What do you think?
I Swear: My Life with Tourette’s
From the remarkable man whose life inspired the heartstopping film, ‘I Swear’, a book that offers extraordinary insight into what it’s like to live with a severe form of Tourette’s a fascinating, complex condition that’s more common than most of us think ( 1 in 100 schoolchildren have the condition) , and yet is chronically misunderstood.
Born in the 1970s on the Scottish Borders, John’s was twelve when his tics first arrived, as if from nowhere. Previously a happy, popular, football-mad boy he was labelled disruptive, rude, and even mad. As his condition progressed, from blinks and jerks to involuntary rude and obscene shouting, John was bullied, rejected - alienated from his family and a society that had no idea what to make of him.
Hospitalized and drugged for months, it was only an extraordinary and transformative friendship, and John’s dogged optimism, that turned his life around, making I Swear an inspirational story of triumph over adversity.
Through John’s eyes, we see Tourette’s not just as a medical condition, but as a lens through which we can all better understand the importance of human connection. And how essential, as well as ultimately rewarding, it can be to keep going and never give up.
Born in the 1970s on the Scottish Borders, John’s was twelve when his tics first arrived, as if from nowhere. Previously a happy, popular, football-mad boy he was labelled disruptive, rude, and even mad. As his condition progressed, from blinks and jerks to involuntary rude and obscene shouting, John was bullied, rejected - alienated from his family and a society that had no idea what to make of him.
Hospitalized and drugged for months, it was only an extraordinary and transformative friendship, and John’s dogged optimism, that turned his life around, making I Swear an inspirational story of triumph over adversity.
Through John’s eyes, we see Tourette’s not just as a medical condition, but as a lens through which we can all better understand the importance of human connection. And how essential, as well as ultimately rewarding, it can be to keep going and never give up.
ebook
First published August 21, 2025
About the author
John Davidson
2,044 books8 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
John Davidson has been a lifelong educator. He is an avid outdoorsman and Internet entrepreneur running online businesses since 2001. He has more than 200 websites and has written or published more than 1000 books. His books include:
• Health Learning series
• Amazing Animal Books for Young Readers series
• Learn to Draw series
• Learn to Airbrush series
• Learn to Paint with Pastels series
• How to Build series
• Entrepreneur Book series
John Davidson has been a lifelong educator. He is an avid outdoorsman and Internet entrepreneur running online businesses since 2001. He has more than 200 websites and has written or published more than 1000 books. His books include:
• Health Learning series
• Amazing Animal Books for Young Readers series
• Learn to Draw series
• Learn to Airbrush series
• Learn to Paint with Pastels series
• How to Build series
• Entrepreneur Book series
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
April 11, 2026
Davidson's story as told to the writer Abbie Ross. Heartfelt and moving it details the trials faced living with Tourettes, especially in his earlier years when there was little understanding of the condition. (Given recent events at the BAFTA awards, sadly it seems there are lots of people who are still ignorant). It makes an interesting companion to the excellent film, particularly the process of episodes included or not, artistic licence and amalgamated and missing characters and treatments. For example, the film makes much more of his dealings with the police and his court case than is mentioned in the book. Probably a 4 star read but elevated to 5 because Davidson is a Scottish hero.
March 17, 2026
I Swear tells the true life story of John Davidson, who many of us first came across in 1989 when he was the subject of the QED documentary John’s Not Mad (available on YouTube). John has Tourette Syndrome, and sadly for him, with the most extreme symptoms any sufferer of this condition can get.
I Swear tells the story of John’s life, from his young years before the condition when he was a normal, football obsessed and popular kid; through his deeply traumatic teenage years - his Tourette’s started around age 11 and escalated from blinks and neck twitches, to full on uncontrollable swearing, spitting and punching. His teenage years were a cruel kind of hell, it took several years for a diagnosis and through this time John was bullied horribly by other kids and unsupportive teachers. He was institutionalised and put on drugs that didn’t reduce his tics but zombified him. A chance encounter with a doctor from another hospital brought his diagnosis, but also the knowledge there was no cure.
