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Positive Vision: Enjoying the Adventures and Advantages of Poor Eyesight
Author Ken Brandt presents a gloriously positive view of life’s challenges while riding his roller coaster of vision setbacks and improvements. An adventure and humor filled journey that includes: being dragged by galloping horses in Montana, helping firefighters combat an arson blaze, captaining his university parachuting team, and a long convoluted successful chase of a thief in New York City.
Complementing the adventures are amusing and relatable anecdotes demonstrating the advantages of poor eyesight. Good eyesight is clearly better than poor eyesight, but it is fun to appreciate the advantages of poor eyesight, such as: longer life, better balance, and better presentation skills. Enjoying these advantages makes life more fun for you and those around you.
Brandt presents the bright side of his lifetime with poor vision and slightly crossed eyes, sharing how he worked his way through eyeglasses, contact lenses, a detached retina and cataract operation in each eye, two other eye operations, and many years of being legally blind.
Each book purchase helps two great vision causes. Author Ken Brandt is donating 10 percent of his book royalties (5 percent each) to: Massachusetts Eye and Ear, for eye research; and The Fred Hollows Foundation, for ending avoidable blindness.
Everyone with even slightly less than perfect eyesight must be a bit adventurous to do some of the same things routinely done by people with normal eyesight. If you are not there yet, you might be in the future: Many people’s vision deteriorates a bit as they age, pushing them into this adventure zone. Enjoy Ken Brandt’s sneak preview in this memoir.
A rollicking, rambling ripper of a read. Great for anyone who likes adventure, humor, memoirs, and a bit of inspiration.
Complementing the adventures are amusing and relatable anecdotes demonstrating the advantages of poor eyesight. Good eyesight is clearly better than poor eyesight, but it is fun to appreciate the advantages of poor eyesight, such as: longer life, better balance, and better presentation skills. Enjoying these advantages makes life more fun for you and those around you.
Brandt presents the bright side of his lifetime with poor vision and slightly crossed eyes, sharing how he worked his way through eyeglasses, contact lenses, a detached retina and cataract operation in each eye, two other eye operations, and many years of being legally blind.
Each book purchase helps two great vision causes. Author Ken Brandt is donating 10 percent of his book royalties (5 percent each) to: Massachusetts Eye and Ear, for eye research; and The Fred Hollows Foundation, for ending avoidable blindness.
Everyone with even slightly less than perfect eyesight must be a bit adventurous to do some of the same things routinely done by people with normal eyesight. If you are not there yet, you might be in the future: Many people’s vision deteriorates a bit as they age, pushing them into this adventure zone. Enjoy Ken Brandt’s sneak preview in this memoir.
A rollicking, rambling ripper of a read. Great for anyone who likes adventure, humor, memoirs, and a bit of inspiration.
124 pages, Paperback
Published September 18, 2020
3 people are currently reading
1143 people want to read
About the author
Ken Brandt
1 book68 followersKen Brandt is the author of the adventure and humor filled memoir “Positive Vision: Enjoying the Adventures and Advantages of Poor Eyesight”. He has led a fun and adventurous life and had a successful business career despite (or perhaps in part because of!) his bad eyes.
Poor eyesight never impacted Ken’s vision of what life could be. Whether galloping across the Montana range, exploring claustrophobic (and fiery!) caverns, chasing a thief through the streets of 1980s New York, or taking a plunge from a plane, his adventures are sure to entertain. Complementing the adventures are his amusing and relatable anecdotes demonstrating the advantages of poor eyesight.
Ken has always had poor vision and slightly crossed eyes. He has undergone six eye operations (including a detached retina and cataract operation in each eye), and spent parts of his life legally blind. Ken donates 10 percent of his author royalties to eye research and ending avoidable blindness.
Prior to retiring and writing “Positive Vision: Enjoying the Adventures and Advantages of Poor Eyesight”, Ken held senior management and management consulting positions in information technology and cyber security with firms and clients of all sizes in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.
