Worlds Beyond Words - True Stories About the Power of Literacy

by Alison Stokes

A collection of real-life stories from people who have improved their lives through better literacy. Foreword by Scott Quinnell

Some people take the power of words for granted. But for the thousands of people who struggle with poor literacy, words can be scary things. The men and women featured in this book have overcome their fears to improve their reading later in life. Whether they are famous businessmen or sports stars, teenagers in care, middle-aged mums, young soldiers or refugees forced to flee bloodshed in their own home countries, they all share a common desire to learn.

Their stories will inspire others to follow journeys of their own.

Alison Stokes is a writer and journalist, who writes for national magazines in the UK and US and regional newspapers in Wales. For many years she was a features editor at Trinity Mirror’s South Wales Echo. She also works as a part-time university lecturer in journalism and publishing manager.

96 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 2011

Reviews

[Susan Barnes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Worlds Beyond Words by Alison Stokes is a collection of stories about people who have had grown up with learning difficulties, especially dyslexia. Mostly this went undiagnosed when they were children causing much anguish in school and in life. The stories are first person accounts of these struggles.

Yet they are all stories of triumph as they sought help, usually as adults, to overcome their difficulties with reading and writing. For many the battle goes on as they continue to seek to improve their reading skills.

This book is part of the Quick Reads series. Often the writers mention these books in their accounts as being an encouragement in the development of their reading skills, since they are short, often in large print and generally good stories. For a person with dyslexia the challenge of reading a normal length novel can be overwhelming.

This is an enjoyable collection of nine short stories which are quite inspiring as you read about the difficulties people have overcome to achieve their goals.

[Natty · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am really enjoying this book. If you have ever or still do struggle with learning then try to listen, read or have this book read to you. Some really inspiring stories showing that with the right amount of determination and the right people in your corner the sky is the limit.

[Sandy Millin · Rating 4 out of 5]

These were simple but powerful stories showing how important literacy can be, and how much of difference being comfortably literate or not can be. I'll be adding our copy to the school library where I work as I think QuickReads are great for foreign learners of English.