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Joni: An Unforgettable Story
The award-winning story of a young woman who triumphed over devastating odds to touch countless lives the world over with the healing message of Christ. In a split second on a hot July afternoon, a diving accident transformed the life of Joni Eareckson Tada forever. She went from being an active young woman to facing every day in a wheelchair. In this unforgettable autobiography, Joni reveals each step of her struggle to accept her disability and discover the meaning of her life. The hard-earned truths she discovers and the special ways God reveals his love are testimonies to faith's triumph over hardship and suffering. The new 25th Anniversary edition of this award-winning story--which has more than 3,000,000 copies in print in over 40 languages--will introduce a new generation of readers to the incredible greatness of God's power and mercy at work in those who fully give their hearts and lives to him. Joni has written an afterword in which she describes the events that have occurred in her life since the book's publication in 1976, including her marriage to Ken Tada and the expansion of her worldwide ministry to families affected by disability. Joni is now available for the first time in an unabridged audio version read by the author.
205 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1976
About the author
Joni Eareckson Tada
298 books502 followersPreviously published as Joni Eareckson
Joni Eareckson Tada is CEO of Joni and Friends, an organization that accelerates Christian outreach in the disability community. Joni and Friends provides practical support and spiritual help to special-needs families worldwide, and equips thousands of churches in developing disability ministry. Joni is the author of numerous bestselling books, including When God Weeps, Diamonds in the Dust, A Step Further, winner of the Gold Medallion Award, and her latest A Spectacle of Glory. Joni and her husband, Ken, have been married for 35 years. For more information on Joni and Friends, visit www.joniandfriends.org
Joni Eareckson Tada is CEO of Joni and Friends, an organization that accelerates Christian outreach in the disability community. Joni and Friends provides practical support and spiritual help to special-needs families worldwide, and equips thousands of churches in developing disability ministry. Joni is the author of numerous bestselling books, including When God Weeps, Diamonds in the Dust, A Step Further, winner of the Gold Medallion Award, and her latest A Spectacle of Glory. Joni and her husband, Ken, have been married for 35 years. For more information on Joni and Friends, visit www.joniandfriends.org
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 524 reviews
October 30, 2020
What an amazing book and story.
This one is told by a Christian woman, so it talks about religious beliefs when she discusses her experience. I liked that it discussed some of the harmful and incredibly ableist perspectives some Christians have on disability, and it unpacks those. And as Joni goes through them all, she learns some things herself and in the end comes to a conclusion which sounds strong and healthy to me.
I admire Joni’s ability to talk about some of her struggles and joyous moments, but then lifting them and showing how some of the problems she is experiencing able bodied people can also relate to – and therefore she spoke to me on not only how to make the world a more inclusive space for disabled people and wheelchair users, but also on how I can improve and grow in my life personally and spiritually. I truly appreciated this.
I felt so many things when reading this. Angry, sad, happy… I especially felt angry when it talked about nurses. Of course, we get to hear about wonderful carers and nurses too. But the times when some cruel nurses took advantage of patients who relied on them in horrifically ableist and abusive ways. And sad when there were nurses who wanted to do more for their patients but were overworked, underpaid, and undersupplied.
The first chapter already gave me chills. And all through this book it showed me so many highs and lows I’ve not experienced myself… and worries I’ve never considered before.
I appreciated seeing the portrayals of relationships in this as well. How her disability influenced her relationship with family, friends, strangers and most importantly, her relationship to herself and God.
In the beginning it was very much an account of what happened and how she felt at various moments. It seemed to become more of a self-reflective piece toward the end. I think that worked well for the story.
Content Warnings: brain surgery, diving accident, mentions of murder and suicide attempt and car accident, broken bones (neck), quadriplegia, depression, death, suicidal thoughts, ableism, grief, mentions of cancer.
