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By Faith, Not by Sight: The Inspirational Story of a Blind Prodigy, a Life-Threating Illness, & an Unexpected Gift
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 diagnosis that rocked his family and nearly took his life. So how did he do it? How did he overcome the odds? This is Scott’s story, but he’d be the first to tell you that it’s not really about him. This is the story of how God used a dedicated family, a selfless acquaintance, hardship, and a host of characters to give him life, faith, determination, and experiences most can only imagine. Peek behind the scenes to see how he learned to overcome his disability, how he made it in the music industry, how he found the love of his life, and how God taught him that in all things, we can truly achieve our dreams By Faith, Not by Sight .
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 Scott’s story, but he’d be the first to tell you that it’s not really about him. This is the story of how God used a dedicated family, a selfless acquaintance, hardship, and a host of characters to give him life, faith, determination, and experiences most can only imagine. Peek behind the scenes to see how he learned to overcome his disability, how he made it in the music industry, how he found the love of his life, and how God taught him that in all things, we can truly achieve our dreams By Faith, Not by Sight .
271 pages, Hardcover
First published April 3, 2012
6 people are currently reading
85 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
May 8, 2012
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 By Sight, MacIntyre shows us a young man who overcame great odds to attain the American Dream. In contrast, the biographies that I find to be of greatest value depict someone who has cast aside the American Dream, and overcame great odds to live radically for Christ.
Please know that I don't wish to judge harshly the unique and God-given life-story that Scott MacIntyre has to tell. I can't claim that my own life story is a model of radical, inspirational devotion to Christ.
And of course, there are facets of MacIntyre's story that I found helpful and educational. I was particularly intrigued by his in-depth look into the world of kidney failure, dialysis & organ transplant. I had no idea of the impact that these medical conditions have on the lives of those who live with them!
MacIntyre, by God's grace, and thanks to medical intervention, has many years ahead of him. Perhaps someday we will have the true pleasure of reading a biography by a middle- or old-aged MacIntyre where he documents his journey beyond the American Dream and into the realm of the truly significant.
I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
--Jen
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 By Sight, MacIntyre shows us a young man who overcame great odds to attain the American Dream. In contrast, the biographies that I find to be of greatest value depict someone who has cast aside the American Dream, and overcame great odds to live radically for Christ.
Please know that I don't wish to judge harshly the unique and God-given life-story that Scott MacIntyre has to tell. I can't claim that my own life story is a model of radical, inspirational devotion to Christ.
And of course, there are facets of MacIntyre's story that I found helpful and educational. I was particularly intrigued by his in-depth look into the world of kidney failure, dialysis & organ transplant. I had no idea of the impact that these medical conditions have on the lives of those who live with them!
MacIntyre, by God's grace, and thanks to medical intervention, has many years ahead of him. Perhaps someday we will have the true pleasure of reading a biography by a middle- or old-aged MacIntyre where he documents his journey beyond the American Dream and into the realm of the truly significant.
I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
--Jen
June 23, 2019
I found this book very well written. MacIntyre writes with honesty and humility about the events of his life. I liked how he explained specialized skills such as orientation and mobility so the average reader would understand the concept. I found this book an enjoyable read.
May 8, 2012
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.”
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.”
June 22, 2012
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 diagnosis that rocked his family and nearly took his life.
So how did he do it? How did he overcome the odds?
This is Scott’s story, but he’d be the first to tell you that it’s not really about him. This is the story of how God used a dedicated family, a selfless acquaintance, hardship, and a host of characters to give him life, faith, determination, and experiences most can only imagine.
Peek behind the scenes to see how he learned to overcome his disability, how he made it in the music industry, how he found the love of his life, and how God taught him that in all things, we can truly achieve our dreams By Faith, Not by Sight.
I have a confession to make. There was only one season of American Idol that I somewhat followed, but I have never watched a full episode. So why did I like this book? Because it will inspire you, lift your spirits, and praise God for his many blessings.
Scott MacIntyre was born blind. Yet from an early age he broke the mold for what a blind person could do. By age six, he already had piano teachers telling his mother that they had taught him all they could and sending him to the next one.
Scott was not only a musical prodigy, but also an overcomer, learning to do many things like run, swim, dance, and cross a street even though he could not see. I was inspired by his can-do attitude, despite his disabilities.
When his health begins to crumble and his dreams seem to be slipping though his fingers, Scott asks God why. It felt so real. This was no sugar coated message about trusting God. Scott struggles to accept what is happening to him.
What I didn’t like about this book
There was nothing I hated about this book. The only thing that bothered me a couple of times is how girl crazy he sounded. However, it was a very, very small part of the book and did not diminish how wonderful it was. To give him credit, he also was mainly crazy about just one girl.
