More Than Meets the Eye: The Story of a Remarkable Life and a Transcending Love

by Joan Brock, Derek L. Gill

A motivational speaker provides an inspirational account of her struggle to overcome the devastating loss of her eyesight, the tragedy of her husband's death from cancer, and her new marriage and career as a lecturer. 50,000 first printing. $45,000 ad/promo.

Genres: Nonfiction, Medical, Biography Memoir

204 pages, Hardcover

First published October 31, 1996

Reviews

[Shalini M]

To be honest, I read the condensed book format published by Readers' Digest.
This is the true story of a young lady, dedicated to her family and work as a teacher in a blind school. Over a short span of few weeks, she loses her sight to a very rare disease; and a few years later, loses her husband, who has been her pillar of strength, to cancer. She picks up her strength and overcomes her personal tragedy, to become a motivation for others. Truly moving and inspiring.

[Sojana · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a great book! I really loved the fact that the writer shared her own story and her challenges in this book.

Joan used to teach in a school for blind children, not knowing that one day she would be like them. She experiences the loss of her sight, the sickness and then death of her husband, and raising alone her little girl who was just three when her blindness began.

This book is really interesting and attractive to read because it is based in a real story and also because it talks about looking forward even when we face hard trials. I like the fact the Joan writes about God, because she was raised in a christian family since her father was a pastor.

I really enjoyed it and I recommend it to everybody because Joan's story is encouraging, and can help people face their own challenges. She's a strong woman that after her difficulties, saw a lot of blessings by God in her life. You should read it! :)

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is an inspirational story of survival while learning to love life under any circumstance.

I have to wonder what was going on in the town to cause the main character's blindness and her husband's early death. I also wonder how many of the kids at the blind school were from that area. Was something going on with the town's water or air to cause these seemingly healthy people to develop the health issues that they faced?

[Nina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book after hearing Joan speak at an event I attended at Canyon Ranch. Joan was a wonderful guest speaker, with a moving story that was even better on the page. After reading the book, it was no wonder to me that Joan's story inspired a Lifetime movie. This is an inspirational story, and I have passed along this book to all of the readers in my family hoping they will take away the same lessons from it that I have. Needless to say, I recommend it! ;)

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This true story was inspiring while brief. This woman loses her sight within weeks and learns to live and go on.
Yes, that's cheesy, but it's well done so you don't mind.
I do have to wonder with these true stories, how difficult it is to write, not just about your own hard times and perhaps even your weaknesses, but those of your family in moments. It takes a lot of bravery to write about these things.
This was an RD condensed version.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I saw Ms Brock speak at the Bakersfield Business Conference. She was very good. It was a very inspiring book. She lost her sight ironically while working for a school for the blind. About the time she adjusted to the new handicap, her husband died of cancer.

[Swhe641200 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jan 2006 Reader Digest condensed NOvel Joan goes blind. Workes at a shool for the blind.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent and inspiring!