Imagine the social isolation of shouting out the most offensive words your brain can come up with, risking getting beaten up by strangers any time you leave your home. The fact he could never learn to drive - a tic or irresistible compulsion could cause death through car crash if he swung the wheel. The near impossible challenge of having a romantic relationship, as who could cope with their boyfriend shouting out someone else’s name during sex, calling them a slut and especially punching them in the chest. His family sadly collapsed as they struggled to cope with his condition.
The QED documentary was a step towards educating the rest of us about this challenging condition - it was where I first heard of Tourette’s.
John’s amazing friend Dottie supported him in ways his mum couldn’t, both in encouraging a positive outlook and ability to laugh at his tics at times, but also getting him into work and finding a purpose.
John has spent his adult life as a spokesperson and educator about Tourette’s. He organises support weekends for families of kids who have the condition, so they can meet others like them, feel less alone and share coping strategies. He gives talks in schools, to the police and to medics. Johns purpose is now to raise awareness and so understanding and empathy for this extraordinary rare condition.
And empathy is what comes across most strongly in this book. It is very well written - he told his story to a psychotherapist and she wrote the book from their interviews, telling his story with clarity, empathy and dignity. We get inside John’s head and get a strong understanding of how it would be to live a life like his. It is absolutely compelling, will probably make you cry - and will make you laugh on occasion too - some of his tics are genuinely hilarious (“my Crown Jewels are bigger than yours”, “Spunk for milk!”).
The film (also called) I Swear has just been released on Netflix - this is excellent too. But for a much deeper insight into John’s story and Tourette’s, read this book. Very highly recommended.
I Swear tells the story of John’s life, from his young years before the condition when he was a normal, football obsessed and popular kid; through his deeply traumatic teenage years - his Tourette’s started around age 11 and escalated from blinks and neck twitches, to full on uncontrollable swearing, spitting and punching. His teenage years were a cruel kind of hell, it took several years for a diagnosis and through this time John was bullied horribly by other kids and unsupportive teachers. He was institutionalised and put on drugs that didn’t reduce his tics but zombified him. A chance encounter with a doctor from another hospital brought his diagnosis, but also the knowledge there was no cure.
Imagine the social isolation of shouting out the most offensive words your brain can come up with, risking getting beaten up by strangers any time you leave your home. The fact he could never learn to drive - a tic or irresistible compulsion could cause death through car crash if he swung the wheel. The near impossible challenge of having a romantic relationship, as who could cope with their boyfriend shouting out someone else’s name during sex, calling them a slut and especially punching them in the chest. His family sadly collapsed as they struggled to cope with his condition.
The QED documentary was a step towards educating the rest of us about this challenging condition - it was where I first heard of Tourette’s.
John’s amazing friend Dottie supported him in ways his mum couldn’t, both in encouraging a positive outlook and ability to laugh at his tics at times, but also getting him into work and finding a purpose.
John has spent his adult life as a spokesperson and educator about Tourette’s. He organises support weekends for families of kids who have the condition, so they can meet others like them, feel less alone and share coping strategies. He gives talks in schools, to the police and to medics. Johns purpose is now to raise awareness and so understanding and empathy for this extraordinary rare condition.
And empathy is what comes across most strongly in this book. It is very well written - he told his story to a psychotherapist and she wrote the book from their interviews, telling his story with clarity, empathy and dignity. We get inside John’s head and get a strong understanding of how it would be to live a life like his. It is absolutely compelling, will probably make you cry - and will make you laugh on occasion too - some of his tics are genuinely hilarious (“my Crown Jewels are bigger than yours”, “Spunk for milk!”).
The film (also called) I Swear has just been released on Netflix - this is excellent too. But for a much deeper insight into John’s story and Tourette’s, read this book. Very highly recommended.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
just brilliant. I cried sad and happy tears. what a story, what an inspirational man and what great support from those who gave him a chance. hats off to all. this is a book not to be missed. a real adventure but most importantly, a real education.
October 10, 2025
Absolutely amazing!
The pacing was great, the writing wasn’t confusing and it was so hard to put down!
