Unread: A Memoir of Learning (and Loving) to Read on TikTok

by Oliver James

As a result of childhood learning disabilities and educational neglect, Oliver James graduated from high school and became one of approximately 45 million functionally illiterate Americans. However, at age 32, with big dreams and few tools to actualize them, he dedicated himself to learning the key skill that had evaded him his entire reading.

Oliver has become a TikTok/BookTok sensation for the way he’s candidly documented his decision to learn to read as an adult, and his struggles and triumphs along the way. Here, he tells the full story behind his journey for the first time through the 21 key books that shaped and informed his experience. His story reveals the ways in which reading can teach each of us how to be better, more empathetic people.

In just 365 days, Oliver went from barely being able to read a restaurant menu to closing in on his goal of finishing 100 books in a year. Unread is a moving reminder to all of us that words and stories have power, and that, no matter our past, it's never too late to grow.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Books About Books, Biography Memoir, Audiobook, Biography, Adult

233 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 26, 2026

Reviews

[Justine]

Wow, what a powerful reminder of what a privilege literacy is! It’s been a very long time since I had to sound out words and the only experiences I have of being illiterate occurred while living and travelling abroad in countries like Japan and Taiwan where I was memorising characters and counting train stops. Living your entire life like that in your home country? That’s another thing entirely.

Oliver lays himself bare in this inspiring story of a man who refuses to give up on himself and settle for surviving instead of thriving. I loved hearing about Oliver’s journey from memorising certain words and learning to create his signature to finding his favourite stories and progressing towards his goal of reading 100 books (which he completed in 2024).

Oliver moved through childhood and beyond with undiagnosed OCD, ADHD, anxiety, and dyslexia. It’s hard for many of us to imagine how children in this situation fall through the cracks. How did nobody in his life put two and two together? Read Oliver’s story and you’ll get a pretty good idea of how.

This book has a lot to say about the failure of the education system, unpacking trauma and shame, and prevailing in some of the most difficult circumstances imaginable. It also serves as a reminder of how important it is to foster a love of reading in children. It truly is a gift for life. This book made me more grateful than ever for my own love of reading and so happy that Oliver is cultivating his too.

I no longer rate memoirs but this is so inspiring, I highly recommend picking it up. A very powerful read.

I listened to the audiobook and James Shippy does a great job. Thank you to NetGalley and Hachette Audio for an ALC in exchange for my honest review.

[Em · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unread is a clear and deeply human reminder of what happens when the school system fails to notice, name, and support a child’s learning needs. Oliver James shares how he moved through school with OCD, anxiety, ADHD, and dyslexia.

This book shares his journey learning to survive by memorizing, blending in, and being passed along grade by grade without anyone ever identifying that he couldn’t read.

As a bibliotherapist, what stands out most to me is not just that James learned to read in his thirties but how he did it. He found ways in through audiobooks, voice-to-text, and social media accountability. These became tools that honored his brain instead of forcing it to conform. Reading became relational, supported, and affirming rather than shaming. With the help of a reading specialist, he began to understand words not as confusing symbols but as usable tools for meaning-making.

Unread is not a story about personal failure.
It’s about systemic neglect and late repair. It asks us to reckon with how many children are overlooked in classrooms and how literacy is often treated as a moral measure instead of an access issue. James’s journey reminds us that learning does not expire and that when people are finally given support, encouragement, and community (like fans in the bleachers) they can grow in powerful ways, at any age.

[Gina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I discovered Oliver James' journey to learn how to read through a random video someone reposted on Instagram. I was immediately hooked because I'd been looking for resources concerning adults who can't read. I teach at an open enrollment community college, and in the last 5 years, I've had a significant increase in the number of students in my classes who are functionally illiterate. The CC where I teach offers significant resources, and I keep information for community resources on hand. Yet, last semester, for the first time, I had a student tell me that they didn't need any help because thanks to technology reading is irrelevant. Yeah.

This book is a good reminder of what a privilege reading is and why it is still important and relevant. As a life long reader, I often have a hard time believing how someone can graduate high school or reach adulthood without knowing how to read, even as I understand intellectually how it happens. My rating isn't for James's journey as much as it is for the repackaged, ghostwritten content of the book. It leaves so many unanswered questions that I wish an editor had insisted on some additionally included material.

