Unseen: How I Lost My Vision but Found My Voice

Summary

FROM SOCIAL MEDIA STAR AND CHANGE-MAKER MOLLY BURKE, A VULNERABLE, HONEST, AND DARKLY HUMOROUS MEMOIR ON NAVIGATING THE CHALLENGES OF BEING A BLIND WOMAN IN A SIGHTED WORLD

When Molly Burke was four years old, she was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, a rare degenerative eye disease that leads to eventual blindness, forcing her to see the world through new eyes—literally. Growing up disabled didn’t stop her from playing sports, becoming a rock-climbing instructor, or winning a beauty pageant, but other people’s narrow perceptions of her held her back.

Years of relentless bullying, toxic work environments, a rodent-infested apartment, and life’s lowest moments were juxtaposed with red carpets, first-class flights, and personal and professional achievements. Throughout her life, Molly has learned to appreciate the duality, and, most importantly, she’s learned the beauty of being unapologetically yourself and standing up for what you truly believe in.

In Unseen, Molly chronicles her journey as a disabled woman, entrepreneur, and entertainer, illuminating what her experiences have taught her and what she hopes others can learn from her hardship and successes. Part memoir, part rallying cry for a more compassionate and empathetic world, Unseen recounts Molly’s life and experiences fighting against the expectations society set for her and, in doing so, helps readers find their own voice, inner strength, and self-acceptance.

“Reading Unseen felt like sitting down with Molly over coffee. She invited me and I laughed, cried, felt anger and heartbreak—but also hope. Molly’s vulnerability is a gift. She’s paved a path that should have existed long ago, and because of her, a young Molly will have it better than she did.”—Aly Raisman, gold medal–winning gymnast, advocate, and New York Times bestselling author of Fierce and From My Head to My Toes