Ken is an entertaining speaker and an amateur New Orleans style jazz trumpeter. He and his wife Judy Roberts Brandt have been married for over twenty years, lived most of their lives in New York City, and now live in Melbourne, Australia.
Poor eyesight never impacted Ken’s vision of what life could be. Whether galloping across the Montana range, exploring claustrophobic (and fiery!) caverns, chasing a thief through the streets of 1980s New York, or taking a plunge from a plane, his adventures are sure to entertain. Complementing the adventures are his amusing and relatable anecdotes demonstrating the advantages of poor eyesight.
Ken has always had poor vision and slightly crossed eyes. He has undergone six eye operations (including a detached retina and cataract operation in each eye), and spent parts of his life legally blind. Ken donates 10 percent of his author royalties to eye research and ending avoidable blindness.
Prior to retiring and writing “Positive Vision: Enjoying the Adventures and Advantages of Poor Eyesight”, Ken held senior management and management consulting positions in information technology and cyber security with firms and clients of all sizes in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.
Ken is an entertaining speaker and an amateur New Orleans style jazz trumpeter. He and his wife Judy Roberts Brandt have been married for over twenty years, lived most of their lives in New York City, and now live in Melbourne, Australia.
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March 8, 2021I wrote this book, so don't think it would be fair for me to review it. Instead, copied below is a review written by Sepideh Heydar Zadeh for the Vision Science Academy.
Positive Vision: Enjoying the Adventures and Advantages of Poor Eyesight by Ken Brandt is a wonderful biographical recollection of Brandt’s life with very poor eyesight. This book offers a gloriously positive view on life, which makes it a great read.
The adventures are mind blowing, entertaining, and wholesome. He describes his journey of speeding across the Montana range, exploring claustrophobic caverns, chasing a criminal through the mean streets of New York in the 1980s, jumping from a plane, and so on. In addition to the adventures, Brandt also fills the book with heart-warming and humorous anecdotes demonstrating the advantages of poor eyesight and seeing the bright side of life. All in all, showing the reader that despite any hurdles, they can achieve anything they want in life.
Brandt has met the challenge of poor vision and mildly crossed eyes since birth. He has had six eye operations and was legally blind for many years. He has experienced major up and down fluctuation in his eyesight. However, he has never allowed his visual impairment to affect his happiness or positive perception on life. Brandt has had plenty of personal and professional successes and uses his creativity to come up with solutions to awkward problems. Brandt’s enriched life led to an abundance of entertaining stories that he is now setting free into the world.
The book was written to entertain and help people with poor eyesight, along with their friends and families. Brandt is retired, so writing was a two year on and off process. In his spare time, Brandt and his artist/designer wife love to travel, keep up with art and music, exercise and attend events and talks. The married couple spent most of their lives in New York City and now live in Australia! Additionally, Brandt is an entertaining speaker and an amateur jazz trumpeter in two bands.
Brandt is a kind soul who is donating 10% of his author royalties to eyesight related causes with 5% going to Massachusetts Eye and Ear for eye research and 5% to The Fred Hollows Foundation for ending avoidable blindness.
In conclusion, I highly recommend Positive Vision: Enjoying the Adventures and Advantages of Poor Eyesight to anyone who wants to read about adventure, creativity, fun, or visual impairment. Vision professionals will enjoy reading it and recommending it to many of their patients. Everyone will find something they love about it. It is an easy to read page-turner: I rate this book five stars!
Positive Vision: Enjoying the Adventures and Advantages of Poor Eyesight by Ken Brandt is a wonderful biographical recollection of Brandt’s life with very poor eyesight. This book offers a gloriously positive view on life, which makes it a great read.
The adventures are mind blowing, entertaining, and wholesome. He describes his journey of speeding across the Montana range, exploring claustrophobic caverns, chasing a criminal through the mean streets of New York in the 1980s, jumping from a plane, and so on. In addition to the adventures, Brandt also fills the book with heart-warming and humorous anecdotes demonstrating the advantages of poor eyesight and seeing the bright side of life. All in all, showing the reader that despite any hurdles, they can achieve anything they want in life.
