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Spellbound: My Life as a Dyslexic Wordsmith
The A-list comedian tells the story of his unlikely path to success while struggling with severe dyslexia.
When Phil Hanley entered first grade, he realized something that would forever set him apart from his schoolmates, he couldn’t read. His teachers were ill-equipped to assist him and wrote him off as a hopeless case. Phil slipped through the school's cracks, year by year falling farther and farther behind his friends, only passing to each next grade because of his mother’s interventions. Finally, he was diagnosed with dyslexia, a learning disability that would shape the rest of his life.
In Spellbound, Phil Hanley shares his experience living with debilitating dyslexia. Unable to pursue college or a traditional job, Phil was thrust into a life to be defined by unconventional twists. He moved to Europe and became a successful runway model, a job that suitably kept him away from pens and paper. In search of fulfillment that couldn’t be found posing for a Docker’s ad, Phil retreated home to Vancouver where, desperate to manage the mental health issues connected to living with dyslexia, he turned to an all-consuming obsession with Transcendental Meditation. Finally, he found himself on a stage with a microphone, a spotlight, and five minutes of jokes. Stand-up became the first pursuit that the more Phil put into it, the more he got out, and something that he compellingly argues, saved his life. Spellbound is a story of humor and also of struggle and heartbreak, of constantly living in a world that sees things differently than you, and of triumph over adversity.
Phil shows us that dyslexia can be a huge challenge, but having it does not spell certain condemnation (nor can he). Just that the dyslexia has been more than a blessing in his life–it’s been his north star.
When Phil Hanley entered first grade, he realized something that would forever set him apart from his schoolmates, he couldn’t read. His teachers were ill-equipped to assist him and wrote him off as a hopeless case. Phil slipped through the school's cracks, year by year falling farther and farther behind his friends, only passing to each next grade because of his mother’s interventions. Finally, he was diagnosed with dyslexia, a learning disability that would shape the rest of his life.
In Spellbound, Phil Hanley shares his experience living with debilitating dyslexia. Unable to pursue college or a traditional job, Phil was thrust into a life to be defined by unconventional twists. He moved to Europe and became a successful runway model, a job that suitably kept him away from pens and paper. In search of fulfillment that couldn’t be found posing for a Docker’s ad, Phil retreated home to Vancouver where, desperate to manage the mental health issues connected to living with dyslexia, he turned to an all-consuming obsession with Transcendental Meditation. Finally, he found himself on a stage with a microphone, a spotlight, and five minutes of jokes. Stand-up became the first pursuit that the more Phil put into it, the more he got out, and something that he compellingly argues, saved his life. Spellbound is a story of humor and also of struggle and heartbreak, of constantly living in a world that sees things differently than you, and of triumph over adversity.
Phil shows us that dyslexia can be a huge challenge, but having it does not spell certain condemnation (nor can he). Just that the dyslexia has been more than a blessing in his life–it’s been his north star.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published March 18, 2025
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February 23, 2025
Thank you @henryholt for the gifted copy of Spellbound! I read it today and have some thoughts.
I really enjoyed the beginning of this book. The author tells about the difficulties he endured as a child with dyslexia in the public school system (some appalling teacher behavior—where were the IEPs??). I assumed this would be the connective thread for the story, especially with the subtitle “My Life as a Dyslexic Wordsmith,” but once he started talking about his adult life, that thread was all but cut. The rest of the book read like a logbook or journal, just a retelling of his life experiences, with no theme or narrative. It was all over the place, with details that didn’t make any sense to me. For example, he tells about a landlady that drove him crazy with her insistence that he accompany her to church, and on the day he moves out to live with a friend, he watches a movie with her and says, “Mrs. O’Connor and I had looked at each other and made eye contact while laughing…It felt like divine intervention.” Huh? He still moves out, that movie didn’t change anything—what was being intervened? And who cares about the landlady? His interactions with her had no real effect on his life or his career or his struggle with dyslexia on his way to becoming a comedian. The book was filled with stories like that. I lost all investment and even struggled to connect with deeply private revelations about mental illness. For me, it was telling instead of showing, with flat writing and no clear point of view.
I think this book will be for people who are already familiar with and fans of the author. It’s always fun to get a peek behind the curtain of artists you follow. I was disappointed but still grateful to give the book a try.
