Oliver James (4)

Another one where I think the subtitle was a poor choice. This is less a memoir of learning to read and more a memoir of how learning to read effected James's life. As such, it's pretty darn good--very vulnerable and compelling. But as I was expecting a journey through the learning process for reading, not a journey through the personal growth jumpstarted by the reading itself, I was a little disappointed. As a document of the way being able to read can open doors, practically and show more spiritually, this is great. Recommended if that pings you. If you want "how, exactly, did a thirty-plus-year-old go about learning to read," this is not that. show less

This book is powerful. I would label it a must read for any educator. James is unflinching in his honesty. My heart broke on every page of the first few chapters. It's incredibly eye opening in the details of his life and experiences. Well worth the read.