Brandt has met the challenge of poor vision and mildly crossed eyes since birth. He has had six eye operations and was legally blind for many years. He has experienced major up and down fluctuation in his eyesight. However, he has never allowed his visual impairment to affect his happiness or positive perception on life. Brandt has had plenty of personal and professional successes and uses his creativity to come up with solutions to awkward problems. Brandt’s enriched life led to an abundance of entertaining stories that he is now setting free into the world.
The book was written to entertain and help people with poor eyesight, along with their friends and families. Brandt is retired, so writing was a two year on and off process. In his spare time, Brandt and his artist/designer wife love to travel, keep up with art and music, exercise and attend events and talks. The married couple spent most of their lives in New York City and now live in Australia! Additionally, Brandt is an entertaining speaker and an amateur jazz trumpeter in two bands.
Brandt is a kind soul who is donating 10% of his author royalties to eyesight related causes with 5% going to Massachusetts Eye and Ear for eye research and 5% to The Fred Hollows Foundation for ending avoidable blindness.
In conclusion, I highly recommend Positive Vision: Enjoying the Adventures and Advantages of Poor Eyesight to anyone who wants to read about adventure, creativity, fun, or visual impairment. Vision professionals will enjoy reading it and recommending it to many of their patients. Everyone will find something they love about it. It is an easy to read page-turner: I rate this book five stars!
February 15, 2021
Ken Brandt shares the crazy adventures of his life and fun anecdotes about having poor eyesight in Positive Vision! Brandt’s life has been wacky, filled with cave exploration, chasing thieves, and jumping out of planes. This book was fun to read, especially with Brandt’s sense of humor, but I also really enjoyed the insights gained from living a full life with poor eyesight! This is a very uplifting book and I thoroughly enjoyed it! If you love inspirational books or even travel tales, come set your sights on Positive Vision!
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May 9, 2021I wrote this book, so don't think it would be fair for me to rate or review it. Instead, here is a review that appeared in New York Insights, that was written by their Editor: Viola Kanevsky, OD.
This month I came across a new book written by Ken Brandt. A lighthearted short read, it gave me a different perspective of life with low vision and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to know how their patients might perceive the world through less than perfect optics. Mr. Brandt, although he doesn’t explicitly say so, appears to suffer from the consequences of retinopathy of prematurity, including degenerative myopia, strabismus, retinal detachments, and cataracts.
Born in 1954, he was kept in an oxygen tent at UPMC in Philadelphia. Since the technology to monitor or regulate oxygen did not exist, and a fundus examination of preterm infants was not routinely performed, the results were the typical retrolentalfibroplasia seen in cases where uncontrolled oxygen is delivered to the pre-term infant. The rate of ROP in most prematureinfants has decreased significantly in developed countries over the past few decades due to better care in NICU, however, as more premies are now able to survive, these very tiny babies are at the highest risk for ROP. But let’s return to Ken Brandt, who hasn’t researched the precise causes of his vision loss, but is simply happy and grateful to rely on his optometrist’s andophthalmologist’s guidance. This book is not about ROP, it is not about loss, it is not about disadvantage. Rather, it is about finding silver linings and seeing the bright side of each situation because clarity and acuity are never simply a function of sharp vision.
Captain of his university’s parachuting team, Ken describes being excited about his new-found, thrilling hobby, only to meet with the disappointing pronouncement of his eye doctor, namely, that his detached retinas would not bear further assault from this turbulent amusement. Undaunted, he packs away the skills he has learned and tries his hand at metalworking at the tops of Manhattan skyscrapers. Two jobs in and his supervisor requests a letter from his eye doctor certifying his vision is adequate for working in construction. Once again, his eye doctor disagrees. What I very much enjoyed about this book was that every time I was ready to feel sorry for the man and ashamed of my profession for constantly limiting his choices, he surprised me with his bright and cheery outlook. Instead of lamenting the curtailing of a career he clearly enjoyed, he says, “maybe the eye doctor was right- maybe I avoided some injuries and prolonged my life by having to choose another line of work.” I’ve often felt sad watching someone with low
fumble with elevator buttons but no more - according to Ken, “a lot of poor-vision people are great walkers because of…not having a driver’s license, or…taking the stairs because we cannot find the elevator buttons.”
