By Faith, Not by Sight: The Inspirational Story of a Blind Prodigy, a Life-Threatening Illness, and an Unexpected Gift

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By Faith, Not by Sight: The Inspirational Story of a Blind Prodigy, a Life-Threatening Illness, and an Unexpected Gift

by Scott MacIntyre, Jennifer Schuchmann (Goodreads Author) (Contributor)

3.93 of 5 stars 3.93 · rating details · 55 ratings · 25 reviews

A moving story of hope, faith, persistence and the power of dreams.
A piano prodigy, a nineteen-year-old college grad, a Marshall scholar, and an American Idol finalist. This guy had it made. He could sing.

He could ski blind. What couldn't he do?

Even if you saw him in concert, you might not believe that Scott MacIntyre is blind, and you'd never guess that at nineteen, he f...more

Hardcover, 288 pages

Published April 3rd 2012 by Thomas Nelson Publishers

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Aug 11, 2012 Sylvia rated it 4 of 5 stars

A piano prodigy, a nineteen-year-old college grad, a Marshall scholar, and an American Idol finalist. This guy had it made. He could sing. He could ski blind. What couldn't he do?
Even if you saw him in concert, you might not believe that Scott MacIntyre is blind, and you'd never guess that at nineteen, he faced a diagnosis that rocked his family and nearly took his life. So how did he do it? How did he overcome the odds?

This is the story of how God used a dedicated family, a selfless acquain...more

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Jul 04, 2012 Jackie Paulson rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-reading-challenge-for-jackie, done-reading-in-2012

By Faith, Not by Sight by Scott MacIntyre
With Jennifer Schuchmann
The Inspirational Story of a Blind Prodigy, a Life-Threatening Illness, and an Unexpected Gift

Author: Scott MacIntyre with Jennifer Schuchmann
Genre: Religion/Christian Life/ Inspirational
List Price: $19.99 [hardcover]
ISBN: 978-0849947216
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Release Date: April 3, 2012
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Review by Jackie Paulson © 2012
I would like to thank booksneeze for the chance to read this book as it was sent to me for f...more

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May 08, 2012 Andre Ong rated it 4 of 5 stars

Some celebrities write their autobiographies in order to talk about themselves. They want to tell their story. Scott MacIntyre’s autobiography is only secondarily about himself. It is primarily about the work of God in his life and in the life of his family. From the beginning, as Scott talks about the torturous experience of medical tests trying to ascertain the source of his blindness, the years of fighting renal failure, and his passion to bless people with music, MacIntyre continually brings...more Some celebrities write their autobiographies in order to talk about themselves. They want to tell their story. Scott MacIntyre’s autobiography is only secondarily about himself. It is primarily about the work of God in his life and in the life of his family. From the beginning, as Scott talks about the torturous experience of medical tests trying to ascertain the source of his blindness, the years of fighting renal failure, and his passion to bless people with music, MacIntyre continually brings God to center stage. By Faith, Not by Sight is the story of God in the MacIntyre’s lives.

I have been thoroughly blessed and challenged by reading this book.

I knew nothing of Scott MacIntyre or his experience on American Idol. I’m not much of a tv watcher, so I didn’t know what to expect when I started this book. I picked it up, though, because I was curious to learn why a Christian would want to be on a celebrity/reality show like American Idol. I was very pleased to discover a passion to give and care for others, not a desire for fame and fortune, drives Mr. MacIntyre’s ministry of music.

One of the most important Christian books of our times is To Change the World by James Davison Hunter It is a study of culture and sociology. In short, the premise of the text is that culture is transformed by focusing on the central hubs of culture–the universities and cultural centers where culture is created. This would include Nashville and New York–the places where music and television are created for our culture today.

Scott MacIntyre intuitively understands this principle. His book is the story of how God has used him, and continues to use him, to impact our culture through one of the most important cultural hubs of our time: pop music. I continually rejoiced to read of God’s work, the ways He ordered events and circumstances, in order to strategically place Scott in the right place at the right time to bless the most people in such a way that God receives all the glory. It’s inspiring to know that God does these things–to see them happen to people today–and to know that he can do such a thing with me and my family as well.