What I loved about the book
I loved how real this book was. When I was having my own health challenges, I read lots of surgery messages on trusting God, but it was stories like these that helped me a lot. He honestly struggles with why God seems to be taking everything from him that he loves.
I also like true stories about overcomers. This book was a fascinating look at someone who overcame the odds. I could read stories like these all day.
I recommend this book for anyone wishing an encouraging read about a true person.
I received this book from Thomas Nelson (through BookSneeze) in exchange for my honest review. I was under no obligation to write a positive review. The opinions in this review are entirely my own.
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 diagnosis that rocked his family and nearly took his life.
So how did he do it? How did he overcome the odds?
This is Scott’s story, but he’d be the first to tell you that it’s not really about him. This is the story of how God used a dedicated family, a selfless acquaintance, hardship, and a host of characters to give him life, faith, determination, and experiences most can only imagine.
Peek behind the scenes to see how he learned to overcome his disability, how he made it in the music industry, how he found the love of his life, and how God taught him that in all things, we can truly achieve our dreams By Faith, Not by Sight.
I have a confession to make. There was only one season of American Idol that I somewhat followed, but I have never watched a full episode. So why did I like this book? Because it will inspire you, lift your spirits, and praise God for his many blessings.
Scott MacIntyre was born blind. Yet from an early age he broke the mold for what a blind person could do. By age six, he already had piano teachers telling his mother that they had taught him all they could and sending him to the next one.
Scott was not only a musical prodigy, but also an overcomer, learning to do many things like run, swim, dance, and cross a street even though he could not see. I was inspired by his can-do attitude, despite his disabilities.
When his health begins to crumble and his dreams seem to be slipping though his fingers, Scott asks God why. It felt so real. This was no sugar coated message about trusting God. Scott struggles to accept what is happening to him.
What I didn’t like about this book
There was nothing I hated about this book. The only thing that bothered me a couple of times is how girl crazy he sounded. However, it was a very, very small part of the book and did not diminish how wonderful it was. To give him credit, he also was mainly crazy about just one girl.
What I loved about the book
I loved how real this book was. When I was having my own health challenges, I read lots of surgery messages on trusting God, but it was stories like these that helped me a lot. He honestly struggles with why God seems to be taking everything from him that he loves.
I also like true stories about overcomers. This book was a fascinating look at someone who overcame the odds. I could read stories like these all day.
I recommend this book for anyone wishing an encouraging read about a true person.
I received this book from Thomas Nelson (through BookSneeze) in exchange for my honest review. I was under no obligation to write a positive review. The opinions in this review are entirely my own.
May 3, 2012
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.
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.
April 29, 2012
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. For 2 years he fought to live - suffering through dialysis and a kidney transplant - and went on to become one of the most memorable contestants of American Idol. Today he's a successful artist.
I have only ever seen one season of American Idol (the one where Scotty McCreery won), so I didn't know who Scott MacIntyre was. My grandma actually loaned me the book because she said it was an incredibly inspirational story, and she was right! If you think you're having a bad day, read this book and not only will you realize how good you have it, but how important it is to get up and try again even if you get rejected, suffer from an illness or grapple with a disability. A really inspiring book that gives interesting insight into the behind-the-scenes goings-on of American Idol, as well. :)
I have only ever seen one season of American Idol (the one where Scotty McCreery won), so I didn't know who Scott MacIntyre was. My grandma actually loaned me the book because she said it was an incredibly inspirational story, and she was right! If you think you're having a bad day, read this book and not only will you realize how good you have it, but how important it is to get up and try again even if you get rejected, suffer from an illness or grapple with a disability. A really inspiring book that gives interesting insight into the behind-the-scenes goings-on of American Idol, as well. :)
November 14, 2013
Scott MacIntyre is a blind music prodigy. Throughout MacIntyre's life, he overcame several obstacles- blindness and a failing kidney-and achieved success. Even though he was unsure of where God was leading him, he followed Him by faith, not by sight. This became the theme of Scott MacInyre's life.
At the age of one, young Scott was introduced to the piano by his mother. By the time he was three, Scott was able to play by ear - playing the melody on his right hand and three-finger chords on his left. Scott became increasingly advanced as the years went by. He was talented enough to receive a scholarship to attend the Royal College of Music in London. Scott even became a finalist in the popular singing competition, American Idol.
I admire Scott MacIntyre for achieving his goals in life despite his debilitating ailments. He never let those obstacles delay him in achieving his goals. Applying what I learning from Scott, I will never let any obstacles in my life become a roadblock on my path to success. I will follow God by faith, not by sight.
I would recommend this book to those who are facing challenges in their lives. Scott's story will motivate them to take down the obstacles in their lives and achieve success.
At the age of one, young Scott was introduced to the piano by his mother. By the time he was three, Scott was able to play by ear - playing the melody on his right hand and three-finger chords on his left. Scott became increasingly advanced as the years went by. He was talented enough to receive a scholarship to attend the Royal College of Music in London. Scott even became a finalist in the popular singing competition, American Idol.