Peppered throughout the book are multiple knee-slappers that the last generation of eye doctors inflicted upon their patients. I must admit I rolled my eyes several times as I visualized my father’s optometrist doing his usual schtick at the end of his refractions, “Ever been to an optimistic optometrist? They’ll tell you that your glasses are half-full!” Bu Dum Tss! On the other hand, last week a kid asked me if I had any good optometrist jokes and I instantly pulled out another one from the book, that I thought would be awful, “What do you call low vision dinosaurs? Doyouthinktheysaurus?” The kid almost rolled off the chair. Never underestimate the power of borscht belt humor.
If you want a quick and amusing read that will give you insight into the world seen through the eyes of a partially sighted patient, I highly recommend, Enjoying the Adventures and Advantages of Poor Eyesight by Ken Brandt. 2020, the year that should have been the year of vision, is the perfect time to contemplate what happens when things don’t go exactly as you had envisioned they would.
If you want a quick and amusing read that will give you insight into the world seen through the eyes of a partially sighted patient, I highly recommend, Enjoying the Adventures and Advantages of Poor Eyesight by Ken Brandt. 2020, the year that should have been the year of vision, is the perfect time to contemplate what happens when things don’t go exactly as you had envisioned they would.
This month I came across a new book written by Ken Brandt. A lighthearted short read, it gave me a different perspective of life with low vision and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to know how their patients might perceive the world through less than perfect optics. Mr. Brandt, although he doesn’t explicitly say so, appears to suffer from the consequences of retinopathy of prematurity, including degenerative myopia, strabismus, retinal detachments, and cataracts.
Born in 1954, he was kept in an oxygen tent at UPMC in Philadelphia. Since the technology to monitor or regulate oxygen did not exist, and a fundus examination of preterm infants was not routinely performed, the results were the typical retrolentalfibroplasia seen in cases where uncontrolled oxygen is delivered to the pre-term infant. The rate of ROP in most prematureinfants has decreased significantly in developed countries over the past few decades due to better care in NICU, however, as more premies are now able to survive, these very tiny babies are at the highest risk for ROP. But let’s return to Ken Brandt, who hasn’t researched the precise causes of his vision loss, but is simply happy and grateful to rely on his optometrist’s andophthalmologist’s guidance. This book is not about ROP, it is not about loss, it is not about disadvantage. Rather, it is about finding silver linings and seeing the bright side of each situation because clarity and acuity are never simply a function of sharp vision.
Captain of his university’s parachuting team, Ken describes being excited about his new-found, thrilling hobby, only to meet with the disappointing pronouncement of his eye doctor, namely, that his detached retinas would not bear further assault from this turbulent amusement. Undaunted, he packs away the skills he has learned and tries his hand at metalworking at the tops of Manhattan skyscrapers. Two jobs in and his supervisor requests a letter from his eye doctor certifying his vision is adequate for working in construction. Once again, his eye doctor disagrees. What I very much enjoyed about this book was that every time I was ready to feel sorry for the man and ashamed of my profession for constantly limiting his choices, he surprised me with his bright and cheery outlook. Instead of lamenting the curtailing of a career he clearly enjoyed, he says, “maybe the eye doctor was right- maybe I avoided some injuries and prolonged my life by having to choose another line of work.” I’ve often felt sad watching someone with low
fumble with elevator buttons but no more - according to Ken, “a lot of poor-vision people are great walkers because of…not having a driver’s license, or…taking the stairs because we cannot find the elevator buttons.”
