Scattered Shadows: A Memoir of Blindness and Vision

by John Howard Griffin, Robert Bonazzi (Editor)

This extraordinary chronicle from the author of "Black Like Me about his loss of sight is a powerful testament to the human spirit.

Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction, Biography, Disability

230 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

John Howard Griffin was a white American journalist who is best known for his account, Black Like Me, in which he details the experience of darkening his skin and traveling as a black man through Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia in 1959. (The racism that he encountered was so disturbing that he cut short the time that he had allotted for this very unique experiment, clearly demonstrating that no one would tolerate being treated as many blacks are, if he or she could possibly avoid it.)

Reviews

[fpk · Rating 4 out of 5]

This memoir is a compilation of journal entries and other writings by Griffin, written during the time he went blind and then regained his sight. The entries are woven together well, so it reads like a unified piece. I love Griffin's insights and images. It is refreshing to read his "ponderings." In this age of instant tweets, rambling blogs and hastened rants and blips, it is encouraging to read some deep thought and spiritual insight herein.
His descriptions of his blindness, his subsequent illnesses, paralysis, financial woes, legal problems and such are inspiring to me, seeing his resilience and deep faith in the One who sustains us through all.

I wish I had read this book prior to reading Black like Me, just for chronology sake.. but I recommend this book to readers who want to think deeply....

Wish I had time to include some of my favorite quotes from the book, but it's a library book so I have to return it!

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book starts out strong, but then I started losing interest. Griffin led a fascinating life; his famous work Black Like Me is only the tip of the iceberg. The first part of this work consists of crafted stories and essays by the author on his return from WWII and journey into blindness. After a while, the book consists largely of journal entries, rather than organized stories, edited together after Griffin's death. Therefore, the first part of the book contains details about events and conversations, as well as Griffin's thoughts on them, while the later journal entries contain mostly just the thoughts and feelings a person records for themselves without the details one might give when writing for others.

[Mare · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an exceptional memoir! It was written with such depth and insight. There were countless paragraphs that I had to re-read just to grasp the layers of truth hidden inside.

This book will open your mind and your heart to those who have so called "handicaps" and cause you to react in a different way. It is astounding to read John's thoughts on all that he experienced in loosing and regaining his sight.

He experience raw authentic joy at a time when most would be in utter despair. It hits home the truth that true joy is found with in and has nothing to do with our external circumstances.

[Kbp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Make you think about life and how we dont have much time so we have to enjoy what little time we do have

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read though very deep at times. Memoir of the author's journey from blindness, temporary paralysis and then the regaining of his sight. Fascinating. His descriptions of the onset of blindness and his encounters with other blind people are thought provoking. HIghly recommend.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book, one that has quickly risen to the top of my list of favorites. Beautifully written and insightful. I would recommend it to anyone!