The Blind Man Game is a memoir about the challenges faced by Paul Boskind, a psychologist who was diagnosed with Stargardt Disease at the age of 21. Stargardt Disease is a condition that results in the deterioration of vision over time.
The memoir visits different experiences and stages in his life that had a profound impact on his life. One such experience occurred when he was first diagnosed with Stargardt Disease. He recalls how unempathetic his doctor was during this time. It was at that time in his life that he began to see life differently. He realized that his life as he knew it would never be the same.
To cope, he created what he called the Blind Man Game. This prepared him for the inevitable reality of losing his vision over time. Hence, the Blind Man Game was how he learned to use his other senses besides his vision to navigate throughout the world. This was his way of preparing himself for the loss of his vision.
At the same time he was coping with going blind, his family was not supportive of his coming out as a gay man. Despite not having the support of his family, he managed to become a fierce advocate for the LGBTQ community.
The story focuses primarily on his life, his family dynamics, and different relationships in his life. The author switches around a lot in this memoir. Events in each chapter are not written chronologically but rather jump around to different periods in his life throughout the book.
His life began in humble beginnings in Texas. He became a successful entrepreneur. Later, he lived a life of prestige in high society. However, his involvement in the LGBTQ community as an activist as well as his disability played a huge role in his life.
What resonates to me is a remarkable story of triumph despite having so many things stacked against him. Throughout his life, he learned to cope with his disability. This story reflects his life and his experiences. Among learning many coping methods such as the Blind Man’s Game, it was also his ambition and feeling pressed for time because of his disability that activated his desire to inspire others and live a remarkable life.
Social workers can recommend this book to family and friends of loved ones with disabilities. This book would be a good read for those with disabilities, especially those with a disability that impairs vision. Additionally, this book would be an informative read for those in the LGBTQ community.
I would also like to note that this book is available in audiobook format on Apple Books and Audible, making it more accessible for those who are visually impaired.
Reviewed by Tasha Krank, MSW, BS (she/her/hers), an MSW graduate from Western New Mexico University. She also earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from St. John’s University. Tasha is an author and entrepreneur. Her topics of interest are adults and children with disabilities and social justice issues.