Relatable, funny, emotional and moving.
One of the only times I’ve ever cried at a book too 🥲❤️
Very good, I think everyone should read this!!!
The pacing was great, the writing wasn’t confusing and it was so hard to put down!
Relatable, funny, emotional and moving.
One of the only times I’ve ever cried at a book too 🥲❤️
Very good, I think everyone should read this!!!
August 17, 2026
Everybody should read dis!
March 15, 2026
This memoir tells the life of John Davidson, a Scottish man who developed Tourette’s syndrome at the age of ten and how his life has turned out from growing up in 1980s Scotland, where Tourette’s was extremely unknown, to his life today as a campaigner who was awarded an MBE in 2019.
This memoir was both heartbreaking and really interesting as it gave an insight into what it is like to live with Tourette’s. I don’t read a lot of nonfiction, but I learned a lot from this book. It’s a tough read, but there are some really lovely and funny moments as John writes about his life, including his friendship with Dottie, who is a mother of a childhood friend, and helps John throughout his life, becoming a mother figure to him. This memoir is very short, and occasionally becomes anecdotal, but it’s a book that should be read by everyone because it’s truly eye-opening.
This memoir was both heartbreaking and really interesting as it gave an insight into what it is like to live with Tourette’s. I don’t read a lot of nonfiction, but I learned a lot from this book. It’s a tough read, but there are some really lovely and funny moments as John writes about his life, including his friendship with Dottie, who is a mother of a childhood friend, and helps John throughout his life, becoming a mother figure to him. This memoir is very short, and occasionally becomes anecdotal, but it’s a book that should be read by everyone because it’s truly eye-opening.
April 18, 2026
An absolutely biased review. Knowing John personally and hearing more of his life story was both heart warming and heart breaking.
So well written and paced very well.
I laughed, I cried and feel so proud of John and the impact he has on peoples lives including my own.
So well written and paced very well.
I laughed, I cried and feel so proud of John and the impact he has on peoples lives including my own.
October 17, 2025
brilliantly told, would recommend everyone to read this.
April 15, 2026
EN / LT
I swear - it’s the best autobiography I’ve ever read!
The way life with Tourette’s syndrome is portrayed is both moving and uplifting—it lets you wipe away a tear one moment and laugh out loud the next. It is open, real, full of life, authentic..
This book offers far more insight than any standard informational guide ever could. It’s not just educational—it’s human, honest, and unforgettable.
Highly recommend both the book and its movie adaptation—you won’t be disappointed.
______________________________________
Tai geriausia autobiografija, kokią esu skaičiusi!
Gyvenimo su Tureto sindromu vaizdavimas yra ir jautriai jaudinantis, ir pakylėjantis – vieną akimirką verčia braukti ašarą, o kitą – garsiai juoktis.
Knyga yra atvira, tikra, kupina gyvenimo ir autentiškumo. Ji suteikia daug daugiau įžvalgų nei bet kuris įprastas informacinis vadovas.
Tai ne tik lavinanti, bet ir labai žmogiška, sąžininga bei nepamirštama knyga.
Nuoširdžiai rekomenduoju tiek knygą, tiek jos ekranizaciją – tikrai nenusivilsite.
I swear - it’s the best autobiography I’ve ever read!
The way life with Tourette’s syndrome is portrayed is both moving and uplifting—it lets you wipe away a tear one moment and laugh out loud the next. It is open, real, full of life, authentic..
This book offers far more insight than any standard informational guide ever could. It’s not just educational—it’s human, honest, and unforgettable.
Highly recommend both the book and its movie adaptation—you won’t be disappointed.
______________________________________
Tai geriausia autobiografija, kokią esu skaičiusi!
Gyvenimo su Tureto sindromu vaizdavimas yra ir jautriai jaudinantis, ir pakylėjantis – vieną akimirką verčia braukti ašarą, o kitą – garsiai juoktis.
Knyga yra atvira, tikra, kupina gyvenimo ir autentiškumo. Ji suteikia daug daugiau įžvalgų nei bet kuris įprastas informacinis vadovas.
