The Story of My Life (Version 2)

Written by Helen Keller

Narrated by LibriVox Community

An autobiography of Helen Keller published when the author was still in her early 20's. The narrative reveals how her mind developed and matured until she began her studies at Radcliffe College (Summary by George Cooney)

• Language: English
• Publisher: LibriVox
• Release date: Aug 25, 2014

Helen Keller

Helen Keller (1880-1968) was an American author, activist, and lecturer. Born in Tuscumbia, Alabama, Keller suffered a sudden illness at nineteen months old that left her both deaf and blind. Her parents brought her to Baltimore to consult with Alexander Graham Bell, then a teacher for deaf children. He referred them to the Perkins Institute for the Blind, which paired Keller with Anne Sullivan, a visually impaired instructor who would remain by Helen’s side for the next half century as her governess and companion. With Sullivan’s help, she learned to read and write, as well as to speak using the Tadoma method. Between 1888 and 1900, Keller attended specialist schools for the deaf and blind before being admitted to Radcliffe College, then Harvard University’s school for women. In 1903, she published her autobiography, The Story of My Life, with the help of Sullivan and her husband John. A year later, Keller became the first deafblind person to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts. She joined the Socialist Party of America in 1909 and spent the next twelve years speaking and writing on topics such as women’s suffrage, pacifism, and workers’ rights. In addition, she joined the Industrial Workers of the World in 1915. Keller was also a prominent activist for African American civil rights, supporting the NAACP and joining the American Civil Liberties Union. From 1924 on, she dedicated herself to lecturing and organizing for the American Foundation for the Blind, traveling to thirty-five countries and across the United States to speak on behalf of those living with blindness. Major written works include Out of the Dark (1913), a collection of essays on socialism, and My Religion (1927), a spiritual autobiography expressing her relationship with the teachings of Emanuel Swedenborg.

Reviews for The Story of My Life (Version 2)

[Matthew Brown · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

How would you go about describing your stories and experiences if you had no site nor hearing. How would How would one describe experiences and find joy in life without sight and hearing, our primary senses? Helen Keller is remarkable in so many ways, but especially in her joy of life found through learning, books, education, friendship, rowing, literature, plays, the warmth of a handshake, and so many other gifts life renders. She lives a richer life than so many with all their senses. Her story is inspiring and helps me remember the glory of every minute in every day.

[Karen L. Moore · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

There are TERRIBLE CLICKS on all transitions at the beginning and the end of each chapter. The clicks hurt my ears.