"By Faith, Not By Sight" by Scott MacIntyre

America was introduced to Scott MacIntyre in 2009, when he was a contestant on Season 8 of "American Idol". The show portrayed him as a blind guy who loved music and gave performing a shot; or at least that's how I remember it. What viewers did not realize was that Scott had a rich and amazing background that included both triumph and tragedy. He had already lived abroad studying music and been honored at the White House for his success, but he had also very nearly lost his music and his life in a battle with kidney failure.

Scott was born without eysight, except for a tiny pinhole of vision that allows him to see things such as color contrasts. Music captured his attention from the time he was a toddler, and when he was 3 years old he began playing by ear. Soon writing his own arrangements, composing, and playing professionally followed. Faith in God was also a big part of Scott's life and it is clear that faith and family were his anchors.

Scott's parents, and especially his mother, are to be commended for raising all of their children to follow their dreams. His mother found ways to put Scott in safe environments so that he could take up things like running and biking, and even community events like youth musical theatre. She homeschooled him with such excellence that he was accepted into Arizona State University at age 14. After years of putting full use to resources available to her, she had no qualms about sending her son to live alone in England to study music, and the love and support of his parents helped put Scott on a path to fulfill the desires God had placed on his heart. Wow! I would like to be a mother like Carol MacIntyre someday!

This book is not written chronologically, but maintains a steady timeline from 2005 until 2009, while jumping back to portray different histories and stories throughout Scott's childhood. The writing style was absolutely fabulous. While I know some credit goes to Jennifer Schuchmann as co-author, it is clear that God has given Scott a way with words. I hope this won't be the only book he writes!

I would recommend this book to anyone. Mothers, teeangers, dreamers, music fans... anyone who wants to take up their talents and see them used for God. This was a captivating true story, full of the honesty of health struggles, the thrilling joy of doing exactly what you know God wants you to do, and the knowledge that through God all things are possible. We can't see what is ahead, but we can trust that He does, and that it is good. Life is not all dreams come true, but even in the darkest hours God is with us. A truly inspirational message very needed today!



I received this book from BookSneeze in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.