I really enjoyed the beginning of this book. The author tells about the difficulties he endured as a child with dyslexia in the public school system (some appalling teacher behavior—where were the IEPs??). I assumed this would be the connective thread for the story, especially with the subtitle “My Life as a Dyslexic Wordsmith,” but once he started talking about his adult life, that thread was all but cut. The rest of the book read like a logbook or journal, just a retelling of his life experiences, with no theme or narrative. It was all over the place, with details that didn’t make any sense to me. For example, he tells about a landlady that drove him crazy with her insistence that he accompany her to church, and on the day he moves out to live with a friend, he watches a movie with her and says, “Mrs. O’Connor and I had looked at each other and made eye contact while laughing…It felt like divine intervention.” Huh? He still moves out, that movie didn’t change anything—what was being intervened? And who cares about the landlady? His interactions with her had no real effect on his life or his career or his struggle with dyslexia on his way to becoming a comedian. The book was filled with stories like that. I lost all investment and even struggled to connect with deeply private revelations about mental illness. For me, it was telling instead of showing, with flat writing and no clear point of view.
I think this book will be for people who are already familiar with and fans of the author. It’s always fun to get a peek behind the curtain of artists you follow. I was disappointed but still grateful to give the book a try.
May 14, 2025
A splendid read. Altogether funny, depressing, uplifting, informative and a breeze to read. The crazy amount of drug use by Phil and his friends at such an early age really shocked me. Of course it carried over into his adult life. I kept thinking about that throughout the whole book.
After struggling through schooling and finally graduating high school he became a successful model. Eventually he decided that he wanted to be a stand-up comedian. From those beginnings he landed on Comedy Central and made appearances on all the late night talk shows. Pretty amazing considering his struggles with dyslexia. I must be out of touch with current entertainers because honestly, I’ve never heard of the guy.
Thanks to Henry Holt Books for the Advance Reader’s Edition of the book. I really relished it but it’s probably 3.5 stars more or less bumped up to 4 stars.
After struggling through schooling and finally graduating high school he became a successful model. Eventually he decided that he wanted to be a stand-up comedian. From those beginnings he landed on Comedy Central and made appearances on all the late night talk shows. Pretty amazing considering his struggles with dyslexia. I must be out of touch with current entertainers because honestly, I’ve never heard of the guy.
Thanks to Henry Holt Books for the Advance Reader’s Edition of the book. I really relished it but it’s probably 3.5 stars more or less bumped up to 4 stars.
June 3, 2026
I didn’t know who Phil was till I saw his name show up at one of my local comedy clubs (The Helium Comedy Club) as a headliner. I knew nothing about Phil so I didn’t go to his show.
A few months later I see this book come across my Spotify and I misread the name and thought it was Pete Holmes that wrote this book 😂 (dyslexia won that battle)
Anyways, I really appreciate how valuable Phil was writing this book. I related to this book heavily. It breaks my heart that his story is so similar to my story. It breaks my heart but it also gives me hope because it makes me feel like there is hope. Nobody talks about how school felt like a prison for dyslexic kids and nobody cares that it still fucks with my feelings. I’ve on more than one occasion been told to “Get over it” how am I supposed to get over something so easily that I heard daily for YEARS of my life? On the regular I was told I was Stupid,Dumb,Lazy,R Word or that I wasn’t trying hard enough. This isn’t half the list of things I was told or had said to me regularly. I have spent the last 10 years out of school trying to rewire my brain and the ways I look at myself because of the damage the public school system inflicted on my self esteem and the way I look at myself. I used to view dyslexia as a curse and I came to the conclusion that it would be better that I never have any children to spare them from this cursed existence. I became an addict because I was trying to self medicate my anxiety and my depression that was being in boldened in a hellish environment. I stayed in horrible relationships and put myself in terrible situations because I didn’t value myself or care about myself because my whole life I was told I was worthless because it took me longer to read something or because I couldn’t do algebra and because my spelling wasn’t the best.
There’s nothing wrong with me. It’s the system that’s broken and it’s the system that failed me. I don’t fail it.
It took me so long to come to this realization.
I’m so proud of Phil, I’m so happy to have him as a peer. Thank you for writing this book and showing dyslexia isn’t a curse, thank you for making our struggle be heard, thank you for giving us a voice that’s honest and funny.
