Unseen

From social media star and disability activist Molly Burke, a vulnerable and witty memoir on navigating the challenges of being a legally blind woman in an ableist world

When Molly Burke was four years old, she was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, a rare degenerative eye disease that causes gradual and complete blindness, forcing Burke to conceptualize the world differently. Growing up disabled didn’t stop her from playing sports, speaking publicly, or becoming a rock-climbing instructor, but it was other people’s narrow perceptions of her that held her back. Today, Burke is a speaker, content creator, model, author, and advocate whose mission is to help foster community for anyone feeling isolated, misrepresented, or misunderstood. Unseen is Burke’s story in her own words and an inspiration to those who have been stigmatized or are feeling alone in their struggles to speak out.

Burke chronicles her journey as a disabled woman, business owner, and entertainer, illuminating not only what her experiences have taught her, but also what she wishes the world understood about her world and the world of others in the blind community. Part memoir, part rallying cry for better representation, Unseen recounts Burke’s life and experiences fighting against the expectations society set for her as a blind woman, and in doing so, helps readers find their voice, strength, and inner purpose.

Author Biography

Molly Burke is a blind public speaker, content creator, consultant, model, and author. With more than five million followers across social media, she uses her platform to advocate for greater inclusivity and representation at every touchpoint, uplifting and empowering others. She has partnered with major brands such as Aerie, Google, Bose, Samsung, Estée Lauder, Disney, Dove, Microsoft, Tommy Hilfiger, Crocs, and more. She received a Clio Lifetime Achievement Award and has spoken at the United Nations and the World Economic Forum in Davos. Molly is a Forbes 30 Under 30 recipient who has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, People, Paper, Forbes, Adweek, Teen Vogue, and Allure and appeared on The Daily Show with Trevor Noah and Today. She is based in Los Angeles.