The Blind Woodsman: One Man’s Journey to Find His Purpose on the Other Side of Darkness

Written by John Furniss and Anni Furniss

Narrated by James Fouhey and Candace Fitzgerald

Inside this moving true story, John Furniss, more famously known today as "The Blind Woodsman," along with his wife, inspiration, and fellow artist Anni share their amazing story with the mission to help and inspire others to pursue their own creative passions, regardless of the challenges they may face.



Despite being blind, John is now a highly skilled woodworker creating incredible pieces of art in complete darkness, inspiring millions of viewers on TikTok with his achievements. Although John's creative outlet revolves around woodworking, as a motivational speaker for blindness awareness, drug abuse prevention, and suicide prevention in schools, his overall mission is to help others find true happiness despite what life throws at you.



Inside this inspiring autobiography of a man who found true joy after a lifetime of harrowing struggles, you'll learn how John and Anni met as John shares his life experiences from a young teen and all the challenges he faced.



The Blind Woodsman is a compelling true story that will give hope and inspiration to those dealing with disabilities, mental health struggles, addiction, chronic illness, and the anxieties and stresses in our everyday lives.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tantor Media, Inc
• Release date: Jan 28, 2025
• ISBN: 9798855597080

[akblanchard_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

In this inspirational puff piece, visually impaired woodworker and social media phenomenon John Furniss and his wife, artist Anni Furniss, discuss the joys and challenges of their together.

As a teen, John blinded himself in a suicide attempt, and he spent years in and out of prison for drug using and dealing. Anni has suffered from a variety of insecurities and illnesses as well. Nonetheless, this intrepid couple found each other. They share their artwork along with a side of vague spirituality in this book (and also, presumably, on TikTok, but I haven't experienced their social media presence for myself).

This book exemplifies why "showing, not telling" is such an important writerly rule. Everything in this book is told, and little is shown. The book is less vivid than it could be because of this approach. Still is it a quick read, and it does give an interesting perspective on visual impairment.