Daily Life

Mary's story - Telephone Book Clubs

Summary: Find out what it's like to be part of a Telephone Book Club by reading Mary's story.

Mary has macula degeneration and is in her 80s. "I started to get macular degeneration in about 2001. I also developed cataracts and had them taken off my eyes. After the second operation, the sight in my left eye went peculiar. I have quite a bit of useful sight but I can't read anything at all. In the beginning I went to great lengths and bought a reader, but that’s very little use to me now."

"I live alone. I’m a bit anxious at the moment because I’ve always gone out a great deal and always been quite active. But suddenly I find that I’m not. I don’t know what I would have done without RNIB Talking Books. Reading is my biggest pleasure. I’ve read all my life."

Our Telephone Book Clubs bring people together from across the UK. Many people taking part in the clubs enjoy the opportunity to talk to other people. The small groups of eight people come together on the telephone to chat about reading and books in general. For some, it provides invaluable contact with other people which they may not be able to have on a regular basis. Many older people find themselves stuck indoors as a result of their sight loss and mobility problems.

"It's very good for people who live alone. Especially for winter, it’s going to be invaluable. If you can't get out you need something to look forward to. You get to know other people. It's very good for you."

People with sight loss read books in a variety of different formats including braille, large print or on audio. The group members use the sessions to share their experiences and challenges including getting copies of the latest bestseller in their preferred format. A problem which is tackled in our Right to Read campaign.

"We’re discussing Lovely Bones on Friday. I didn’t think it was for me. It was too claustrophobic, too dramatic. Reading it is one thing, listening to it was another. I found that rather interesting. I didn’t really enjoy it but there were things about the writing I thought were excellent. I thought the characterisation was very good indeed. The characters really came alive. But it wasn’t one I could really say that I loved. I think I’ve got enough to have a really good discussion and I think others will have enjoyed it."

If you would like to join a Telephone Book Club or would like to find out more call 0845 330 3723.

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Content author: talkandsupport@rnib.org.uk

Last updated: 08/04/2008 18:38