This one is told by a Christian woman, so it talks about religious beliefs when she discusses her experience. I liked that it discussed some of the harmful and incredibly ableist perspectives some Christians have on disability, and it unpacks those. And as Joni goes through them all, she learns some things herself and in the end comes to a conclusion which sounds strong and healthy to me.
I admire Joni’s ability to talk about some of her struggles and joyous moments, but then lifting them and showing how some of the problems she is experiencing able bodied people can also relate to – and therefore she spoke to me on not only how to make the world a more inclusive space for disabled people and wheelchair users, but also on how I can improve and grow in my life personally and spiritually. I truly appreciated this.
I felt so many things when reading this. Angry, sad, happy… I especially felt angry when it talked about nurses. Of course, we get to hear about wonderful carers and nurses too. But the times when some cruel nurses took advantage of patients who relied on them in horrifically ableist and abusive ways. And sad when there were nurses who wanted to do more for their patients but were overworked, underpaid, and undersupplied.
The first chapter already gave me chills. And all through this book it showed me so many highs and lows I’ve not experienced myself… and worries I’ve never considered before.
I appreciated seeing the portrayals of relationships in this as well. How her disability influenced her relationship with family, friends, strangers and most importantly, her relationship to herself and God.
In the beginning it was very much an account of what happened and how she felt at various moments. It seemed to become more of a self-reflective piece toward the end. I think that worked well for the story.
Content Warnings: brain surgery, diving accident, mentions of murder and suicide attempt and car accident, broken bones (neck), quadriplegia, depression, death, suicidal thoughts, ableism, grief, mentions of cancer.
February 20, 2020
“Probably, I thought, my suffering and training is a lifelong process. It will end only when I go to be with Christ.”
Most Christians know the story of Joni, the young girl paralysed after a diving accident. She has become an inspiration for people around the world as she has persevered in her difficulties and clung to God in her trials.
I often refer people to her story to help them get things in perspective. Most aren't suffering to this degree and are helped by Joni's response to her lifetime of pain and limitations.
I have read this book a number of times and recommend it for anyone going through trials.
Most Christians know the story of Joni, the young girl paralysed after a diving accident. She has become an inspiration for people around the world as she has persevered in her difficulties and clung to God in her trials.
I often refer people to her story to help them get things in perspective. Most aren't suffering to this degree and are helped by Joni's response to her lifetime of pain and limitations.
I have read this book a number of times and recommend it for anyone going through trials.
February 3, 2023
This is a book that had been on my radar for some time and I'm so glad I finally read it! Joni became a quadriplegic after breaking her neck at 17 years old. The audiobook, read by the author, was so well done. I felt all of her emotion as she worked through the stages of grief. Her testimony and coming to a true faith in Jesus, and thus an acceptance of her new reality, were so beautiful to read. Eareckson Tada was young when she wrote this book, so there is a bit of naiveté in both the writing and the attitudes- but that aside, the reliance and dependence on Jesus made this book an incredible read.
While my situation does not compare in terms of severity, I was diagnosed with MS at 22 so I could relate so much to her feelings of denial and depression at knowing life is irreversibly changed forever. The fear and unease that comes from not being able to feel your body were so well described, as were the attitudes of people, including medical "professionals" toward those with disability. I so loved walking with Eareckson Tada as she came to truly rely on Jesus and so appreciated her vulnerability throughout the book.
While my situation does not compare in terms of severity, I was diagnosed with MS at 22 so I could relate so much to her feelings of denial and depression at knowing life is irreversibly changed forever. The fear and unease that comes from not being able to feel your body were so well described, as were the attitudes of people, including medical "professionals" toward those with disability. I so loved walking with Eareckson Tada as she came to truly rely on Jesus and so appreciated her vulnerability throughout the book.
October 20, 2019
I read this book because I'm working with a client on a book and he also has quadriplegia. He said that when he was first injured, this book helped him cope with his disability. I hoped the book would help provide some inspiration and structural ideas for me in my client's project.
