an inspiring story of a teenager left paralyzed from the neck down after a diving accident, and how she finds the strength through her faith to go on living.

Joni Eareckson came to national attention through her artwork, which she painted with a brush held between her teeth. It was a stunning image, her interview with Barbara Walters, the realization that someone left completely paralyzed could find a way to go on with her life.

Joni's true life story has given hope to millions of people in the twenty-five years since it was first published.

Joni by Joni Erikson Tada

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Mary Anne Maxwell, RN Fort Myers Florida.
I read "Joni" as I was graduating from Nurses training, and was doing a Rehabilitation Focus in Detroit, Michigan. Joni has touched my nursing interaction with clients, realizing that all clients are precious to God, and the cranky ones, have something to teach me, that is sometimes deep inside them. I have learned to accept them as they are, and invite them to grow, and to keep in touch with many thru the years. I went on to be a Hospice Nurse applying many insights of Joni's books to helping those who share their journey of chronic disease, and death. Joni is an inspiration to those who seek to give their BEST to others in their detours of health.

A heartwarming and faith building book!

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Our mother used to read us children's books every night, so we were surprised one night when she started to read to us from this book. We loved it almost at once. I don't think I'll ever forget the impression that was made on my mind when we read about Joni's story and her experiences. Even as a little child, I could understand her faith in God and how if I had my own troubles, that would help me too.

This has got to be one of those books that is a rare treasure that many people don't find. It is an excellent book and a heartwarming story of faith, determination and hope. I'd reccomend it to anyone, especially to parents who want a good book to read with their families. It may not be as exciting Harry Potter, but the lessons I learned from it still help me each day!

a book you'll never put down - ever

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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.