[Lucy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had really high hopes for this book and unfortunately it fell short for me. Having picked up this book based on the description, I was disappointed in what I was presented with. This is not to say the book wasn’t good, some bits I really enjoyed and found interesting as a subject matter. I think that if I had been familiar with Oliver James’ content that I would’ve enjoyed the book a lot more. Generally struggled to finish the book due to its repetitive nature. Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for access to this book.

[Fiona · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked parts of this but there was so little actual meat to this story that it could’ve been condensed into a 15 page essay if all the pointless philosophizing and repetition were removed. That being said, it is rather admirable that someone illiterate for most of their life wrote a whole ass book.

[Emily Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an awesome motivational book that not only encourages those who are quietly illiterate like he was but also informs those who might come in contact with kids/adults in an educational setting who are like the author. He did a great job speaking wisdom into both crowds. Loved how he used the books he read as a focal point for each chapter. His honesty, bravery, and authenticity about his struggles before and after he announced to the world his illiteracy will speak to so many young kids better than some educators might be able to. What’s crazy is his description of how reading opens up our own limited worldview to how others experience the world around them is exactly what happened to me while reading this book! Amazing!
If you teach in a Title 1 school, this book is a must read so we’re all better equipped to combat the fight against illiteracy.

[Laine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was drawn to this book because of its premise as someone who cares deeply about improving reading outcomes for students. Before picking up this book, I had no background knowledge of Oliver James (and have no presence on TikTok). But that didn’t matter. His story was honest and brave and sadly reflects the school experiences of many students I have worked with. As I read, I found myself reflecting not just on literacy, but on identity, resilience, and the experiences that shape the way people move through the world, as well as the serious lacking in the US education system.

As an avid reader, it also reminded me of the magic and joys that reading brings me and has the potential to bring others.

I’m so grateful I read this, and believe it’s a book everyone—especially educators—should read.

[Kara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really appreciated this book having worked in the dyslexia community. I imagine writing this felt like climbing a mountain. Written from the author’s perspective as a person with dyslexia, he gives an extremely personal look into his journey with reading difficulty, but more than that, what he’s found in reading as he’s learning. All of his story is what makes Oliver, Oliver, but what he’s chosen to learn & open himself to in the books he reads, and sharing that here, is gold. This book is a great one for educators, and would be great for older struggling readers to listen to on audiobook. His comparison of reading to the mind as exercise is to the body is a great chapter in itself. Especially as so many teen boys are into lifting.

[Alina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unread by Oliver James is an incredibly uplifting and inspirational read. What touched me most was the author’s honesty and positivity—rather than allowing his struggles with reading to define or limit him, he chose growth, courage, and self-improvement. His willingness to openly share his challenges, without fear or shame, and to use his social media platform as a space for learning and encouragement is truly powerful.

I absolutely loved his genuine love for books and the beautiful reminder that it’s never too late to keep learning, dreaming, and believing in yourself. This story is filled with hope, resilience, and heart, and it stayed with me long after the final page.

Thank you to @NetGalley for a free and advanced copy of this novel.

[Rachel Chapman · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book. I was so excited to read it and discover how someone learned to read on TikTok. This book, however, did not even really explain that. It was just “I told everyone I could not read” and then with the help of my community I learned to read. The actual book read like the private journal of the author- incoherent ramblings. It was extremely repetitive-both inside the chapters and from chapter to chapter. Unfortunately, it was a chore to finish and definitely not an actual biography.

[Chrissy MacLaughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a memoir of a grown man announcing that he is illiterate and then slowly teaching himself to read via TikTok, of all things. There is so much vulnerability and rawness in his experience. I think this kind of honesty on such an open platform creates space for other illiterate adults who may have also “slipped through the cracks” (as author Oliver James expresses that he did) to feel less shame when seeking resources to learn to read. I was so moved by reading about a grown man acknowledging the joy that can be found in reading. As an educator, book lover, and human, I cannot recommend this book enough. 5⭐️

Thank you to Union Square & Co., Hachette Audio, & NetGalley for the arc and the advanced listening copy of the audiobook.

