Readers' comments - Laura
Here's what some readers have commented (contact Jo-Anne by clicking here to give your feedback!):
Jo-Anne, I have just finished reading "Laura", and I couldn't put the book down. Your words truly inspired me. I was at a crossroad in my life, and "Laura" made a huge impact on my attitude, my motivation and my resolve to continue in ministry. Chris
I really enjoyed your book "Laura". It gave me such new compassion and understanding as I embark on my Masters Degree Special Education in Vision this year. I found your book so enjoyable and engaging. Many thanks, Jodie
I am currently enjoying a great read - but have one problem. I find I'm reading it too much instead of doing heaps of things still waiting to be attended to, including my own writing!! Laura is an amazing story, Jo-Anne. I have to be honest and say there are a few times I find your narrative style very "different" but still find it a "can't-put-down-book." Sincere congratulations. It is a book at least every teacher should be required to read! Mary Hawkins, Tasmania (www.mary-hawkins.com).
I just wanted to email to let you know how much I enjoyed reading "Laura". It was one of those books that I found difficult to put down!! I really like your style of writing and am looking forward to the next book. May God continue to bless you and keep you inspired to write! You have given me an insight into blindness that I would not otherwise have had. Jeanette, Mittagong NSW
I've just finished "Laura". Another well written and inspirational book. Eric, Brisbane
I just wanted to let you know that the first thing my boss said to me this week was how much she enjoyed your book. She said she spent all day Boxing Day reading it - and finished it in the one day! ... As she is struggling with her young son with autism I feel this book would have had a special message for her. Kerry, Sydney
I have finished 'Laura' and absolutely loved it! I was just so moved and shed quite a few tears! I think as the story centred around a topic that is close to my heart, I felt very emotional whilst reading. You have a wonderful gift for painting word pictures and creating such real, engaging characters. I was very sorry when I came to the end! Pam, Sydney
Jo-Anne, I have just finished reading "Laura", and I couldn't put the book down. Your words truly inspired me. I was at a crossroad in my life, and "Laura" made a huge impact on my attitude, my motivation and my resolve to continue in ministry. Chris
I really enjoyed your book "Laura". It gave me such new compassion and understanding as I embark on my Masters Degree Special Education in Vision this year. I found your book so enjoyable and engaging. Many thanks, Jodie
I am currently enjoying a great read - but have one problem. I find I'm reading it too much instead of doing heaps of things still waiting to be attended to, including my own writing!! Laura is an amazing story, Jo-Anne. I have to be honest and say there are a few times I find your narrative style very "different" but still find it a "can't-put-down-book." Sincere congratulations. It is a book at least every teacher should be required to read! Mary Hawkins, Tasmania (www.mary-hawkins.com).
I just wanted to email to let you know how much I enjoyed reading "Laura". It was one of those books that I found difficult to put down!! I really like your style of writing and am looking forward to the next book. May God continue to bless you and keep you inspired to write! You have given me an insight into blindness that I would not otherwise have had. Jeanette, Mittagong NSW
I've just finished "Laura". Another well written and inspirational book. Eric, Brisbane
I just wanted to let you know that the first thing my boss said to me this week was how much she enjoyed your book. She said she spent all day Boxing Day reading it - and finished it in the one day! ... As she is struggling with her young son with autism I feel this book would have had a special message for her. Kerry, Sydney
I have finished 'Laura' and absolutely loved it! I was just so moved and shed quite a few tears! I think as the story centred around a topic that is close to my heart, I felt very emotional whilst reading. You have a wonderful gift for painting word pictures and creating such real, engaging characters. I was very sorry when I came to the end! Pam, Sydney
Reviews - Laura
Book
Review by Karen Forman, The
Presbyterian Pulse, Nov 2009
This fictional story from Jo-Anne Berthelsen is so realistic that throughout my read I kept checking the back of the book to ensure that it didn't indicate it was actually a true story!
Sydney-based Berthelsen, a teacher and editor with both teaching and theological studies under her belt, writes as if recounting the true life of a young girl called Laura who shockingly loses her sight at the age of three but refuses to let blindness prevent her from living the life God intended for her.
Check out the long list of acknowledgements in the front of the book and it's obvious this author has done the research: she has had advice from students, teachers, professional organisations, government departments, medical specialists and more.
