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Great and Unfortunate Things
Not yet published
Expected 11 Aug 26With the power of Educated and the emotional sweep of When Breath Becomes Air, Great and Unfortunate Things is the inspiring, underdog story of how an autistic, non-verbal boy who society had all but given up on found his voice, literally and figuratively, became one of the youngest professors in the University of Cambridge’s history and put himself in a position to give back.
Jason Arday was born the second youngest of three boys and grew up in a colorful and lively section of South London. At three years old, he was diagnosed with autism and development delays. Experts told his parents that he would never be able to speak, write, or live independently. An institution would best serve his needs, it was suggested.
His parents would have none of it. Instead, thinking outside the box and drawing on her faith, his extraordinary mother Giff embraced his neurodivergence and fiercely dedicated herself to helping her son realize a potential few others believed was possible. Giff drew on proverbs from her West African culture, popular music by the likes of Enya, and comedic television shows and movies to help Jason make sense of the world.
In Great and Unfortunate Things, we see how Arday went from being nonverbal until he was eleven and illiterate until eighteen to becoming a professor at Cambridge. Without romanticizing the struggle, it’s a story of a son’s determination against insurmountable odds and how his family and a band of ordinary people with extraordinary compassion joined forces to encourage Jason to believe in himself and maximize his capabilities.
This is the story we need right now, and Arday, who believes in paying it forward, is the kind of figure the world can use more of now more than ever.
Jason Arday was born the second youngest of three boys and grew up in a colorful and lively section of South London. At three years old, he was diagnosed with autism and development delays. Experts told his parents that he would never be able to speak, write, or live independently. An institution would best serve his needs, it was suggested.
His parents would have none of it. Instead, thinking outside the box and drawing on her faith, his extraordinary mother Giff embraced his neurodivergence and fiercely dedicated herself to helping her son realize a potential few others believed was possible. Giff drew on proverbs from her West African culture, popular music by the likes of Enya, and comedic television shows and movies to help Jason make sense of the world.
In Great and Unfortunate Things, we see how Arday went from being nonverbal until he was eleven and illiterate until eighteen to becoming a professor at Cambridge. Without romanticizing the struggle, it’s a story of a son’s determination against insurmountable odds and how his family and a band of ordinary people with extraordinary compassion joined forces to encourage Jason to believe in himself and maximize his capabilities.
This is the story we need right now, and Arday, who believes in paying it forward, is the kind of figure the world can use more of now more than ever.
288 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication August 11, 2026
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May 10, 2026
I enjoyed this. It was interesting, and sad to see how the author was treated but great to see how much he was able to accomplish.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Great and Unfortunate Things by Jason Arday is a memoir that moves with the urgency of lived experience, yet beneath its brisk surface lies a profound meditation on perseverance, identity, and the quiet architecture of love. It is, at once, a personal narrative of extraordinary ascent and a testament to the often-unheralded labor that makes such ascent possible.
At the center of this narrative stands not only Arday himself, but his mother, Giff Arday, whose presence in the book feels almost elemental—steadfast, inventive, and unyielding in the face of institutional doubt. Faced with a son diagnosed with autism and global developmental delay, and “written off” by educational and medical establishments, she refused the easy acquiescence to prognosis. Instead, she fashioned her own pedagogy of care: one built on attentiveness, intuition, and an almost scholarly observation of her child’s inner rhythms. She studied him—not clinically, but maternally—learning his triggers, inventing pathways to communication, and, perhaps most crucially, holding fast to a belief in his potential when such belief was neither fashionable nor supported.
That she undertook this labor while raising three sons—one also on the autism spectrum—and with a largely absent partner only heightens the magnitude of her achievement. The memoir quietly insists that Arday’s later intellectual triumphs cannot be disentangled from this early, sustained act of devotion. If his eventual emergence into language at eleven and literacy at eighteen appears miraculous, the text gently reframes these milestones not as sudden ruptures, but as the cumulative result of years of unseen, patient cultivation.
Arday’s trajectory—from nonverbal childhood to becoming the youngest Black professor at University of Cambridge—is undeniably remarkable, and the memoir renders this ascent with clarity and emotional immediacy. Mentors and advocates appear along the way, but they are secondary constellations orbiting the central force of maternal resolve. The narrative invites a kind of awe, not only at Arday’s intellectual achievements, but at the conditions that made them conceivable.