MacIntyre’s renal failure contributes a great deal to this story. It is critical to the reader, especially the Christian reader, because through Scott’s story and kidney transplant, we learn what it means to pray. I’ve long looked for a good text on prayer–something that would teach me what it means to depend on God daily and pray well. I didn’t expect to find it in an autobiography, though. So much of this book is about prayer. The MacIntyre’s prayed for every trial and circumstance, and Scott discusses all of those instances. He has mentored me personally in my prayer life. I am eternally grateful to the Lord, to Mr. MacIntyre, and to his family for teaching me to pray. I’m especially happy to post this review on Easter. I pray that my readers purchase this book and find God’s work in Scott’s life to be as faith-strengthening as it has been for me.

This book isn’t a literary masterpiece. If you want a great Christian autobiography with artistically built sentences, read Brennan Manning. In this case, you have a raw, honest, plain story told the same way you would have heard it over the dinner table straight from Scott’s mouth.

Over the coming weeks I’ll be posting sermon illustrations drawn from By Faith, Not By Sight. There’s a great deal of material in this book that will connect wonderfully with bible studies and congregations.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.combook review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”(less)

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May 07, 2012 Mikejencostanzo rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviewed, booksneeze

I don't read a lot of biographies, and it was in reading Scott MacIntyre's By Faith, Not by Sight that I realized why. When I read a biography, I read to be changed. I consider a good biography one that compels me to live my own life differently afterwards.

Some biographies that have been significant in my life are:

The Autobiography of George Mueller
The Hiding Place
A Chance to Die
The Heavenly Man

To me, these biographies are somehow in a league apart from By Faith, Not By Sight.

In By Faith, Not B...more

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May 03, 2012 Erlyn Trinidad rated it 5 of 5 stars

Scott MacIntyre's life and that of his family is indeed an example of unwavering faith in God and his promises. He mentioned that he wanted to reach out to people and tell the world of his story to inspire people and he did just that not only with his book but all that he's accomplished in his life.

Once again, I got a copy of the book from Booksneeze.com and I'm grateful not only for the copy but for the blessing that this book has been. Having read his story, I felt ashamed of the fact that de...more Scott MacIntyre's life and that of his family is indeed an example of unwavering faith in God and his promises. He mentioned that he wanted to reach out to people and tell the world of his story to inspire people and he did just that not only with his book but all that he's accomplished in his life.

Once again, I got a copy of the book from Booksneeze.com and I'm grateful not only for the copy but for the blessing that this book has been. Having read his story, I felt ashamed of the fact that despite being blessed with all five senses, I was not able to accomplish not even one fourth of what Scott was able to do so with the absence of the sense of sight. Also, taking into account all that he's had to struggle with - his blindness and how he had to navigate the world with only his four other senses, the kidney failure he's had and the other trials that came their way, I felt that I had no right at all to complain about my situation in life. Truly, the MacIntyre family is a living testimony of the Lord's faithfulness, and what God said about all things working together for good for those who love God and are fitting to his plans.

I also felt a deep admiration for his parents who never once wavered with doing what they could for their children, dreaming dreams for them and passionately and selflessly putting their children's welfare on top of their priorities. It has given me hope in dealing with my son's situation and once again, a valuable lesson in trusting God and his will.

On the technical side, I like Scott's style of writing. During the times when I was still writing, I used to do the same - not writing chronologically. I like the fact that he started out the book with his elimination from AI and then moved with different events in his life.

The book is an easy read, no highfalutin words that requires incessant consultations with Mr. Webster and it is truly an inspiring one. A testimony of a man completely reliant and faithful to God. Thank you for sharing your story Mr. MacIntyre, I pray that you continue to inspire and touch more lives. (less)

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Apr 29, 2012 Summer Lane rated it 5 of 5 stars

Scott was born blind. But never mind that. With his attitude and demeanor you would have no idea that he was blind. This guy was one of the top 10 finalists on American Idol, but he also attended prestigious universities and colleges in the states and Europe. He was a musical prodigy. At just 18 months he was sitting at the piano, tapping away simple notes. As he got older he learned to manage his blindness, but an added burden dropped when he discovered that he was suffering from kidney failure...more

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Apr 25, 2012 Melissa rated it 5 of 5 stars