I admire Scott MacIntyre for achieving his goals in life despite his debilitating ailments. He never let those obstacles delay him in achieving his goals. Applying what I learning from Scott, I will never let any obstacles in my life become a roadblock on my path to success. I will follow God by faith, not by sight.
I would recommend this book to those who are facing challenges in their lives. Scott's story will motivate them to take down the obstacles in their lives and achieve success.
February 27, 2013
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 their journey in life encourages one to keep trusting, for none of us know what wonderful things are in store for us. Reading this book will be time well spent.
January 6, 2014
As the mother of a blind child, with a very musical family, this book gave me so much hope. MacIntyre not only tells his story but invites you into the life of a visually impaired person, with honesty, insight, and hope. He has no bitterness, no pity party, no desire to change a thing.
October 7, 2017
Scott's journey is an incredible one. I remember watching him on Idol. I had no idea that n top of his blindness, he'd recently received a kidney transplant.
What a marvelous testimony his life story is! He continually shared how trusting in God got him through challenges.
What a marvelous testimony his life story is! He continually shared how trusting in God got him through challenges.
October 3, 2018
I was impressed at the obstacles he overcame, but I couldn't make it through the book. He seemed a little egocentric to me.
March 9, 2017
Amazing guy - good read
August 27, 2012
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.”
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.”
July 14, 2012
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
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
April 25, 2012
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.
December 21, 2012
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 attention. I can honestly say, I never got hooked (although it did become a bit better once Scott began to tell of his experience on American Idol) I had to drag myself to finish the book, which is very uncharacteristic of me.
In this book Scott tells his own story. He tells you of his being born blind, going to college at 14, graduating at 19, and finding out the day of college graduation that he had severe kidney failure. He shares his story from being a young kid, to a college student, to a dying patient, to being on tour with American Idol, and an aspiring musician throughout it all.
There were a few things that I didn’t like out the book. For starters, Scott is VERY repetitive, continuously telling you stories or details that you have already read once or twice before. The thing that I disliked the most was the fact that there was a hint of pride in Scott’s writing. At times it came across like he was boasting about how great he had handled what he was enduring (although I don’t think that was his intent). For some reason, this really annoyed me.
I am not entirely sure I would recommend this book. If you are a huge Idol fan, then you would probably enjoy it, but as for me, I was not too impressed.
Note: I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. However, my opinions are my own.
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 attention. I can honestly say, I never got hooked (although it did become a bit better once Scott began to tell of his experience on American Idol) I had to drag myself to finish the book, which is very uncharacteristic of me.
In this book Scott tells his own story. He tells you of his being born blind, going to college at 14, graduating at 19, and finding out the day of college graduation that he had severe kidney failure. He shares his story from being a young kid, to a college student, to a dying patient, to being on tour with American Idol, and an aspiring musician throughout it all.
There were a few things that I didn’t like out the book. For starters, Scott is VERY repetitive, continuously telling you stories or details that you have already read once or twice before. The thing that I disliked the most was the fact that there was a hint of pride in Scott’s writing. At times it came across like he was boasting about how great he had handled what he was enduring (although I don’t think that was his intent). For some reason, this really annoyed me.
I am not entirely sure I would recommend this book. If you are a huge Idol fan, then you would probably enjoy it, but as for me, I was not too impressed.
Note: I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. However, my opinions are my own.
August 11, 2012
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 acquaintance, hardship, and a host of characters to give him life, faith, determination, and experiences most can only imagine.
Peek behind the scenes to see how he learned to overcome his disability, how he made it in the music industry, how he found the love of his life, and how God taught him that in all things, we can truly achieve our dreams By Faith, Not by Sight.
I really enjoyed learning more of Scott's story by his family's faith and their encouragement of Scott's gift and his desire to bless people with his music was inspiring. What makes Scott MacIntyre an inspiration to so many is that he surpassed insurmountable odds by taking a leap of faith in God. By Faith, Not by Sight is the story of God in the MacIntyre's lives.
This is a very great book that motivates you to want to live life to its fullest and celebrate the little challenges as well as the big ones and praise God through it all.
A moving story of hope, faith, persistence and the power of dreams. I have been blessed and challenged by reading this book and would recommend this book.
I received a free copy of the book from Thomas Nelson as part of their Booksneeze Blogger program.
July 17, 2012
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 feel, like other blind piano players.
He grew up a fascinating piano player as well as singer. He was part of a family group the MacIntyre Family Singers with his older brother, younger sister who was also born blind, and his mom. They traveled around where they lived at the time, Canada or Arizona, performing at churches.