Peppered throughout the book are multiple knee-slappers that the last generation of eye doctors inflicted upon their patients. I must admit I rolled my eyes several times as I visualized my father’s optometrist doing his usual schtick at the end of his refractions, “Ever been to an optimistic optometrist? They’ll tell you that your glasses are half-full!” Bu Dum Tss! On the other hand, last week a kid asked me if I had any good optometrist jokes and I instantly pulled out another one from the book, that I thought would be awful, “What do you call low vision dinosaurs? Doyouthinktheysaurus?” The kid almost rolled off the chair. Never underestimate the power of borscht belt humor.
If you want a quick and amusing read that will give you insight into the world seen through the eyes of a partially sighted patient, I highly recommend, Enjoying the Adventures and Advantages of Poor Eyesight by Ken Brandt. 2020, the year that should have been the year of vision, is the perfect time to contemplate what happens when things don’t go exactly as you had envisioned they would.
If you want a quick and amusing read that will give you insight into the world seen through the eyes of a partially sighted patient, I highly recommend, Enjoying the Adventures and Advantages of Poor Eyesight by Ken Brandt. 2020, the year that should have been the year of vision, is the perfect time to contemplate what happens when things don’t go exactly as you had envisioned they would.
April 3, 2021
Ken Brandt's 'positive' attitude as he deals with limited vision challenges our basic assumptions about what it is like to live with low vision. Brandt's memoir shows that maintaining a positive attitude, a sense of humour and an adventurous spirit are the best tools to deal with any form of physical handicap. Essential reading!
September 12, 2021
Positive Vision is a biography written about Brandt’s life, adventure and encounters. He presents his outtake on life and entertains the reader with his exciting retelling’s of explorations, jumping from a plane, chasing a criminal in New York, and more. He is honest about his poor eyesight and all the hurdles or possible limitations it could bring; however, what is most delightful about this memoir is that, although Brandt has had six eye operations and was legally blind for many years, he does not consider or portray his visual impairment as a disadvantage and shows us his positive perception in life.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. After you read Brandt’s life, you feel inspired to do more, live more and be positive. The added wit and humour were appreciated, and you get to enjoy living through what Ken offers as travel tales.
The material is suitable for anyone who enjoys reading biographies, and I recommend it to those who like insightful reads.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. After you read Brandt’s life, you feel inspired to do more, live more and be positive. The added wit and humour were appreciated, and you get to enjoy living through what Ken offers as travel tales.
The material is suitable for anyone who enjoys reading biographies, and I recommend it to those who like insightful reads.
January 20, 2021
As a legally blind person myself I always enjoy books that 'call it like it is' when it comes to discussing disability and this is no exception. In this book Ken reflects on a life that has lived it all and covers the range of emotions, challenges and importantly the need to keep humour at the forefront of unexpected situations. I found the stories about parachuting and his experience workiign on the World Trade Center particularly engrossing, and the conclusion nicely pulls together the present themes. Whether you have a disability or not, learning about Ken's remarkable life is well worth a read.
December 27, 2020
An uplifting book, with lots of humor and some amazing stories of exploits.
January 16, 2021
Insightful, poignant with disarming humor and practical advice.
February 28, 2021
A cool, fun, inspiring and funny adventure memoir. A page turner for all ages. Snappy book cover. Well designed, easy to read book with lots of interesting illustrations. Highly recommended.
March 21, 2022
Ken Brandt’s uplifting book Positive Vision knocked my socks off! Brandishing self-effacing humor, jokes, illustrations and hilariously funny vignettes, Ken’s willingness to share his unique experience had me, at times, laughing out loud.
Living 24/7 with poor vision is a topic I had never seriously considered. In a disarmingly charming fashion, Ken has opened my eyes to a condition which merits scientific research, much thought and empathy.
Yet, this handicap has not prevented him from being a “Man for All Seasons”. Frankly, Ken has lived a life many of us can only dream of. I would not be wide of the mark to draw a comparison to the way Ken tells the story of an appealing character--himself--in a manner which evokes both Indiana Jones and Charles Dickens. His “Skydiving” and “Catching a Thief” anecdotes had me doubled over in laughter. Simply brilliant. Ken’s ability to transcend his situation through ingenuity, positivity and sheer will is a triumph of the human spirit.