By Faith, Not by Sight by Scott MacIntyre I have to say this book as been one of the most worthwhile reads of my year so far. As one of many that was inspired by this pianist, singer song writer when I saw him on American Idol I thought wow. American Idol was not able to share the true inspiration of Scott’s life. In this book you read about his life so far. Oh wow is what I have to say. It makes me stop and think about what I take for granted in my own life. I admire this man not only for his a...more By Faith, Not by Sight by Scott MacIntyre I have to say this book as been one of the most worthwhile reads of my year so far. As one of many that was inspired by this pianist, singer song writer when I saw him on American Idol I thought wow. American Idol was not able to share the true inspiration of Scott’s life. In this book you read about his life so far. Oh wow is what I have to say. It makes me stop and think about what I take for granted in my own life. I admire this man not only for his achievements but because of his faith. You meet his parents in this book as well as his siblings. This family has such a strong faith they could have easily turned from their faith but did not. Scott who has been blind from birth has not let that stop him. His parent in an attempt to give him the best education home schooled him and the result of him being home schooled is a graduation from his first college at the age of 19 where he is the valedictorian. It is on a day where he is celebrating his start to the rest of his life (college graduation) he finds out he has a life threatening illness. You get to read about the gift of music he has been given from a very young age. The gift is his piano playing as a very young child. I thought his parents must have found inspiration from him and how much strength he gave them at this young age. Scott attitude is one that impresses me as well of his determination. I could not put this book down I got it in the mail opened up the first page to look at it as I walked back to the house and was hooked. I was even in the middle of reading another book and I had to read this one. I encourage you to get his book. You will look at your life and it’s trials in a different way, well maybe the same but you will approach them with a different attitude and a new determination that Scott inspired. I give this book my best rating of 5 stars. I wish I could give it more. I must also let you know I received this complimentary book from Book Sneeze for my honest review. The review is my own opinions.

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Aug 27, 2012 Andrew rated it 5 of 5 stars

By Faith, Not By Sight is the autobiography of American Idol contestant, Scott MacIntyre. When he was about fourteen months old his mother knew in her heart that Scott wasn’t acting right and something was wrong. She told her doctor who claimed she was overreacting and he told her repeatedly that her son was fine. The doctor kept reminding her that he was her first child and she should stop being anxious and worried so much about him. And it turned out that his mother was without a doubt précise...more By Faith, Not By Sight is the autobiography of American Idol contestant, Scott MacIntyre. When he was about fourteen months old his mother knew in her heart that Scott wasn’t acting right and something was wrong. She told her doctor who claimed she was overreacting and he told her repeatedly that her son was fine. The doctor kept reminding her that he was her first child and she should stop being anxious and worried so much about him. And it turned out that his mother was without a doubt précised in knowing something was wrong with her child’s eyesight. A few months later the doctor declared he was born blind and they ran numerous and they couldn’t figure out what caused the blindness. His story is about living and still going after your dreams despite what you are up against.

At an early age, he began to learn how to play the piano and learnt to play music by ear. God started opening doors for him and his first gig was a wedding. The mother of the bride worked in public relations and called in a favor to have a story piece done on Scott’s gifts of playing the piano. She scheduled to have CNN to attend the wedding and do a special piece on Scott’s playing. Since he was born blind his mother stood by his side telling him when to play and when to stop the performance. During the wedding his mother made him play the song over and over again and he couldn’t grasp why. Shortly he discovered that the bride fainted and they had trouble waking her up. Even though he was born blind God still have a wonderful plan and purpose for his life.

The book then goes on the discuss he won a scholarship to Cambridge University in England. During testing before the overseas expedition, he was diagnosis with a rare kidney disease and he would need a transplant. The book is about the struggles and challenges Scott had to encounter and face with being born blind, kidney disease, and American Idol journey. He chose to have a display of Faith in believing that God is able to do incredible things beyond what we can humanly see possible.

I would recommend this book to anyone who needs encouragement in their walk of Faith and they may doubt that God still cares and loves them for who they are. If you’re seeking healing and want an inspirational story about overcoming sickness and challenges then this book will impact you at the seams and it will touch your heart. The book is packed with examples of walking by your Faith in the Creator and not by what you currently are able to see! This book is also for people who are endeavoring to achieve their dreams and it’s imperative to remember that God has always so much more in store for us then we can even envision for our lives. This book has activated my Faith into believing that God will heal sick bodies, souls, and emotional problems and His power has never left His hands. He is in face able to do it! Scott personally had a lot of situations to conquer and triumph over but he didn’t let his blindness or sickness take over his life he still went after his dreams!