And yet, for all its strengths, the work remains somewhat reticent in its introspection. One is left wishing for a more sustained inquiry into the phenomenology of Arday’s neurodivergence—the textures of thought, perception, and cognition that shaped his experience of the world. The memoir gestures toward these interior landscapes but does not fully inhabit them, leaving a space where deeper social and psychological commentary might have enriched an already compelling account.
Still, to dwell too long on what is absent risks overlooking what is luminously present. Great and Unfortunate Things is, above all, a story of improbable flourishing—of a life that defied prognosis and a mother who refused to let limitation define possibility. It is difficult to read it without a sense of reverence, not only for Arday’s achievements, but for the quiet, relentless love that made them possible.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in return for an honest review.
At the center of this narrative stands not only Arday himself, but his mother, Giff Arday, whose presence in the book feels almost elemental—steadfast, inventive, and unyielding in the face of institutional doubt. Faced with a son diagnosed with autism and global developmental delay, and “written off” by educational and medical establishments, she refused the easy acquiescence to prognosis. Instead, she fashioned her own pedagogy of care: one built on attentiveness, intuition, and an almost scholarly observation of her child’s inner rhythms. She studied him—not clinically, but maternally—learning his triggers, inventing pathways to communication, and, perhaps most crucially, holding fast to a belief in his potential when such belief was neither fashionable nor supported.
That she undertook this labor while raising three sons—one also on the autism spectrum—and with a largely absent partner only heightens the magnitude of her achievement. The memoir quietly insists that Arday’s later intellectual triumphs cannot be disentangled from this early, sustained act of devotion. If his eventual emergence into language at eleven and literacy at eighteen appears miraculous, the text gently reframes these milestones not as sudden ruptures, but as the cumulative result of years of unseen, patient cultivation.
Arday’s trajectory—from nonverbal childhood to becoming the youngest Black professor at University of Cambridge—is undeniably remarkable, and the memoir renders this ascent with clarity and emotional immediacy. Mentors and advocates appear along the way, but they are secondary constellations orbiting the central force of maternal resolve. The narrative invites a kind of awe, not only at Arday’s intellectual achievements, but at the conditions that made them conceivable.
And yet, for all its strengths, the work remains somewhat reticent in its introspection. One is left wishing for a more sustained inquiry into the phenomenology of Arday’s neurodivergence—the textures of thought, perception, and cognition that shaped his experience of the world. The memoir gestures toward these interior landscapes but does not fully inhabit them, leaving a space where deeper social and psychological commentary might have enriched an already compelling account.
Still, to dwell too long on what is absent risks overlooking what is luminously present. Great and Unfortunate Things is, above all, a story of improbable flourishing—of a life that defied prognosis and a mother who refused to let limitation define possibility. It is difficult to read it without a sense of reverence, not only for Arday’s achievements, but for the quiet, relentless love that made them possible.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in return for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Great and Unfortunate Things is the incredible memoir of Jason Arday. Jason is a Black, autistic man who didn’t learn to speak until age 11 or read and write till he was 18. And now, in a feat of perseverance, resilience, and belief, he is a professor for one of the world’s best universities.
I was in awe of Jason’s mother, Giff, and her absolute unwillingness to believe what experts told her and her intuitive sense of how to manage Jason’s learning. Along with Giff, it feels like other angels were placed in Jason’s life to help coach and teach him, as well as cheerlead him on.
The detailed descriptions of the obstacles Jason has navigated his entire life are eye-opening: whether it’s because of racism, non-verbalism, or atypical social mannerisms, Jason shares his life with unflinching vulnerability. There are also so many wise words and lessons woven throughout.
This is a book I told people about while I was reading and will continue to tell people about for months to come. Highly recommend.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Favorite quotes:
“If you miss a shot, don’t focus on the failed shot, focus on the next opportunity.”
If anybody says to you that you can’t do something, just ignore them. You can tell them, ‘According to my mum, I can do anything.’ ”
“Fear of failure and a respect of failure are two very different things.” he said. “You need to have respect for failure, but you cannot have a fear of failure. You have to fearlessly give everything you have in pursuing a goal, and respect that failure may be the outcome. But fear of it cannot keep you from trying.”