Joni is a Christian, and almost the entire book is devoted to her relating to her injury in the context of Christianity. I understand that her faith was important to her in coping with the whys and the hows of her injury, but I honestly was more interested in hearing about the details of physical and occupational therapy and just how she learned to draw so well using her mouth. (She became quite an accomplished artist by holding a pen in her mouth and creating beautiful drawings.) Instead, she glosses over most of these fascinating details to go on and on for pages at a time about Scripture and how her belief in Jesus Christ helped her. Since many readers don't have any direct experience with what it's like to live after a spinal cord injury, I'm sure they'd be just as interested to know many of these things. How does she eat? How does she deal with personal bodily functions? What is her typical daily routine like? Having spoken at length with my client about these sorts of things, I can confidently say that these details are important to relate to people so they can better understand spinal cord injury and have some of the mystery, confusion, and discomfort taken away from the issue.
I really couldn't relate. I have faith that there is a power bigger than ourselves that sort of runs the universe, but I am disillusioned by many of the tenets of organized religion and found that her constant relating of EVERYTHING to Jesus and passages from the Bible made me ultimately not care deeply about her story. I think that when difficulties come to us, we ourselves have to figure out the best ways to relate to and deal with them. I think that yes, it's good to have faith that everything will work out for the best, but I myself couldn't just blindly put my faith in God or a bigger force or whatever and trust that that would be enough. There wasn't much in this book that someone dealing with spinal cord injury or another hardship would find of use if they weren't already a Christian or else incredibly open to and welcoming of the Christian message. There's no practical advice. It just isn't for everyone, and this book definitely wasn't inspiring for me.
Joni decides that since it's challenging for an able-bodied person to live life with a physically disabled person, she is just meant to be single. She does end up getting married after the time period in which this book was written, but I just thought it was utter BS to say, "Well, if it's not in God's plan for me to have the love of a partner, so be it." GARBAGE. EVERYONE deserves to find and have love if they WANT it! The thought of just quietly accepting your destiny is more depressing than inspiring to me.
I'm sure this book can be incredibly helpful and inspiring to people who want a heavily Christian message for overcoming hardship, but if a less religious person or a person who does not believe in Jesus were to read this book, I think they'd find themselves feeling just as bored and alienated (and sometimes frustrated) as I did. I respect that this book helped my client, and that it probably helped many others, but I personally did not enjoy it or learn much from it.
Joni is a Christian, and almost the entire book is devoted to her relating to her injury in the context of Christianity. I understand that her faith was important to her in coping with the whys and the hows of her injury, but I honestly was more interested in hearing about the details of physical and occupational therapy and just how she learned to draw so well using her mouth. (She became quite an accomplished artist by holding a pen in her mouth and creating beautiful drawings.) Instead, she glosses over most of these fascinating details to go on and on for pages at a time about Scripture and how her belief in Jesus Christ helped her. Since many readers don't have any direct experience with what it's like to live after a spinal cord injury, I'm sure they'd be just as interested to know many of these things. How does she eat? How does she deal with personal bodily functions? What is her typical daily routine like? Having spoken at length with my client about these sorts of things, I can confidently say that these details are important to relate to people so they can better understand spinal cord injury and have some of the mystery, confusion, and discomfort taken away from the issue.
I really couldn't relate. I have faith that there is a power bigger than ourselves that sort of runs the universe, but I am disillusioned by many of the tenets of organized religion and found that her constant relating of EVERYTHING to Jesus and passages from the Bible made me ultimately not care deeply about her story. I think that when difficulties come to us, we ourselves have to figure out the best ways to relate to and deal with them. I think that yes, it's good to have faith that everything will work out for the best, but I myself couldn't just blindly put my faith in God or a bigger force or whatever and trust that that would be enough. There wasn't much in this book that someone dealing with spinal cord injury or another hardship would find of use if they weren't already a Christian or else incredibly open to and welcoming of the Christian message. There's no practical advice. It just isn't for everyone, and this book definitely wasn't inspiring for me.
