The Touch of Magic: The Story of Helen Keller's Great Teacher, Anne Sullivan Macy

by Lorena A. Hickok

184 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1961

About the author

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lorena_...

Reviews

[Shelley]

The language was obviously very outdated at many points (written in 1961), but the author's affection for Annie and Helen's influence shone through. (The author interviewed Helen for her own biography as well as Annie's.) It never really derailed into inspiration porn, and Annie's negative traits and martyrdom were portrayed clearly, as was the switch from Annie protecting Helen in their youths and Helen needing to protect Annie in their older age. By the time Helen was an adult here, she was portrayed as a fully rounded individual, with much less of the Wonder Child element that described her childhood. Neither of Helen's parents came off particularly well, especially her father, and I wondered at the one line that said Annie was raising Helen's little sister Mildred in Boston at one point, too. A very engaging read.

I was somewhat amused to see the blurb from Eleanor Roosevelt, Hick's ex-girlfriend, in the back. Can't get away from Eleanor's stamps of approval!

[Jeff]

Lorena A. Hickok tells her story deftly, but with humor and a genuine admiration for her subject. Late last night, I read about the poignant secret Annie kept from Helen for forty-four years. It reveals another glimpse of the brilliant, steadfast, but fiercely private character of Annie Sullivan Macy. I am still in the afterglow of this wonderful biography.

[Lisa]

2.5*, It started out more interestingly than it finished. By the end it was dragging and a chore to read. I read it for a challenge category "A book with a teacher who changes lives." It definitely fit that and I've always been interested in Helen's story. Her teacher had a strong personality and I think that helped her when she committed to teaching Helen because she wasn't going to give up. However, in things Annie didn't like and even things that would benefit her she was stubborn to the point of being a bit aggravating to read about. I was frustrated that her unchecked spending caused so many problems throughout their lives together and that her desire to read overrode her desire to see. Yet she then was angry about the loss of her sight when so much of what she did made her condition worse. It was an interesting parallel for Helen's teacher to also become blind yet not be open to many of the things she taught Helen (Braille for instance).

"Nothing worthwhile is ever got without effort." pg 118 (in a different edition)

"No matter what happens, keep on beginning and failing. Each time you fail, start all over again, and you will grow stronger, until you find that you have accomplished a purpose-not the one you began with perhaps, but one that you will be glad to remember." pg 145 (in a different edition)

[Nicole Cornelius]

A teacher’s teacher! One cannot discuss Annie Sullivan’s life without bumping into Helen Keller’s—their lives are in fact so entwined—but Annie overcame great odds herself, which makes her tenacity and accomplishments that much more compelling and inspiring. A woman determined to live life in the shadows, I’m glad someone took the time to delve a little deeper into Annie Sullivan’s life. Although the actual writing is at times choppy and outdated—hence four stars—I’m so glad I picked this up!

[Sophia Brennion]

I normally never read biographies and got to read this book with my grandmother. I personally don't understand how Hellen Keller was able to do all she did so I wanted to read this to understand. I still feel as though she could talk, read ,write, and more she didn't really have any association with the words. I also never knew about all the stuff that happened to Anne Sullivan and felt super bad for her.

[Patricia L. O’Leary]

This was an eye opening read. It helped me truly appreciate my sight and hearing. It brought me to happy tears on several occasions, rare for me, like when Helen discovered the meaning of water.
This book opened my heart towards Annie and Helen. A hundred stars.

[Rainier Reynolds]

Im not big into classic books, but I loved to read this one. The perseverance and struggles through a blind-deaf-dumb girl's life are interesting to learn about, and it really makes you think about how much you take for granted.

[Amanda]

Annie Sullivan was an incredible woman. I am inspired by this account of her life.

[Dianna]

Definitely worth a read if you're a fan of Helen Keller (and who isn't?). This book has so many more details about Annie and doesn't gloss over the hard times.

[Tessa Jensen]

Both inspirational and heartwarming.

[Austin McBride]

Overall this was a decent book. I would recommend it, but if you are reading on paper there is a lot of weird old words and phrases you have to look up.

[Diana S]

4.5 stars

[Kenna English]

This book is sooooo sad but it’s super good