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About the Book
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Excited and full of the confidence of youth, totally blind Ruth arrived in London, England, to study Physiotherapy. She spoke the same language, was domestically independent, and had good mobility skills: how hard could this be?
As it turns out, far more difficult than she could have ever imagined, but Ruth was determined to succeed. People who are blind face many challenges, but perhaps the biggest obstacle is the low expectations of others. You can let those who don’t understand you define who you are, or you can ignore them and follow your dreams—as Ruth did. “Love is Blind” is the memoir of Ruth Vallis. Blind before the age of 3, Ruth was the youngest pioneer of integration in the public school system in Canada, blazing a trail for many to follow. At every stage of her extraordinary life, Ruth defied the low expectations of others, and took on such challenges as biking from Ottawa to Toronto, completing a Master’s of Science degree online before technology accessibility was legislated, and more. Through it all there was her tender, tough-loving mother, Peach, offering encouragement, support and humour to overcome enormous challenges. Discover the power of women working together for good. See how obstacles can become stepping stones. Laugh, cry and be inspired! |
EARLY REVIEWS
“Love Is Blind is an absolute delight of a book. Ruth Vallis’ recollections of growing up blind are filled with fascinating details—from her poignant tales of navigating boarding school at age six to crossing Ontario on a tandem bike to fight for hospital programs. It’s a remarkable picture of a remarkable life.”
–Clive Thompson, author of Coders: The Making of a New Tribe and the Remaking of the World and contributing writer, New York Times Magazine
***
“From the first page Ruth's precise sharp wit and shining singular vocabulary draw the reader effortlessly into an adventure of the human spirit. With echoes of campfires and stories recited between elders. The pure winds of generations quietly walking the well-trodden forests of time.
This book is written with a humbling and generous voice that echoes within the rhythms of our own lives. Never once whilst reading this book will you ever consider Ruth to be blind. The pure voice of the human spirit expressing simple truths that we usually take for granted. Ruth's journey shines a light on the path that love carves out for those with the raw courage to give without expectation and to love unconditionally.
A wonderful first book.”
–Claire Jennings, film and television producer
***
“[Ruth Vallis] astutely describes the hurdles posed by blindness and the inspiring manner in which she overcame them... A thoughtful, edifying, and moving remembrance.”
–Kirkus Reviews
***
“I first met Ruth when she was sixteen years old. She called into my CKFM radio show to tell my listeners and me about the morning she had enjoyed on a bicycle-built-for-two with a sighted person in the driver’s seat, of course. She was so positive and enthusiastic; I asked her mom if she could come in and cohost the last hour of my show with me. I sent a cab for her, and we’ve kept in touch ever since.
I thought I was aware of most of her life and career highlights as the years unfolded, but I wasn’t; not until I read this book. When did she find time to get a Master’s degree, visit more than twenty countries, teach a course at the University of Toronto, and so much more?
This book feels like you are walking beside Ruth as she experiences every small, medium and large life-impacting event. It reads like a motivational novel, and it’s a page-turner.
If you are looking to be inspired, this book is for you. If you are just looking for a good read, you’ve found it.”
–Bill Robinson, radio broadcaster and journalist
“Love Is Blind is an absolute delight of a book. Ruth Vallis’ recollections of growing up blind are filled with fascinating details—from her poignant tales of navigating boarding school at age six to crossing Ontario on a tandem bike to fight for hospital programs. It’s a remarkable picture of a remarkable life.”
–Clive Thompson, author of Coders: The Making of a New Tribe and the Remaking of the World and contributing writer, New York Times Magazine
***
“From the first page Ruth's precise sharp wit and shining singular vocabulary draw the reader effortlessly into an adventure of the human spirit. With echoes of campfires and stories recited between elders. The pure winds of generations quietly walking the well-trodden forests of time.
This book is written with a humbling and generous voice that echoes within the rhythms of our own lives. Never once whilst reading this book will you ever consider Ruth to be blind. The pure voice of the human spirit expressing simple truths that we usually take for granted. Ruth's journey shines a light on the path that love carves out for those with the raw courage to give without expectation and to love unconditionally.
A wonderful first book.”
–Claire Jennings, film and television producer
***
“[Ruth Vallis] astutely describes the hurdles posed by blindness and the inspiring manner in which she overcame them... A thoughtful, edifying, and moving remembrance.”
–Kirkus Reviews
***
“I first met Ruth when she was sixteen years old. She called into my CKFM radio show to tell my listeners and me about the morning she had enjoyed on a bicycle-built-for-two with a sighted person in the driver’s seat, of course. She was so positive and enthusiastic; I asked her mom if she could come in and cohost the last hour of my show with me. I sent a cab for her, and we’ve kept in touch ever since.
I thought I was aware of most of her life and career highlights as the years unfolded, but I wasn’t; not until I read this book. When did she find time to get a Master’s degree, visit more than twenty countries, teach a course at the University of Toronto, and so much more?
This book feels like you are walking beside Ruth as she experiences every small, medium and large life-impacting event. It reads like a motivational novel, and it’s a page-turner.
If you are looking to be inspired, this book is for you. If you are just looking for a good read, you’ve found it.”
–Bill Robinson, radio broadcaster and journalist
Bookstore
Buy Your Copy!
Ruth Vallis' Love is Blind is now available through the producer, FriesenPress, and from most major online book sellers!
Audiobook
Book Details for Bookstores
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Distributed by Ingram (returnable)
6x9 inches Black & White 210 pages |
ISBNs:
Paperback: 978-1-5255-9361-1 Hardcover: 978-1-5255-9362-8 Ebook: 978-1-5255-9363-5 |
Categories:
BIO033000: BIOGRAPHY & AUTOBIOGRAPHY / People with Disabilities BIO026000: BIOGRAPHY & AUTOBIOGRAPHY / Personal Memoirs BIO022000: BIOGRAPHY & AUTOBIOGRAPHY / Women |
IN THE MEDIA
September 13, 2021
"Finding Bliss in the Company of Women" Article on Finding Your Bliss
"As far back as I can remember, my mother (whom I called 'Peach') and I were best friends. She was a physically large woman, but was calm, gentle and very strong. […]"
(Click here for the full story)
"Finding Bliss in the Company of Women" Article on Finding Your Bliss
"As far back as I can remember, my mother (whom I called 'Peach') and I were best friends. She was a physically large woman, but was calm, gentle and very strong. […]"
(Click here for the full story)
September 11, 2021
Interview on Finding Your Bliss with Judy Librach
Interview on Finding Your Bliss with Judy Librach
July 22, 2021
Interview on Classical FM with with Jean Stilwell
Interview on Classical FM with with Jean Stilwell
June 10, 2021
"Love is Blind", a brilliant memoir!
Can you imagine a life where vision doesn't exist? The statistics are incredible, much larger than I could've imagined. Nearly 8 million people the ages of 16 - 75 years old have a visual disability or are blind in the United States alone, per the National Federation of the Blind.
(Click here)
"Love is Blind", a brilliant memoir!
Can you imagine a life where vision doesn't exist? The statistics are incredible, much larger than I could've imagined. Nearly 8 million people the ages of 16 - 75 years old have a visual disability or are blind in the United States alone, per the National Federation of the Blind.
(Click here)
June 2, 2021
Interview on Good Day LA
Blind Author's Inspirational Story of Overcoming Obstacles and Taking On Any Challenge
(Click here)
Interview on Good Day LA
Blind Author's Inspirational Story of Overcoming Obstacles and Taking On Any Challenge
(Click here)
May 24, 2021
"Ruth Vallis on not letting her blindness stop her from following her dream and publishing her first book" Article on Fab after Fifty
"Blind before the age of three, Ruth Vallis went on to overcome tremendous odds and defied the expectations of others […]"
(Click here for the full story)
May 14, 2021
"Book Nook: Love is Blind" Article on Motherhood Moment
"Written in an honest, humbling and generous voice, Love is Blind details Ruth’s own challenges throughout her life, sharing the biggest obstacle of all—the low expectations of others. Determined to succeed, Ruth quickly learned that you can let those who don’t understand you define who you are, or you can ignore them and follow your dreams—as Ruth did. […]"
(Click here for the full story)
"Book Nook: Love is Blind" Article on Motherhood Moment
"Written in an honest, humbling and generous voice, Love is Blind details Ruth’s own challenges throughout her life, sharing the biggest obstacle of all—the low expectations of others. Determined to succeed, Ruth quickly learned that you can let those who don’t understand you define who you are, or you can ignore them and follow your dreams—as Ruth did. […]"
(Click here for the full story)
May 4, 2021
"If I Ruled the World" Article on Reader's Digest UK
"The responsibility of giving and nurturing life is not held in high enough esteem in western society. Consequently, women are often reluctant to admit they want to stay home and raise their children. Furthermore, they are not remunerated adequately for doing so which makes it difficult to do and also makes a value statement about it as a career. […]"
(Click here for the full story)
"If I Ruled the World" Article on Reader's Digest UK
"The responsibility of giving and nurturing life is not held in high enough esteem in western society. Consequently, women are often reluctant to admit they want to stay home and raise their children. Furthermore, they are not remunerated adequately for doing so which makes it difficult to do and also makes a value statement about it as a career. […]"
(Click here for the full story)
April 20, 2021
Interview on VOCM with Gerri Lynn Mackey and Ben Murphy
Listen below to my podcast interview about Love is Blind!
Interview on VOCM with Gerri Lynn Mackey and Ben Murphy
Listen below to my podcast interview about Love is Blind!
April 13, 2021
Interview on WREG News Channel 3, Memphis
Watch below for my TV interview or go watch on WREG's website here!
April 5, 2021
The Trevor Carey Show on iHeart Radio Interview
Audio coming soon!
March 31, 2021
"Four Ways to Not Let Other’s Expectations Define Who You Become" Article on Thrive Global
"One of the biggest obstacles to success in life may be the low expectations of others. Letting those who don’t understand you define you is a choice but be aware that defining something gives it meaning. However, if the definition stems from a low expectation then the result may be less about meaning and be more demeaning. […]"
(Click here for the full story)
March 30, 2021
Kelly and Company Podcast Interview with Ruth Vallis
Kelly and Company Podcast Interview with Ruth Vallis
Meet the Author
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Ruth Vallis lives in Toronto with her guide dog, Darwin. This is her first book. Written after a thirty-two year career in Physiotherapy, mainly at the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute. Entertaining her patients with humorous or touching anecdotes to distract them from their pain or discomfort. Further to this end, she would not allow “organ recitals.” That is what she called it when patients tried to one up each other with lists of their kidney, liver or heart ailments.
This book is dedicated to the memory of my Mother, Blanche (Peach) Vallis, 1923-2011. Gone but never forgotten!!! |