Joni decides that since it's challenging for an able-bodied person to live life with a physically disabled person, she is just meant to be single. She does end up getting married after the time period in which this book was written, but I just thought it was utter BS to say, "Well, if it's not in God's plan for me to have the love of a partner, so be it." GARBAGE. EVERYONE deserves to find and have love if they WANT it! The thought of just quietly accepting your destiny is more depressing than inspiring to me.
I'm sure this book can be incredibly helpful and inspiring to people who want a heavily Christian message for overcoming hardship, but if a less religious person or a person who does not believe in Jesus were to read this book, I think they'd find themselves feeling just as bored and alienated (and sometimes frustrated) as I did. I respect that this book helped my client, and that it probably helped many others, but I personally did not enjoy it or learn much from it.
January 10, 2019
The most perfect audio book I've ever listened to. In Joni's own voice .
This a totally gripping real life account of A 17 YEAR OLD athletic popular high school girl who has a diving accident and winds up paralyzed from the shoulders down (1967) but she has a very very beautiful spirit . A totally awesome book .
here she is at age 67 (still very beautiful !!!!)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TqFGe...
here she is at 64
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVXJ8...
awesome
a decade after her accident she played herself in a film about her life :An Enduring Love: The Story of Ken and Joni Tada
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LB6rK...
This a totally gripping real life account of A 17 YEAR OLD athletic popular high school girl who has a diving accident and winds up paralyzed from the shoulders down (1967) but she has a very very beautiful spirit . A totally awesome book .
here she is at age 67 (still very beautiful !!!!)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TqFGe...
here she is at 64
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVXJ8...
awesome
a decade after her accident she played herself in a film about her life :An Enduring Love: The Story of Ken and Joni Tada
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LB6rK...
January 10, 2015
What an inspiring book!!! Joni is a person who refused to let circumstances defeat her. Her faith, her perseverance, her sheer determination brought about an amazing triumph of human spirit.
September 12, 2017
The Good: Growing up both in a Christian home and with a handicapped sibling, I had heard the story of Joni Eareckson Tada over the years, but, to actually read what she went through and how she triumphed over dire circumstances was rather powerful. Instead of a whitewashed account of her Christian faith, it shows how she struggled with doubt, but learned the truth about God and His love. A very moving story...and all the more because it's 100% true.
The Bad: The formatting--wide margins, another title page after every chapter--was rather annoying. This is also harder-edged than some of you may expect from Christian publisher Zondervan. There's a few implied profanities, a bit of sexual dialogue, and a photo of young Joni in a bikini. The powerfulness of the story pretty much undoes any of those negative aspects, but, they're still there.
Conclusion: Despite the negative aspects, every Christian should read this story; it's an excellent account of faithfulness and triumph over serious adversity. The question is: When faced with dire circumstances, will you be able to do the same?
The Bad: The formatting--wide margins, another title page after every chapter--was rather annoying. This is also harder-edged than some of you may expect from Christian publisher Zondervan. There's a few implied profanities, a bit of sexual dialogue, and a photo of young Joni in a bikini. The powerfulness of the story pretty much undoes any of those negative aspects, but, they're still there.
Conclusion: Despite the negative aspects, every Christian should read this story; it's an excellent account of faithfulness and triumph over serious adversity. The question is: When faced with dire circumstances, will you be able to do the same?
August 29, 2022
4,5 stars- English Ebook
Review follows later.
Review follows later.
April 15, 2019
Incredibly inspiring.
May 28, 2022
برج سربلند ماجرای زندگی دختر جوان جانی اریکسون با ایده شگفتی آغاز می شود..جانی در یک حادثه وحشتناک در بخش مراقبت های ویژه بستری می شود..بخشی که در بیمارستان بخش مبارزه با مرگی که در همین نزدیکی ست شناخته می شود،بی شک تمام مرگ ها قطعی ست اما در این بخش انسان می تواند اخرین قمارش برای زندگی را بازی کند..حال در چنین هنگامه ای..که بیماران تخت های کناری به مرگ میبازند..جوآن زنده می ماند..ایده شگفت در اینچا پایان می یابد.