[Ally Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

truly a love letter to reading and literacy.

"The more I learned, the less I knew. But the more I seemed to understand."

[Vanda Boyd · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unread follows Oliver as he learns to read in his thirties, a late-in-life shift that cracks his world wide open. As he starts working his way through books for the first time, he’s suddenly confronted with new perspectives, possibilities, and questions he’d never had the language for before.

I loved the premise of Unread and the focus on Oliver learning to read in his thirties, but the book itself felt quite repetitive, circling the same ideas about transformation and possibility a few too many times. I went in expecting more of a true memoir with richer, more detailed stories from his life before and after learning to read and instead it leaned heavily into a self‑help tone, offering lessons and takeaways more than narrative. For me, it would have been much more compelling if it had dug deeper into his personal experiences and emotions, using the self‑help pieces as a light supplement rather than the main event, or at the very least been marketed more clearly as a self‑help book instead of a life story.

Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Morinaganf]

Sữa chua không béo Morinaga – Giải pháp dinh dưỡng thông minh cho bé

Sữa chua không béo Morinaga là lựa chọn hoàn hảo cho phụ huynh muốn cung cấp dưỡng chất đầy đủ mà vẫn kiểm soát năng lượng cho bé. Sản phẩm vừa giàu protein, canxi, vitamin, vừa bổ sung lợi khuẩn hỗ trợ tiêu hóa, giúp bé hấp thu dưỡng chất tối ưu và duy trì sức khỏe toàn diện. Với hương vị thơm ngon, dễ uống, sữa chua không béo Morinaga có thể dùng hàng ngày để bé phát triển khỏe mạnh.

Xem thêm: https://morinagadinhduong.com.vn/san-pham/sua-chua-khong-beo-morinaga-vi/

1. Thành phần dinh dưỡng và lợi ích sức khỏe

Sữa chua không béo Morinaga chứa các dưỡng chất thiết yếu như protein, canxi, vitamin nhóm B và khoáng chất quan trọng cho sự phát triển xương, răng và cơ bắp của bé. Hơn nữa, lợi khuẩn trong sữa chua giúp cân bằng hệ vi sinh đường ruột, giảm các vấn đề tiêu hóa như đầy bụng, khó tiêu và táo bón.

Việc bổ sung các lợi khuẩn này cũng góp phần tăng cường sức đề kháng tự nhiên, giúp bé chống lại các tác nhân gây hại từ môi trường. Nhờ vậy, sữa chua không béo Morinaga không chỉ cung cấp dinh dưỡng mà còn hỗ trợ hệ miễn dịch hiệu quả.

2. Bữa phụ dinh dưỡng cho trẻ em

Bữa phụ giữa các bữa chính rất quan trọng trong chế độ ăn của trẻ, đặc biệt khi bé đang trong giai đoạn phát triển nhanh. Sữa chua không béo Morinaga có thể là lựa chọn lý tưởng để bổ sung năng lượng và dưỡng chất, giúp bé duy trì hoạt động học tập, vui chơi.

Ngoài ra, sản phẩm còn kết hợp tốt với các loại trái cây hoặc ngũ cốc, tạo thành bữa phụ hấp dẫn, giàu vitamin và khoáng chất. Việc duy trì bữa phụ cân đối sẽ giúp bé phát triển toàn diện mà không nạp quá nhiều năng lượng dư thừa.

Xem thêm: https://www.phunuonline.com.vn/sua-chua-profes-giai-phap-cho-he-tieu-hoa-khoe-manh-va-voc-dang-can-doi-a1572740.html

3. Hỗ trợ hệ tiêu hóa và cân bằng vi sinh

Lợi khuẩn trong sữa chua không béo Morinaga đóng vai trò quan trọng trong việc duy trì cân bằng hệ vi sinh đường ruột. Một hệ vi sinh khỏe mạnh giúp tiêu hóa thức ăn hiệu quả, hấp thu dưỡng chất tối ưu và hạn chế nguy cơ rối loạn tiêu hóa.

