Most Unlikely to Succeed blends humor, storytelling, irony, and raw emotion as it offers inspiration and shares such powerful life lessons Finding the strength to get back up after being knocked down Moving past your fears and discovering your voice Learning to champion your own cause Believing in yourself when no one else does Overcoming insurmountable obstacles. Life in idyllic 1960s McAlisterville, Pennsylvania seems so promising to young Nelson Lauver. But undiagnosed dyslexia soon turns hope and optimism into struggle and shame as he falls far behind in school and is branded lazy. Confused, angry, and determined not to be the “dumb kid,” he chooses instead to become the “bad kid,” ending up a loner at odds with the world – and with himself. Nelson resigns himself to being hopelessly different and joins the ranks of millions of Americans who try to hide their inability to read and write. At age 29, a chance encounter leads to a diagnosis of dyslexia and a profound rebirth. Ironically, the boy who was afraid to have anyone hear him try to read launches a new career as a writer, broadcaster and speaker. An estimated 10 to 20 percent of Americans suffer from a learning disability. 14 percent of American adults are considered functionally illiterate. More than personalizing these sobering statistics, this uplifting memoir goes beyond one man's account of rising above a learning disability. Most Unlikely to Succeed is an inspirational story that will speak eloquently and profoundly to anyone who has ever struggled to be heard, to be understood, or to make their way in the world.
For the past 15 years, Nelson Lauver has been a syndicated broadcaster, writer, speaker, humorist, award-winning narrator, and advocate.
In his new memoir, Most Unlikely to Succeed, Nelson Lauver blends humor, storytelling, irony, and raw emotion as he shares his account of rising above a learning disability and functional illiteracy. It is an inspirational story that speaks to millions of Americans affected by invisible disabilities. However, this story also speaks eloquently and profoundly to anyone who has ever struggled to be heard, to be understood, or to make their way in the world.
Nelson Lauver is also known to radio listeners across the country for The American Storyteller Radio Journal, a daily four-minute slice of the American experience, broadcast on radio stations across the United States and via the Internet.
Nelson is a highly-regarded speaker amongst corporate audiences, educators, associations, government agencies, civic organizations and disability groups, acclaimed for sharing his own story as a way to help others reach their potential. "
This is such an amazing story. I could not put it down. In fact, I had three kids with strep throat that were up and achy at 5:30 am on Saturday morning. I got them all settled back down, meds dispensed and cracked open the book. I had it finished by 8:00 am. No joke. Keep in mind I am not a fast or strong reader. I just kept reading and reading and reading. I am still in shock over what Nelson Lauver encountered as a young child in school. While I think a lot of it had to do with "the times" and lack of our education system understanding learning disabilities, it was still shocking to read about his experiences. I did reflect back to some of my teachers (given I was an elementary student in the 70's too) and do I remember the paddle, teachers choking children, the fear of reading out loud in school (I still HATE reading aloud,even to my children....but let me present to a room full of people any day). I think this book is a MUST read for everyone. Run to your local bookstore to purchase this amazing book or jump on line and order it today. You will not be sorry.
Very well-done memoir of a man who, until age 29, was functionally illiterate. His dyslexia had gone unrecognized, schools and teachers had failed him by letting him continue on throughout his school year, passing him on to the next years’ teachers without attempting to find an underlying cause other than their assumptions of laziness. Lauver’s story is heartbreaking, yes, but also inspiring as he finds the help he needed as an adult and becomes an advocate for other students who need special ed or are atypical learners. I was impressed at how much the author remembers from hos early years, as well as his writing ability.
As a future teacher, this book hit me hard. I loved how Nelson talked about his experiences and how it lead to a hard life. Then, something saved his life. From that day forward, he turned his life around. Loved this book so so so much and will always recommend it!
I really enjoyed reading this book although at times my heart broke from the experiences he had to endure. It provides insight and understanding needed. Great story and easy read. Highly recommend
Having met Mr. Lauver and being familiar with his story, I was excited to begin reading his book. Mr. Lauver's story is one of hope, resilience, and success. Mr. Lauver was placed into special education for his dyslexia at a time when little was understood about this learning disability. It was also at the time when special education laws were just beginning to focus on free and appropriate education for all students. Mr. Lauver experienced ridicule and abuse during his early education. As I read through these chapters I wanted to find these so called teachers and write them letters about the damage they caused the children in their care. A review of special education laws and history demonstrates to readers that this not only happened in rural Pennsylvania, but also happened all over the country during this timeframe. Mr. Lauver adequately describes the experience in way that kept me reading and waiting to find out when things get better. Mr. Lauver is a success story, realizing that what he experienced was not fair and did not take into account his potential, he learned ways to work around his dyslexia and is now an accomplished speaker and writer.
