Powered On: The SOUNDS I choose to hear & the NOISE I don't

by Sarah Churman

Powered On is the uplifting true story of Sarah Churman’s amazing transition from a life without natural hearing to a new world of sound. Nearly three decades after being born profoundly deaf, an advancement in technology allowed Sarah to hear the voices of her own children clearly for the very first time. In this deeply personal work, she reveals what it means to experience both sides of a disability--including the remarkable life skills and lessons she gained from years of being "inside herself", the joys inherent in listening, and the importance of tuning out certain noises in the commotion that surrounds us all.

Genres: Nonfiction

144 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2012

Reviews

[Steven · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sarah Churman's personal memoir was both a pleasure and a privilege to read. More than once I found myself misty-eyed reading particularly poignant accounts of her trials as well as her moments of courage. It is something of a unique look into the world of a hearing-impaired person and how they must find ways to cope with their disability. To the uninitiated this can be illuminating. That Sarah is blessed with family and friends of equal character is also noteworthy. That Sarah takes the time to thank so many people who helped her, no matter how small the contribution, is endearing. This mother and wife is a true role model for all of us. Her gentle spirituality too shines through, not alienating those who eschew religion while unapologetically letting the reader know where her strength and courage originates from. Purchasing and reading this book will, rather than enriching others will instead enrich you one hundred fold. Sarah's writing style is straightforward and her (likely sweet) personality shines through.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

A truly inspiring book. Not just about one women's journey to becoming hearing, but about the journey of life in general. A great reminder of how truly blessed I am and how important it is to live life to the fullest.

[Sarah Autrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing and inspirational!!! If you haven't seen her you tube video that has gone viral or her spot on Ellen, you need to. She has also became a fb friend of mine and an amazing support and inspiration on days when I wanna feel down! Awesome woman!

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book! Once I started it I couldn't put it down finished it in 4 hours!

[Rafael · Rating 5 out of 5]

I saw the viral video a couple of months after it appeared on Youtube. It was just 91 seconds long but enough to halt my world and put me in a deep state of reflexion. The tech was new and the message priceless. However there was not much to know about that blessed person and the story behind that moment. The book accurately fills the gap.

With a notable well developed sense of empathy, Sarah Churman brings to the readers a rich testimonial, from her oldest memories as a deaf person to the recent years now experiencing the new world to the fullest. During her life journey so far she presents a whole universe inaccessible to most of us full of prejudice and barriers and how having supportive parents, strong beliefs and an engaged partner really matters. She also reveals the advantages of the silent world and why hearing people may be experiencing a poorer reality than the deafest of human beings.

This book brought me to some thoughts on the limitations we would have in the face of some species with more senses than us and how we would adapt to it. Would they experience a richer world? Which aspect of this universe would not be accessible to us?