“It costs nothing to dream, and sometimes, the dreamer can even outrun the dream.”
“If the dreamer can outrun the dream with the cause being greater than their own need . . . then anything, if not everything, is possible.”
“Never pray for an easy life! Always, always pray for the strength to get through it. Do you understand? God doesn’t give you what you can’t handle. A difficult life is a blessing. Nothing good lasts forever, and nothing bad lasts forever. Don’t take the coward’s way out and say that prayer ever again.”
Feed the Faith, Starve the Fear
Love isn’t a tonic that will guarantee a perfect outcome; it’s more like a well to draw on in ever-more trying times.
I was in awe of Jason’s mother, Giff, and her absolute unwillingness to believe what experts told her and her intuitive sense of how to manage Jason’s learning. Along with Giff, it feels like other angels were placed in Jason’s life to help coach and teach him, as well as cheerlead him on.
The detailed descriptions of the obstacles Jason has navigated his entire life are eye-opening: whether it’s because of racism, non-verbalism, or atypical social mannerisms, Jason shares his life with unflinching vulnerability. There are also so many wise words and lessons woven throughout.
This is a book I told people about while I was reading and will continue to tell people about for months to come. Highly recommend.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Favorite quotes:
“If you miss a shot, don’t focus on the failed shot, focus on the next opportunity.”
If anybody says to you that you can’t do something, just ignore them. You can tell them, ‘According to my mum, I can do anything.’ ”
“Fear of failure and a respect of failure are two very different things.” he said. “You need to have respect for failure, but you cannot have a fear of failure. You have to fearlessly give everything you have in pursuing a goal, and respect that failure may be the outcome. But fear of it cannot keep you from trying.”
“It costs nothing to dream, and sometimes, the dreamer can even outrun the dream.”
“If the dreamer can outrun the dream with the cause being greater than their own need . . . then anything, if not everything, is possible.”
“Never pray for an easy life! Always, always pray for the strength to get through it. Do you understand? God doesn’t give you what you can’t handle. A difficult life is a blessing. Nothing good lasts forever, and nothing bad lasts forever. Don’t take the coward’s way out and say that prayer ever again.”
Feed the Faith, Starve the Fear
Love isn’t a tonic that will guarantee a perfect outcome; it’s more like a well to draw on in ever-more trying times.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
** I received an advance digital copy from the publisher, because I am a librarian and librarians are awesome **
One thing that I particularly liked about this book: it was not a "here's the story of how I became famous on the internet." Arday's story on its own is fascinating: nonverbal until 11, illiterate until 18. He pulls no punches about his early flaws and lack of motivation (showing up 90 minutes late to a meeting with his college mentor), nor how his hyperfocus results in the end of his marriage. However, he details his whole life story with a level of calm detachment. Whether this is a direct effect of his autism or an intentionally vague writing style, I cannot say. But for those who were anticipating a Helen Keller moment (non verbal to speaking, illiterate to literate), Arday shares, but reveals little about the lightswitches that ignited the turning points in his life. Truly, his mother, his mentor, and his wife spurred him into action. But what it was like to *be* Jason Arday in those moments is sorely missing.
One highlight that I do want to mention is his story about the wedding champagne flutes when he was preverbal. I wished for more stories like that throughout the book - a glimpse into a different mind.
I once remarked to my book group that I love a solid three star memoir. Not every memoir can be Educated, and I'm often just looking for a true story to help pass the time. I had not heard of Jason Arday prior to being sent an unsolicited advance copy of this title (in spite of his apparent internet fame), but I thought, "yeah, memoir, that's the mood I'm in." A three star memoir is this: a story that's engrossing to read, but unremarkable as text. A gawker's delight, but nothing you'll insist your spouse/friend/neighbor MUST READ THIS INSTANT. It's the truest interpretation of the GR rating scale: I liked it. I read it quickly and with enjoyment and I hope that others discover and like it too. It's the literary equivalent to Dateline NBC in the late 90s. No complaints.