Book Talk: Nelson Lauver was a normal kid, growing up in a working class town in central PA. He had a great family, good friends, a close-knit community. He loved school and dreamed of becoming a lawyer or a broadcaster. That is until his classmates started outpacing him in reading and writing. Suddenly, the place that once held excitement and hope became a place of fear and dread. Nelson does everything in his power to avoid letting those around him know the truth...he is functionally illiterate.
My Thoughts: I LOVED this book. Lauver is a great storyteller, and I got wrapped up in his story within the first few pages. I loved reading about small town life in the 70s in PA, the characters who made up his daily life, the backdrop of the working class family. Much of his story is very painful to read, as well. There is heart-breaking abuse at the hands of those people he should have been able to trust most. But in the end, Lauver's spirit and character lead him to make great choices that turn his life around.
My Recommendation: 5/5 stars Grades 9+ (some language, content may be upsetting to younger students)
But the best book I have read lately is a memoir by Nelson Lauver. Oh my, this book took me though his life as a book and connected me to the fear he grew up with. And eventually overcame with amazing results. Most UN-Likely to Succeed is a very moving book. I can tell you that Nelson who was made to feel like a throwaway kid though out his public education learned that he could learn. Dealing with an undiagnosed learning disability in the 70's and 80's made school a living hell. Later through an amazing turn of events Nelson has become The American Story Teller across the country. When Nelson was 29, making a living as the man who painted parking lot stripes, he discovered that he had never been diagnosed with dyslexia. It is rare I tell you to go out and get a book, but this is now on my top to share list. Oh and I hope to tell Nelson Lauver, that yes having good women around him is a plus in life.
Truly a scary story! I am dyslexic. Grew up outside of Pittsburgh, public school through 8th grade, catholic high school. State college, struggled always. Terrible educational self esteem. And I have no stories like Nelson Lauver! Thank goodness. Of course I was educated in 1970-1980's. maybe that is the difference. I remember paddles, but it was never used on me. I tried to disappear in school. Make myself invisible. This is a story every parent should read... If your kid struggles, is a trouble maker, or you have any questions how education has changed in America. Teachers & principals beating, paddling out of control, or abusing students is not OK!
As an educator, I found the autobiography of Nelson Lauver both inspiring and frightening. I was astounded by the way his educators failed to help him as a struggling reader, later diagnosed as dyslexic. I was inspired by this young man's tenacity and desire to overcome obstacles, despite learning disability and lack of support from home and school for his academic pursuits. Lauver's transparent tale of a boy failed by the educational system who transcends bullying, illiteracy, and lack of parental involvement in his schooling in a day and age when those who learned differently were ostracized instead of assisted is heartbreaking and inspirational. All educators should read this story.
Excellent memoir of one man's experience having dyslexia, his challenges in school (both academic and physical), and his road to success. Having worked in schools during the time of his education, I can attest it was a time when much was unknown about special education strategies, and many persons, including teachers and administrators, thought some kids with disabilities were just "dumb" or "bad." His family is real. This book is an easy read with humor, pathos, determination.
A MUST, MUST READ for anyone who works with children or has children in school! An amazing book about the struggle of a boy making his way through school with dyslexia and his powerful story of how he became a successful adult in spite of his challenges. A truly motivating story about "The trials, travels and ultimate triumphs of a "throwaway" kid."
I'd have to say, I enjoyed reading this book. However, I attended a keynote address by the author just as I was nearing the end of the book. His speech was so dry that I totally lost interest in finishing this book.
Inspirational, much-needed message! Talented authorship! Foul language and adult content narrows the audience who should read this book and prevents me from suggesting it to others. I wish the author would provide a G-rated edition.
This book really helped me see school through the eyes of a struggling student. I found it to be enlightening and plan to keep it in mind as I encounter struggling students in my own classroom.