"I received this book free from the publisher through the Book Sneeze book review bloggers program.”
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Jul 14, 2012 Erin rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: inspirational, personal-favorites, biographies

America was introduced to Scott MacIntyre in 2009, when he was a contestant on Season 8 of "American Idol". The show portrayed him as a blind guy who loved music and gave performing a shot; or at least that's how I remember it. What viewers did not realize was that Scott had a rich and amazing background that included both triumph and tragedy. He had already lived abroad studying music and been honored at the White House for his success, but he had also very nearly lost his music and his life in...more America was introduced to Scott MacIntyre in 2009, when he was a contestant on Season 8 of "American Idol". The show portrayed him as a blind guy who loved music and gave performing a shot; or at least that's how I remember it. What viewers did not realize was that Scott had a rich and amazing background that included both triumph and tragedy. He had already lived abroad studying music and been honored at the White House for his success, but he had also very nearly lost his music and his life in a battle with kidney failure.

Scott was born without eysight, except for a tiny pinhole of vision that allows him to see things such as color contrasts. Music captured his attention from the time he was a toddler, and when he was 3 years old he began playing by ear. Soon writing his own arrangements, composing, and playing professionally followed. Faith in God was also a big part of Scott's life and it is clear that faith and family were his anchors.

Scott's parents, and especially his mother, are to be commended for raising all of their children to follow their dreams. His mother found ways to put Scott in safe environments so that he could take up things like running and biking, and even community events like youth musical theatre. She homeschooled him with such excellence that he was accepted into Arizona State University at age 14. After years of putting full use to resources available to her, she had no qualms about sending her son to live alone in England to study music, and the love and support of his parents helped put Scott on a path to fulfill the desires God had placed on his heart. Wow! I would like to be a mother like Carol MacIntyre someday!

This book is not written chronologically, but maintains a steady timeline from 2005 until 2009, while jumping back to portray different histories and stories throughout Scott's childhood. The writing style was absolutely fabulous. While I know some credit goes to Jennifer Schuchmann as co-author, it is clear that God has given Scott a way with words. I hope this won't be the only book he writes!

I would recommend this book to anyone. Mothers, teeangers, dreamers, music fans... anyone who wants to take up their talents and see them used for God. This was a captivating true story, full of the honesty of health struggles, the thrilling joy of doing exactly what you know God wants you to do, and the knowledge that through God all things are possible. We can't see what is ahead, but we can trust that He does, and that it is good. Life is not all dreams come true, but even in the darkest hours God is with us. A truly inspirational message very needed today!

I received this book from BookSneeze in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

The review originally appeared at http://www.reviewsbyerin.livejournal.com (less)

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May 02, 2012 Linda Walters rated it 2 of 5 stars

I liked this book, especially the stories that he told of his relationship with family and friends . He shared with the reader the complex things that had to be learned that we as sighted people don’t even think about. The things that he had to memorize, would we even notice? We got to travel with him to different places as he described the places and opportunities that most of us have never experienced. I did find some areas of his story a bit dry; a little too detailed but for the most part pr...more

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Dec 21, 2012 Shelby rated it 3 of 5 stars

Title: By Faith, Not By Sight: The Inspirational Story of a Blind Prodigy, a Life-Threatening Illness, and an Unexpected Gift
Author: Scott MacIntyre with Jennifer Schuchmann
Date I Finished Reading: December 6,2012
My Rating: 2/5
I really wanted to like this book. When I read the description I became pretty excited, expecting to open up the crisp pages and dive into and engaging, inspiring read. I was disappointed. As I began to read, I waited and waited for the story to get going and grab my atten...more

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Feb 27, 2013 Brenda Millar rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: everyone

Recommended to Brenda by: saw it in the library

This is a great inspirational book that will encourage all who read it. Of course, we all have obstacles to overcome in life but Scott seems to have far more than his share and yet continues to trust God to open doors for him when all seems impossible. This book touched me in many ways since I have a daughter who has had 3 kidney transplants and a grand niece and nephew who were born without sight. Knowing others have experienced similar obstacles and still are greatly blessed and succeed in the...more

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Jul 17, 2012 Leah rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc-for-review, christian-non-fiction

Scott MacIntyre was American Idol's first disabled contestant. In his autobiography, with the help of Jennifer Schuchmann, he tells the story of his life--the ups and downs. When there are ups there are ups and when there are downs there are downs!

Scott was born blind. He isn't completely blind. He can see a pinhole of light, but big fat of good that does him in everyday life. As a very young child his mother played the piano and taught him where to place his fingers. He learned how to play by f...more

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Jun 22, 2012 Sarah rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: received-for-review, 2012-reads

Recommend for: American Idol fans, those looking for inspiration, those who are discouraged

From the back cover:
A moving story of hope, faith, persistence and the power of dreams.

A piano prodigy, a nineteen-year-old college grad, a Marshall scholar, and an American Idol finalist. This guy had it made. He could sing.

He could ski blind. What couldn’t he do?

Even if you saw him in concert, you might not believe that Scott MacIntyre is blind, and you’d never guess that at nineteen, he faced a diagnosi...more

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Dec 21, 2012 Renee rated it 4 of 5 stars

By Faith, Not by Sight is the autobiography of Scott MacIntyre, an American Idol contestant in Season 8. Why would anyone want to read the life story of another wanna-be-star? Because Scott is no ordinary young man; he has overcome multiple obstacles in achieving his dreams of being a professional musician.
Like many others, I first learned of Scott during American Idol. There is so much I learned about his life from his book that I don't remember hearing about during AI. I'm not sure if it was...more

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Jul 26, 2012 Tamara Albright rated it 3 of 5 stars

Scott MacIntyre was a runner up in Teen Idol. He shares the fascinating story of his up bringing including the trials and tribulations that brought him to the Teen Idol show. I enjoyed reading this book.

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Jan 13, 2013 Spideygirl rated it 4 of 5 stars

Excellent book. I didn't expect to like it this much. Very interesting story and only 1/3 of it was about the American Idol experience. I am sure I wouldn't have liked it nearly as much if I didn't know who Scott was and didn't watch him on American Idol.

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Jan 02, 2013 Kelli rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: biography

To be honest, I thought this book was over written and way to emotional. Sometimes the facts are best before emotions are written in. The time sequences were out of place in the story too. It was hard to follow the time lines. I did, however, appreciate the author's stories and how cool his life has turned out with just trusting God. You can't deny what the Lord ends up doing and I am glad that comes across in this book.

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Jun 21, 2012 Sarah rated it 5 of 5 stars

I really love this book... such an inspirational story and is a must read if you just need someone who can uplift you to keep working toward your dream and working through obstacles.

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May 21, 2012 Erin Jepsen rated it 4 of 5 stars

I loved getting to know Scott apart from the lights and glam of the Idol stage. And what a story! Wow!

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May 18, 2013 Cindy Ketcham rated it 3 of 5 stars

Good book. Don't read man biographies but am interested in his life. Enjoyed it.

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Sep 01, 2012 Christie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Amazing story. Thoroughly enjoyed how he just kept plugging and trusting God.

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Dec 29, 2012 Donna added it

Amazing story, very inspiring

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Aug 04, 2012 Kyle rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian, booksneeze, favorites

This book is about Scott Macintyre who is blind. Even though he is blind he can do many great things. He graduated college at age 19. He was also American Idol's first disabled contestant. There were things that were hard for him to learn since he doesn;t have eyesight but he learned them anyway!

I really liked this book and I recommend it!

I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson and their program, BookSneeze and was not required to write a positive review.

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Aug 12, 2012 Randal S rated it 2 of 5 stars

This was more of a struggle to get through than I expected.

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May 12, 2013 Julie rated it 3 of 5 stars

May 15, 2013 Lindsay rated it 3 of 5 stars

May 02, 2013 Corrine rated it 5 of 5 stars

Apr 26, 2013 Ashleigh Tordiffe marked it as to-read

Apr 06, 2013 Dean rated it 3 of 5 stars

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