One thing that I particularly liked about this book: it was not a "here's the story of how I became famous on the internet." Arday's story on its own is fascinating: nonverbal until 11, illiterate until 18. He pulls no punches about his early flaws and lack of motivation (showing up 90 minutes late to a meeting with his college mentor), nor how his hyperfocus results in the end of his marriage. However, he details his whole life story with a level of calm detachment. Whether this is a direct effect of his autism or an intentionally vague writing style, I cannot say. But for those who were anticipating a Helen Keller moment (non verbal to speaking, illiterate to literate), Arday shares, but reveals little about the lightswitches that ignited the turning points in his life. Truly, his mother, his mentor, and his wife spurred him into action. But what it was like to *be* Jason Arday in those moments is sorely missing.
One highlight that I do want to mention is his story about the wedding champagne flutes when he was preverbal. I wished for more stories like that throughout the book - a glimpse into a different mind.
I once remarked to my book group that I love a solid three star memoir. Not every memoir can be Educated, and I'm often just looking for a true story to help pass the time. I had not heard of Jason Arday prior to being sent an unsolicited advance copy of this title (in spite of his apparent internet fame), but I thought, "yeah, memoir, that's the mood I'm in." A three star memoir is this: a story that's engrossing to read, but unremarkable as text. A gawker's delight, but nothing you'll insist your spouse/friend/neighbor MUST READ THIS INSTANT. It's the truest interpretation of the GR rating scale: I liked it. I read it quickly and with enjoyment and I hope that others discover and like it too. It's the literary equivalent to Dateline NBC in the late 90s. No complaints.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to the publisher, Simon & Schuster, and the author, Jason Arday, for the privilege to read this advanced copy through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Wow! I am so grateful to have had the privilege to read this emotional nonfiction! Since I have an autistic nephew, this story gives me hope. The Prologue let's the reader know that this book has a happy ending.
It is the story of a boy whose mother believed! She believed her son could do great things while all the experts told her that there is no hope for him. This mom, Giff, who the book is dedicated to, goes against all professionals (including doctors, therapists, educators) and did it her way. Using all means available in their poverty, she helped her son become verbal (at the age of 12) and able to read and write (at the age of 18)! Doctors had told her that her son was less than human and she proved them all wrong! A mother's love, faith, encouragement, and dedication has proven amazing. She never gave up and constantly rejected when others negatively defined Jason.
The ambition and drive of Professor Arday gives me hope. Prof. Arday is amazing. The reader gains insight into the mind of an autistic (neurodivergent) and developmentally delay individual. The challenges he had to overcome and his sacrifices are clearly defined including prejudices and obstacles presented by peers, teachers, doctors and society. There are "angels" in Arday's life that supported him emotionally. And God is throughout this story. As a poor Black man with big dreams, everyone can only smile at this story.
I found Professor Arday's book fascinating and encourage everyone to read it. It will help all of us understand the importance of connecting with people who are different than ourselves. Thank you, Professor Arday, for sharing your story!
Wow! I am so grateful to have had the privilege to read this emotional nonfiction! Since I have an autistic nephew, this story gives me hope. The Prologue let's the reader know that this book has a happy ending.
It is the story of a boy whose mother believed! She believed her son could do great things while all the experts told her that there is no hope for him. This mom, Giff, who the book is dedicated to, goes against all professionals (including doctors, therapists, educators) and did it her way. Using all means available in their poverty, she helped her son become verbal (at the age of 12) and able to read and write (at the age of 18)! Doctors had told her that her son was less than human and she proved them all wrong! A mother's love, faith, encouragement, and dedication has proven amazing. She never gave up and constantly rejected when others negatively defined Jason.
The ambition and drive of Professor Arday gives me hope. Prof. Arday is amazing. The reader gains insight into the mind of an autistic (neurodivergent) and developmentally delay individual. The challenges he had to overcome and his sacrifices are clearly defined including prejudices and obstacles presented by peers, teachers, doctors and society. There are "angels" in Arday's life that supported him emotionally. And God is throughout this story. As a poor Black man with big dreams, everyone can only smile at this story.
I found Professor Arday's book fascinating and encourage everyone to read it. It will help all of us understand the importance of connecting with people who are different than ourselves. Thank you, Professor Arday, for sharing your story!
