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Once Blind: The Life of John Newton
This biography of the writer of Amazing Grace takes us on a journey worthy of a Hollywood extravaganza with swashbuckling adventures on the high seas coupled with the horrors of the slave trade. Once Blind retells Newton's conversion during a crushing storm no one expected to survive and then the most unusual years that followed as an evangelical clergyman with the Church of England during which he was known for his ability to bridge gaping theological chasms.
In the end, John Newton risked his reputation, his wife's emotional well-being, even his cherished right to preach—all so that he could bear witness to the horrors he had witnessed and had participated in, and to help bring about laws that would stop the slave trade.
This is indeed a timely book as we mark the 200th anniversary of the laws that set in motion the end of 18th century slavery, for God's grace is every bit as amazing today as it was in Newton's era.
In the end, John Newton risked his reputation, his wife's emotional well-being, even his cherished right to preach—all so that he could bear witness to the horrors he had witnessed and had participated in, and to help bring about laws that would stop the slave trade.
This is indeed a timely book as we mark the 200th anniversary of the laws that set in motion the end of 18th century slavery, for God's grace is every bit as amazing today as it was in Newton's era.
257 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 2, 2008
2 people are currently reading
108 people want to read
About the author
Kay Marshall Strom
41 books31 followersKay Marshall Strom is the author of forty published books. Her writing credits also include numerous magazine articles, short stories, curriculum, stories for children, two prize-winning screenplays, and booklets for writers. Kay speaks at seminars, retreats, and special events throughout the country. She and her husband Dan Kline love to travel, and more and more Kay’s writing and speaking take her around the word.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
August 8, 2011
"Once Blind" is a biography of a man who lived in the 18th century that reads very much like a novel and nothing like an Encyclopedia.
I set out to read this book over some time but found the story so compelling that I completed it in 36 hours. The first half of the book lays out in great detail how wretched of a man John Newton had been. The hardships he faced growing up are incredible. I found myself thinking "anything I've gone through would be laughable to John Newton." The attitude of this man lept from the pages as well. Several times I thought of how much I would avoid Newton if I had personally met him.
"Once Blind" gives a great narrative of the early life of John Newton and his conversion experience. I have to say experience because the story is more than the result of a cry-night at camp. He experienced God's grace in a phenomenal way and as a result, this chief of sinners became one of the most endeared preachers in England.
I love what I have learned about the song "Amazing Grace" and I admire what I learned about what John Newton was saved from.
This book is easy to read, it's compelling, and it's insightful. I've not been one for biographies before, but this one was so intriguing I want to read others.
I set out to read this book over some time but found the story so compelling that I completed it in 36 hours. The first half of the book lays out in great detail how wretched of a man John Newton had been. The hardships he faced growing up are incredible. I found myself thinking "anything I've gone through would be laughable to John Newton." The attitude of this man lept from the pages as well. Several times I thought of how much I would avoid Newton if I had personally met him.
"Once Blind" gives a great narrative of the early life of John Newton and his conversion experience. I have to say experience because the story is more than the result of a cry-night at camp. He experienced God's grace in a phenomenal way and as a result, this chief of sinners became one of the most endeared preachers in England.
I love what I have learned about the song "Amazing Grace" and I admire what I learned about what John Newton was saved from.
This book is easy to read, it's compelling, and it's insightful. I've not been one for biographies before, but this one was so intriguing I want to read others.
July 11, 2008
John Newton's life makes a very strong testimony. Reading this biography of his life is a great addition to my library and knowledge base. Since I was a child, I can remember knowing that he was the man who was a captain on a slave ship until he found peace with Christ and wrote the lyrics to the beloved hymn "Amazing Grace". I did not however realize what all that he had endured in his life and just how "bad" he really had been. I guess I only received the child edited version of his life before. This book is told from practically a diary fashion and really takes the reader through the days and years of John's life, the good, and the very bad. In comparison to me, John is extremely strong and I would have given up early on. Comparing him to Job (Biblical Job), he still had not lost everything, but to him I'm sure it seemed he had. Reading through John Newton's life was really a personal and eye awakening experience, not just for the purpose of slave-trade, but for the purpose of being a Prodigal Child of Christ and how many times you can run, but never hide. Our God is an amazing God, and so many times we just do not see. We have all been and most of the time are just blind. I do give this book my full recommendation. I also suggest the film "Amazing Grace". This would be perfect would a group or individual study as well as a wonderful homeschooling piece.
November 30, 2019
Easy to read biography of the amazing story of John Newton. A quick read and I was especially impressed with the challenge in the last chapter. Very glad the author thought to put it in there and 'down to home' so to speak!
