Kika & Me
Patel, AmitAmit Patel is working as a trauma doctor when a rare condition causes him to lose his sight within 36 hours. Totally dependent on others and terrified of stepping outside with a white cane after he's assaulted, he hits rock bottom. He refuses to leave home on his own for three months. With the support of his wife Seema he slowly adapts to his new situation, but how could life ever be the way it was? Then his guide dog Kika comes along ...
But Kika's stubbornness almost puts her guide dog training in jeopardy - could her quirky personality be a perfect match for someone? Meanwhile Amit has reservations - can he trust a dog with his safety?
Paired together in 2015, they start on a journey, learning to trust each other before taking to the streets of London and beyond. The partnership not only gives Amit a renewed lease of life but a new best friend. Then, after a video of an irate commuter rudely asking Amit to step aside on an escalator goes viral, he sets out with Kika by his side to spread a message of positivity and inclusivity, showing that nothing will hold them back. [Taken from book cover, Pan MacMillan Books]
Pages
287
287
Year
2020
2020
Reviews
16-11-2023
Book enjoyed by all in group. The question sheet encouraged some lively discussion. Content showed that despite the depression following the devastating fact of blindness, with sheer determination, love and support, a worthwhile life can be led.
14-11-2023
The group felt they learned a lot about the training of guide dogs, their intelligence and the importance to the writer. There was a lot of admiration for the writer's perseverance, as well as for his wife's ongoing support. The cruelty of some members of the public left us disturbed.
16-10-2023
Everyone loved this book. All agreed that it was extremely well-written and was hugely enlightening about guide dogs and disabilities in general. Such admiration for the author
26-09-2023
Almost everyone loved this book and decreed it a wonderfully-written account of one blind man's superhuman efforts to survive and thrive in the sighted world, with the help of his amazing dog.
07-08-2023
This book was loved by all in the group without exception. Several rated it a 5. All said it gave them a much greater understanding of the challenges facing the blind/those with low vision. The author was greatly admired for his persistence, strength of character, and for his contribution to society at large.
23-06-2023
It has made us all think about our urban environments. They are difficult to navigate, even WITH sight!
08-05-2023
An educational, enjoyable and honest account of how one couple faced and managed to live with such a traumatic change of life which was made positive through the skills of Kika - an incredible dog!
20-04-2023
Fascinating story of resilience. We thought the cover didn't suit the book as it's more a story of the partnership between the dog and Amit on his journey.
24-03-2023
Everyone loved this book. Great insight into what it's like to be blind - is it worse than deafness
09-01-2023
Everyone loved this book. Much was learnt about guide dogs, but also real insights into the everyday life of a blind person.
08-11-2022
"Best book this year". The group thought it was perfectly pitched and structured. They enjoyed all the characters, admiring their courage and openness. Lots of episodes were easy to recall and dissect. A squeamish member admitted hurrying through some of the medical content. We appreciated Amit's wife Seema's recollections, placed near the end. Lots of discussion of society's reaction to blindness, and support animals. Kika was a delight to us all.
30-09-2022
An easy read. The word "informative" used by all the group in the discussion.
16-08-2022
Good discussion book. Only one person didn't like it.
08-08-2022
This book was more interesting than we anticipated; several members commented that the cover made a poor impression. Very stimulating discussion. We learned a lot about blindness and guide dogs.
04-08-2022
The Group all felt that 'Kika and Me' was well worth reading. It taught us so much about disability. Negative attitudes of some members of the public were highlighted. The story was one of love, devotion, perseverance and courage. All thought it should read by many people, giving understanding of the complexities of accessibility. We strongly recommend 'Kika and Me'.
18-07-2022
Brilliant - made me cry. Best discussion in group for years.
30-06-2022
An interesting book which gave interest and education about the challenges ( and achievements) faced by Amit and family.
22-06-2022
All our members thoroughly enjoyed the book.
22-06-2022
Delightful story of courage, hope, a wonderful dog and plenty of 'food for thought'.
15-06-2022
After initially thinking this looked a bit "lightweight", how wrong we were! What a splendid book. We admired the honesty of Amit and Seema, the lows and the highs, and what huge challenges being blind brings to a family. We thought we'd like to meet them!
11-05-2022
Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the book. Would recommend. Great insights into the effects of blindness in everyday life, and a tribute to Amit Patel and his wife Seema, and their courage as they rebuilt their lives.
29-04-2022
Easy to read, and an eye-opener for those who haven't otherwise learned about the emotional, physical and logistical aspects of blindness. A great promotion for services catering to the blind community.
27-04-2022
Everyone loved the book and learnt so much about coping with blindness. We were shocked at how people can be so unhelpful and unkind.
22-04-2022
Most people admitted to not looking forward to reading this book - Amit Patel's story about how he became blind, learnt to be blind and then getting on with his life. However, everyone really enjoyed the book and learnt a lot about the life of a blind person. It was really well described. In future we will tell a blind person when we leave a conversation, and will respect when a guide dog is working...We also thought that Seema (Patel's wife) was amazing with her support.
22-04-2022
The group enjoyed the book and all learnt plenty.
28-03-2022
Mixed opinions, but generally it was very informative, but not challenging.
07-03-2022
Hard to believe how cruel and selfish some people are to disabled people. All read and enjoyed it.
03-11-2021
We all read it! We enjoyed the story and the learnings from Amit's story.