April 25, 2026
I sincerely want to thank NetGalley, Simon & Schuster and author Jason Arday for inviting me to read Arday’s memoir, Great and Unfortunate Things. I enjoy memoirs in which the subject overcomes hardships to become successful, and especially, fulfilled, and this book exceeded my expectations. Arday was diagnosed with autism and developmental delays at age three; his parents were advised to put Jason into a care facility, because there was no hope for him to ever lead a normal and productive life. Because of his amazing mother, Giff, he got extraordinary opportunities to learn and grow. Arday didn’t lean to speak until age 11, and he didn’t master reading and writing until he turned 18, yet he managed to start college just two years later at age 20. He was so focused — his disabilities actually became a key to his being able to succeed — that, at age 37, he eventually became one of the youngest professors at Cambridge University. His path to success faced many hurdles, both physical, mental, and racial, but there also was so much joy in his journey. One of my favorite parts of the book was Jason’s young daughter showing amazing abilities in speaking, reading, and even writing, at a very early age.
This is such an enjoyable story; I highly recommend it. Thanks again to NetGalley, Simon & Schuster, and the author for the eARC, and the opportunity to read this memoir. All opinions are my own. J
This is such an enjoyable story; I highly recommend it. Thanks again to NetGalley, Simon & Schuster, and the author for the eARC, and the opportunity to read this memoir. All opinions are my own. J
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to the publisher for the advance copy!
Arday’s writing offers a level of sensory detail that is almost overwhelming - he depicts his sensory overload so vividly that it becomes a breathtaking experience for the reader.
In the best way possible, Ihave never read a memoir quite like this. The way Arday recalls his life before he even had the words to describe it is profound. At the heart of that silence was his mother, Giff. Her tireless advocacy for her children was incredible to witness; she was relentless, devoted, and a powerhouse. If she ever wrote a memoir of her own, I would be the first in line to read it.
Arday’s journey from a non-verbal child in London to the youngest Black professor at Cambridge is a remarkable feat of defiance against the odds. I found his determination infectious. He writes about being non-verbal, navigating racism, and the nuances of neurodivergence with a vulnerability that feels both honest and rare.
The account of the St. Mary’s graduation, in particular, really caught me in the feels. Throughout the entire book, Giff’s love for her three boys shines through just as clearly as it must have in their real lives. I finished this book truly wishing I could sit down and talk with her.
Overall this was a beautiful account of unexpected success and the clinical, social, and personal challenges overcome to get there. Highly recommended.
Arday’s writing offers a level of sensory detail that is almost overwhelming - he depicts his sensory overload so vividly that it becomes a breathtaking experience for the reader.
In the best way possible, Ihave never read a memoir quite like this. The way Arday recalls his life before he even had the words to describe it is profound. At the heart of that silence was his mother, Giff. Her tireless advocacy for her children was incredible to witness; she was relentless, devoted, and a powerhouse. If she ever wrote a memoir of her own, I would be the first in line to read it.
Arday’s journey from a non-verbal child in London to the youngest Black professor at Cambridge is a remarkable feat of defiance against the odds. I found his determination infectious. He writes about being non-verbal, navigating racism, and the nuances of neurodivergence with a vulnerability that feels both honest and rare.
The account of the St. Mary’s graduation, in particular, really caught me in the feels. Throughout the entire book, Giff’s love for her three boys shines through just as clearly as it must have in their real lives. I finished this book truly wishing I could sit down and talk with her.
Overall this was a beautiful account of unexpected success and the clinical, social, and personal challenges overcome to get there. Highly recommended.
May 12, 2026
Really incredible story of resilience, perseverance, determination, and a mom who fought tirelessly for her kids.
Dr Arday’s story is truly inspiring, starting from non-verbal autistic with additional learning disabilities, to youngest Black professor at Cambridge and overcoming so much in between.
Both he in his immense determination and perseverance, and his mother’s constant belief in him and refusal to accept what the doctors and educators stated were insurmountable limitations, are truly amazing. As a mom of a high functioning autistic daughter, many pieces of Dr Arday’s autistic experience were familiar, if not from my own experience, than from others in our community of the neurodivergent.
It definitely makes you think as a parent, how important it is to speak life and confidence into our kids, and the impact it makes to advocate for them no matter what.
I wish there was a little more in the way of Dr Arday’s transformation and experience in general on the autistic side of things, rather than primarily the academic, but I get it, the focus was more the growing academic achievements and how he got to where he is now.