Tai ne tik lavinanti, bet ir labai žmogiška, sąžininga bei nepamirštama knyga.
Nuoširdžiai rekomenduoju tiek knygą, tiek jos ekranizaciją – tikrai nenusivilsite.
April 14, 2026
Amazing book about an amazing man such a moving story makes you laugh and cry so all the way through it a definite must read or listen
August 4, 2026
”Some people think Tourette’s is funny, or an excuse to behave badly, but believe me, it’s the opposite of how I want to behave.”
Ca și în cazul unei cărți de self help, e greu să dai notă unei biografii. De obicei. Aici e mai simplu: e scrisă fain, are iz de roman la cât de incredibile sunt unele faze și are relevanță pentru societate. Așa că, deși nu o vreau în bilbliotecă, deci nu are 5 perfect, merită o notă bună și asta pentru că merită să fie citită. Nu pentru a știi cum e viața cu Tourette, ci pentru a știi cum să navighezi o viață în care pleci cu dezavantaj și cum să ai/să oferi mai puține preconcepții.
Partea din copilărie are mai mult impact și relevanță și autorii cred la fel, pentru că de la 18 ani sare destul de mult spre 40. Dar are sens, pentru că începutul bolii și a trăi cu ea e acolo. Capitolul cu un număr de telefon bloke me. O mamă, o noapte, un Nu stiu, un Omoară-mă. Efectiv mi-a indus pauză forțată și ură pentru omenire.
Dar are și multe personaje care te fac să ai iar încredere în lume. Deși John nu prea are încredere în sine, ba chiar, la început, e complet de acord cu ceilalți: ce poate oferi el? ”but who wants to stay with someone who calls out another woman’s name when they’re having sex? Or punches them in the breast?”
Ce apreciez însă este că lecția finală este: împacă-te cu cine ești: It’s such a relief for me to be able to tic shame-free.
Chit că acel tic vine în fața Reginei. A Angliei: It just exploded out of me, and I shouted out, at the top of my voice:
‘FUCK THE QUEEN!’
De la prima înjurătură, adresată mamei, la cea adresată reginei, Jogn ne spune cumva liniar povestea lui. Cum e să simți acest sindrom: . I just couldn’t seem to contain myself, that’s the only way I can describe it; it was like everything – all my energy, all my thoughts – wanted to spill out of me. I could feel just how much faster my mind was racing. I couldn’t hold my thoughts still.
Cum e să trăiești cu el fizic: near-constant pain in my neck from all the twitching.
Și psihic: the tears spilling out from my eyes, rolling down my cheeks – like a baby! Like a stupid little baby.
Un calvar zilnic, dar și o lecție de anduranță, perseverență și control: Rational and compulsive thoughts jostled for attention. Just do it! And that was it: I was skipping down the road now, hating myself, my mind still battling but failing to control my body that was betraying me.
De la episoade îngrozitoare, ca cel cu telefonul și cel cu râul rece, la ajutor și suport: Dottie( Dottie likes to say she invited me in for tea and I ended up staying for twenty-five years, and she’s not far wrong about that.), Tommy și grupul de suport: The group became a regular thing for me and Mum. We’d go to the monthly meetings, no matter where they were in Scotland.
Este și ul film legat de John, asta după ce în anii 90 BBC a făcut un documentar. În film pare ca nu știe nimeni de Tourette si el face grupul, dar nu a fost chiar așa. Echipa de producție a documentarului a dat BBC in judecata, ca sa le dea spot in prime time, BBC nu a vrut, ca era cu înjurături. Și un judecător a zis sa se dea in prime time ca e important sa se cunoască mai multe despre această boală.
Și am găsit și o referință la o carte citită de mine: Oliver Sacks wasn’t in any way what I expected. Thank God. He was funny and relaxed and friendly, He’s written about Tourette’s in his book The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat, and he wrote a book called Awakenings – you might have heard of him.
Recomand și cartea aia, dacă nu ai citit-o deja.
Cum am ajuns la notă:
5 Pentru personaje, Love sau Hate
5 Pentru relevanța pentru societate în 5/50 ani
5 Pentru că nu cred că am citit ceva asemanator, mai bun
3 pentru inovativitate în scriitură
5 pentru cât skipping impulse mi-a dat
0 Am pus autorul pe listă să mai citesc de la el?
5 pentru finish time-O pot lăsa din mână?
5 Are un ritm frumos?
Și bonus, super personale:
DA Am râs, am plâns?
NU O vreau musai în bibliotecă?
DA: 1 year later o mai țin minte?
Ca și în cazul unei cărți de self help, e greu să dai notă unei biografii. De obicei. Aici e mai simplu: e scrisă fain, are iz de roman la cât de incredibile sunt unele faze și are relevanță pentru societate. Așa că, deși nu o vreau în bilbliotecă, deci nu are 5 perfect, merită o notă bună și asta pentru că merită să fie citită. Nu pentru a știi cum e viața cu Tourette, ci pentru a știi cum să navighezi o viață în care pleci cu dezavantaj și cum să ai/să oferi mai puține preconcepții.
Partea din copilărie are mai mult impact și relevanță și autorii cred la fel, pentru că de la 18 ani sare destul de mult spre 40. Dar are sens, pentru că începutul bolii și a trăi cu ea e acolo. Capitolul cu un număr de telefon bloke me. O mamă, o noapte, un Nu stiu, un Omoară-mă. Efectiv mi-a indus pauză forțată și ură pentru omenire.
Dar are și multe personaje care te fac să ai iar încredere în lume. Deși John nu prea are încredere în sine, ba chiar, la început, e complet de acord cu ceilalți: ce poate oferi el? ”but who wants to stay with someone who calls out another woman’s name when they’re having sex? Or punches them in the breast?”
Ce apreciez însă este că lecția finală este: împacă-te cu cine ești: It’s such a relief for me to be able to tic shame-free.
Chit că acel tic vine în fața Reginei. A Angliei: It just exploded out of me, and I shouted out, at the top of my voice:
‘FUCK THE QUEEN!’
De la prima înjurătură, adresată mamei, la cea adresată reginei, Jogn ne spune cumva liniar povestea lui. Cum e să simți acest sindrom: . I just couldn’t seem to contain myself, that’s the only way I can describe it; it was like everything – all my energy, all my thoughts – wanted to spill out of me. I could feel just how much faster my mind was racing. I couldn’t hold my thoughts still.
Cum e să trăiești cu el fizic: near-constant pain in my neck from all the twitching.
Și psihic: the tears spilling out from my eyes, rolling down my cheeks – like a baby! Like a stupid little baby.
Un calvar zilnic, dar și o lecție de anduranță, perseverență și control: Rational and compulsive thoughts jostled for attention. Just do it! And that was it: I was skipping down the road now, hating myself, my mind still battling but failing to control my body that was betraying me.
De la episoade îngrozitoare, ca cel cu telefonul și cel cu râul rece, la ajutor și suport: Dottie( Dottie likes to say she invited me in for tea and I ended up staying for twenty-five years, and she’s not far wrong about that.), Tommy și grupul de suport: The group became a regular thing for me and Mum. We’d go to the monthly meetings, no matter where they were in Scotland.
Este și ul film legat de John, asta după ce în anii 90 BBC a făcut un documentar. În film pare ca nu știe nimeni de Tourette si el face grupul, dar nu a fost chiar așa. Echipa de producție a documentarului a dat BBC in judecata, ca sa le dea spot in prime time, BBC nu a vrut, ca era cu înjurături. Și un judecător a zis sa se dea in prime time ca e important sa se cunoască mai multe despre această boală.
Și am găsit și o referință la o carte citită de mine: Oliver Sacks wasn’t in any way what I expected. Thank God. He was funny and relaxed and friendly, He’s written about Tourette’s in his book The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat, and he wrote a book called Awakenings – you might have heard of him.
Recomand și cartea aia, dacă nu ai citit-o deja.
