Blind Innocence

by A. Adams Jones

This book has been awarded with the Gold Seal of Literary Excellence. "A person diagnosed with EMR, (which stands for educable mentally retarded) has an IQ range of 50-70... learning will take them longer." Tarell Johnson is born on a summer day in 1984, to a mother addicted to crack and a father who does not want him. His grandmother attempts to care for him, but after repeated kidnappings by his birth-mother, he is finally taken by Child Welfare. He is adopted by a Ms. Thomas, a physically and emotionally abusive single mother who keeps him in clothing bought from Goodwill. Tarell's status as an "EMR" or person suffering from educable mental retardation becomes apparent, and before long he is sexually abused by a teacher who only wants to take advantage of him. At eighteen, the adoption agency informs him of his actual parents and his curiosity makes the vindictive Ms. Thomas kick him out. Tarell flees to New York where he sings on the subway for money. He is seduced by a series of women and even a man who only want to use him sexually for a short while before kicking him back on the streets. Eventually the young man is tricked into marriage by a 44-year-old 400 pound HIV-positive woman. Again, it is only for her own benefit, and Tarell finds himself out on the streets. It is not until Tarell finds Theresa, a Christian woman who helps young men in trouble, that Tarell finds true love and care. Theresa helps him mature and learn, until Tarell overcomes his disability and graduates from college, able to support himself. Spotlighting the plight of an educable mentally retarded child of a single, drug-addicted teenage mother, the author has provided a window into the world of mental disability and the concomitant poverty and abuse such a child can face. The theme of human depravity and aggression against the weak is made quite viscerally manifest. It is the author’s contention that only a selfless and Christian dedication to the welfare of such individuals can lift them from a condition of dependence to one of self-sufficiency. Some irregular grammar may jar some reader's ears, but the characterizations and plot are gripping and realistic. - US Review of Books

278 pages, Paperback

First published April 27, 2012

Reviews

[Tricia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I saw this book had great reviews but I didn’t really enjoy it. Maybe it was the writing or the fact I didn’t connect with any of the characters.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

".
BLIND INNOCENCE by Author A. Adams Jones is a book that brings to your attention the issues of mental health.

Tarell's story will touch your heart. This story will have your emotions from high to low, happiness to sadness , you will feel as if you are there with Tarell as the story is told.

This story is about Tarell's abuse from his biological mother and his adoptive mother. Tarell is mentally challenged and has been through a lot in his life.

Just as Tarell though his dreams would come true, an another nightmare begins.

Blind Innocence shares a poignant glimpse into one man's life as he faces seemingly insurmountable odds and slowly tries to create a meaningful life.

The character were well written. The story line will have traveling through the story with Tarell. I am very impress of the way the author addresses the issues of mental health.

I recommend this book to all readers

[Srichardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

No matter where you are in your life journey, this book will give you hope, courage, and strength. Thought provoking, inspirational and an easy read--Truly, one of the best books I have read in a while. Loved it!!!!