Not only does Ken’s rhythm, cadence and candor make this an informative and incredibly satisfying ‘must read,’ but we should not be surprised to see this book become a Netflix comedy series or movie in the near future. It’s that good!
Living 24/7 with poor vision is a topic I had never seriously considered. In a disarmingly charming fashion, Ken has opened my eyes to a condition which merits scientific research, much thought and empathy.
Yet, this handicap has not prevented him from being a “Man for All Seasons”. Frankly, Ken has lived a life many of us can only dream of. I would not be wide of the mark to draw a comparison to the way Ken tells the story of an appealing character--himself--in a manner which evokes both Indiana Jones and Charles Dickens. His “Skydiving” and “Catching a Thief” anecdotes had me doubled over in laughter. Simply brilliant. Ken’s ability to transcend his situation through ingenuity, positivity and sheer will is a triumph of the human spirit.
Not only does Ken’s rhythm, cadence and candor make this an informative and incredibly satisfying ‘must read,’ but we should not be surprised to see this book become a Netflix comedy series or movie in the near future. It’s that good!
August 22, 2022
A quick memoir filled with humorous and thought-provoking life anecdotes.
I loved reading about the sky diving and spelunking even though it did give me a little anxiety as imagined myself in his place. It was also very interesting to hear how well he hid his vision impairments from everyone around him for decades due to figuring out so many covert alternatives, like asking a waiter for their recommendation at a restaurant if you can’t read the menu.
Definitely recommend for a fun and informative read.
I loved reading about the sky diving and spelunking even though it did give me a little anxiety as imagined myself in his place. It was also very interesting to hear how well he hid his vision impairments from everyone around him for decades due to figuring out so many covert alternatives, like asking a waiter for their recommendation at a restaurant if you can’t read the menu.
Definitely recommend for a fun and informative read.
September 13, 2021
This book was a delight to read. The author discusses his poor eyesight with humour and a positive outlook. It was refreshing to read about “disability” in this way. I add the quotes because Ken Brandt shows us that he can do just about anything someone with average vision can do. In fact he has done things I wouldn’t even do.
You can tell it’s going to be a humourous book when you see the little note from the author on the title page.
“Copyright 2020 Even though my vision is far from 20/20 It is a great year to launch a book about vision!”
I mean come on, he has a good point.
The book includes black and white photos of himself and clipart drawings as well that fit the story. My favourite part of the book is the eye jokes at the end of each chapter. The book is not just about himself. In Chapter 4 he shows us Successful People with Poor Eyesight.
The book is short but sweet. It’s a fun read for anyone who wears glasses or has poor vision of any kind
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
You can tell it’s going to be a humourous book when you see the little note from the author on the title page.
“Copyright 2020 Even though my vision is far from 20/20 It is a great year to launch a book about vision!”
I mean come on, he has a good point.
The book includes black and white photos of himself and clipart drawings as well that fit the story. My favourite part of the book is the eye jokes at the end of each chapter. The book is not just about himself. In Chapter 4 he shows us Successful People with Poor Eyesight.
The book is short but sweet. It’s a fun read for anyone who wears glasses or has poor vision of any kind
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
February 3, 2021
Experiencing poor eyesight is not a prerequisite for enjoying this book. It is full of entertaining and meaningful anecdotes, quotes, and a general attitude of positivity that lifts my spirits. And there is value-added if you happen to enjoy corny jokes. Highly recommended.
August 28, 2021
This was a very entertaining read. Had a laugh all the way through, and enjoyed the journey of the author. If you know, or have anyone feeling a little sorry for themselves, then highly suggest to give them a read, it will bring and smile and lift the spirits.
March 3, 2021
I loved it - short, snappy, inspirational, funny, insightful - I have recommended it to many others and they also liked it.
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January 3, 2021I wrote this book, so I don't think would fair for me to rate or review it. So, here is a book review written by aoptometrist John De Francesco that was published in: Good Vision for Life.