Cum am ajuns la notă:
5 Pentru personaje, Love sau Hate
5 Pentru relevanța pentru societate în 5/50 ani
5 Pentru că nu cred că am citit ceva asemanator, mai bun
3 pentru inovativitate în scriitură
5 pentru cât skipping impulse mi-a dat
0 Am pus autorul pe listă să mai citesc de la el?
5 pentru finish time-O pot lăsa din mână?
5 Are un ritm frumos?
Și bonus, super personale:
DA Am râs, am plâns?
NU O vreau musai în bibliotecă?
DA: 1 year later o mai țin minte?
April 4, 2026
A perfectly written biography of John’s life. I cannot begin to imagine the experience of someone living with Tourettes, the reality of those urges and compulsions, but although I already had compassion for those living with the syndrome, John’s book left me with even more. Throughout all his trials and tribulations, his mistreatment at the hands of everyone from strangers to his own parents, he never loses his kindness and compassion. The book is also a testament to the good in people, the kindness of those who scooped him up in dark times and helped to carry him through.
March 28, 2026
Outstanding
An absolutely incredible book, so educational and heartwarming.
The way in which John has overcome so much, dealt with so much bullying and misunderstanding broke my heart. He didn't shy away from being honest at any point.The people gathered around him really understood him and his needs, showing how important having a support system is.
I laughed, cried, and learnt a lot.
An absolutely incredible book, so educational and heartwarming.
The way in which John has overcome so much, dealt with so much bullying and misunderstanding broke my heart. He didn't shy away from being honest at any point.The people gathered around him really understood him and his needs, showing how important having a support system is.
I laughed, cried, and learnt a lot.
March 27, 2026
It's an incredible book, so inspiring and insightful. It is heartbreaking when John writes about his early years and the ignorance around him. I found it very informative and truly heartwarming of an amazing man who deserves every happiness and success in life in all his achievements and helping others. It is slightly different from the film but both are brilliant.
March 20, 2026
after reading an article about a man with Tourette’s shouting out a racial slur at the BAFTAS, i was really interested to understand why there were people outraged by this. i truly believe if everyone read this book they will understand that with Coprolalia (one of the types of Tourette’s John Davidson has) it is simply the LAST thing he wants to say - he has no control over it. the constant fear and pressure that your body will betray you and offend others, my goodness.
the book takes you through his childhood and how there was no awareness or understanding - children AND ADULTS can be so mean :(
i am looking forward to watching Kirk Jones’ I Swear on Netflix to see the book come to life
an extra star for the photos at the end - saved me from googling everyone 🥹⭐️
the book takes you through his childhood and how there was no awareness or understanding - children AND ADULTS can be so mean :(
i am looking forward to watching Kirk Jones’ I Swear on Netflix to see the book come to life
an extra star for the photos at the end - saved me from googling everyone 🥹⭐️
March 6, 2026
You wonder sometimes how some people get through their childhoods, dont you ? well thats how I felt about Davidson. This an amazing book about an amazing man and the life he lived from 10 years onwards.
At times it is gut wrenchingly so sad, and another its laugh out loud funny.
i think this is a book that should be in all school libraries.
At times it is gut wrenchingly so sad, and another its laugh out loud funny.
i think this is a book that should be in all school libraries.
January 23, 2026
AMAZING!!!
read it in one sitting. one of my fav books ever i think. funny, devastating, cringe at times, & super honest
cant wait to see the movie!!
read it in one sitting. one of my fav books ever i think. funny, devastating, cringe at times, & super honest
cant wait to see the movie!!
February 16, 2026
Oh what an incredible book. I just finished it after recently watching the Movie on TV.
This is a brilliant book, one I'm going to keep close so I can reread it at some stage in the future.
I loved this a fantastic book but I actually think the movie was better. I laughed and then I cried, once I stopped crying I'd be laughing again.
I can only highly recommend both the Movie and this book.
This is a brilliant book, one I'm going to keep close so I can reread it at some stage in the future.
I loved this a fantastic book but I actually think the movie was better. I laughed and then I cried, once I stopped crying I'd be laughing again.
I can only highly recommend both the Movie and this book.