Hơn nữa, hệ vi sinh cân bằng còn góp phần nâng cao khả năng miễn dịch, giúp bé phòng chống các bệnh thông thường và tăng sức đề kháng tự nhiên. Nhờ đó, sữa chua không béo Morinaga vừa là thực phẩm bổ dưỡng vừa là giải pháp hỗ trợ sức khỏe lâu dài.

4. Sản phẩm tiện lợi, dễ dùng và phù hợp với khẩu vị trẻ

Sữa chua không béo Morinaga có hương vị dịu nhẹ, thơm ngon, dễ uống, phù hợp với khẩu vị của hầu hết trẻ em. Sản phẩm có thể dùng trực tiếp hoặc kết hợp với trái cây, hạt ngũ cốc để tạo ra bữa ăn đa dạng và bổ dưỡng.

Với tính tiện lợi, phụ huynh có thể dễ dàng bổ sung sản phẩm vào bữa phụ, bữa sáng hoặc bất kỳ thời điểm nào trong ngày. Việc này giúp trẻ hình thành thói quen ăn uống lành mạnh từ sớm, đồng thời đảm bảo nhận đủ dưỡng chất cần thiết cho cơ thể.

Xem thêm: https://linktr.ee/morinaga0025

5. Morinaga – Thương hiệu dinh dưỡng đáng tin cậy

Morinaga là thương hiệu lâu đời, nổi tiếng với các sản phẩm dinh dưỡng nghiên cứu khoa học kỹ lưỡng. Sữa chua không béo Morinaga là minh chứng cho cam kết mang đến các giải pháp dinh dưỡng an toàn, khoa học và hiệu quả cho trẻ em.

Bằng cách tập trung vào chất lượng và lợi ích sức khỏe, Morinaga giúp phụ huynh dễ dàng lựa chọn sản phẩm hỗ trợ bé phát triển toàn diện, từ hệ tiêu hóa, hệ miễn dịch đến sự phát triển thể chất và trí tuệ.

[Dusty Shell · Rating 5 out of 5]

"That was the unexpected power of reading. It gave me the incentive to try new things. It made me feel like there were roadmaps to all kinds of success and I could choose different routes and that was what I'd been missing."

"But reading, learning, growing- those things keep you soft in the right ways. They keep you human. They keep you open to understanding people and yourself."

"I want to share the power of reading with the world. But how many people like me will believe it? Those who've grown up in the hood, maybe they're in prison, maybe they believe reading can't do anything to them. If only they knew that their biggest struggle could lead to their greatest change. We'd break so many cycles...

But what is reading? Everything's in there. Everything is in reading, without exception. New points of views, worlds, lives, ideas, approaches, everything. Reading gives you the opportunity to be anything long enough to believe it. Then it gives you the tools to make it happen."

"Once you see yourself as a reader, as someone who learns, as someone who grows, you realize something-there's no limit to what you can do next."

"This is why children's books count as so called "real reading." Because what's more real than a book that makes you see yourself? That reminds you of something you've felt before but maybe never knew how to put into words? Some of the most powerful stories aren't the ones that challenge your intellect, there the ones that speak to something deeper. They remind you of things you thought you'd forgotten, things that still shape the way you move through the world, even if you don't realize it."

My, oh my, what an absolute wonder this book is! I started following Oliver James on TikTok shortly after he posted his, "What's up? I can't read" post. As a literacy advocate and lifelong reader, his story struck a chord with me from that day forward. when I saw that he was publishing a book, I couldn't wait to get my hands on it.

This is a MUST read. The literacy crisis in the US is staggering. This is just one story, among many, of how a child can be left behind. It's a relatable and poignant look at a disadvantaged child being lost in the system while dealing with trials too heavy for small shoulders.

In his 30s, Oliver decided to take matters into his own hands after living thus far barely able to recognize words unless he'd memorized them. Slowly, but surely, he started teaching himself to read on a social media platform, sharing with whoever came upon him that it was not too late to change his life.