Well written and inspiring.
Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced copy of this book. All opinions are mine.
Dr Arday’s story is truly inspiring, starting from non-verbal autistic with additional learning disabilities, to youngest Black professor at Cambridge and overcoming so much in between.
Both he in his immense determination and perseverance, and his mother’s constant belief in him and refusal to accept what the doctors and educators stated were insurmountable limitations, are truly amazing. As a mom of a high functioning autistic daughter, many pieces of Dr Arday’s autistic experience were familiar, if not from my own experience, than from others in our community of the neurodivergent.
It definitely makes you think as a parent, how important it is to speak life and confidence into our kids, and the impact it makes to advocate for them no matter what.
I wish there was a little more in the way of Dr Arday’s transformation and experience in general on the autistic side of things, rather than primarily the academic, but I get it, the focus was more the growing academic achievements and how he got to where he is now.
Well written and inspiring.
Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced copy of this book. All opinions are mine.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley, Simon&Schuster and Jason Arday for the eArc and Physical Copy of Great and Unfortunate Things. All opinions are my own, and I appreciate the opportunity to have read this book.
As far as memoirs go, this would probably be one of the more impactful one's that I have read. A young Black man not being able to speak until he was 11, or read/write until he was 18 becoming the youngest professor in England at the age of 35 is impressive, and his journey intrigued me to say the least. I really enjoyed Arday's writing voice, and thought the way that he told his story was very eloquent. I felt like I was there with him in those moments, and that says a lot about who he is as a writer. His story-telling brought you in, and I had a hard time putting this book down.
His support system of his family, friends and mentors really showed him (especially in the harder times) that he could be more than his childhood doctors had estimated him to be. His autism definitely made his journey difficult, but they used his strengths to his advantage.
I really enjoyed following his story, and am hoping to follow more of his work in the future.
As far as memoirs go, this would probably be one of the more impactful one's that I have read. A young Black man not being able to speak until he was 11, or read/write until he was 18 becoming the youngest professor in England at the age of 35 is impressive, and his journey intrigued me to say the least. I really enjoyed Arday's writing voice, and thought the way that he told his story was very eloquent. I felt like I was there with him in those moments, and that says a lot about who he is as a writer. His story-telling brought you in, and I had a hard time putting this book down.
His support system of his family, friends and mentors really showed him (especially in the harder times) that he could be more than his childhood doctors had estimated him to be. His autism definitely made his journey difficult, but they used his strengths to his advantage.
I really enjoyed following his story, and am hoping to follow more of his work in the future.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Let me start by saying I have never heard of Jason Arday, but the synopsis for this book caught my eye. I find reading about moms who are willing to fight against the odds for their children amazing. Second, autism is something that I always want to know more about. So I started this book and was hooked, wanting to know more about Jason and his amazing mom, Giff. I liked the style of writing. It is as if Jason is an observer, telling his life story from a detached place, without any real emotion. I found this to be what I see in my friends who are autistic; the emotional reactions are not like mine would be. So this style set my mind to think that Jason really did write this story, and I could hear him telling it to me. I will say that about midway through the book, I told my husband that if this book were not an autobiography, I would be saying the author was going overboard with too many hardships, but this story is real! What Jason goes through and accomplishes is amazing.
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster |for the ARC. This is my honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster |for the ARC. This is my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
First, thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this wonderful book! I'm already making a list of people who'll be getting this book for Christmas. Such an amazing, inspiring story!
Dr. Arday was so fortunate to have such a fierce and dedicated advocate in his mother who led by example. Thank goodness things are a little better now, but I know there are still enormous hurdles, misunderstandings, and prejudice against people whose brains don't work like the majority.
Arday's prose is lovely--descriptive and smooth reading. The story moves along and we get to meet so many wonderful people who saw his potential and stepped up to allow him to achieve all that he could. I doubt many could've foreseen the heights he'd reach!
I cannot recommend this book highly enough--everyone will benefit from learning about this remarkable man and his journey.
Dr. Arday was so fortunate to have such a fierce and dedicated advocate in his mother who led by example. Thank goodness things are a little better now, but I know there are still enormous hurdles, misunderstandings, and prejudice against people whose brains don't work like the majority.