This book isn’t for a weak of heart, but If you have a dyslexic person in your life and I bet you do. Please listen to this book.
Thank you Phil. When you come back to Indy, I’ll be there in the front row.
A few months later I see this book come across my Spotify and I misread the name and thought it was Pete Holmes that wrote this book 😂 (dyslexia won that battle)
Anyways, I really appreciate how valuable Phil was writing this book. I related to this book heavily. It breaks my heart that his story is so similar to my story. It breaks my heart but it also gives me hope because it makes me feel like there is hope. Nobody talks about how school felt like a prison for dyslexic kids and nobody cares that it still fucks with my feelings. I’ve on more than one occasion been told to “Get over it” how am I supposed to get over something so easily that I heard daily for YEARS of my life? On the regular I was told I was Stupid,Dumb,Lazy,R Word or that I wasn’t trying hard enough. This isn’t half the list of things I was told or had said to me regularly. I have spent the last 10 years out of school trying to rewire my brain and the ways I look at myself because of the damage the public school system inflicted on my self esteem and the way I look at myself. I used to view dyslexia as a curse and I came to the conclusion that it would be better that I never have any children to spare them from this cursed existence. I became an addict because I was trying to self medicate my anxiety and my depression that was being in boldened in a hellish environment. I stayed in horrible relationships and put myself in terrible situations because I didn’t value myself or care about myself because my whole life I was told I was worthless because it took me longer to read something or because I couldn’t do algebra and because my spelling wasn’t the best.
There’s nothing wrong with me. It’s the system that’s broken and it’s the system that failed me. I don’t fail it.
It took me so long to come to this realization.
I’m so proud of Phil, I’m so happy to have him as a peer. Thank you for writing this book and showing dyslexia isn’t a curse, thank you for making our struggle be heard, thank you for giving us a voice that’s honest and funny.
This book isn’t for a weak of heart, but If you have a dyslexic person in your life and I bet you do. Please listen to this book.
Thank you Phil. When you come back to Indy, I’ll be there in the front row.
June 8, 2025
Phil Hanley (b. ~1970s) is a Canadian male model-turned-stand-up comedian. His 2025 memoir Spellbound is an engaging and entertaining journey through his life so far, which, as the title and subtitle specify, has been shaped extensively by his severe dyslexia. Hanley struggled in school, as knowledge and accommodations for dyslexia were very limited at the time, and after graduating from high school and needing to find gainful employment that didn't involve reading, took his childhood friend Shalom (Canadian supermodel Shalom Harlow, also from Oshawa, Ontario)'s advice to give modeling a try. Hanley was a working model living across Europe during the '90s and early '00s, at the time that the ultra-slim, androgynous physique was in, which, as he self-deprecatingly references, characterized his appearance at the time (I will say I was expecting Zoolander references here -- particularly this one, but was sadly disappointed). In the early '00s, he moved back to North America and transitioned to stand-up comedy, a skill he realizes he started developing as a kid as a defense mechanism to his dyslexia and early childhood treatment.
Overall, a fun read. I listened to the audiobook which Hanley narrates, complete with outtakes between chapters.
Further reading:
How Not to be a Supermodel: A noughties memoir by Ruth Crilly | my review - a similarly funny and self-deprecating take on working in the fashion industry
My statistics:
Book 168 for 2025
Book 2094 cumulatively
Overall, a fun read. I listened to the audiobook which Hanley narrates, complete with outtakes between chapters.
Further reading:
How Not to be a Supermodel: A noughties memoir by Ruth Crilly | my review - a similarly funny and self-deprecating take on working in the fashion industry
My statistics:
Book 168 for 2025
Book 2094 cumulatively
July 2, 2025
I didn’t know much about the author going into this, but I really enjoyed learning his story and journey into comedy! It’s a great balance between moving emotional stories and funny dry humor. It’s heartbreaking to hear how he was treated in school because of his dyslexia. I loved hearing about the support he got from his family, his mom sounds absolutely amazing. I’d definitely recommend this to fans of his comedy as well as anyone who wants to hear more about someone overcoming challenges.
I split time between the book and audiobook would recommend either. I thought the audio was really well done, he made for an excellent narrator and really added to the experience.
Thanks Henry Holt for the gifted copy!
I split time between the book and audiobook would recommend either. I thought the audio was really well done, he made for an excellent narrator and really added to the experience.
Thanks Henry Holt for the gifted copy!
March 22, 2025
A moving memoir by Canadian comedian, Phil Hanley and his experience growing up dyslexic and the struggles he's had with OCD, addiction and overall mental health. This was great on audio narrated by the author himself and perfect for fans of books like Being Henry or other Canadian celebs with dyslexia like Tie Domi or Keanu Reeves.
July 2, 2025
Phil is one of my favorite comedians, very insightful book about the struggle of dyslexia and overcoming it. Audiobook.
May 30, 2026
I enjoyed this book, it was fun to learn the backstory of one of my favourite comedians and learning what a unique disability dyslexia is along the way.
The book is really all about his journey from a kid to when he essentially “makes it” and then the final chapter is a very nice wrap up. Not a lot of notes, he had a cool life and journey and deserves all his success, and his obsession with the grateful dead is pretty unparalleled, which i respect.
The book is really all about his journey from a kid to when he essentially “makes it” and then the final chapter is a very nice wrap up. Not a lot of notes, he had a cool life and journey and deserves all his success, and his obsession with the grateful dead is pretty unparalleled, which i respect.
April 30, 2025
I appreciated the dyslexia part of his story and how he is successful despite/because of it. The ending was especially poignant. Lots of language.
March 22, 2025
Phil Hanley is one of the funniest people I've ever seen. In his comedy, he jokes pretty openly about his dyslexia, and Spellbound expands on the history behind that joke.
From his early school days with unsupportive teachers to his modeling days in Italy, Phil weaves his life story and the people who helped him along the way. His mother, Joan, should be up for sainthood. Her support and love for her son are so pure.
Phil's origins in comedy started in high school, and his natural humor has carried him to late-night TV, the Air Bud series, and the hallowed basement of the Comedy Cellar. I think that Spellbound should be looked at as a triumph, for dyslexics, for Canadians, for comedians and Deadheads, and for Phil.
From his early school days with unsupportive teachers to his modeling days in Italy, Phil weaves his life story and the people who helped him along the way. His mother, Joan, should be up for sainthood. Her support and love for her son are so pure.
Phil's origins in comedy started in high school, and his natural humor has carried him to late-night TV, the Air Bud series, and the hallowed basement of the Comedy Cellar. I think that Spellbound should be looked at as a triumph, for dyslexics, for Canadians, for comedians and Deadheads, and for Phil.
October 22, 2024
“So a dyslexic walks into a book publishing office…” The joke practically writes itself, doesn’t it? That’s how I felt when I saw my favorite comedian Phil Hanley was publishing a book. How could someone, who is known for his trouble with the written word, write a novel? It didn’t seem like a winning combination. But one of the many things I learned from Phil’s book is to never count him out. From his days in special education to his viral comedic clips on YouTube, Phil walks us through a beautiful story of his life and road to fame.
Thank you to Holt & Co for providing me with an advanced copy of this novel
Thank you to Holt & Co for providing me with an advanced copy of this novel
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August 4, 2025gift article re: the writing & recording process: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/19/bo...
February 16, 2025
Thank you to Goodreads Giveaways and Henry Holt for the review copy of Spellbound by Phil Hanley on sale March 2025.
Phil’s story is unfortunately like many others in the public school system: he has a learning difference that was not diagnosed until early adolescence and as a result, teachers treated him like he was dumb, lazy, and not trying. The traumas of school, especially disrespectful teachers, followed him long into his adulthood.
Having dyslexia also made his experience significantly different after graduating. Instead of college, he pursued modeling for a time and then a long road to being the comic he is today.
The book has its funny moments, but it is not laugh out loud funny, though not to it’s detriment. It is an interesting window into the worlds of modeling and comedy. It is also a story of perusing a craft: the long, hard, dedicated life of learning and perfecting, the humility of starting at the bottom, and the stumbling climb of getting to know the business side.
Would I teach this book? Spellbound could easily be a part of a memoir class, either for writing or reading. The writing style is clean with an eye for detail. More impressive is the easy way (seemingly) of when to summarize and condense and when to explore and expand a moment.
It’s also a good book to show how to discuss a profession and educate an audience. There is a lot of information both about living with dyslexia and making it as a comic, but the information is not burdensome to the plot.
