Joni: An Unforgettable Story (2001) - Plot & Excerpts
In her autobiography, Joni Eareckson tells us how, in the face of darkness, she trusted God to get her through the toughest time in her life.Joni Eareckson was a normal seventeen-year-old. Having graduating high school, having many animals, and going to college, she had a perfect life.Then, in July 1967, she dove into the Chesapeake Bay. Suddenly, her head hit something hard, and the next thing she knew she was lying face down at the bottom of the bay. She couldn’t move, couldn’t feel anything from her shoulders down.Her sister found her and Joni was rushed to the ER. The x-rays revealed Joni had broken her neck. She would never be able to walk or use her hands again. She thought that God was doing her wrong by letting this happen to her. She demanded and pleaded with Him to heal her quadriplegia.By sharing her life story as a quadriplegic, Joni takes you on her journey to mental, physical and spiritual recovery. Today, Joni is an internationally known mouth artist, a talented vocalist, a radio host, an author of 17 books, a breast cancer survivor, and an advocate for disabled persons worldwide.Also by Joni Eareckson (Tada): 31 Days Towards Passionate FaithA Father s TouchA Thankful Heart in a World of HurtDiagnosed With Breast CancerDiamonds in the DustGod s Hand in Our HardshipMaking Sense of SufferingMore Precious Then SilverPrayer Speaking God s LanguageUnanswered Prayer Where s My MiracleWhen God WeepsVisit Joni Eareckson’s website at: www.joniandfriends.orgReviewed by Khristian H., TAB@DBPL Reader Advisor since 2012.
Wow! Joni is such an inspiration! The suffering she endured, physically, psychologically, emotionally, and spiritually has become a guide for finding silver linings. She manages to explain her faith in God without seeming like overbearing like some people who try to share their testimony. Some people just come off as fake, like they don't believe a word they are telling you but they just love hearing the sound of their voice so much they just keep blabbing. Joni is NOT like that. She shares her story in a way that helped me remember the faith in Christ that I've somehow lost along the way. I didn't feel like this was just a book to push people into Christianity. Instead it's a book about one woman's struggle, journey, and survival. Christ just happens to be an integral part of her life and she shares her testimony in a way that reached down into heart and soul. She made me think more profoundly than I have in a long time. Amazing book of an amazing story about an amazing woman! Thank you, Joni, for sharing your story!
What do You think about Joni: An Unforgettable Story (2001)?
Although I was familiar with Joni Eareckson Tada's story, I had never read any of her books. This is the book about the tragic accident that caused her quadriplegia (paralysis from the shoulders down), and her physical, emotional, and spiritual journey that follows. What impressed me most about this book are the spiritual nuggets in it that just crack your heart open reading it. It delves into her personal relationships - with her father, her sisters, her friends, her love interests - in a way that makes you stop and think about your own. Am I taking advantage of others? Am I not giving people enough grace? Am I not letting go of the past? Am I not sinning outwardly, but indulging in sin with my attitude?It is incredibly humbling and inspiring to read her story. I am really excited to read more of her books.
—Kelly
Thank you for the recommendation. I actually read this inspiring book in 2006. I just have not entered books I read prior to joining goodreads. It is time consuming & I'd rather use time reading. :)
—John
I have know a little about Joni's story for a long as I can remember because it impressed my mom so much, but I never read Joni's telling of it before. It is amazing to read what God did in her life and how she was able to accept what happened to her and affirm that God can work all things for good for those who love him and are called according to his purposes. Joni really emphasized part of that verse: "for those who love him." She said at one point that she had to love God and trust him so that the tragedy in her life would not be wasted. God would only work it for good if she loved him and allowed him to work it out for good. Her witness of faith is an amazing testimony and makes me wonder why I doubt God's love so often.
—Sarah