Arday's prose is lovely--descriptive and smooth reading. The story moves along and we get to meet so many wonderful people who saw his potential and stepped up to allow him to achieve all that he could. I doubt many could've foreseen the heights he'd reach!
I cannot recommend this book highly enough--everyone will benefit from learning about this remarkable man and his journey.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Jason Arday was born the second youngest of three boys and was diagnosed with autism and development delays. Experts told his parents that he would never be able to speak, write, or live independently. Enter his mother, Giff, who would champion him his entire life and tell him he could accomplish anything.
What an inspiring story – Jason goes from being nonverbal and autistic to one of the youngest professors at the University of Cambridge. Most of his ability came from the untiring patience and unconventional learning taught to him by his mother. This story challenges assumptions on intelligence and communication and the ability to underestimate people based on their learning timelines. Even though Jason incurred numerous setbacks, he never used them as an excuse – what a triumphant memoir and example of inspiration!
What an inspiring story – Jason goes from being nonverbal and autistic to one of the youngest professors at the University of Cambridge. Most of his ability came from the untiring patience and unconventional learning taught to him by his mother. This story challenges assumptions on intelligence and communication and the ability to underestimate people based on their learning timelines. Even though Jason incurred numerous setbacks, he never used them as an excuse – what a triumphant memoir and example of inspiration!
May 3, 2026
This memoir is about a life that kept getting misread. This was a quick read for me on a subject I know very little about about.
Jason Arday writes with a calm, almost plainspoken voice about being nonverbal until 11, learning to read and write in his late teens, and repeatedly being told what he would never be able to do. The power of the book isn’t in drama—it’s in how quietly it dismantles those assumptions.
It’s reflective more than emotional, focused on systems, labels, and how early judgments stick. At times it circles similar ground, but the steadiness of tone holds it together.
A restrained, thoughtful memoir that lands because it refuses to overstate itself.
Thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the ARC
Jason Arday writes with a calm, almost plainspoken voice about being nonverbal until 11, learning to read and write in his late teens, and repeatedly being told what he would never be able to do. The power of the book isn’t in drama—it’s in how quietly it dismantles those assumptions.
It’s reflective more than emotional, focused on systems, labels, and how early judgments stick. At times it circles similar ground, but the steadiness of tone holds it together.
A restrained, thoughtful memoir that lands because it refuses to overstate itself.
Thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Simon & Schuster and Jason Arday for this advanced reader copy of this amazing book through NetGalley.
This is a powerful ode to a mother’s determination to help her sons succeed against amazing odds. Jason Arday was diagnosed with Autism at age 3, did not talk until 11 and couldn’t read or write until he was 18. This book documents his journey from being non verbal to a full professor at Cambridge. You meet the teachers and loved ones who supported and believed in him and the lessons he learned along the way.
A powerful inspirational story.
This is a powerful ode to a mother’s determination to help her sons succeed against amazing odds. Jason Arday was diagnosed with Autism at age 3, did not talk until 11 and couldn’t read or write until he was 18. This book documents his journey from being non verbal to a full professor at Cambridge. You meet the teachers and loved ones who supported and believed in him and the lessons he learned along the way.
A powerful inspirational story.
May 10, 2026
I received this book as a “Blind Date with a Book” from one of my favorite Independent bookstores Mostly Books.
Such an amazing biography about a young man in London who was diagnosed with autism at 3 and his parents were told he would never be able to speak, write or live independently.
His mother Giff was having none of that!
Jason Arday’s life and his story is so inspirational!
He holds the 2002 Professional Chair in the Sociology of Education at the University of Cambridge.
The book will be released 8/11/26 and I highly recommend it!
Such an amazing biography about a young man in London who was diagnosed with autism at 3 and his parents were told he would never be able to speak, write or live independently.
His mother Giff was having none of that!
Jason Arday’s life and his story is so inspirational!
He holds the 2002 Professional Chair in the Sociology of Education at the University of Cambridge.
The book will be released 8/11/26 and I highly recommend it!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was such a thoughtful and emotional read! I really liked how honest it all felt, especially when talking about education, identity, and inequality. The way he shares personal experiences alongside bigger social issues made the book feel really genuine and impactful. His mother’s belief in his abilities, and the role she played throughout his life was by far the most powerful piece. Overall I found it inspiring, though I wish there was more about his personal life and a bit less about academia.
