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Spellbound: My Life as a Dyslexic Wordsmith
🎧Listening Length = 7 hours and 18 minutes
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 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 the dyslexia has been more than a blessing in his life–it’s been his north star.
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 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 the dyslexia has been more than a blessing in his life–it’s been his north star.
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First published March 18, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
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.
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.
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.
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 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
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.
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.
July 6, 2025
As the wife (of 38 years) of a man with dyslexia and a retired teacher of students with dyslexia, I had to read this book (even though I retired over 20 years ago).
I have never heard of (or remembered hearing of) Phil Hanley even though his bio says he's been on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. It was the (to me) catchy title that got my attention.
The early section of the book where he talked about his days in elementary school had me cringing in recognition of the many times during my career when I realized "my" student was being belittled by another supposed professional - and often doing it out loud to the audience of the rest of the class.
Fortunately for Phil, his parents were incredibly supportive. And he is quick witted and seems to have a good understanding of word play even if he can't spell them. (As with Henry Winkler's Being Henry: The Fonz . . . and Beyond, Hanley reads the audio version of his memoir. In both cases, I wonder how those recording sessions went.)
For me, in the middle of the book, I got tired of the number of times he mentioned being dyslexic. Then I'd remind myself that he can't ignore his dyslexia and yet needs to thrive in this literate world. Strange that I'm reading this book on a weekend when tensions have been high in my household which I feel has a lot to do with feelings of inadequacy when my husband has multiple surprises sprung on me.
I have never heard of (or remembered hearing of) Phil Hanley even though his bio says he's been on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. It was the (to me) catchy title that got my attention.
The early section of the book where he talked about his days in elementary school had me cringing in recognition of the many times during my career when I realized "my" student was being belittled by another supposed professional - and often doing it out loud to the audience of the rest of the class.
Fortunately for Phil, his parents were incredibly supportive. And he is quick witted and seems to have a good understanding of word play even if he can't spell them. (As with Henry Winkler's Being Henry: The Fonz . . . and Beyond, Hanley reads the audio version of his memoir. In both cases, I wonder how those recording sessions went.)
For me, in the middle of the book, I got tired of the number of times he mentioned being dyslexic. Then I'd remind myself that he can't ignore his dyslexia and yet needs to thrive in this literate world. Strange that I'm reading this book on a weekend when tensions have been high in my household which I feel has a lot to do with feelings of inadequacy when my husband has multiple surprises sprung on me.
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April 28, 2025Out of respect for authors' personal stories, I prefer not to provide star ratings for memoirs.
I'll admit that prior to reading this book, I had never heard of Phil Hanley or seen any of his stand-up work. I say this because I suspect that I probably would have enjoyed this book more and found it more humorous if I were familiar with his work. I was mostly drawn to pick this one up based on the subheading: My Life as a Dyslexic Wordsmith. I was quite interested in hearing about Hanley's experiences as they related to his dyslexia. Ultimately, these were the most interesting aspects of the story for me. I also highly recommend *listening* to this book, as my favorite parts of the book were only included in the audio format when the producers included snippets of Hanley's recording sessions in between each chapter. These little glimpses into Hanley's recording process were so honest and charming, and they provided the most vulnerable glimpses into his life as a dyslexic wordsmith. What didn't quite work for me were the plot-driven summaries of whole sections of his life, e.g. name dropping celebrities he knew (without any particularly memorable anecdotes). I do feel that with a tight edit, the content here could have made an excellent essay, but it didn't quite work for me as a whole book.
Thank you to Henry Holt and Co. and NetGalley for my advanced copy.
I'll admit that prior to reading this book, I had never heard of Phil Hanley or seen any of his stand-up work. I say this because I suspect that I probably would have enjoyed this book more and found it more humorous if I were familiar with his work. I was mostly drawn to pick this one up based on the subheading: My Life as a Dyslexic Wordsmith. I was quite interested in hearing about Hanley's experiences as they related to his dyslexia. Ultimately, these were the most interesting aspects of the story for me. I also highly recommend *listening* to this book, as my favorite parts of the book were only included in the audio format when the producers included snippets of Hanley's recording sessions in between each chapter. These little glimpses into Hanley's recording process were so honest and charming, and they provided the most vulnerable glimpses into his life as a dyslexic wordsmith. What didn't quite work for me were the plot-driven summaries of whole sections of his life, e.g. name dropping celebrities he knew (without any particularly memorable anecdotes). I do feel that with a tight edit, the content here could have made an excellent essay, but it didn't quite work for me as a whole book.
