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Snow Blind: Recovering After the Random Shooting
On a beautiful July day in Atlanta, Bill Johnson was walking to the subway station with two colleagues when a lone gunman jumped out of the shadows and shot all three of them. Bill was the lucky one. The bullet that struck him entered one temple and exited the other, destroying his optic nerve. The other two men were killed.Now profoundly blind, Bill had to learn to navigate this new, dark world. And he wanted to do it as a fully independent man, just as he had before. For Bill, it was a challenge but not a problem. In fact, just seven months after the shooting, he went snow skiing.Bill's extraordinary journey will inspire and delight as you witness him accept his new reality, embrace new ways of doing things, and find wholeness and healing in the midst of the struggles to return to a full and independent life.
280 pages, Paperback
First published May 10, 2021
3 people are currently reading
23 people want to read
About the author
William M. Johnson
1 book5 followersBill Johnson spent a good part of his career as a management consultant until a random shooting on a business trip changed his life forever. Faced with new challenges in a sightless world, Bill was determined not to let sudden blindness hold him back from living life on his terms. With a positive attitude, determination, and humor, Bill embraced his new life and began putting the pieces back together.
After learning how to re-enter the workforce, Bill finished his career and retired from KPMG and BearingPoint. His love for skiing motivated him to get back on the slopes 7 months after his injury. Today, Bill continues to spend the winter months snow skiing and fills his days reading, listening to music, working out, spending time with his family and friends, and serving the disabled community. Bill and his wife Ginny currently reside in Webster Groves, a suburb of Saint Louis, Missouri
After learning how to re-enter the workforce, Bill finished his career and retired from KPMG and BearingPoint. His love for skiing motivated him to get back on the slopes 7 months after his injury. Today, Bill continues to spend the winter months snow skiing and fills his days reading, listening to music, working out, spending time with his family and friends, and serving the disabled community. Bill and his wife Ginny currently reside in Webster Groves, a suburb of Saint Louis, Missouri
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
April 1, 2023
Books can change you and Snow Blind was just that for me. Snow Blind: Recovering After the Random Shooting by William M. Johnson was an incredible peek inside the life of a man who lost his vision and how he learned to live with a major life change.
Bill Johnson was just like any other working person in Atlanta. It's July, and he's out with his colleagues discussing upcoming plans. Then, tragedy strikes. A lone gunman shoots the three of them at random. Bill was the lucky one - he survived. The bullet went in one temple and out the other, only causing issues with his optic and olfactory nerves. His colleagues? They didn't make it.
Bill wakes up to learn of the new disability that will change his life forever. Despite the change, Bill is a fighter and wants to be able to live independently. One of his biggest goals is getting back to his job at the firm which seems all but impossible without vision. But he's determined, and nothing is going to stop him.
This challenge spurs Bill on. He goes through occupational therapy, learns how to use a walking stick to travel, he even gets a seeing-eye dog. This man isn't going to let one extraordinary life moment destroy his life. He just has to pivot. Oh, and he is going to learn how to ski while blind (hence the title).
I have to say, as a reader you fully expect a book like this to have a lot of depressing moments. Lucky for me, there wasn't. There are some moments when you feel bad or understand the pain and confusion of suddenly becoming blind. Bill's journey becomes a positive story of perseverance and taking life by the reigns. Just when you think Bill might give up, he doesn't. He finds a new perspective and does his best to be independent and his own person. This man is someone we should all look up to! He's incredible.
Reading about Bill's journey pulled at my heartstrings and made me feel pride. I was so impressed to read how most people with Bill's condition would take over a year to understand and begin to come to terms with losing their vision. And then there's Bill, who decided within an hour that life had changed and he was going to make the best of it. To top it off, learning about how you gain new skills once you lose your vision was also exceptionally interesting. When I've seen people walking by with their white canes, I always wondered how they learn. Obviously, you have trial and error, but to learn what happens in the schools and their assignments was so incredible.
Bill's journey to becoming a successful skier was also so fun to read. There are ups, there are downs, there are wins and some funny losses, but it all is written with such an uplifting point of view. Bill shows us that just because bad things happen it doesn't mean we have to let all the bad things happen to us. We can make the best of a bad situation. Bill moved forward and was so kind to share his inspirational story with us readers.
If you love non-fiction books and want to read a very uplifting and inspirational story, this book is for you. This is one of my new must-reads and I highly recommend it. With all of the negativity that goes around in the news and on social media, this book was a breath of fresh air that reminded me how good things can be (even in the toughest of times).
Five out of five stars. And, just for Bill and his pup, an extra two!