Through his memoir and books that have touched him, he details his life from childhood to present, sharing intimate moments such as his parents' addictions, his mental health struggles, his prison sentence, and his hospitalization after a manic episode. ADHD, OCD, and other diagnoses made simple tasks hard for him, but even though he was missed through his education by those who could have assisted him, he found a new community through followers that supported him and cheered him on as he made strides in his ability to decode and comprehend books.

Oliver's story is exactly why I feel so strongly as I do about books, reading, and children being taught that reading is not just a task to learn, but a doorway to their futures.

Thank you big time to Net Galley and Hachette Audio for allowing me the privilege to hear this audio prior to the publishing date in exchange for sharing my honest thoughts.

[Mariah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unread is a living testament to putting your mind to hard tasks to get the job done. Oliver James provides an eloquent and well-structured narrative to discuss the ways he has overcome hardships and continues to prevail. It is insightful how he has progressed from the being illiterate to finally taking the plunge to change his life. The true core of the story is showing how we can always preserve when we try. The effort that accompanies you will always lead to prevailing outcomes. This a memoir that deserves to be a recognized bestseller for the sheer acknowledgement of how well written it is from someone who taught themselves how to read and how to learn. This narrative will break you down, you will laugh and cry with him, and you will think about some hard factors that have cultivated your life choices.
Learning continues to challenge us in our adult lives. Unpacking trauma is one of the core themes in Unread. Trauma harms us all, and it is how we choose to unpack that to reach success that tells our heart. Oliver James is being vulnerable with the audience and stripping his soul for everyone to each. There is a true heart to the structure of a narrative that is rich with diction but does not lose the goal of the story. Oliver becomes a teacher through his narrative. A narrative that is designed to be accessible to everyone while enjoying the joy that comes from crafting a narrative that is relatable, digestible, and fluid in elaborate diction. This is THE memoir of 2026. Embrace your inner child and your inner healing and exploring those dynamics in depth with this beauty of a narrative.
Oliver is accountable and does this through his writing and showing how he has learned through his newfound accountability. Reading will change your life is his motto. He even states, "reading more than looking at words on a page" and the power in that sentence is that you need to read between the lines. There is an art to the words on the page, and that construction is what makes you think and reflect. The reflections are the testament to not just great writing - but intelligent writing that makes you question the reasons for your choices, how we can learn from each other's stories' to grow, and how we choose to expand our horizon of knowledge. Thank you Oliver James, Netgalley and Union Square and Co, for this advanced digital copy. All opinions are my own.

Read more reviews, recommendations, and tarot reads on my blog,
Https://brujerialibrary.wordpress.com/

[Logan Kedzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love BookTok. I wind up No True Scotsmaning anyone talking about TikTok. Well, maybe it is awful for you, but mine is quite lovely, with lovely people talking about their passion to one another. Never completely free of The Drama or The Discourse but people who have a serious intent to cozy.

If you are reading this, you are someone who reads book reviews. And if you are someone engaged enough to look up book reviews, you are someone who likes books. And if you like books, you fall into the category of people who love books. And if you love books, you will love this book.

There is a certain amount of what it says on the tin here. The author starts as functionally illiterate and by the end is a bookish influencer writing a book. The story is well told in part due to how detailed and gory the author makes illiterate life in a literate society to be like, and the sorts of hedges and behaviors he would engage in to get around his problem. It is a redemption story with the people who were important to get him out of his misery given center focus.

The criticisms are mostly the cynicism creeping in. There seems to have been a shift from fitness to reading in the author's life, so the 'attractive man finds a following on-line' has a bit of the dog bites man. At points the text feels more like an advertisement for his motivational speaking. The final chapter buries the lede with the force of a meteoric strike, to the point that I feel like it may have been the true motivation behind writing the book as a sort of apology in both senses of the word.

But at the face value of it being a book that speaks for those who are not a part of this space for mostly structural reasons, but who want to be in and would add much more to it, the book works.

My thanks to the author, Oliver James, for writing the book (and learning how to read late in life, total **** yes), and to the publisher, Union Square & Co., for making the ARC available to me.

[Audrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

There's a TikTok ad that always plays during NBA games that really leans into the app as an educational tool—with kids talking about learning new skills and teachers sharing that they've gained a global classroom. I've previously rolled my eyes at it; it felt disingenuous for TikTok to promote itself as a tool for brain development, when most users would openly admit that they turn to it for company while "bedrotting."

Still, Oliver James' book (and genuine life experience) is a compelling case for TikTok as a tool for learning and connection. I was really excited about this book when I first heard about it, and so enjoyed getting to peek into James' experience gaining literacy at an older age. I think this is such an interesting and under-explored topic, largely because—as James mentions—people who can't read often fall through the cracks and are left behind.

In general, this story was incredibly readable and inspiring, and I so respect James for sharing his story. I don't know, however, if a book would have been my favorite way to hear this story. I love the full-circle-ness of James getting to write a memoir, but I think I would have enjoyed this book more had I been more familiar with James (perhaps through his TikTok content) prior to picking up his memoir. The book seems to assume (not necessarily wrongly) that readers will already be somewhat familiar with James' journey, which I was not. I also found some of the chapters to stay a bit surface level, leading to the second half of the book feeling a bit repetitive of the first. James mentions frequently that he would like to be a motivational speaker, and I think that each individual chapter, which shares life reflections through the lens of a book James has now read, would make for incredible keynote presentations. Reading them all back to back to back didn't feel like the best way to take in this message.

[Lauren D'Souza · Rating 4 out of 5]

The US has over eight million (!!) functionally illiterate adults, and Oliver James is one of them. At the start of the book, he describes how difficult and scary it was for him to admit to friends - let alone millions of strangers on TikTok - that he couldn’t read. But once he did it and got the support he needed to start truly learning how to read, he felt his life open up.

In each chapter, James features books he read and loved for how they helped him feel seen for being different (like Holes or The Outsiders), work through his traumas (like The Four Agreements), heal his inner child (like The Lightning Thief), and many more. He discusses his childhood, his relationship with his father and his own son, his time in prison, and his journey with OCD, ADHD, and PTSD.

All in all, this book reads much more like a self help book than a true narrative memoir of his journey of learning how to read. And rightly so, as James overcame many seemingly insurmountable obstacles to get to where he is today. He focuses on the mindset shift, trauma healing, and personal growth work that it took him to get there rather than the concrete steps of learning how to read (although they’re probably inextricably linked), and it all supports his case for wanting to be a motivational speaker. I hope his story gets through to people just like him and other young men who have faced similar obstacles - it’s a truly inspirational journey.

[Zachary Kai · Rating 5 out of 5]

Too far gone or too late to start a new skill? This book shows, in a beautifully vulnerable, earnest, and heartfelt fashion, that’s never the case.

For thirty-two years of his life, the author was functionally illiterate. Until he changed that, taking him from being unable to read a restaurant menu to reading a hundred books in a year. And he found a wonderful community of folks on TikTok who journeyed with him.

I’ll admit ignorance here: I thought, foolishly, illiteracy only affected people in countries with fewer resources. Everyone born in a place like the United States ‘should’ know how to read! It’s such a necessary skill, like basic maths, or telling the time. And yes, there are systems in place to teach folks, but what happens when you slip through the cracks?

He structures his work around ones that’ve stayed with him: sharing how each book taught him something new about himself and being human. He doesn’t shy away from his difficult feelings or struggles. Because even though second chances are possible, it doesn’t mean they’re easy.

Reading this book taught me three powerful lessons: modern life is near impossible without literacy, there’s always hope, and I’ll never take reading for granted again.

I received an early copy courtesy of the publishers via Netgalley. All opinions are mine alone.

[Noodle’s Book Nook · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars but I do think everyone should read it.

This man’s story is so important because it helps shed light on a real issue in America, functional illiteracy. Without being able to read people take advantage of you, you can’t help yourself, and it closed your world and makes you small and in learning to read and continuing to read you find empathy, you fine love, you find respect for yourself and others, and you can find yourself. This man learned to read at 30 years old and his life has been changed for the better and that is SO important I cannot stress that enough.

