BROOK FOREST VOICES AUTHORS

ABOUT THE AUTHOR


     An accomplished speaker, Julia Spencer tells it like it is. Whether she’s presenting a lecture to medical school students on patient-centered care or inspiring audiences with her story about adapting to blindness, Julia’s warm, direct style wins over audiences. All this helps to fulfill her mission: To inspire positive and “healthy” doctor-patient relationships. Fulfilling her mission impacts both doctors and patients throughout the nation.

     Afflicted with retinitis pigmentosa, Julia is experiencing severe vision loss due to this progressive, untreatable disease. In her book, Looking Through a Keyhole, Julia chronicles her fight to remain independent as she adapts to ever-growing blindness, with help from her husband Ralph and Seeing Eye guide dog, Irene.  She lives in Whiting, New Jersey.


LOOKING THROUGH A KEYHOLE Summary


Julia Spencer’s inspiring journey to independence while losing her vision to retinitis pigmintosa. In Looking Through a Keyhole, Julia shares her fears, hopes, and most candid responses to living with a progressive, untreatable disease – and her shrinking visual world. With humor and a feisty attitude, she begins to accept vision loss and welcomes her guide dog Irene into her life.

Through a keyhole-sized remnant of vision, Julia discovers a deeper understanding of her family and her world. The confines of her vision loss cannot restrain the vibrant energy and independence of this remarkable woman.

     •     If you are struggling with any life-altering condition, you’ll find Julia Spencer’s story inspiring.

     •     If you are a doctor, student, or other professional in the healthcare field, Looking Through a Keyhole is a must-listen. Exceptionally clear and candid, you’ll gain insight into the doctor-patient relationship.

     •     If you love guide dogs, you’ll enjoy reading about Julia’s journey as she was matched with her guide dog – and grew to trust and love Irene.

Reviews About Julia

“Julia Spencer’s relationships – those with her physician, the Commission for the Blind and, of course, her wonderful family – intimately teach us about the challenges (and the benefits) of losing one’s vision. Most of all, Looking Through a Keyhole reflects Julia’s striking ability to adapt to, and ultimately embrace, a newfound freedom.”
– Ami Cuneo, medical student at The Warren Alpert Medical School at Brown University

“Julia has a great writing style – genuine, sincere, and captivating. The conversations will draw you in…. Most of all, she reveals her innermost feelings in a way few other authors on blindness do.”
– Dean and Naomi Tuttle, authors of Self-Esteem and Adjusting With Blindness

“The dream in the opening paragraph was terrifying and the only dream I have ever liked in a book…. People will want to read your story – and will take it to heart – I did.”
– Bruce Jay Friedman, author and screenwriter of Splash

“Inspirational as humor alternates with bleak reality in a fine balance between description and emotional response.”
– Walt Giersbach, author of Cruising the Green of Second Avenue

“The writing is alive … the narrative digs back into past attitudes and events, and the self-examination regarding lack of trust and the need for independence are honest and compelling.”
– Diana Elliott, writer and editor

JULIA  SPENCER

2012 EVVY Bronze Medal Audiobook