Bill Johnson was just like any other working person in Atlanta. It's July, and he's out with his colleagues discussing upcoming plans. Then, tragedy strikes. A lone gunman shoots the three of them at random. Bill was the lucky one - he survived. The bullet went in one temple and out the other, only causing issues with his optic and olfactory nerves. His colleagues? They didn't make it.
Bill wakes up to learn of the new disability that will change his life forever. Despite the change, Bill is a fighter and wants to be able to live independently. One of his biggest goals is getting back to his job at the firm which seems all but impossible without vision. But he's determined, and nothing is going to stop him.
This challenge spurs Bill on. He goes through occupational therapy, learns how to use a walking stick to travel, he even gets a seeing-eye dog. This man isn't going to let one extraordinary life moment destroy his life. He just has to pivot. Oh, and he is going to learn how to ski while blind (hence the title).
I have to say, as a reader you fully expect a book like this to have a lot of depressing moments. Lucky for me, there wasn't. There are some moments when you feel bad or understand the pain and confusion of suddenly becoming blind. Bill's journey becomes a positive story of perseverance and taking life by the reigns. Just when you think Bill might give up, he doesn't. He finds a new perspective and does his best to be independent and his own person. This man is someone we should all look up to! He's incredible.
Reading about Bill's journey pulled at my heartstrings and made me feel pride. I was so impressed to read how most people with Bill's condition would take over a year to understand and begin to come to terms with losing their vision. And then there's Bill, who decided within an hour that life had changed and he was going to make the best of it. To top it off, learning about how you gain new skills once you lose your vision was also exceptionally interesting. When I've seen people walking by with their white canes, I always wondered how they learn. Obviously, you have trial and error, but to learn what happens in the schools and their assignments was so incredible.
Bill's journey to becoming a successful skier was also so fun to read. There are ups, there are downs, there are wins and some funny losses, but it all is written with such an uplifting point of view. Bill shows us that just because bad things happen it doesn't mean we have to let all the bad things happen to us. We can make the best of a bad situation. Bill moved forward and was so kind to share his inspirational story with us readers.
If you love non-fiction books and want to read a very uplifting and inspirational story, this book is for you. This is one of my new must-reads and I highly recommend it. With all of the negativity that goes around in the news and on social media, this book was a breath of fresh air that reminded me how good things can be (even in the toughest of times).
Five out of five stars. And, just for Bill and his pup, an extra two!
April 9, 2021
While in Atlanta for business, Bill and two of his colleagues were the victims of a random shooting. Bill survived the attack, but his colleagues didn’t make it. The single injury Bill sustained was complete loss of vision. While most might view this as a major setback, Bill quickly accepts his fate and dedicates his time following the shooting to becoming as independent as possible.
While the description of this book clearly gives the impression that this story is up-beat and heartwarming, it might be easy to fall into the trap of believing this story will be dispiriting, if not completely depressing.
But that isn’t the case AT ALL! From the start, you get a clear sense of Bill’s character and attitude and it’s far from morose. Becoming blind mid-way through your life is a hard pill to swallow, but Bill took it in stride, sense of humor and all.
Typically, individuals in Bill’s situation need a solid year, at least, to come to terms with the cards they’ve been dealt. For Bill, he accepted his fate within the span of an hour, while still in the hospital. (WHAT?!)
I was truly amazed at all the accomplishments that Bill set out to achieve immediately following his injury. It really makes you think twice about doubting yourself.
If you expect his story to focus on the individual who shot him and his colleagues, to go into detail about the reason for the attack, or what became of the assailant, please know that he hardly mentions the shooter.
This story is about being presented with an unfortunate situation and choosing how you move forward. It’s not about dwelling on how you got there.
I thoroughly enjoyed Bill’s memoir and repeatedly found myself thinking that Bill would be an awesome person to know personally. He just seems like a cool, down to earth guy.
If you’re looking for an inspiring story that leaves you feeling determined to be your best self, then read this!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
While the description of this book clearly gives the impression that this story is up-beat and heartwarming, it might be easy to fall into the trap of believing this story will be dispiriting, if not completely depressing.
But that isn’t the case AT ALL! From the start, you get a clear sense of Bill’s character and attitude and it’s far from morose. Becoming blind mid-way through your life is a hard pill to swallow, but Bill took it in stride, sense of humor and all.
Typically, individuals in Bill’s situation need a solid year, at least, to come to terms with the cards they’ve been dealt. For Bill, he accepted his fate within the span of an hour, while still in the hospital. (WHAT?!)
I was truly amazed at all the accomplishments that Bill set out to achieve immediately following his injury. It really makes you think twice about doubting yourself.