April 19, 2026
Finally finished this book. I’ve started reading after watching the movie, but have been putting finishing reading it off as I’ve never felt more seen or understood by a book before.
This is a book that will most certainly stay with me and be reread for many years until the pages are so worn they can’t turn.
Highly recommend reading this book
- Someone with Tourette’s
This is a book that will most certainly stay with me and be reread for many years until the pages are so worn they can’t turn.
Highly recommend reading this book
- Someone with Tourette’s
April 8, 2026
Absolutely loved this book. Couldn't put it down, would recommend to anyone and everyone!
May 29, 2026
Moving story, has more insight into his early life etc. than the film
August 19, 2026
Skillfully told, funny and moving. There’s so much more to discover in the book compared to the film, so I’d definitely recommend both!
April 8, 2026
He’s just wonderful and it’s a surprisingly well written and moving book
June 2, 2026
Loved the film and loved the book. Such a heart wrenching story in many ways, but told with humour and humility.
April 26, 2026
🎧4.75⭐️
I had the audiobook of this memoir read by David Monteath who is very good.
I am starting this by saying I don’t read memoirs, but this came highly recommended by Daniel mcBreakneck so FOMO kicked in.
John started with Tourette’s at the age of 10 in the 1980’s when so little was known about it, certainly not in general public terms.
It’s manages to be very moving, and sad looking at his early life, how his family and school reacted to his condition, his rejection and isolation was heartbreaking.
It wasn’t medical intervention that helped John the most, but an amazingly accepting and welcoming family. I just adored this family with their easy going acceptance and open arms, Dotty is amazing.
It is also hilariously funny. One incident especially had me bellyaching round the kitchen while I was trying to prep my pizza.
It seamlessly blends emotions creating something unique. It raises awareness of the condition while being easy listening and off the charts entertaining, and then there’s the educational content. The postscript was amazing, Barbara Morera Marquez deserves to win a highly acclaimed award for her medical innovation Neupulse.
My final word- you don’t need to be a memoir reader to find this book fascinating.
I had the audiobook of this memoir read by David Monteath who is very good.
I am starting this by saying I don’t read memoirs, but this came highly recommended by Daniel mcBreakneck so FOMO kicked in.
John started with Tourette’s at the age of 10 in the 1980’s when so little was known about it, certainly not in general public terms.
It’s manages to be very moving, and sad looking at his early life, how his family and school reacted to his condition, his rejection and isolation was heartbreaking.
It wasn’t medical intervention that helped John the most, but an amazingly accepting and welcoming family. I just adored this family with their easy going acceptance and open arms, Dotty is amazing.
It is also hilariously funny. One incident especially had me bellyaching round the kitchen while I was trying to prep my pizza.
It seamlessly blends emotions creating something unique. It raises awareness of the condition while being easy listening and off the charts entertaining, and then there’s the educational content. The postscript was amazing, Barbara Morera Marquez deserves to win a highly acclaimed award for her medical innovation Neupulse.
My final word- you don’t need to be a memoir reader to find this book fascinating.
January 25, 2026
I write this with tears in my eyes. This is a heart-felt book and so very important to gain an understanding of what life was like for John growing up with Tourettes. Im pretty sure I saw the documentary when I was growing up and never really understood what it was really like for him, especially during a time when little was really known about tourettes. This book made me understand how hard it must have been. His descriptions were heartbreaking. Im so glad he found Dottie. What a wonderful woman she is, understanding and loving, and exactly what he needed most. I am just so happy he found his people, Tommy, Paul, it just goes to show how important the right people are in having a positive impact on people's lives. It saddened me to read about some of his less positive experiences, and it makes me sick to my stomach to know that there were people like that, making an already struggling little boys life hell. I implore you to read this. It may make us all a little bit more understanding of those who are different, have a little bit more empathy, and be more Dottie.
Review of advance copy
The film version of 'I Swear' was one of my favourites of 2025 so when I seen this in Waterstones I knew I had to pick it up. It was interesting to compare the two and see what stories were either enhanced or made up for the film. Maybe John gave the director some new stories, who knows! Either way, this book was a brilliant companion and even if you have already seen the film it is well worth a read.