However as far as a critical eye at this book I felt that the organization could have really used some help. While I enjoyed the idea that each chapter was about a book or books that changed his life, it felt too scattered to have a larger impact and the time skipping around in the chapters made it hard for me to get a grasp on his timeline and certain events that were pivotal.

I think this could have used a bit more linear narrative throughout and then going back to see what books applied to that timeline instead as it seemed picking a book and writing moments that related to the book.

Overall though I would still recommend this to anyone who is struggling with reading or anyone who loves reading as it will remind you how lucky you are to have books in your life.

[Abee Bittle · Rating 5 out of 5]

How cool to write a book (where the target audience is at least interested in and capable of reading non fiction for enjoyment) sharing the excitement, pride, and trials of learning how to read in his 30s !!! There is an earnestness about that, which I adored.

Each chapter moves his story along while being tied to a book he has read that impacted him.

James discusses how he somehow fell through the cracks of the school system, the survivalist mentality needed to grow up in the projects, time in prison, and his struggles with ADHD + OCD.
The ramifications of growing up illiterate were even deeper than I would have imagined. I applaud his vulnerability.

I do not know him from TikTok, have never seen his videos. But I don’t think that’s necessary to enjoy his story. It is heart warming to hear about the community he’s built, though. I love “BookTok” and it’s great to hear so many strangers have come together to help his reading journey.

Fascinating and inspiring read. I especially recommend this to any teachers/educators/counselors.

4.5 Stars, rounded up to 5 for GoodReads. Thank you NetGalley and Union Square & Co for this eARC. All opinions are my own.
This book will be published 2/24/2026

[Kelly B · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up - The author’s candor, clarity, and vulnerability are striking. I had seen some of his TikTok videos but had not followed his journey that closely, so much of this was new to me. It’s impressive how much the author has processed very recent events to write about them in a nuanced way that feels both fair and generous to everyone mentioned in the text.
As a librarian, one thing I appreciated was how the author explained the impact of literacy in such concrete and visceral ways that I’d never encountered before. I’ve seen a lot of appeals to reading fostering creativity and imagination that, yes, are important, but sometimes feel like justifying why it’s okay for kids to believe in the tooth fairy rather than demonstrating why reading plays such a vital role in our lives. Reading is holistic, and this book expanded my understanding of just how holistic it is.
The framing of the book, tying each chapter to book titles the author read, occasionally feels like a stretch or is distracting from the overall narrative. Still, each choice felt selected with care and explained well.
The author expressed his hope to be a motivational speaker, and he is well on his way with this title. Thank you for sharing your story with the world!

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oliver James' story is really incredible. As an educator, I feel really proud of how he has shown the world his progress in learning how to read as an adult in order to normalize taking your learning into your own hands. His message of putting yourself outside your comfort zone, using the resources around you, and that it's never too late to change are commendable. I can see it being very motivational for people in a variety of ways, not just reading. It's also incredibly important insight into just how much reading ability can affect every part of your life and survival as a human. I don't know that I ever thought of all the little things that I read passively (directions, signs, recipes, texts, etc). I'm really glad Oliver is sharing his story. It highlights the lack of critical thinking that comes with being under educated as well. By the end of the book, it was quite repetitive. It felt like a lot of what he said could be condensed into a more succinct message. Definitely glad I read it, but think it could benefit from some editing before publication. 3.5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley for this advanced copy!

[Kate Hergott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember watching Oliver James' reading journey in my fyp, so you can only imagine how excited I was when this book was announced!

This book is courageous, empowering, vulnerable. revelatory, educational and political-as reading and writing often are. James deftly depicts the experience of moving through life without being able to read Multiple times, his vignettes reminded me how much I take reading for granted. I loved how he included books he read, and talked not just about how they helped him learn to read, but also helped him understand himself. One of my favorite parts of reading is finding moments I resonate with that make me feel less alone.

Unread is a powerful coming of age story, a reminder that we can always learn new things at any age, and a Love letter to reading, books, and the bookish community itself.

I loved the narration, as well! James Shippy brought this emotional memoir to life, and I always love when the author reads their author's note. This is a great one to listen to, the 7 hours fly by.

Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Madison ✨ (mad.lyreading) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I fell in love with Oliver James as many of us did, over TikTok. He was incredibly brave over the pandemic and decided to tell his TikTok following that he didn't know how to read. The BookTok community quickly embraced James and supported him on his journey as he worked to learn how to read. When I had the opportunity to read his memoir, I was so excited. Sadly, I think this book could have used the help of an editor to give it a better, overarching theme throughout, rather than just "reading." We did not really go through the process of James learning to read, and instead each chapter just discussed different aspects of his life in ways that didn't interact with the prior chapters. The book is written in a manner that feels spoken, which makes sense with James wanting to become a motivational speaker. However, the speaking tone made reading it a bit more difficult. I understand that James is early on in his journey, so I am not judging his writing, but I do think this is where an editor could have been a lot of help.

Thank you to Union Square and Co and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

[Hannah Orr · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings about this memoir. It was very repetitive and at times felt like a long winded presentation from a motivational speaker. I also was uncomfortable with the author’s narrative of “just pick up a book and start reading” as I feel like it glazed over the complicated mechanics of learning to read. I’m glad he seemed to have success with this method, starting with “easy” books and just sticking with it, but many people (whether they are kids or adults) need systematic instruction to help the brain map phonetic patterns. Maybe that was part of his journey, but that wasn’t evident in the book.

At the same time, I have the utmost respect for Oliver James and his willingness to be vulnerable and open about his struggles. The way he changed his life around and took charge of his future is inspiring. His story reflects the brokenness of our educational system, and how often the kids who need the most support are the ones we let fall through the cracks. I hope this book not only sheds like on how important literacy is, but also on how we as a society can do a better job equipping our smallest citizen for a fulfilling, productive future!

[Kat Robbins · Rating 3 out of 5]

Percy Jackson would be so proud of Oliver James.

୨ৎ 3.5 stars

I never realized how a lack of literacy can severely limit your worldview. Everything you learn must be from word of mouth from the immediate circle of people you surround yourself with, when you don't have the capacity to even google things and read the results. TikTok as a platform gets a bad reputation, but this memoir proved the role the app plays as an educational tool. So many educators came together to follow the author's journey in learning how to read and provided the author with much-needed reading tips. I'm so proud of how BookTok came together to provide book recommendations, especially the Percy Jackson series, which features a main character who shares the same lived experiences with dyslexia and ADHD. The author himself reads the prologue, and you can tell how powerful that moment was for him to read his own words aloud, despite the evident struggle. I would have loved if he described the process and dove into the nitty gritty of how he approached learning to read rather than preaching motivational content. I think the memoir was quite repetitive and could have benefited from some further editing with a lower page count.

[Meghan Walsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oliver James walks us through his journey to learn to read as an adult, told through the books that reflected his own path to discovery. I loved the blend of children's literature, alongside classic adult novels. There is no perfect or right book to read, and I appreciate James underscoring this point. But most importantly, he shows us what a life without literacy is like -- the self-doubt, the constant internal stress for how to survive daily tasks, the feelings of isolation. It broke my heart to learn about his early years, where he was ignored as a kid and treated as a bad egg. The fact that James has come out with a novel focusing on both reading itself, but also the importance of mental health, is no easy feat. Reading and writing are powerful tools, and this is a great call to action to ensure our communities are providing the right support systems for children as they go through their education. My only quip is that some of the chapters felt redundant and I would’ve loved to hear more on James teenage / early adulthood years.

[Izzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC! I appreciate the vulnerability and this story is a unique one with a strong voice that makes it clear how reading became a safe space for someone who initially viewed it as far from such. More people should tune in to this story, and there is a lot to learn, for those who may have experienced similar learning or reading challenges in environments that did not support them, and those who may be priviliged enough to not know what the former experiences may be like. The framing of the book worked very well, using favorite books the author has read as an entry point to explore his own histories, goals, and personal struggles and successes. My only critique is that the book's message became a little repetitive at times. As the author mentions his desire to become a full-time motivational speaker, I see how the repetition may be more conducive to that medium and may be influenced by this background.