If you expect his story to focus on the individual who shot him and his colleagues, to go into detail about the reason for the attack, or what became of the assailant, please know that he hardly mentions the shooter.
This story is about being presented with an unfortunate situation and choosing how you move forward. It’s not about dwelling on how you got there.
I thoroughly enjoyed Bill’s memoir and repeatedly found myself thinking that Bill would be an awesome person to know personally. He just seems like a cool, down to earth guy.
If you’re looking for an inspiring story that leaves you feeling determined to be your best self, then read this!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 7, 2021
Bill Johnson could have a second career as a motivational speaker. Blinded by a random bullet while on a business trip, he managed to regain his career, meet and marry a wonderful partner and become an expert skier, all without the depression and self-doubt one would expect. He writes,” But I made a decision to keep a smile on my face, maintain an upbeat attitude, continue to do whatever I was presented with, and to trust that I was on the right road to get to where I ultimately wanted to be: back to my personal and professional lives with the fewest limitations..”
How he did this is recounted in meticulous detail.
The title is a play on words but also an indication of how significant skiing is in the author’s life. Frankly this non-skier could have done with fewer details of specific runs down various mountains.
To tell the truth, a little bit of frustration and failure would have made the book more believable, but if he was actually able to turn this potential tragedy into triumph, more power to him.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
How he did this is recounted in meticulous detail.
The title is a play on words but also an indication of how significant skiing is in the author’s life. Frankly this non-skier could have done with fewer details of specific runs down various mountains.
To tell the truth, a little bit of frustration and failure would have made the book more believable, but if he was actually able to turn this potential tragedy into triumph, more power to him.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
April 19, 2021
In this autobiography we meet William “Bill“ M Johnson as he is being rushed to the hospital after being shot. In days to come he will learn that two of his friends died, that his story was the media sensation and that he will never see again.. Bill has what I call a bouncing spirit no matter how many times you push it down it bounces back up even higher them before. Things he wanted to do immediately after waking up in the hospital go home, go to work and learn to raise his two children and he accomplished all of them. He has an endearing spirit and I have never given an autobiography five stars as I think people tend does sound to both full and they always seem to be the best at everything with the exception of the trauma that is causing them to write the book. And bills book he is humble and tells his story like a normal person would tell a story there is no principle narcissistic tone to his writing and I absolutely loved it I too went blind one year after build it and I’ll bow I didn’t know him I could feel what he went through because I went through that as well. I highly recommend this book! I was given this book by book sirens and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 27, 2021
Absolutely phenomenal book, well written, engaging and easy to read.
I loved all the real life trials and tribulations that as a sighted person you really don’t think about. I felt like I was on the journey with Bill and he made me self evaluate my own pre conceived ideas about blind people. I will definitely not engage or pet a “working dog” again. I thought it was interesting that some of the blind people he meet thought they would fail before they even tried.
This book will definitely encourage less able people to try to re-evaluate how they approach things. Think of solutions rather than problems. It also highlights that lots more employers could adapt and employ blind people if they tried.
Wonderful book, highly recommend to anyone I know.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I loved all the real life trials and tribulations that as a sighted person you really don’t think about. I felt like I was on the journey with Bill and he made me self evaluate my own pre conceived ideas about blind people. I will definitely not engage or pet a “working dog” again. I thought it was interesting that some of the blind people he meet thought they would fail before they even tried.
This book will definitely encourage less able people to try to re-evaluate how they approach things. Think of solutions rather than problems. It also highlights that lots more employers could adapt and employ blind people if they tried.
Wonderful book, highly recommend to anyone I know.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 27, 2021
Snow Blind is an interesting read. When I mentioned what this book was about, my husband said it sounded too depressing. This book is not at all depressing! It is hard to imagine a more upbeat book. It is also not self-congratulatory either. William Johnson is aware of how fortunate he is. It is, after all, a gift to be able to focus on a goal and achieve it. I thought this book would help me when I face difficulty and I think it may. However, it has also taught me to forgive myself when I am incapable of the singlemindedness of Johnson. That may not be a gift that comes naturally to me, but like him I can do my best.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 30, 2021
Snow blind
This is a beautifully written book and nothing like I thought it would be. I must admit at first, I thought this book would be depressing and full of negativity but boy was I wrong, and I am so glad I kept reading this book. It starts off with William Johnson and two colleagues getting shot by a random shooting whilst on a business trip. They did not see it happen and William was Blinded after the attack after fighting for his life in hospital.
William still feels the same about himself whilst in hospital and plans to not be bitter and twisted or get depressed but face this new challenge and get back to living life. You can do nothing but admire William as he takes you on the journey of learning to negotiate the world in darkness. William is divorced and has two children and family and friends who are happy to support him as he heads home. William goes to a school for the blind and at 41 learns to tackle and faces all the challenges head on with humour and to eventually function and live on his own and hopefully go back to work at his old job.
William not only tackles this but meets and marry a wonderful partner and also become an expert skier. William then gets his job back all without the depression and self-doubt a lot of people would have. William Johnson is so positive about how he deals with live that a job career as a motivational speaker would help many more people. A truly inspirational book with some very funny and heartfelt stories.
If you feel bad about yourself or are struggling to recover from an accident or illness read this book to motivate you into a Happier life and make you grateful for life and learn not to hold a grudge but turn your life into positive ways that suit you.
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is a beautifully written book and nothing like I thought it would be. I must admit at first, I thought this book would be depressing and full of negativity but boy was I wrong, and I am so glad I kept reading this book. It starts off with William Johnson and two colleagues getting shot by a random shooting whilst on a business trip. They did not see it happen and William was Blinded after the attack after fighting for his life in hospital.
William still feels the same about himself whilst in hospital and plans to not be bitter and twisted or get depressed but face this new challenge and get back to living life. You can do nothing but admire William as he takes you on the journey of learning to negotiate the world in darkness. William is divorced and has two children and family and friends who are happy to support him as he heads home. William goes to a school for the blind and at 41 learns to tackle and faces all the challenges head on with humour and to eventually function and live on his own and hopefully go back to work at his old job.
William not only tackles this but meets and marry a wonderful partner and also become an expert skier. William then gets his job back all without the depression and self-doubt a lot of people would have. William Johnson is so positive about how he deals with live that a job career as a motivational speaker would help many more people. A truly inspirational book with some very funny and heartfelt stories.
If you feel bad about yourself or are struggling to recover from an accident or illness read this book to motivate you into a Happier life and make you grateful for life and learn not to hold a grudge but turn your life into positive ways that suit you.
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 2, 2024
"Snow Blind: Recovering After the Random Shooting" is a gripping and poignant account that delves into the aftermath of a tragic shooting. Author William Johnson skillfully captures the emotional rollercoaster survivors face, painting a vivid picture of resilience and healing. The narrative is both heart-wrenching and inspiring, offering a raw and authentic portrayal of the human spirit's capacity to overcome adversity. A compelling read that sheds light on the complexities of recovery, "Snow Blind" is a testament to the power of hope and community.
May 15, 2021
I’m so bummed because I typed out a review right after I finished this book and for some reason it didn’t save. 😩 I received a digital arc of this book. I LOVED IT!!! What an AMAZING story, to survive and overcome all that he overcame. I don’t want to give any spoilers, but I would absolutely recommend this book. Not only will it leave you feeling amazed, but it will also inspire you to overcome things you thought were impossible.
May 27, 2021
What a truly heartwarming story. William Johnson wrote such an inspirational story that gives anyone with a disability hope that you can still go on to have a life. This was a hard book to put down once you started. Filled with emotion and even humor. I could see this book becoming a movie. I also think this would be a great required reading for young people in school. To see how someone who faces something so tragic to being on a ski slope less than a year later. I highly recommend this book!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 11, 2022
I highly recommend this memoir. I was impressed with William Johnson's positive attitude and can-do spirit after becoming blind from a random shooting. He accepts his situation and looks for ways to make the most of it and take on the next step / challenge. He continues to work and have adventures and skies blind on harder runs than I would take on as a sighted person! (I confess I like to stay on the cruisy ski runs :) This book inspired me to stay positive in the challenges I am facing in my own life instead of getting discouraged. This is a great read :)
November 22, 2021
This is the true story of a man who was walking with his boss and client when there was a random shooting that left two men dead and the author blinded. What I loved was his resilience and determination to make his life work for him without regret. He wanted to be independent and not have to rely on others to do everything for him. He said random things happen to people and you can choose how to deal with them. A true inspiration!
May 6, 2022
Bill loses his eyesight in a horrific and random shooting when I bullet goes through his temple destroying his optic nerves. When he wakes up, his entire world has changed. I found it a fascinating look into how he pieced his, teaching himself how to live life to the fullest in world where he no longer had the use of his eyes.
September 28, 2021
This is a great story of recovery. The author was shot and survived. He had to relearn how to function without his eyes. This book covers how he survived and recovered. This is an ARC from Book sirens. I'm not paid to write these.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 12, 2024
Truly remarkable story! Bill’s positive mindset and perseverance is so inspiring! Everyone should read this book!
August 6, 2021
A great true story about having the right mindset in adversity and detailed some things I have not seen described in other books about blindness. Great book.
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