Joni & Ken: An Untold Love Story

Ken Tada and Joni Eareckson have been married for more than 30 years. This book, written in third person with longtime Eareckson collaborator Larry Libby, tells the story of their relationship. It is a story of commitment and devotion despite hardships and obstacles unimaginable to most married couples. Eareckson was already a quadriplegic with a ministry to the disabled when she met Tada, a high school teacher and coach. As they settle into married life, Tada is relegated to being a peripheral character, not only by Joni’s fans but also by her staff and, at times it seems, Joni herself. Despite frustrations, depression, and the physical labor involved in caring for a handicapped spouse, Tada is determinedly committed to his wife. Interestingly, Joni reveals that while they “loved each other,” they did not fall “in love” until nearly three decades into their marriage. The longevity of this relationship is a testimony to the couple’s faithfulness; they never gave up on each other, or on God. Agent: Robert Wolgemuth, Wolgemuth & Associates. (Apr.)