"An entertaining account of adventures through low vision eyes"
What author Ken Brandt lacks in vision, he makes up for in zeal, resourcefulness and creativity – an approach to life he has encapsulated in his new book, ‘Positive Vision. Enjoying the Adventures and Advantages of Poor Eye Sight.’
This book is a fascinating adventure biography about thriving with low vision, for all to enjoy. Whether it be exploring claustrophobic caverns in the Montana ranges or a hot pursuit in the streets of 1980’s New York, you’re sure to find Ken’s escapades captivating and humorous.
Throughout his life, Ken has endeavoured to transform all the challenges he has faced into positive life experiences. Humbling stories of triumph over every-day adversity fill every chapter. Jokes, tips and thought-provoking insights abound.
Ken not only finds innovative ways to solve his problems, but proves vision impairment can be a great strength which allows people to approach the world in enterprising ways. Through vivid storytelling and wholesome reflective pieces, Ken delves into many topics; from sport and public speaking to relationships and racial harmony, the book explores the benefits of poor eyesight in diverse situations.
With the enhancement of his other four senses, Ken also demonstrates how barriers can be broken and new abilities discovered, all lying on the other side of perseverance.
For optometrists and other eye health professionals, the book can help enhance their understanding of a patients' perspective. It also provides helpful advice and inspiring anecdotes for patients who are living with low vision.
A new appreciation for the hurdles and advantages of low vision is assured.
"An entertaining account of adventures through low vision eyes"
What author Ken Brandt lacks in vision, he makes up for in zeal, resourcefulness and creativity – an approach to life he has encapsulated in his new book, ‘Positive Vision. Enjoying the Adventures and Advantages of Poor Eye Sight.’
This book is a fascinating adventure biography about thriving with low vision, for all to enjoy. Whether it be exploring claustrophobic caverns in the Montana ranges or a hot pursuit in the streets of 1980’s New York, you’re sure to find Ken’s escapades captivating and humorous.
Throughout his life, Ken has endeavoured to transform all the challenges he has faced into positive life experiences. Humbling stories of triumph over every-day adversity fill every chapter. Jokes, tips and thought-provoking insights abound.
Ken not only finds innovative ways to solve his problems, but proves vision impairment can be a great strength which allows people to approach the world in enterprising ways. Through vivid storytelling and wholesome reflective pieces, Ken delves into many topics; from sport and public speaking to relationships and racial harmony, the book explores the benefits of poor eyesight in diverse situations.
With the enhancement of his other four senses, Ken also demonstrates how barriers can be broken and new abilities discovered, all lying on the other side of perseverance.
For optometrists and other eye health professionals, the book can help enhance their understanding of a patients' perspective. It also provides helpful advice and inspiring anecdotes for patients who are living with low vision.
A new appreciation for the hurdles and advantages of low vision is assured.
December 31, 2020
Really interesting and entertaining collection of stories about the ups and downs of a life with vision problems. Easy to read and Ken has a very positive and humourous outlook on life. Recommended.
May 9, 2021
A cool, fun, inspiring and funny adventure memoir. A page turner for all ages. Snappy book cover. Well designed, easy to read book with lots of interesting illustrations. Highly recommended.
August 28, 2023
"Positive Vision: Enjoying the Adventures and Advantages of Poor Eyesight" by Ken Brandt is like a wild ride through life, full of unexpected twists and turns, all while showing us the silver linings of not-so-perfect eyesight.
This memoir is a delightful mix of adventure, humor, and inspiration. Brandt's storytelling is so friendly and down-to-earth that you feel like you're hanging out with an old buddy. His stories of crazy horse rides in Montana and chasing thieves in New York City are laced with humor that makes life's challenges seem way more manageable.
But what really shines in this book are the relatable stories about the perks of having poor eyesight. Brandt has a knack for turning what might seem like setbacks into little nuggets of positivity. His tales of dealing with crossed eyes and blurry vision aren't just funny, they remind us that even obstacles can come with unexpected advantages.