I wouldn't recommend this to younger readers unless you are planning to explain some of John Newtons past with women, etc. So maybe for an older audience.
Also, as much as I like this book, I plan on reading another biography to learn more. I felt like there was more to his life then this author gave. In any case, it whet my appetite for more of this man's story.
This book stays on my bookshelf!
I wouldn't recommend this to younger readers unless you are planning to explain some of John Newtons past with women, etc. So maybe for an older audience.
Also, as much as I like this book, I plan on reading another biography to learn more. I felt like there was more to his life then this author gave. In any case, it whet my appetite for more of this man's story.
This book stays on my bookshelf!
November 24, 2015
John Newton definitely has an amazing story, however this is not the book read for his full biography. Not only did I feel it was written for very young readers, but the focus of the book was on the slave trade through out his life. Many of the details of his life and his family's life were simply left out leaving many questions and a bit of a disappointment when I finished. The epilogue also was about slavery that still exists and how to abolish it clearly stating the purpose of this book. I will be looking for a better biography of the great John Newton.
July 9, 2016
Excellent book! It is the story of John Newton's life (the man that wrote the words to the song 'Amazing Grace') and his impact in our world. This book is entertaining, interesting, enjoyable, informational and inspiring. I really liked it and am a better person for having read it. Slave trade ships...how deplorable and despicable. Favorite quote..."You may choose to look the other way, but you can never again say, 'I did not know.'" So good.
September 20, 2014
This was a great book. I liked the perspective — each chapter or section began with what I assume is a quote from a sermon in London's St. Mary Woolnoth Church in 1790 as he gave his life story to the congregation. Then the biography kicks in to talk about Newton's iife. His life is not glossed over but his sins are explained. The purpose of the book is to show God's grace in saving Newton and Strom succeeded.
March 12, 2016
Great book, once I picked it up, it was just too hard to drop. A very inspiring story of a great sinner saved by grace, God can save truly unto the uttermost. Now I finally know why the hymn "Amazing Grace" is such a powerful hymn and why it has always been one of my highly favoured of all.
I recommend all Christians and non-Christians to read.
I recommend all Christians and non-Christians to read.
May 28, 2012
These are the kind of books I love. True stories that you cannot believe. Someone really lived that life? It's without fathom. I couldn't put it down and I'm so glad I read this. The content was hard to listen to and sad but everyone should read this book.
July 18, 2014
Such an inspiring book. God's love and mercy is overwhelming. Truly brings the hymn "amazing grace " to life with such a rich meaning. God used this man in such a powerful way. Thank God for John Newton.
April 20, 2015
For anyone who has ever loved and sung "Amazing Grace", this biography of the man who wrote it, John Newton, is a must read. As Newton said from the pulpit, "God saved me so that people would look at me and say "If God can save me, He can save anyone (p. 3). An incredible story of redemption.
November 13, 2011
This was an important book for me to read. I had often heard snippets about John Newton being a wretch and a slave trader, but this was his story. Excellent!
April 27, 2012
I LOVED this book! It was amazing to see how God used John Newton. There truly are no hard cases with God.
May 4, 2012
Even though I liked this book I found it hard to read.
April 11, 2013
Written as a narrative.... GREAT bk!!!
April 2, 2014
Remarkable and profound. John Newton's story has intrigued me for years. Reading the account of his life was uplifting and inspiring.
September 30, 2015
Amazing Grace, indeed! So much about him I never knew.
December 18, 2018
John Newtown's life story is incredibly compelling. Amazing Grace, indeed.
December 26, 2021
Although labeled a biography it reads like historical fiction especially the first 80% of the book. The last couple of chapters is more like biography style as it zooms out of detailed thoughts and conversations of Newton's life and the focus turns to a run by of history of the abolishment of the slave trade and eventually slavery and connects Newton's influence to it. At the end of the book the author includes information and resources on modern slavery and how to help abolish it. It's a good book if accepted as a historical fiction book of John Newton.
May 3, 2022
Fabulous! Easy and fascinating read. Descriptions of the slave operations were shocking and horrific. But this was the reality.
November 16, 2024
Amazing
September 6, 2008
Once Blind: The Life of John Newton by Kay Marshall Strom
About the book:
Every generation seems to have people who make a habit of embodying evil, John Newton observed people who have to look up in order to see the bottom. When they come to know God they are examples to others of Gods amazing grace. I, John Newton wrote, was one of these.
