Hearing with My Heart

by Justin Osmond, Shirley Bahlmann

Growing up with 90% hearing loss is hard for anyone, but being the son of Merrill Osmond, the lead singer of the world-renowned Osmonds, made deafness an even bigger challenge for Justin.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction

196 pages, Hardcover

First published February 16, 2011

Reviews

[Cami · Rating 3 out of 5]

I recently saw Justin on a short segment on Studio5 TV and was impressed with his story and then found this book. I had no idea any Osmonds had hearing loss. There was some repetition and slower parts, but I really loved his thoughts on how hearing is with your brain, not your ears, and how there is a big difference between hearing and understanding. How wonderful that he can now give the gift of hearing to others!

[Koren · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are familiar with the Osmond family, Justin is the son of Merrill Osmond. Justin was born with a profound hearing loss, as was two of the Merrill's brothers. This book mostly about Justin's experience with hearing loss. He is an amazing person who doesn't let his disability bring him down. There is a lot here to learn about hearing loss and the struggles they go through, but he is also an inspiration. This would be a good book for someone to read who is struggling with a hearing loss and their families.

[Brittany James · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had some profound quotes in it and did strike home with me as myself and kids have a similar bilateral hearing loss. I love reading about how much his parents did for him and how his family advocated for him. I also loved th amount of faith and determination he has to overcome his challenge and influence and better others:

[Michelle Tejada · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a nice motivational and inspiring story. However, at times the author seems to ramble without focus.

[disneypal · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very good book. It must be difficult to grow up as the son of the lead singer of the world famous Osmond Brothers, Merrill Osmond and you,yourself be 90% deaf. A great deal f this book focused on Justin's school years and education and at times I thought there was too much time spent on that. However, that was a huge part of his life. I am not sure I agree with some of the decisions his mother made concerning his education and forcing him to learn to talk but I know she did what she thought was best. However, after Justin learned sign language (as an adult), it was like a whole world opened up to him. His dad, Merrill, was tie a lot during his youth because that is the life of an entertainer, but he seemed like a loving dad when he was with his family and gave Justin such good an spiritual advice. They truly are a God-centered family.

Justin really went through some struggles related to being deaf but he keeps his eyes on The Lord and never loses faith.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Justin Osmond's autobiography. It is about the challenges he has faced throughout his life that have stemmed from his hearing loss, but it is also about how he has overcome his challenges and truly succeeded in life. He has such a positive and uplifting attitude, and you can really feel his compassion and love for other people shine through. It is the type of book I will read again because there are too many pearls of wisdom to get all at once. His example encourages me to be a better person and know that I can turn my weaknesses into strengths.

Buy this book if you can. A portion of the proceeds goes to the Olive Osmond Perpetual Hearing Fund.

[Jailynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will be inspiring for anyone to read and I recommend it to everyone. But it was especially good for me as I have a 4 year old son who also has a 90% hearing loss and I'm working really hard help him to be able to communicate with everyone and to hear and learn music. After reading this book I know that he can do it! I am giving a copy to my parents. Thank you for sharing this wonderful book Justin!

[Camie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book giving light on a disadvantage that most of us couldn't even try to relate to. Justin (who is 90% deaf) gives humbling insight in to the amazing devotion of family and teachers while sharing heartache and triumph through his faith and ability to see his deafness as a gift rather than a punishment. The stories of his personal life, along with his personal insight make this book an engaging read. We would all do well to remember who we are just as Justin shows he does.

[Shauna · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspiring biography of a good friend from my EFY days. Well done Justin, loved every bit of it!

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A 2nd Generation Osmond born with hearing loss. Very positive read.