Kika & Me

Amit Patel

04 March 2021
9781529021233
320 pages

Synopsis

From the challenges of travelling when blind to becoming a parent for the first time, Kika & Me is the moving, heart-warming and inspirational story of Dr Amit Patel’s sight-loss journey and how one guide dog changed his world.

'Inspiring and compelling . . . rekindles one's faith in human nature' - Andrew Marr

Amit Patel is working as a trauma doctor when a rare condition causes him to lose his sight within thirty-six 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.

'An incredible story of courage, perseverance and, ultimately love' - Sun

'The most moving book of the year' - The Lady

An entirely original, inspiring and compelling book, which is genuinely hard to put it down. Amit's story is nothing less than extraordinary, and rekindles one's faith in human nature . . . I think for millions of people, this will come to be an essential piece of reading.
An incredible story of courage, perseverance and, ultimately love.
An uplifting read that highlights not only how we can all be better allies to disabled people but the importance of family and community support while navigating hardships.