My Dyslexia

Poet and fiction writer Phillip Schultz was diagnosed with dyslexia at the age of 58. It didn't stop him from winning a Pulitzer Prize, but it has had a lifelong effect, one that has constantly crept into his thoughts and choices. William Hughes keeps the narration upbeat even as he describes Schultz's anxiety, depression, and frustration over his difficulties with reading, which have continued into adulthood. The book includes several poems by Schultz, and Hughes's reading at times takes on a poetic quality beyond the actual poems. The book, inspired by a commencement address given by Schultz, takes a unique perspective from the author's literary life. It offers inspiration to anyone dealing with personal crisis. J.A.S. (c) AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine

Starred review from August 8, 2011
"Art's power of persuasion resides in the small personal details of one's own story, and if it weren't for my struggle with dyslexia, I doubt I'd ever have become a writer or known how to teach others to write." In this touching memoir, Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Schultz (Failure) tackles his struggle with dyslexiaâa condition he only learned he had when his son was diagnosed. Schultz paints a precise and compelling picture of how his brain works, how he sees himself, and how he thinks others have seen him throughout his life. As an adult, he finally recognized his own worth: "Perhaps I was someone whom others could admire, someone more than a permanent member of the Dummy Class?" From its impact on family members, to difficulties in school that may or may not be resolved with diagnosis, to its effect on social interactions and relationships, Schultz describes how dyslexia touches all areas of life. His affecting prose will inspire compassion and leave readers with an understanding not only of dyslexia, but of the lifelong challenges that someone with disabilities may face.