Brandt's optimism lights up the pages as he takes us on his roller coaster of vision ups and downs. From eyeglasses to contact lenses to legally blind moments, he shows us that resilience and determination can conquer anything.
What's truly heartwarming is that buying this book supports two fantastic vision causes. Brandt's decision to donate part of his royalties to eye research and ending blindness speaks volumes about his commitment to making the world a better place.
Sure, this isn't a typical fiction with all the glamour, but it's got a genuine touch that's hard to find. It's a great read for those who love memoirs, who laugh at life's curveballs, and anyone curious about the adventures that come with less-than-perfect eyesight. "Positive Vision" reminds us that even in the face of challenges, a little positivity can turn unexpected moments into lifelong memories.
This memoir is a delightful mix of adventure, humor, and inspiration. Brandt's storytelling is so friendly and down-to-earth that you feel like you're hanging out with an old buddy. His stories of crazy horse rides in Montana and chasing thieves in New York City are laced with humor that makes life's challenges seem way more manageable.
But what really shines in this book are the relatable stories about the perks of having poor eyesight. Brandt has a knack for turning what might seem like setbacks into little nuggets of positivity. His tales of dealing with crossed eyes and blurry vision aren't just funny, they remind us that even obstacles can come with unexpected advantages.
Brandt's optimism lights up the pages as he takes us on his roller coaster of vision ups and downs. From eyeglasses to contact lenses to legally blind moments, he shows us that resilience and determination can conquer anything.
What's truly heartwarming is that buying this book supports two fantastic vision causes. Brandt's decision to donate part of his royalties to eye research and ending blindness speaks volumes about his commitment to making the world a better place.
Sure, this isn't a typical fiction with all the glamour, but it's got a genuine touch that's hard to find. It's a great read for those who love memoirs, who laugh at life's curveballs, and anyone curious about the adventures that come with less-than-perfect eyesight. "Positive Vision" reminds us that even in the face of challenges, a little positivity can turn unexpected moments into lifelong memories.
April 10, 2022
I will start this review by saying I find it difficult to review memoirs, particularly if I think the author may read the review. I feel that it is always best to be honest and that authors and other readers deserve to know and will appreciate my honest thoughts.
All that said, I will begin my review of this book. I originally checked the ebook out through my library app. The first chapter I enjoyed but felt was a little hard to follow the order of the stories since the times kept jumping around. By the end of the second chapter and beginning of the third chapter, I decided I wanted to buy a copy of the book because I was really enjoying it and the ebook didn’t quite make the format of writing and pictures look right. After I got a copy in the mail (10% of this book goes to donations!), I reread all that I had started and it flowed much easier. The book was fun, inspiring, and even educational. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who has struggled with bad vision and would tell anyone with good vision, it is a great read and they should still read it. I plan to take this book with me to my next book club to share with them.
All that said, I will begin my review of this book. I originally checked the ebook out through my library app. The first chapter I enjoyed but felt was a little hard to follow the order of the stories since the times kept jumping around. By the end of the second chapter and beginning of the third chapter, I decided I wanted to buy a copy of the book because I was really enjoying it and the ebook didn’t quite make the format of writing and pictures look right. After I got a copy in the mail (10% of this book goes to donations!), I reread all that I had started and it flowed much easier. The book was fun, inspiring, and even educational. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who has struggled with bad vision and would tell anyone with good vision, it is a great read and they should still read it. I plan to take this book with me to my next book club to share with them.
January 18, 2022
This book mirrored many of my own experiences as a blinkie myself. Even my reader, who helped me put this book into braille to make it available to anyone who wants to read it, said she could hear me in many of the sentences. Many of my own experiences fit this book very well.
This book is available in braille at essentiallybraille.com
This book is available in braille at essentiallybraille.com
February 28, 2021
A fun read about one man's inspiring journey through life despite having a disadvantage that would have sidelined most others. Ken's story is a wonderful diversion from the hum drum existence that many of us experience especially during these troubling times. Strongly recommended for anyone who wants to laugh and smile with another person on his journey!
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