This biography of the writer of Amazing Grace takes us on a journey worthy of a Hollywood extravaganza with swashbuckling adventures on the high seas coupled with the horrors of the slave trade. Once Blind retells Newtons conversion during a crushing storm no one expected to survive and then the most unusual years that followed as an evangelical clergyman with the Church of England during which he was known for his ability to bridge gaping theological chasms.
In the end, John Newton risked his reputation, his wife's emotional wellbeing, even his cherished right to preach all so that he could bear witness to the horrors he had witnessed and had participated in, and to help bring about laws that would stop the slave trade.
This is indeed a timely book as we mark the 200th anniversary of the laws that set in motion the end of 18th century slavery, for Gods grace is every bit as amazing today as it was in Newtons era.
My review:
Several years ago I read The Infidel by Joe Musser (B&H 2001) and enjoyed it very much. It was a novel - rather than a biography - based on John Newton's life. Once Blind is very similar to The Infidel so both authors had obviously studied up on John Newton's life, though they had slightly different takes on the details. Once Blind was an easy read, though I found the symbols used to illustrate cursing like... #@(%& quite distracting at times. There was also an occasional point of view issue, but other than those minor things, I really liked the story. The fact that I finished it says a lot considering most books of the books I start never get read through to the end. At any rate, this biography was a nice review of John Newton's life and the comparison to modern day slavery issues at the end is worth considering. There is even a section that talks about how you can become a modern day abolitionist.
I also appreciated how the author used excerpts from some of Newton's sermons to make points in the story. Some scenes were pretty descriptive of the horrors of slavery, but nothing the average reader would get ill over. The details were not too graphic. At any rate, Once Blind is a worthwhile read and I definitely recommend taking the time to read it.
Once Blind was published by Authentic Books and released in January 2008.
About the book:
Every generation seems to have people who make a habit of embodying evil, John Newton observed people who have to look up in order to see the bottom. When they come to know God they are examples to others of Gods amazing grace. I, John Newton wrote, was one of these.
This biography of the writer of Amazing Grace takes us on a journey worthy of a Hollywood extravaganza with swashbuckling adventures on the high seas coupled with the horrors of the slave trade. Once Blind retells Newtons conversion during a crushing storm no one expected to survive and then the most unusual years that followed as an evangelical clergyman with the Church of England during which he was known for his ability to bridge gaping theological chasms.
In the end, John Newton risked his reputation, his wife's emotional wellbeing, even his cherished right to preach all so that he could bear witness to the horrors he had witnessed and had participated in, and to help bring about laws that would stop the slave trade.
This is indeed a timely book as we mark the 200th anniversary of the laws that set in motion the end of 18th century slavery, for Gods grace is every bit as amazing today as it was in Newtons era.
My review:
Several years ago I read The Infidel by Joe Musser (B&H 2001) and enjoyed it very much. It was a novel - rather than a biography - based on John Newton's life. Once Blind is very similar to The Infidel so both authors had obviously studied up on John Newton's life, though they had slightly different takes on the details. Once Blind was an easy read, though I found the symbols used to illustrate cursing like... #@(%& quite distracting at times. There was also an occasional point of view issue, but other than those minor things, I really liked the story. The fact that I finished it says a lot considering most books of the books I start never get read through to the end. At any rate, this biography was a nice review of John Newton's life and the comparison to modern day slavery issues at the end is worth considering. There is even a section that talks about how you can become a modern day abolitionist.
I also appreciated how the author used excerpts from some of Newton's sermons to make points in the story. Some scenes were pretty descriptive of the horrors of slavery, but nothing the average reader would get ill over. The details were not too graphic. At any rate, Once Blind is a worthwhile read and I definitely recommend taking the time to read it.
Once Blind was published by Authentic Books and released in January 2008.
February 7, 2013
This is an great read...the true account of John Newton, the author of the hymn Amazing Grace. The first half is written in novel form and then the second half is a hybrid of novel and non-fiction. His life is amazing in more ways than one...tragic and inspiring all at once. The only thing that kept it from a 5 star was my desire for a little more umph in her writing. I am grateful that she edited his sailor's language, but he was experiencing some pretty horrific ordeals and seeing and being apart of some of the most heart wrenching treatment of mankind and THEN he has one of the most amazing conversion stories of all time...I was just wanting to fffeeeeelll it more. But a great book that I would recommend with out hesitation to all.
ps Deanne, I think this would be a PERFECT book for you and your kids to read and discuss.
ps Deanne, I think this would be a PERFECT book for you and your kids to read and discuss.
August 30, 2015
The story is a five star story. But the writing at times seems like it is for a twelve year old audience. Hence, three stars.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews