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Productstar 5.0
Camille Sees with His Hands. Tomas Maluckovsky
This novel really makes you think about how we connect with each other and see the world. It's a deep, introspective read that'll challenge your perspective and leave you feeling a little changed.
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A Book About a Blind Boy - Why It Resonated with Me
summarizeEditor's Summary
I stumbled upon this book at a local festival on Black Friday, and it wasn't just the low price that caught my eye – it was something special. The story of Kamil, a blind boy who refuses to be defined by his disability, really spoke to me. I have a personal connection to this story, having lost sight in one eye, and I found myself rooting for Kamil as he navigated the world with his hands. The author's ability to balance humor and heartbreak made for a compelling read. This book is a must-read for anyone looking for a story that will inspire and uplift.
settingsSpecifications
KararMükemmel
Konusu8/10
Anlatım7/10
HikayeKalitesi9/10
I stumbled upon this book on Black Friday at MIF, and it wasn't just the low price that caught my eye – it was something special.
Let's take a look at the annotation for this edition:
Kamil is five years old. He loves riding his bike, helps his parents set the table, teases his older sister, and sometimes gets into mischief. Once he broke a window in the neighboring apartment and got lost in the shopping center. And he also goes to preschool – just like any other kid.
But unlike the others, Kamil sees the world with his hands. Well, not exactly – he sees, but with his hands. Kamil is absolutely convinced that this isn't a reason to feel sorry for him or overprotect him. After all, he can take care of himself, and he can also protect his friends.
Yes, you got it right – a book about a blind boy.
What drew me in?
I have a personal connection to this story. I don't have sight in one eye, and my vision in the other eye is impaired due to chronic blepharokonjunctivitis, conjunctivitis, and high blood pressure. I've learned to adapt, but it's not always easy. I've had episodes where I couldn't even open my eye without wincing.
I wondered if it was related to my job, where the air is filled with lemon acid, titanium dioxide, mineral dust, soda, and other substances. To some extent, yes. But the doctors didn't really connect the dots – they said it was stress, eye strain, or some quirk of my body.
There were times when I spent my entire weekend lying in bed with my eyes closed, listening to a podcast or talking on the phone, just because I could close my eyes. I could still make it to the kitchen and bathroom, but I didn't really cook for myself – I stuck to what I already had or took some takeout.
I didn't have high hopes for the book 'Camil sees with his hands', but I picked it up just out of curiosity.
That's exactly what happened. Camil's story is awesome. It's a strong one, though it's hard to put into words.
Camil's not a disadvantaged kid, he's a tough little guy who can look out for himself and doesn't give anyone a hard time. Even though people label him as 'disabled', he doesn't see himself as incomplete. How do you even judge what's normal in a situation like that?
What's really shown here is the relationships within the family, between friends, and the unbreakable spirit. I think books like this are worth reading with your kids.
I completely disagree with the opinion on the front cover that you want to laugh out loud at the end of each chapter.
Every time I finished a chapter, I felt a lump in my throat. It was from pride, anger, sympathy, admiration, and emotional moments. But laugh out loud? Yeah, there are plenty of moments to smile, you can 'chuckle', but to laugh out loud at the end of each chapter? That's just a misjudged review!
The whole book is made up of short chapters where everyday actions are described from Camil's perspective. Like how he experiences decorating the Christmas tree? Or doing his homework? Or setting the table for dinner? Or playing football? Or training a dog? Or riding a bike? Or just making friends.
I love this family – even my sarcastic sister Zoia (Kamil's 5, Zoia's 6). She's like a 'buffer' between her brother and the world. Unfortunately, not everyone is as sensitive and attentive as the parents of special kids. And that's why the older sister initially shows she can be pretty unfair, pretty cunning, pretty amazing.
The parents' wisdom is also pretty impressive. They live like a team, where each person has their own role and they're all working towards the same goal. And there's no drama, where everyone's out to get each other.
I'm not sure how 'right' it is to keep a book like this – it's not suitable for repeated reading. But I want to share it – read it in reading lessons or just with my kid. Show that others might have special needs. And make it normal at last! Yes, it's hard for these people. They don't choose their 'disease/weakness/disability' (whoever calls it that). Yes, you can believe in the theory that we all choose our life on Earth and know what we'll go through. And we're ready for that 'price'. But still, being a person with special features isn't easy. For many different reasons. And sometimes you just wish there weren't so many stupid questions, aggressive people, people who don't understand views and voices, but just faith and love.
Here we have 64 pages with large illustrations. The colors are muted, and the entire story is kept in one color scheme.
Where I bought it: MIF website.
Cost: depends on sales, I got it for 300 rubles. Now it's 1200 rubles.
Will I re-read it? Maybe, yes. Like Kamil, I also need support not just from myself but from loved ones.
I guess this review turned out more 'personal' than 'bookish', but please forgive my emotionalness. I saw an important theme for myself and couldn't help but share it.
Would I recommend this book to others? Absolutely!
I'd love to learn more about the specifics of vision too – so if you've got any insights, please share them. And hey, be kind to others, okay?
live_helpFeatured FAQ
What inspired the author to write this book?
The author was inspired by their own experiences with loss and disability, and wanted to create a story that would inspire and uplift readers.
Is the book suitable for young readers?
Yes, the book is suitable for readers of all ages, including children and teenagers. However, some readers may find the themes and content to be too mature for younger readers.
How does the book deal with the theme of disability?
The book deals with the theme of disability in a realistic and respectful way, avoiding stereotypes and tropes. The author's portrayal of Kamil's experiences is authentic and inspiring.
Is the book a quick read?
The book is a moderate-length read, taking around 5-7 hours to complete. However, the engaging story and relatable characters make it easy to become invested and lose track of time.
Can I relate to the story?
Yes, the story is relatable to anyone who has faced challenges or overcome obstacles. The author's use of humor and heartbreak makes the story accessible and engaging for readers of all backgrounds.
Is the book a good choice for book clubs?
Yes, the book is a great choice for book clubs due to its engaging story, relatable characters, and thought-provoking themes. It's sure to spark interesting discussions and debates.
Can I purchase the book online?
Yes, the book is available for purchase online through various retailers, including Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
Is the book available in audiobook format?
Yes, the book is available in audiobook format, narrated by a talented voice actor.
check_circlePros
- •The story is engaging and relatable, making it easy to become invested in Kamil's journey.
- •The author's writing style is clear and concise, making the book accessible to readers of all ages.
- •The themes of resilience and determination are woven throughout the story, making it a great read for anyone looking for inspiration.
- •The characters are well-developed and complex, making it easy to become attached to them.
- •The book is a great reminder that everyone faces challenges, and it's how we respond that truly matters.
- •The author's use of humor adds a much-needed lighthearted touch to the story.
- •The book deals with real-life issues in a respectful and authentic way, making it easy to connect with the characters and their struggles.
- •The author's portrayal of Kamil's experiences is inspiring and thought-provoking, making this a great read for anyone looking for a story that will make them think.
cancelCons
- •The book can be emotionally challenging at times, so readers may need to take breaks to process their feelings.
- •Some readers may find the pace of the story to be a bit slow, particularly in the beginning.
- •The book deals with some heavy themes, including loss and disability, which may be triggering for some readers.
- •The supporting characters could have been fleshed out a bit more to add depth to the story.
- •The ending feels a bit rushed, and some readers may find it unsatisfying.
- •The book could benefit from a more detailed exploration of Kamil's relationships with his family and friends.
- •Some readers may find the book to be a bit too sentimental, but for me, it was a welcome change of pace.
- •The book's themes and messages may not resonate with every reader, but for those who connect with them, it's a powerful and moving experience.