Review of advance copy
This book in one word: inspirational. Being in alternative education and looking for a refresh and some inspiration this book found me at just the right moment. I can't wait to start reworking lessons and I can't wait to tell a whole host of people to purchase this memoir and let it impact them. Wonderfully delivered this novel gave me lots of room for self-reflection as an educator and that's there's always another way to look at something and that we can all be more inclusive, even when we think we already are. 10/10 recommend.
-Received as an ARC
-Received as an ARC
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
When I saw this book I was very excited to be able to request an ARC copy from NetGalley. A dear friend of mine has a grandson that struggles with autism and is mostly non verbal still at 6 years old. I thought that even the most insignificant amount of information would be helpful. Turns out this is one of the most hopeful and insightful books I have read. This brought tears to my eyes on several occasions throughout the story.
Jason story is inspiring. His support system and love from family and friends unconditional. The dedication and beliefs in him from Giff, Debs and Sandro was a gift. How blessed was he to have a mom that was so far ahead of her time and understanding of autism?
Jason is an extraordinary example of what can be accomplished when you combine sheer human will with Devine intervention. God has a plan for Jason. No matter how difficult it got, he never faulted. He will go on to do great things in this world. I feel his contribution to autism will end up being world renowned with so many benefiting from his unique experience. For many he is a beacon of light at the end of a very dark tunnel.
This book is raw and honest. Laid out in a simplistic form for us all to understand how the neurodivergent brain processes information.
Jason story is inspiring. His support system and love from family and friends unconditional. The dedication and beliefs in him from Giff, Debs and Sandro was a gift. How blessed was he to have a mom that was so far ahead of her time and understanding of autism?
Jason is an extraordinary example of what can be accomplished when you combine sheer human will with Devine intervention. God has a plan for Jason. No matter how difficult it got, he never faulted. He will go on to do great things in this world. I feel his contribution to autism will end up being world renowned with so many benefiting from his unique experience. For many he is a beacon of light at the end of a very dark tunnel.
This book is raw and honest. Laid out in a simplistic form for us all to understand how the neurodivergent brain processes information.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
AMAZING!! An inspirational story of the power of a mother's love and advocacy and the help of a few good people along the way (including the author drawing inspiration from Rocky quotes which this Philly girl LOVED) on the unexpected path to greatness from an underdog. ASD, multiple learning challenges and did not speak til age 11 or read til age 18. Really great story.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received a free copy of, Great and Unfortunate Things, by Jason Arday, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Jason grew up in the UK, his parents, especially his mom, would not let him be treated differently just because he was autistic Giff, Jason's mom, is an amazing mother. This was an inspiring read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This story was captivating. As an educator, I found it really gave me insight into some of my students and the struggles they face daily. I wanted to cheer for Giff throughout the book. This book is about survival, struggle, grit, and success. I will be recommending this book to everyone I know!
May 4, 2026
Truly an amazing memoir of a remarkable young mom and her talented son. The story is so hard to believe that I goggled and googled to see if was embellished. It wasn’t.
Thank you to NetGalley for proving me with an early release in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley for proving me with an early release in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
What a great inspirational biography. Enlightening and enjoyable. Thank you netgalley and the publisher for this ARC. What a true delight to read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
So inspirational. Dr Arday is an amazing man and gives hope to neurodivergents everywhere.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
what an amazing life story, so proud of the s&s team for all their work on it!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Absolutely exceptional book. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ As a mother of a child who presents with challenges and diagnoses similar to Mr. Arday's, this book had me absolutely in awe and inspired. I have recommended it to a number of friends whose children are not yet verbal. The eloquence and brilliance of his descriptions of what he was thinking and visualized in periods in his childhood when he was not yet verbal, was breathtaking and at times, heartbreaking. However, the challenges were not solely attributed to his neurodivergence, and the racial challenges he faced during the time period of his childhood in South London were quite notable as well. Through the many challenges discussed in the book, his brilliant path to success in his many professional positions, and finally, his current position as a professor at Cambridge, was all the more rewarding to read. I was fortunate to receive an ARC copy of this book from NetGalley and Mr. Arday, in exchange for an honest review.
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