You are invited to the next League of Women Voters Whitewater Area book group, where we will discuss James Bonilla’s compelling memoir, An Eye for an I: Growing Up with Blindness, Bigotry, and Family Mental Illness! This powerful narrative offers an intersectional analysis of disability, racism, and mental illness, inviting readers to empathize, be inspired, and consider their own potential for social change.

Book: An Eye for an I by James Bonilla
Genre: Nonfiction/Memoir

About the Book
In this moving memoir, James Francisco Bonilla, a New York-born Puerto Rican writer and retired professor, shares his journey as a blind boy who navigated a harrowing childhood marked by systemic educational failures, discrimination, and a troubled family life. A medical breakthrough at age nineteen restored sight in one of his eyes, giving him a unique perspective on the struggles of marginalized communities. The book is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, showcasing how personal healing can be found through advocacy, community, and spiritual encounters with the natural world.

Discussion Topics
The book offers a wealth of topics for rich discussion, including:
 The idea of “blind spots,” not just as a physical phenomenon, but as something the sighted might experience in their own lives.
 The role that nature plays in healing and self-understanding.
 The impact of racism, ableism, and intergenerational trauma on individuals and communities.
 The journey toward self-understanding and the introspection necessary for effective social justice advocacy.

Event Details
 Dates: 
o Monday, February 9: Chapters 1-15, pp. 1-70
o Monday, March 9: Chapters 16-30, pp 71-133
o Monday, April 13: Chapters 31- 42, pp 134-192
 Time: 
o 6:15 – Arrival and set up
o 6:30 – Snacks and Introductions
o 6:45 – 8:00 – Discussion

 Location: 
o Whitewater Public Library
o 431 W. Center Street, Whitewater, WI 53190
o Meeting Room 1

 RSVP:
Please RSVP to Dwight C. Watson, dwight.watsondcw@gmail.com or 920-542- 8601, or Deb Gamble, shebagam@gmail.com, so we can finalize planning.

The book is currently available at The Book Teller, 171 W. Main St., or through the Whitewater Public Library. We look forward to an insightful and inspiring conversation!