Phil’s story is unfortunately like many others in the public school system: he has a learning difference that was not diagnosed until early adolescence and as a result, teachers treated him like he was dumb, lazy, and not trying. The traumas of school, especially disrespectful teachers, followed him long into his adulthood.
Having dyslexia also made his experience significantly different after graduating. Instead of college, he pursued modeling for a time and then a long road to being the comic he is today.
The book has its funny moments, but it is not laugh out loud funny, though not to it’s detriment. It is an interesting window into the worlds of modeling and comedy. It is also a story of perusing a craft: the long, hard, dedicated life of learning and perfecting, the humility of starting at the bottom, and the stumbling climb of getting to know the business side.
Would I teach this book? Spellbound could easily be a part of a memoir class, either for writing or reading. The writing style is clean with an eye for detail. More impressive is the easy way (seemingly) of when to summarize and condense and when to explore and expand a moment.
It’s also a good book to show how to discuss a profession and educate an audience. There is a lot of information both about living with dyslexia and making it as a comic, but the information is not burdensome to the plot.
June 17, 2026
Whew! This one slapped me right in the feels. If you know me, you know my favorite person in the world is my nephew. My nephew has struggled his entire life with dyslexia. My nephew who is so smart, so kind, deeply empathetic, and the funniest person I know, struggles with anxiety and depression on a frequently debilitating level. I worry for him and pray for him daily. But I never understood really how tremendously his struggles must have held his self worth back. Like the author my nephew had some horrible teachers who had no idea how to teach a dyslexic student. And like Handley he has come so far and grown into a great man, likely because of more than in spite of his dyslexia. Handley’s book is an inspiration as well as a beacon of hope for people with dyslexia and those who care about them. I am grateful to have read it.
June 6, 2025
Spellbound by Phil Hanley
Non-Fiction
Writing: B
Information: B
Best Aspect: And encouraging memoir even if you do not have a learning disability.
Worst Aspect: I only felt connect when he spoke of his learning disability the rest was “just facts”.
Recommend: Yes.
Thank you Henry Holt for my gifted copy, this book is available now.
Non-Fiction
Writing: B
Information: B
Best Aspect: And encouraging memoir even if you do not have a learning disability.
Worst Aspect: I only felt connect when he spoke of his learning disability the rest was “just facts”.
Recommend: Yes.
Thank you Henry Holt for my gifted copy, this book is available now.
December 18, 2025
4.5- Stand-up comedy, The Grateful Dead, and Dyslexia are three things I've spent a lot of time thinking about. Phil talked eloquently about all three. Throw in male modeling (which I've spent very little time thinking about) and you have a fun memoir. I highly recommend reading this on audio. Some books I've read recently suffered in the audio format. This one was for sure enhanced!
May 22, 2025
Maybe I didn’t know what to expect, but when a comedian you enjoy writes a book, you expect lots of laughs. While the laughs fell short, Spellbound did, however, share the fascinating side of the Italian modeling business, underground comedy, and most importantly the suffering that dyslexic’s go through and their plight finding success in a reader’s world.
So all that said, for a dyslexic comedian to write a memoir that kept me engaged (while reading), I was very impressed. I learned much about dyslexia, and I like Phil Hanley and his comedy even more now. I only wish there was more on the comedy and less on the modeling, hence the 4 stars. But would recommend!
After reading other reviews, it seems the audio book may have led to more laughs thanks to comedic timing.
So all that said, for a dyslexic comedian to write a memoir that kept me engaged (while reading), I was very impressed. I learned much about dyslexia, and I like Phil Hanley and his comedy even more now. I only wish there was more on the comedy and less on the modeling, hence the 4 stars. But would recommend!
After reading other reviews, it seems the audio book may have led to more laughs thanks to comedic timing.
June 14, 2025
As a dyslexic person, it was amazing learning more about myself by reading about Phil‘s experience. I would recommend this book to anyone dyslexic, who loves a dyslexic person and wants to learn more about their experiences, and most importantly to educators.
July 19, 2025
Instantly in the top 5 of memoirs I’ve read.
I had to DNF big dumb eyes and was sour on that. So extremely happy I found this book. You’re rooting for Phil the whole time. It’s funny, heartwarming, and full of fantastic stories.
I had to DNF big dumb eyes and was sour on that. So extremely happy I found this book. You’re rooting for Phil the whole time. It’s funny, heartwarming, and full of fantastic stories.
March 19, 2025
When he called his mom to tell her he sold the book, I teared up.
March 22, 2025
Interesting enough bio. Good insights into dyslexia, overcoming the stigma and finding a career that fits one‘s abilities.
June 5, 2025
Good reminder to not take the ability to read or moms for granted. also gonna turn on some Grateful Dead
March 9, 2026
I listened to it on audio, and was very happy about it because hearing him tell his story really allowed me to settle into the feelings that were caused by the words. It just felt even more personal and heartfelt. Thank you for sharing your story! it’s a wild ride!
December 29, 2024
"I'd pray that I'd wake up smart."
"Spellbound My Life As A Dyslexic Wordsmith" was the book I needed to read, and I didn't even know it. Phil Hansley writes in a smooth, relatable way that puts you alongside him as he story tells of his life's adventures. His story of dedication and overcoming obstacles is very motivating and a breath of fresh air.
Many of the struggles he talked about I have seen in real life in some sort of way by being raised by my mother, who is severely dyslexic. She struggled tremendously but stayed focused and has become a successful business owner. I'd love to read this book to her because I know she will appreciate the rawness of the struggle and the way he is able to use dyslexia as a part of his comedy.
Overall, the book held my attention throughout and was an enjoyable read. I honestly started the book and couldn't put it down until I had it finished, devouring the book in one day. :)
Thank you so much to Holt & Co for allowing me the privilege to read this book before its release.
"Spellbound My Life As A Dyslexic Wordsmith" was the book I needed to read, and I didn't even know it. Phil Hansley writes in a smooth, relatable way that puts you alongside him as he story tells of his life's adventures. His story of dedication and overcoming obstacles is very motivating and a breath of fresh air.
Many of the struggles he talked about I have seen in real life in some sort of way by being raised by my mother, who is severely dyslexic. She struggled tremendously but stayed focused and has become a successful business owner. I'd love to read this book to her because I know she will appreciate the rawness of the struggle and the way he is able to use dyslexia as a part of his comedy.
Overall, the book held my attention throughout and was an enjoyable read. I honestly started the book and couldn't put it down until I had it finished, devouring the book in one day. :)
Thank you so much to Holt & Co for allowing me the privilege to read this book before its release.
March 30, 2025
After reading the Times’ review, “A Dyslexic Comedian Walks Into a Recording Booth,” I immediately got the audiobook of Phil Hanley’s Spellbound. As the mom of a dyslexic child, the story of Hanley’s recording journey touched me, and I wanted to frankly show my support of his work in the recording booth by getting the audiobook over the printed version. And now, after finishing it, I feel immense gratitude to Hanley for writing — and literally narrating — his journey. The outtakes scattered throughout the audiobook, introducing each chapter, further humanize and contextualize Hanley’s telling of his childhood and career experiences navigating the world with dyslexia. I am grateful Hanley shared his perspective of those around him, too: family, friends, teachers, colleagues… and how their actions and words affected him. There are important lessons in his story for all of us — dyslexic or not.
October 23, 2024
I felt like this book could have gone more in depth to how having dyslexia has affected his life, how he copes with the issues that arise, and even go into detail about dyslexia and the stigma around it, how schools ignored/ignore needs and how they could improve or how a parent can advocate.
Hanley did touch on a few ways that dyslexia has affected him and how he managed, but I felt like the story didn't go deeper into those areas and it was just explained how he became a comic.
Thank you Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book.
Hanley did touch on a few ways that dyslexia has affected him and how he managed, but I felt like the story didn't go deeper into those areas and it was just explained how he became a comic.
Thank you Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book.
September 12, 2025
As a neurodivergent, I always love reading people's stories about their own experiences living with a cognitive disability because often times, they are underdogs. While I don't have dyslexia, Phil's struggles and quirks are similar to my struggles and quirks stemming from severe ADHD. He started at the bottom and experienced a ton of obstacles and rejections, and made something of himself through his own willpower and dedication, a mindset that we share. This was an inspirational read.
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"If I could pick a standard brain or unique one, I would pick mine. Every time."
"Being directionless is only a bad thing if you let it prevent you from moving."
"The upside of dyslexia—my creativity, my humor, my lightheartedness, my drive—was allowed to reveal itself."
"If you're going to fail, do it with your guns blazing. A lesson far more valuable.."
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"If I could pick a standard brain or unique one, I would pick mine. Every time."
"Being directionless is only a bad thing if you let it prevent you from moving."
"The upside of dyslexia—my creativity, my humor, my lightheartedness, my drive—was allowed to reveal itself."
"If you're going to fail, do it with your guns blazing. A lesson far more valuable.."
October 13, 2024
I became a fan and an admirer of Phil Hanley and his comedy from following his crowd work clips on Instagram. He's somehow both sweet and snarky at the same time and now after reading SPELLBOUND, I'm convinced he's a wizard and casts a spell, for I am even more enamored and charmed by him... and seeing his big heart of pure gold. There were several times throughout the book that I was moved emotionally and sometimes just one sentence could bring me tears. And of course, it's filled with his laugh-out-loud and wickedly sharp humor. He truly is a wordsmith.
I respected his attitude, of looking at the positive of even the difficult things that happened to me while still being honest with how much he struggled. Even though I'm not dyslexic, I still found myself connecting and relating to him in several ways including feeling directionless in life and dealing with self-doubt. It also made me realize how much I take reading and writing for granted and how much it can affect someone's day to day if they struggle in that avenue, and especially one's self-esteem and mental health.
I absolutely loved and adored his family and friends who have supported him from day one, and especially his mother. An incredible person and parent she is and reading Phil's story I'm so glad he has for his mom. She never once wavered her support and belief in her son, always gave him the patience, space and freedom he needed, and the encouragement to purse comedy. It was really cool to learn about all the connections he made along the way that would all help propel him further to his goal starting from his friend brining him to his first open-mic to a comedian connecting him with the booker of the legendary Comedy Cellar.
Reading about his path and all that it took for him (including all the challenging school years) to be where he is now, making people laugh all around the world is just incredible and inspiring. The last chapter really got to me. It was so fascinating to learn how he has created his own way of writing. His own language in which no one else is smart enough to understand. And also his effect on people, particularly students with learning disabilities. I look forward to the privileged chance of seeing him perform live one day.
Much, much gratitude to Henry Holt & Company and NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.
I respected his attitude, of looking at the positive of even the difficult things that happened to me while still being honest with how much he struggled. Even though I'm not dyslexic, I still found myself connecting and relating to him in several ways including feeling directionless in life and dealing with self-doubt. It also made me realize how much I take reading and writing for granted and how much it can affect someone's day to day if they struggle in that avenue, and especially one's self-esteem and mental health.
I absolutely loved and adored his family and friends who have supported him from day one, and especially his mother. An incredible person and parent she is and reading Phil's story I'm so glad he has for his mom. She never once wavered her support and belief in her son, always gave him the patience, space and freedom he needed, and the encouragement to purse comedy. It was really cool to learn about all the connections he made along the way that would all help propel him further to his goal starting from his friend brining him to his first open-mic to a comedian connecting him with the booker of the legendary Comedy Cellar.
Reading about his path and all that it took for him (including all the challenging school years) to be where he is now, making people laugh all around the world is just incredible and inspiring. The last chapter really got to me. It was so fascinating to learn how he has created his own way of writing. His own language in which no one else is smart enough to understand. And also his effect on people, particularly students with learning disabilities. I look forward to the privileged chance of seeing him perform live one day.
Much, much gratitude to Henry Holt & Company and NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.
May 24, 2026
I loved Phil's autobiography b/c it shows the daily struggle he went through for many years before he finally found his voice and developed a stand up act that audiences now love. His comedic style comes through in the book as he gives his personal (and often amusing) perspective on everything that life through at him, including dealing with severe dyslexia from an early age and all the difficulties that come with that learning disability. I love that he eventually learned how to cope with his dyslexia and even uses it in his act... talk about turning lemons in to lemon aid!
This book starts with Phil's childhood growing up in Canada. He struggled with reading in school and quickly fell behind his peers. At the age of 10, he was diagnosed with severe dyslexia. Despite lots of patience and support from his parents (especially his mom), he barely got by in school and was eventually sent to special education classes despite being intelligent.
After high school, Phil had no clue what to do with his life. College didn't seem possible thanks to his learning disability and he had no idea what other career path to take. A local friend who found success in modeling suggested that Phil try modeling too. He quickly found success that took him to NYC and Europe. Despite finding success in modeling, he felt embarrassed with his career choice and eventually gave it up all together and moved back to his parents' home in Canada.
Once he was back home, he felt completely lost again. He joined a local class to learn improv, which led to doing improv in NYC with the Upright Citizens Brigade. Eventually, he moved back to Canada and tried stand-up comedy — he was instantly hooked! After many years performing stand up in small town dive bars and restaurants in Canada, he finished as runner-up in the 2008 Just for Laughs comedy festival in Montreal. This success helped him get a VISA so that he could work in the USA.
With a VISA in hand, he immediately moved to NYC and continued his stand up career there before eventually being discovered at the Comedy Cellar.
This biography is a MUST READ for all comedy fans of Phil Hanley and also for anyone interested in learning about the daily challenges of folks living with dyslexia. The struggles that Phil dealt with as a young child in Canada were eye opening and gave me a newfound appreciation of everyone who suffers from dyslexia or other learning disabilities.
This book starts with Phil's childhood growing up in Canada. He struggled with reading in school and quickly fell behind his peers. At the age of 10, he was diagnosed with severe dyslexia. Despite lots of patience and support from his parents (especially his mom), he barely got by in school and was eventually sent to special education classes despite being intelligent.
After high school, Phil had no clue what to do with his life. College didn't seem possible thanks to his learning disability and he had no idea what other career path to take. A local friend who found success in modeling suggested that Phil try modeling too. He quickly found success that took him to NYC and Europe. Despite finding success in modeling, he felt embarrassed with his career choice and eventually gave it up all together and moved back to his parents' home in Canada.
Once he was back home, he felt completely lost again. He joined a local class to learn improv, which led to doing improv in NYC with the Upright Citizens Brigade. Eventually, he moved back to Canada and tried stand-up comedy — he was instantly hooked! After many years performing stand up in small town dive bars and restaurants in Canada, he finished as runner-up in the 2008 Just for Laughs comedy festival in Montreal. This success helped him get a VISA so that he could work in the USA.
With a VISA in hand, he immediately moved to NYC and continued his stand up career there before eventually being discovered at the Comedy Cellar.
This biography is a MUST READ for all comedy fans of Phil Hanley and also for anyone interested in learning about the daily challenges of folks living with dyslexia. The struggles that Phil dealt with as a young child in Canada were eye opening and gave me a newfound appreciation of everyone who suffers from dyslexia or other learning disabilities.
April 29, 2025
Thanks so much to Henry Holt for the complimentary advance copy of this book. It’s available now.
“I always prayed I’d wake up smart."
Growing up, Phil Hanley had a horrible time in school. His teachers thought he was lazy and not trying, and some thought he was stupid. (He thought so, too.) But actually, he was dyslexic, something that wasn’t diagnosed until well into his adolescence.
Although he was able to get help once educators figured out his challenges, he was scarred by the way his teachers treated him. It definitely caused him to have issues with self-esteem and confidence.
Despite knowing that there was justification for his issues with school, Phil took a different path after graduation: he did some modeling before eventually deciding on a comedy career.
This was a moving and humorous memoir. I didn’t know much about Phil but his determination, and the support of his mother, was really impressive. This book would be inspirational for anyone dealing with obstacles.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/getbookedwithlarry/.
Check out my best reads of 2024 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2025/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2024.html.
“I always prayed I’d wake up smart."
Growing up, Phil Hanley had a horrible time in school. His teachers thought he was lazy and not trying, and some thought he was stupid. (He thought so, too.) But actually, he was dyslexic, something that wasn’t diagnosed until well into his adolescence.
Although he was able to get help once educators figured out his challenges, he was scarred by the way his teachers treated him. It definitely caused him to have issues with self-esteem and confidence.
Despite knowing that there was justification for his issues with school, Phil took a different path after graduation: he did some modeling before eventually deciding on a comedy career.
This was a moving and humorous memoir. I didn’t know much about Phil but his determination, and the support of his mother, was really impressive. This book would be inspirational for anyone dealing with obstacles.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/getbookedwithlarry/.
Check out my best reads of 2024 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2025/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2024.html.
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