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42 pages 1 hour read

The Story of My Life

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 1902

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Book Brief

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Helen Keller

The Story of My Life

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 1902
Book Details
Pages

240

Format

Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction

Setting

Alabama • 1880s-1900s

Publication Year

1902

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

12+ years

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Super Short Summary

The Story of My Life by Helen Keller recounts her journey from early childhood to college years, navigating the challenges posed by her blindness and deafness. An illness leaves her unable to see or hear, leading to isolation. Her life changes when Miss Sullivan arrives to teach her, opening a world of communication and education. With perseverance and support, Keller ultimately attends Radcliffe, achieving her dream of higher education.

Inspirational

Hopeful

Contemplative

Emotional

Bittersweet

Reviews & Readership

4.2

151,268 ratings

75%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

The autobiography The Story of My Life by Helen Keller is widely praised for its inspiring and insightful look into her challenges and triumphs. While readers commend Keller's resilience and the eloquent narrative, some criticize the book’s lack of depth in exploring secondary characters. Overall, it offers a remarkable, uplifting personal journey.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Story of My Life?

Readers who enjoy The Diary of Anne Frank or I Am Malala would be captivated by The Story of My Life by Helen Keller. This memoir is ideal for those interested in inspirational autobiographies, overcoming adversity, and the resilience of the human spirit. Suitable for readers aged 12 and up who appreciate historical and personal narratives.

4.2

151,268 ratings

75%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

Character List

Helen Keller

A resilient young girl who, despite being deaf and blind from a young age, learns to communicate and eventually attends college with the help of her teacher and family.

A dedicated and compassionate teacher sent by the Perkins Institute, who transforms Helen's life by teaching her to communicate, sign, and spell on her hands.

Helen's father, a former Confederate general, who supports his daughter's education and well-being, quietly doing whatever he can to improve her prospects.

Helen's mother, a loving and supportive figure, who takes an active role in ensuring Helen has opportunities to learn and grow.

Helen's younger sister, who provides steadfast support and companionship on her sister's adventures and journeys.

The daughter of the Kellers' cook and Helen's first friend, who is among the first to understand Helen's early attempts at communication.

A prominent supporter and friend of Helen who helps the Keller family connect with resources, including the Perkins Institute, to aid Helen's education.

The director of the Perkins Institute, who initially supports Helen and facilitates Miss Sullivan's arrival, playing a significant role in Helen's educational journey.

The principal of the Cambridge School for Young Ladies, who teaches Helen literature but later doubts her ability to manage the school's demanding workload.

Book Details
Pages

240

Format

Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction

Setting

Alabama • 1880s-1900s

Publication Year

1902

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

12+ years

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