Thank you to Henry Holt and Co. and NetGalley for my advanced copy.
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June 14, 2025
When Henry Holt asked if I wanted to read a copy of Spellbound I jumped at the chance. My sixteen year old daughter Sam was diagnosed with dyslexia in the second grade and the uphill battle for her to receive intervention and spread awareness has been no small task.
She and I read the book together (I read it, she listened to it) and both walked away loving it. Phil is a great storyteller which you’ll find in his standup routines, but what she really liked about the audiobook was the candid moments where Phil would have to practice a word before he said it, ask what a word was and the human moments before he’d start narrating.
A book that covers what it was like to have teachers turn their back on you to the profound self-doubt that leads to in adulthood, Phil is a shining example of someone who was told they wouldn’t amount to something and did anyway.
If I were to recommend this book to anyone, beyond those who like celebrity memoirs and nonfiction, it is teachers. We can all pinpoint that special teacher in our lives who championed us, helped us and lifted us up; but we can also pinpoint that teacher who hated us and did everything they could to hurt us. For Sam, that was her 4th grade teacher who’s voice she still has to silence in her head seven years later.
Oh and the font gets a thumbs up for being inclusive!
She and I read the book together (I read it, she listened to it) and both walked away loving it. Phil is a great storyteller which you’ll find in his standup routines, but what she really liked about the audiobook was the candid moments where Phil would have to practice a word before he said it, ask what a word was and the human moments before he’d start narrating.
A book that covers what it was like to have teachers turn their back on you to the profound self-doubt that leads to in adulthood, Phil is a shining example of someone who was told they wouldn’t amount to something and did anyway.
If I were to recommend this book to anyone, beyond those who like celebrity memoirs and nonfiction, it is teachers. We can all pinpoint that special teacher in our lives who championed us, helped us and lifted us up; but we can also pinpoint that teacher who hated us and did everything they could to hurt us. For Sam, that was her 4th grade teacher who’s voice she still has to silence in her head seven years later.
Oh and the font gets a thumbs up for being inclusive!
February 4, 2025
A look into the life of comedian Phil Hanley. Growing up he struggled in school particularly with reading and writing. It’s discovered that he is dyslexic. In a time where schools weren’t equipped to help students with these learning difficulties, Phil was subjected to belittling by his own teachers, put into a special ed class-that did nothing to help him succeed, and at one point discouraged from taking advance courses. His mom Jane not only had the patience of a saint— was Phil’s biggest supporter. I do wonder if he was graduating from high school today- would that door for college been open wide for him? Instead of college he embarked on a career in modeling thanks to a friend. Definitely an interesting insight to the world of male modeling. Eventually Phil heads home with interest in improv. He has a knack for making folks laugh. He goes through a period where different doctors diagnose him with different concerns and he finds himself on multiple medications. Him sharing this open and honest account of depression. FYI I had no clue who comedian Phil Hanley was when I started this book. I ultimately had to scope out his instagram - he’s hilarious! Check him out! #goodreadsgiveaway #goodreadsgiveaways #goodreadswinner #humourous #memoir #dyslexic #jillianhereforthebooks
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 19, 2025
My late brother had dyslexia. There aren’t enough characters here for me to do his journey justice, but I will say that because of him I chose the career path I did, and I seek out any books related to dyslexia. There aren’t enough, so I was grateful Phil Hanley shared his story.
My brother would have loved it because it’s witty, truthful, and I’m certain would have made him feel seen and heard. Thirty or more years ago, there was much less knowledge of learning disabilities, much less known of how to actually help. And here we are again, circling back to stigmatizing disabilities and possibly doing less to help and support instead of more, but I digress.
I plan to re-read Spellbound via audio, which the author narrates, and I truly can’t wait for that experience. This book has a very high rating and is more than worthy. It’s inspiring and important, and I’m beyond grateful for the connection I felt to my brother while reading it.
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
My brother would have loved it because it’s witty, truthful, and I’m certain would have made him feel seen and heard. Thirty or more years ago, there was much less knowledge of learning disabilities, much less known of how to actually help. And here we are again, circling back to stigmatizing disabilities and possibly doing less to help and support instead of more, but I digress.
I plan to re-read Spellbound via audio, which the author narrates, and I truly can’t wait for that experience. This book has a very high rating and is more than worthy. It’s inspiring and important, and I’m beyond grateful for the connection I felt to my brother while reading it.
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
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