I really enjoyed getting to hear John's honest thoughts and feelings on everything that has happened in his life due to having Tourette's Syndrome. He has been through so much but still carries on trying to be as positive as he can. The work that he has done for other families and people with Tourette's is really inspiring to read about, he seems like a truly good person. I think that Tourette's is probably still a very misunderstood medical condition and I'm glad that he was encouraged to tell his story.
I really enjoyed getting to hear John's honest thoughts and feelings on everything that has happened in his life due to having Tourette's Syndrome. He has been through so much but still carries on trying to be as positive as he can. The work that he has done for other families and people with Tourette's is really inspiring to read about, he seems like a truly good person. I think that Tourette's is probably still a very misunderstood medical condition and I'm glad that he was encouraged to tell his story.
January 21, 2026
Outstanding. Davidson tells his story with such brutal honesty, but also at times with great humour (I found myself laughing out loud a few times walking to work while listening to this). As a teacher, it was especially painful for me to hear about the cruelty of some of his teachers at school, who on the one hand can be forgiven for not knowing about Tourette's Syndrome, but on the other cannot be forgiven for failing to show kindness and patience. You can't help but feel so proud of John when he recalls the day the queen awarded him an MBE, or just how much of a difference his work has made in bringing together people with Tourette's and raising awareness about the condition. The book ends with a strong sense of hope regarding revolutionary new treatment for Tourette's coming out this year. Definitely need to see the recent film adaptation of this.
March 15, 2026
What a book. It was so easy to read, yet full of depth.
John developed tourettes in year 6 and his time at secondary school is utter hell.
His mum did what she could but tourettes was a complete unknown even to the medical profession. Through this book I finally understand the sheer involuntary nature of it and the things it makes you say and do.
John does some really outrageous things - putting his hands over the eyes of his beloved Dottie when she's driving him either to a hospital appt or a meeting (I can't remember which) spring to mind, because the tension in car was just too much.
Dottie - a friend's mum, who welcomes him in and makes him part of her family, she is his life saver.
And the community centre giving him value and purpose.
There is so much good stuff here to celebrate, but a lot of the book is harrowing and really sad, which should not be over looked.
John developed tourettes in year 6 and his time at secondary school is utter hell.
His mum did what she could but tourettes was a complete unknown even to the medical profession. Through this book I finally understand the sheer involuntary nature of it and the things it makes you say and do.
John does some really outrageous things - putting his hands over the eyes of his beloved Dottie when she's driving him either to a hospital appt or a meeting (I can't remember which) spring to mind, because the tension in car was just too much.
Dottie - a friend's mum, who welcomes him in and makes him part of her family, she is his life saver.
And the community centre giving him value and purpose.
There is so much good stuff here to celebrate, but a lot of the book is harrowing and really sad, which should not be over looked.
October 21, 2025
John Davidson’s memoir ‘I Swear’ guides the reader through his discovery, diagnosis, and life with Tourette’s syndrome.
While John is treated like a disgrace for having a taboo condition, it’s easy to say his family, friends and foes are the disgraceful ones in their ostracising treatment of him. However, it’s more complex than that because of the lack of understanding of Tourette’s syndrome back in the 80s... but there’s no excuse now.
Removing the condition’s surface humour, John shows humanity beneath the condition, italicising the tics as a separate voice. I’m often a deep-rooted tree, but the book and film are incredibly moving and continue to move mountains in destigmatising a misunderstood condition.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
While John is treated like a disgrace for having a taboo condition, it’s easy to say his family, friends and foes are the disgraceful ones in their ostracising treatment of him. However, it’s more complex than that because of the lack of understanding of Tourette’s syndrome back in the 80s... but there’s no excuse now.
Removing the condition’s surface humour, John shows humanity beneath the condition, italicising the tics as a separate voice. I’m often a deep-rooted tree, but the book and film are incredibly moving and continue to move mountains in destigmatising a misunderstood condition.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews