The Touch of Magic: The Story of Helen Keller's Great Teacher, Anne Sullivan Macy

by Lorena A. Hickok

184 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1961

About the author

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lorena_...

Reviews

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

The language was obviously very outdated at many points (written in 1961), but the author's affection for Annie and Helen's influence shone through. (The author interviewed Helen for her own biography as well as Annie's.) It never really derailed into inspiration porn, and Annie's negative traits and martyrdom were portrayed clearly, as was the switch from Annie protecting Helen in their youths and Helen needing to protect Annie in their older age. By the time Helen was an adult here, she was portrayed as a fully rounded individual, with much less of the Wonder Child element that described her childhood. Neither of Helen's parents came off particularly well, especially her father, and I wondered at the one line that said Annie was raising Helen's little sister Mildred in Boston at one point, too. A very engaging read.

I was somewhat amused to see the blurb from Eleanor Roosevelt, Hick's ex-girlfriend, in the back. Can't get away from Eleanor's stamps of approval!

[Jeff]

Lorena A. Hickok tells her story deftly, but with humor and a genuine admiration for her subject. Late last night, I read about the poignant secret Annie kept from Helen for forty-four years. It reveals another glimpse of the brilliant, steadfast, but fiercely private character of Annie Sullivan Macy. I am still in the afterglow of this wonderful biography.

[Nicole Cornelius · Rating 4 out of 5]

A teacher’s teacher! One cannot discuss Annie Sullivan’s life without bumping into Helen Keller’s—their lives are in fact so entwined—but Annie overcame great odds herself, which makes her tenacity and accomplishments that much more compelling and inspiring. A woman determined to live life in the shadows, I’m glad someone took the time to delve a little deeper into Annie Sullivan’s life. Although the actual writing is at times choppy and outdated—hence four stars—I’m so glad I picked this up!

[Patricia L. O’Leary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an eye opening read. It helped me truly appreciate my sight and hearing. It brought me to happy tears on several occasions, rare for me, like when Helen discovered the meaning of water.
This book opened my heart towards Annie and Helen. A hundred stars.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Annie Sullivan was an incredible woman. I am inspired by this account of her life.

[Dianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely worth a read if you're a fan of Helen Keller (and who isn't?). This book has so many more details about Annie and doesn't gloss over the hard times.

[Tessa Jensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Both inspirational and heartwarming.

[Austin McBride · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall this was a decent book. I would recommend it, but if you are reading on paper there is a lot of weird old words and phrases you have to look up.

[Diana S · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Kenna English · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is sooooo sad but it’s super good