Seeing Eye Girl

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Seeing Eye Girl: A Memoir of Madness, Resilience, and Hope

A Summary

As the “Seeing Eye Girl” for her blind, artistic, and mentally-ill mother, Beverly Armento was intimately connected with and responsible for her, even though her mother physically and emotionally abused her. She was Strong Beverly at school—excellent in academics and mentored by caring teachers—but at home she was Weak Beverly, cowed by her mother’s rage and delusions.

Beverly’s mother regained her sight with two corneal transplants in 1950 and went on to enjoy a moment of fame as an artist, but these positive turns did nothing to stop her disintegration into her delusional world of communists, radiation, and lurking Italians. To survive, Beverly had to be resilient and hopeful that better days could be ahead. But, first, she had to confront essential ethical issues about her caregiving role in her family.

In this emotional memoir, Beverly shares the coping strategies she invented to get herself through the trials of her young life, and the ways in which school and church served as refuges over the course of her journey. Breaking the psychological chains that bound her to her mother would prove to be the most difficult challenge of her life–and ultimately, the most liberating one.

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"My fear of living alone with Momma hits me square in the face. But I'm her seeing eye girl: my job is to guide her, keep her safe. It's my job to protect her, not be afraid of her. My responsibility to Momma is deeply embedded, and even her beatings over years have not shaken my loyalty. Now, at twenty-two, ready to take on my life as an educator, I realize how strong and dysfunctional the chains that bind us are. I am trapped in Ron Radzai's role as the bread-winner, the caretaker of the family. Today I'm confronted with the reality of my dilemma: I do not have the knowledge, skill, or willingness to take care of Momma, yet I believe it is my task, my ethical obligation. My future."

From Chapter 27, “Catch and Release”

Awards

Seeing Eye Girl is a brave memoir, at turns both heartbreaking and exhilarating. It is a work that makes us care. Armento invited us to accompany her tender, innocent younger self as she struggles to navigate the chaos of a childhood filled with confusion, longing, and fear. Witnessing the child’s journey toward understanding the “why” behind her pain and loss, we recognize that courage is her instinctive compass. The vulnerable child becomes the strong woman, consistently drawn to find beauty in a world of unremitting ugliness. Armento’s memoir is a lesson in compassion and forgiveness, beautifully written and unflinchingly honest.

—Nedra Pezold Roberts, Playwright

2023 Gold Winner in Non Fiction Book Awards

Georgia Writers Association Awards: Georgia Authors of the Year.
Seeing Eye Girl has been nominated in the Memoir/Biography category.

2022 IPPY Awards Bronze Winner in Autobiography II (Coming of Age/Family)

2022 Readers’ Favorite Book Awards: Honorable Mention in Non-Fiction Autobiography

Reviews

"🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟Finally, a title I won’t forget. For me, most book titles go in one ear and out the other. I really struggle to remember them. However, Seeing Eye Girl will be one that stays with me for years... If you remember and liked A Glass Castle, you will love this book"

"As an educator, I found this book highly relatable; a poignant reminder of some of the frightened, hurting children who have walked through my classroom doors, in desperate need of a positive adult role model. By sharing her story, Armento has created a tribute to teachers and a reminder that our work matters. It truly matters.... If you enjoyed Tara Westover’s Educated, you will love Seeing Eye Girl. There is nothing more empowering than watching a once broken child evolve into healthy adulthood; rising up through strength, courage, and the indomitable power of education. I highly recommend Seeing Eye Girl – a moving, unforgettable story of hope, trust in God, and resilience. Bravo!"

"Sublime writing brightens an unforgettable, harrowing personal account."

"Heartbreaking yet so empowering."

"this book is a must-read"

"I love She Writes Press and this memoir did NOT disappoint"

“Is it possible that a story of chronic abuse at the hands of a mentally unstable mother can be beautiful? Seeing Eye Girl proves that the answer is yes. Armento’s masterful prose and her penchant for the revealing detail make her account illuminating. This book is a testament to the human spirit that will not be denied fulfilling its potential. Armento gives witness to the hard fact that we sometimes have to nurture ourselves and shows just how that can be done.”

“As soon as I started reading Beverly Armento’s memoir Seeing Eye Girl, I knew I was in the hands of a gifted writer and storyteller. Armento’s prose is rich and observant as she guides us through her struggles to understand her mother’s madness. Between the pages of heartbreak, shimmers a compelling story of courage.”

“Seeing Eye Girl is a brave, riveting account of a young life coping with unspeakable hardship and abuse. But more than that, this memoir is a testament to the resilience and force of the human spirit. This is a story that will move you, affect you, and linger with you long after you close this remarkable book.”

“Seeing Eye Girl lays bare every reason for a person of lesser courage, intelligence, talent, and determination to fail in life. Instead, Beverly’s travails have been the impetus for her success as a teacher, professor, and author. A remarkable work by an amazing person. If I had read Seeing Eye Girl before I started teaching, I would have been an even better teacher than I was.”

Reading this book in one day, I could hardly put it down. The reader feels very connected to Beverly during her abusive, cruel treatment by her mother. Her resiliency is hard to imagine and her persistence to reach her goals enables Beverly to become an outstanding educator. Bravo for your heartfelt account of survival. Everyone should read this compelling book.

There are many memoirs that capture the universal horrors of a painful childhood, yet this one packs a punch because of its particular beauty and grace. It's nothing short of extraordinary that Armento turned the power of abuse into the power of art, humor, and education with her own flair for style. Don't let the subject matter prevent you from seeing into the heart of this singular Seeing Eye Girl.

First of all, Beverly Armento’s writing is top notch. She shares the facts of her life from a healed heart. The pain is gone. Beverly and her sister endure a roller coaster ride of abuse and neglect from their mentally ill mother in this very personal book. When will it end? How will it stop? Who throws her a lifeline? Read and see!

I had to keep reading to find out what happened next. It is such a well written story and I felt as if I was in her place, I felt her pain and hopelessness. It is something that should not happen to any child, and how she endured all this and was able to get herself to school and manage her life is so amazing to the reader. She is a remarkable person and now so accomplished as an educator, if she hadn't revealed her story and childhood, no one would have guessed she had this past history. This shows that a teacher can be everything to a student who has issues at home, a safe and no judgement place that they can find a way to cope with a home life that is hurtful. Excellent book!

Beverly takes you on a compelling journey, through her violence-filled childhood, with a vulnerability that is equally heartbreaking and inspiring. Her words paint a vivid picture that transport you completely into her world. It would have been easy for Beverly to use her story to evoke pity or despair. She does neither. Beverly's authenticity communicates a message of hope for all those who have suffered trauma. Once you start reading, you won't be able to put it down.

Seeing Eye Girl

Seeing Eye Girl: A Memoir of Madness, Resilience, and Hope

Awards

Reviews

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