As the mother of a daughter the same age as Laura was when she had to have her eyes
removed due to the appearance of life threatening tumours, I must admit that I found the early chapters very hard going.
Berthelsen has tapped into the absolute despair of Laura's mum, her dad's fears for his little girl's future and little Laura's terror at not being able to open her eyes to see, with heart wrenching honesty.
But then, after the scene is set, this book goes from being a tragedy to a heart warming, thought provoking and inspiring story about a girl who refuses to let blindness - or the painful but seeming inevitable rejection she comes up against at almost every turn - to stop her realise her dreams.
And of course, because this is a Christian book, there is the additional depth brought by the story of her spiritual journey which begins in childhood when the family gets some new neighbours who plant the seed by introducing Laura to God but doesn't take root for many years.
It is interesting to see how God places many opportunities to learn about Him into an adult Laura's path - just as He does with most of us - and how many she either doesn't see or chooses not to.
We all know how difficult it can be at times of trial to have faith in a God who seems to let us down.
Laura, who may be a fictional character but is an excellent example of any one of us, has to come to terms with being blind - and how God could let that happen to her. As the story draws to a close, a lot becomes clear to both Laura and the reader.
Review by HB, Omega Writers Inc, Brisbane
From the author of the Heléna stories (Heléna and All The Days of my Life) comes this honest and heart-warming account of how a blind person learns to cope with everyday situations. The story starts with Laura‟s childhood as she struggles with her blindness at school and amongst her family members. She develops many coping skills to become a university student and then going on to teach visually impaired children. It was very moving to read about her courageous attitude and her developing trust in God. Many of the issues raised in the book would make it a good novel for further discussion – about disabilities in general, tackling life issues, triumphing over difficulty, God and the incapacitated, faith sharing and teaching.
Please also click on the link below to read a review by Barbara Wilson of 'Laura' from New Life magazine, 29 October 2009.
This fictional story from Jo-Anne Berthelsen is so realistic that throughout my read I kept checking the back of the book to ensure that it didn't indicate it was actually a true story!
Sydney-based Berthelsen, a teacher and editor with both teaching and theological studies under her belt, writes as if recounting the true life of a young girl called Laura who shockingly loses her sight at the age of three but refuses to let blindness prevent her from living the life God intended for her.
Check out the long list of acknowledgements in the front of the book and it's obvious this author has done the research: she has had advice from students, teachers, professional organisations, government departments, medical specialists and more.
As the mother of a daughter the same age as Laura was when she had to have her eyes
removed due to the appearance of life threatening tumours, I must admit that I found the early chapters very hard going.
Berthelsen has tapped into the absolute despair of Laura's mum, her dad's fears for his little girl's future and little Laura's terror at not being able to open her eyes to see, with heart wrenching honesty.
But then, after the scene is set, this book goes from being a tragedy to a heart warming, thought provoking and inspiring story about a girl who refuses to let blindness - or the painful but seeming inevitable rejection she comes up against at almost every turn - to stop her realise her dreams.
And of course, because this is a Christian book, there is the additional depth brought by the story of her spiritual journey which begins in childhood when the family gets some new neighbours who plant the seed by introducing Laura to God but doesn't take root for many years.
It is interesting to see how God places many opportunities to learn about Him into an adult Laura's path - just as He does with most of us - and how many she either doesn't see or chooses not to.
We all know how difficult it can be at times of trial to have faith in a God who seems to let us down.
Laura, who may be a fictional character but is an excellent example of any one of us, has to come to terms with being blind - and how God could let that happen to her. As the story draws to a close, a lot becomes clear to both Laura and the reader.
Review by HB, Omega Writers Inc, Brisbane
From the author of the Heléna stories (Heléna and All The Days of my Life) comes this honest and heart-warming account of how a blind person learns to cope with everyday situations. The story starts with Laura‟s childhood as she struggles with her blindness at school and amongst her family members. She develops many coping skills to become a university student and then going on to teach visually impaired children. It was very moving to read about her courageous attitude and her developing trust in God. Many of the issues raised in the book would make it a good novel for further discussion – about disabilities in general, tackling life issues, triumphing over difficulty, God and the incapacitated, faith sharing and teaching.
Please also click on the link below to read a review by Barbara Wilson of 'Laura' from New Life magazine, 29 October 2009.
| laura_review_-_new_life_29_oct_09.pdf |