سپس به کلیشه بازمیگردیم..آنگاه که زندگی جنبه منطقی و عادلانه و عقلانیش را از دست می دهد..گویی انسان در پرتگاهی قرار میگیرد..در حین سقوط به هر ریسمان نحیف و لرزانی چنگمی اندازد..و چه ریسمانی محکم تر از همهمه ی نا واضح دین که از عنفوان کودکی در گوش او خوانده شده..ریسمانی که فرد را از سقوط نگه می دارد..به او امید می بخشد گه تمام بدبختی هایت مقدر بوده و زندگی بعدی روشنی در انتظار توست..کدام روشنی پس از این همه رنج هر روزه زندگی کنونی،وجود تکه تکه ما را کنار هم قرار تواند دهد؟
در نهایت جانی با تکیه بر همین ریسمان به زندگی باز میگردد..مانند نوسان یک آونگ که نقطه ثقلی پیدا کرده باشد..
تنها به جمله آغازگر جنگ های صلیبی اکتفا میکنم..
"God wills it"
سپس به کلیشه بازمیگردیم..آنگاه که زندگی جنبه منطقی و عادلانه و عقلانیش را از دست می دهد..گویی انسان در پرتگاهی قرار میگیرد..در حین سقوط به هر ریسمان نحیف و لرزانی چنگمی اندازد..و چه ریسمانی محکم تر از همهمه ی نا واضح دین که از عنفوان کودکی در گوش او خوانده شده..ریسمانی که فرد را از سقوط نگه می دارد..به او امید می بخشد گه تمام بدبختی هایت مقدر بوده و زندگی بعدی روشنی در انتظار توست..کدام روشنی پس از این همه رنج هر روزه زندگی کنونی،وجود تکه تکه ما را کنار هم قرار تواند دهد؟
در نهایت جانی با تکیه بر همین ریسمان به زندگی باز میگردد..مانند نوسان یک آونگ که نقطه ثقلی پیدا کرده باشد..
تنها به جمله آغازگر جنگ های صلیبی اکتفا میکنم..
"God wills it"
March 28, 2012
I went to see Joni Eareckson Tada speak and was so enthralled by her that I borrowed this book immediately from the library. She is such a motivating and encouraging hero of faith. You will not be disappointed from reading her autobiography. She tells you what happened in such details that you feel like you are right there in the hospital after her diving accident. I also anguished when I read about her pain, suffering, and depression. I was so happy for her when she turned back to God and realized his will for her life. Instead of escaping, she talked about how she learned to adapt to being a quadriplegic and still living a full life. Her life is indeed a testimony to the saving grace and power of Jesus. PTL!
Favorite Quote: "What I'm saying is that it doesn't matter because we leave the choice and decision with Him. We trust His judgment that 'all things work together for our good' if we love God." (P. 171)
Favorite Quote: "What I'm saying is that it doesn't matter because we leave the choice and decision with Him. We trust His judgment that 'all things work together for our good' if we love God." (P. 171)
June 12, 2014
Powerful testament to the truth that even when we don't care about God, are mad at God, are bitter at God, or are running from God, He graciously makes himself known in our lives anyway. I am amazed that Ms. Eareckson Tada was able to surrender to God in such a way as to praise Him each morning though her heart cries out, "I can't 'do' quadriplegia anymore"! She really does "give thanks in all circumstances" (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
July 15, 2023
I listened to the 45 year audio version and the ending of the book where she comes in at the age of 70 years old and gives an update on things, but it's the wisdom gleaned from those 30 plus years since writing the book that I found so helpful and encouraging. She has a lot of powerful things to say at the end. So even if you've read the book already, find the 45th edition on Hoopla and just listen to the last 2 chapters in the book. (The rating is for those last chapters)
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April 2, 2024Mom gave me this book to read! Such a moving and raw story centered around the Lord. Joni a super⭐️ for Jesus
March 19, 2024
This book is so good and convicting! I can’t believe she was only in her twenties when she wrote this. I appreciated how honest she was.
