Dear Ms. King,
I hope this e-mail finds you well and that you had a nice Easter. My name is Aisling Redican, I am Communications and Fundraising Manager for Xavier Society for the Blind in New York City. Since 1900, XSB has been providing free braille and audio books to blind and visually impaired people worldwide in order for them to learn about, develop, and practice their Catholic faith.
I wanted to let you know that Holy Desperation: Praying as if Your Life Depends on It is available in our audio library in digital talking book format. This format is compatible with the talking book machines provided by the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (part of the Library of Congress). These machines are used by around 500,000 blind, visually impaired, or print disabled persons across the United States. We shared a clip of the audiobook on our Facebook, Instagram, Twitter feed, and YouTube Channel; please feel free to do so as well.
Also, I’m not sure if you’re aware but in addition to audio, Holy Desperation was transcribed in braille in 2018! It is available in three braille volumes – braille takes up a lot more space than print.
If you need any more information, or know of anyone in need of our services, please do not hesitate to reach out. We have hundreds of books available in braille and audio and serve clients of all ages and faiths worldwide, from North Macedonia to South Africa. We are trying to serve more people in new and innovative ways during these challenging times. Although XSB has been around for 122 years, we often hear we are a best kept secret and that is something we are trying to change.
Thank you!
—
Aisling Redican
Xavier Society For the Blind
248 West 35th Street Suite 1502 New York, NY 10001
xaviersocietyfortheblind.org
212-502-7607
Indeed, Heather—better than the Pulitzer and so apropos regarding your devotion to St. Thérèse and the Little Way. How very, very lovely. Congratulations…..
This book, Holy Desperation, has changed my life. I return to it almost daily for meditation, inspiration, and life. So glad to hear it is available to so many others. Eileen
What a wonderful message, and organization! And I love the line “… from North Macedonia to South Africa.”
Wow! That is so awesome! Congratulations!!
CONGRATULATIONS, Heather!! So glad your work continues to reach another corner of this world. I know braille and audiobooks both provide a means of access to so many more people. Love this sharing.
Fantastic.
Fantastic! What a blessing for many.
Heartwarming evidence of good in this world,
Thank you all so much–I, too, love “from North Macedonia to South Africa”…this was nothing I applied for or was even aware of, and of course no money attaches, but I am tickled pink. Truly, these are the gifts with which I’m showered. And how about those incredible people in NYC who run the Xavier Society?…which is the real point…
A fantabulous and sincere compliment for your good works/inspiring writing(s), dear Heather from those who “see”!
Xavier Society does truly wonderful work.
Indeed!
Hi Heather,
I had the honor of narrating Holy Desperation for Xavier Society’s talking book series. I really enjoyed delving into it and interpreting your voice for their patrons. It’s a powerful book, and I have recommended it to a number of friends. Now, on to the next project . . .
Oh grand, Jeanne, it’s really wonderful what you do, and that you chose to so honor Holy Desperation. As you know, it’s a book about prayer that’s loaded with 12-step spirituality–and of course Christ–and would perhaps especially strike a note with recovering alcoholics and addicts…then again, that’s really another way of saying “the poor in spirit”…which is all of us.