When stage four renal failure tried to stop Scott's dream of studying classical piano in London, Scott relied on God and bravely moved forward in carving out his life. When his kidney transplant, recovery, and his sister's transplant, yes the blind sister, attempted to sideline him, he persevered and made it to the top ten of Idol.
He defied the odds. He danced on stage! A blind man dancing, that's amazing. Watch him and it's easy to forget he's blind. Things don't always go as they should on the show, but he was able to work through them. It's his faith in God keeping him grounded and able to make it through any challenge put before him.
This is Scott's story on what having faith in God can do.
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 feel, like other blind piano players.
He grew up a fascinating piano player as well as singer. He was part of a family group the MacIntyre Family Singers with his older brother, younger sister who was also born blind, and his mom. They traveled around where they lived at the time, Canada or Arizona, performing at churches.
When stage four renal failure tried to stop Scott's dream of studying classical piano in London, Scott relied on God and bravely moved forward in carving out his life. When his kidney transplant, recovery, and his sister's transplant, yes the blind sister, attempted to sideline him, he persevered and made it to the top ten of Idol.
He defied the odds. He danced on stage! A blind man dancing, that's amazing. Watch him and it's easy to forget he's blind. Things don't always go as they should on the show, but he was able to work through them. It's his faith in God keeping him grounded and able to make it through any challenge put before him.
This is Scott's story on what having faith in God can do.
December 22, 2012
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 because I skipped over those parts (our family prefers to listen to the performances and hear the judges' comments), don't remember them (I have a bad memory) or AI never talked about the struggles in his life outside of his congenital blindness.
Even more than being an autobiography, By Faith is an inspirational work. Anyone who has ever said "my life is hard" will be inclined to work at it just a little more and not give up when they see how Scott picked himself up time and time again from setbacks to continue on his music journey and life itself. I don't want to talk about the specifics of his life as that will spoil his story but suffice to say he's not had it easy and throughout it all he has relied upon his faith in God and his family.
By Faith, Not by Sight is a book to be enjoyed by American Idol fans to learn about the experience, by Christians to learn of one young man's journey of faith and anyone that enjoys an inspirational true story.
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 because I skipped over those parts (our family prefers to listen to the performances and hear the judges' comments), don't remember them (I have a bad memory) or AI never talked about the struggles in his life outside of his congenital blindness.
Even more than being an autobiography, By Faith is an inspirational work. Anyone who has ever said "my life is hard" will be inclined to work at it just a little more and not give up when they see how Scott picked himself up time and time again from setbacks to continue on his music journey and life itself. I don't want to talk about the specifics of his life as that will spoil his story but suffice to say he's not had it easy and throughout it all he has relied upon his faith in God and his family.
By Faith, Not by Sight is a book to be enjoyed by American Idol fans to learn about the experience, by Christians to learn of one young man's journey of faith and anyone that enjoys an inspirational true story.
July 30, 2013
If the name Scott MacIntyre seems familiar, it is probably because he was an American Idol finalist. Or it could be because he is a Marshall scholar and a 19-year old Arizona State University graduate. But it probably isn't because he is blind. Scott didn't let being blind stand in his way. He plays the piano and skis. He lived alone in London while going to university, and he was the first blind contestant on American Idol. But there was something that almost stopped him. And he had to move through it by faith, not by sight.
This is an amazing story of Scott's faith journey. Listening to Scott tell his story of growing up and his illness is very inspiring. This is a wonderful reminder that "God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28) A must-read for encouragement on your journey with God!
BookSneeze® has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
This is an amazing story of Scott's faith journey. Listening to Scott tell his story of growing up and his illness is very inspiring. This is a wonderful reminder that "God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28) A must-read for encouragement on your journey with God!
BookSneeze® has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
August 5, 2012
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.
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.
February 19, 2016
This was a very sweet and inspirational story. I love Scott's strong faith through all of his life's ups and downs. A great reminder at how amazing God is! It was also interesting to read about some of the 'behind-the-scene' stuff that happened on American Idol. I actually didn't watch the season that Scott was on, but have seen a few of the seasons in the past, so I enjoyed reading about his experiences on the show.
January 2, 2013
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.
January 21, 2016
The title is not lived up to by the author. The book is not for kidney patients because he was a 'bad patient' wasting a lot of time and money finding alternative medicines. When you have kidney disease the doctors know a great deal about you and know the best way to treat you. If Scott died in intensive care, (which he nearly did) what would God say to him... 'What are you doing here, i sent you the doctors to heal you.'
July 26, 2012
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.
January 13, 2013
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.
September 11, 2014
This young man has been through a lot. Legally blind, plays piano and sings, won a scholarship to study in England, but then he gets news that could change everything. Performs on American Idol. That's just the highlights.
May 21, 2012
I loved getting to know Scott apart from the lights and glam of the Idol stage. And what a story! Wow!
June 21, 2012
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.
August 12, 2012
This was more of a struggle to get through than I expected.
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