March 16, 2016
What a blessing this book was as I read it with my 3 children. It lead to many fruitful discussions, and helped them see how God can work in the life of a young person like them (not just "old" people like me).
October 22, 2014
I've read this book years ago...
Someone gave it to me, and her story still inspire me until today....
"God is good, all the time."
March 12, 2017
A great inspirational and uplifting read.
June 13, 2024
Got distracted with life, but finally finished this! Joni’s story is a powerful testament of the depths the joy of Christ can penetrate. Her story made an awesome memoir. 🥰
January 25, 2024
This was an incredible story and testimony to the power of God in our lives! Everything she goes through would thoroughly break a person without Jesus. But through Jesus she is able to live through all her trials with a smile. So many of her struggles were relatable and told so raw and emotionally. And yet through the whole book there is the overlying theme of the power of God to help us through our struggles and trials. Would highly recommend!
March 23, 2024
A little bit of a Bill Gothard jump scare in the middle, but her testimony is so genuine. I love how honest she is about her emotional, mental, and romantic struggles along with her physical and spiritual struggles. Her vulnerability really makes her testimony applicable to many life struggles.
January 4, 2023
What an incredible testimony! Her story is so inspiring to me.
January 4, 2021
Heartbreaking. Inspiring. Authentic.
May 14, 2021
This was my first time reading this book. I loved her honesty in her struggles and I loved the balance she struck between honesty and discretion in sharing the details.
The only thing I'd say if you haven't read this before - the majority of this book is her struggles with a very small percentage of it the victory she experienced afterward. That surprised me for some reason, although I still am very glad I read it.
The only thing I'd say if you haven't read this before - the majority of this book is her struggles with a very small percentage of it the victory she experienced afterward. That surprised me for some reason, although I still am very glad I read it.
July 23, 2013
This book is a beautiful blessing, this story is remarkable.
Joni has touched millions of people and continues to do so. I watched her documentary long time ago, and when i saw her book i grabbed it, and will buy my personal copy as it opens up to pain, suffering, grace, hope, love, courage, support, resentment, gifts, blessings, relationships...
Anyone should read this book,
it really touched my heart, I will re-read it again and again because the heart-warming lessons Joni gives you, opens up your eyes and heart to the most simple and clear message:
God does not give up on you.
Joni has touched millions of people and continues to do so. I watched her documentary long time ago, and when i saw her book i grabbed it, and will buy my personal copy as it opens up to pain, suffering, grace, hope, love, courage, support, resentment, gifts, blessings, relationships...
Anyone should read this book,
it really touched my heart, I will re-read it again and again because the heart-warming lessons Joni gives you, opens up your eyes and heart to the most simple and clear message:
God does not give up on you.
March 28, 2015
I read this when I was junior high. It was very inspirational. Many of my friends were reading it at that time. At one point, I acquired a few back issues of Western Horseman from the 1960's and in one of them I discovered a letter from Joni in the pen-pal section of the magazine, written before her paralysis. I still have that magazine.
March 3, 2013
Read this as a teen. I think it was instrumental in making me believe I could do anything...I had no excuses. It also made me more grateful for the things I had. Wonderful book!
November 23, 2013
This is a very good book that guides us to blindly believe and trust in the Lord...The story confirms the truth that "all things work together for good to them that love God".
September 27, 2015
This is a wonderful book that shows faith and God's amazing plan for our lives. I rate this book five stars because it shows that we are small but he is BIG!
July 24, 2016
One of the most God-glorifying autobiographies I have read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 524 reviews