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Eye Can Write: A memoir of a child's silent soul emerging
Can you imagine not being able to speak or communicate? The silence, the loneliness, the pain. But, inside you disappear to magical places, and even meet your best friend there. However, most of the time you remain imprisoned within the isolation. Waiting, longing, hoping. Until someone realises your potential and discovers your key, so your unlocking can begin. Now you are free, flying like a wild bird in the open sky. A voice for the voiceless.Jonathan Bryan has severe cerebral palsy, a condition that makes him incapable of voluntary movement or speech. He was locked inside his own mind, aware of the outside world but unable to fully communicate with it until he found a way by using his eyes to laboriously choose individual letters, and through this make his thoughts known.In Eye can Write, we read of his intense passion for life, his mischievous sense of fun, his hopes, his fears and what it's like to be him. This is a powerful book from an incredible young writer whose writing ability defies age or physical disability - a truly inspirational figure.Foreword by Sir Michael MorpurgoA portion of the proceeds from the sale of this book will be donated to Jonathan Bryan's charity, Teach Us
192 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 12, 2018
39 people are currently reading
569 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
April 5, 2020
We often take for granted our ability, even in the crudest sense of the word, to articulate how we feel about the world, to interact with our surroundings and discover the wonders of the world via art and literature. This ability was denied to Jonathan Bryan, who was born with cerebral palsy and for many years was consider incapable of expressing himself and, by extension, experience human emotions and who was seen via the prism of his disability rather than as a person. However, via a steadfast mother and progressive educational methods and support mechanisms, Bryan is able to, via his eyes and an alphabet board is finally able to express his innermost emotions, his hopes and fears, his passion for literature and compassion for his family. Bryan is able to give a voice to those who previously didn't have one, who were seen as unfeeling and inarticulate due to their disability but who still had the same breadth and range of emotions as any other human beings. Combined with all of this is Bryan's laudable desire to reform special needs education and ensure everybody, irrespective of how the world perceives them due to their condition, is taught literacy as otherwise we will continue to deny disabled people the voice they so rightfully deserve.
August 25, 2018
I have known of Jonathan for quite a long time now as he lives in the next village to me and my children went to the same mainstream primary school that he attended one day a week. This book is a fascinating read and gives a real insight into the difficulties he faces on a daily basis (the chapters written by Chantal, his mum, are very moving), and how he has finally found his voice as an intelligent, highly articulate young man.
November 20, 2018
This beautiful memoir should be read by anyone who has anything to do with disabled children, and anyone who reads, writes, or teaches. Basically, everyone could immeasurably benefit by reading this book.
It is a gorgeous story told by a child with cerebral palsy about his journey to communication. It is not sentimental but it is very moving. And the poetry contained within is just gorgeous.
If you have ever wondered, just for a second, what the life of a child with a severe disability is like, what is going on inside their head, whether their life is worth living, this book will answer your questions decisively.
I cannot recommend this book more highly.
It is a gorgeous story told by a child with cerebral palsy about his journey to communication. It is not sentimental but it is very moving. And the poetry contained within is just gorgeous.
If you have ever wondered, just for a second, what the life of a child with a severe disability is like, what is going on inside their head, whether their life is worth living, this book will answer your questions decisively.
I cannot recommend this book more highly.
July 25, 2018
Are you trapped by your inability to see?
How often have you looked at a person and only noticed the disability?
In shame, I confess that this is me.
I notice the wheelchair that speaks incapability
And respond with an apology.
Eyes stare back knowingly
Looking at me with certainty
Oceans are crossed by seeing beyond the deformity
To a brain’s digestibility.
Eye can write intelligently
If you give me time to learn like every other child without differentiality.
(Margaret Kazmierczak, inspired by Jonathon Bryan)
No one should be trapped
Jonathan Bryan has broken free from his trapped world and shares with us his journey. He is an incredible young man of twelve years old. Along with his mother, they fight for Jonathan’s right to be heard, to be taught reading, writing, spelling and maths. Outwardly his body looks too damaged to be educated in a mainstream school. Inwardly Jonathon has an incredible mind. Unlike Stephen Hawkins who already had access to regular schooling before his illness took hold of his body and had shown his intelligence, Jonathon has no such claim to fame.
A determined hero
I am so glad Jonathan and his family have put pen to paper. Yes, it was a painstakingly slow process using a spelling board, but we need to know and see that disability does not stop the brain from wanting to learn. And we should not see the broken body as an excuse to refuse proper education to creative minds that are trapped within.
And what a mother - an unsung hero behind Jonathon who deserves an accolade too.
Don't look at the disability see the potential
Jonathan’s book has the potential to change mindsets. To challenge the norm. How many other children and adults are trapped in a system that disregards and dismisses the disabled their rights. Why should only the likes of Stephen Hawkins have centre stage when Jonathan Bryan has lived in his silent world since he was born.
Who ought to read Eye Can Write
This book is brilliant especially as it is the voice of a twelve-year-old. It is intelligent, well written and has beautiful poetry as chapter openings. All educators of special needs and mainstream schools as well and professionals involved with the care of disabled children ought to read this book. We must all champion their cause. If we don’t then, we are failing the geniuses of the future who could change our world.
Let's hear from Jonathan as no words speak louder than the authors.
"All my life, people have done things for me. I am washed, dressed, fed via a tube and wheeled around. Now I have found my voice, I want to use it to help other children to read and write so that they can communicate with the world. My body is weak, but my desire to make a difference for children like me is very strong."
Thank you, Jonathan, for writing this inspirational book.
How often have you looked at a person and only noticed the disability?
In shame, I confess that this is me.
I notice the wheelchair that speaks incapability
And respond with an apology.
Eyes stare back knowingly
Looking at me with certainty
Oceans are crossed by seeing beyond the deformity
To a brain’s digestibility.
Eye can write intelligently
If you give me time to learn like every other child without differentiality.
(Margaret Kazmierczak, inspired by Jonathon Bryan)
No one should be trapped
Jonathan Bryan has broken free from his trapped world and shares with us his journey. He is an incredible young man of twelve years old. Along with his mother, they fight for Jonathan’s right to be heard, to be taught reading, writing, spelling and maths. Outwardly his body looks too damaged to be educated in a mainstream school. Inwardly Jonathon has an incredible mind. Unlike Stephen Hawkins who already had access to regular schooling before his illness took hold of his body and had shown his intelligence, Jonathon has no such claim to fame.
A determined hero
I am so glad Jonathan and his family have put pen to paper. Yes, it was a painstakingly slow process using a spelling board, but we need to know and see that disability does not stop the brain from wanting to learn. And we should not see the broken body as an excuse to refuse proper education to creative minds that are trapped within.
And what a mother - an unsung hero behind Jonathon who deserves an accolade too.
Don't look at the disability see the potential
Jonathan’s book has the potential to change mindsets. To challenge the norm. How many other children and adults are trapped in a system that disregards and dismisses the disabled their rights. Why should only the likes of Stephen Hawkins have centre stage when Jonathan Bryan has lived in his silent world since he was born.
Who ought to read Eye Can Write
This book is brilliant especially as it is the voice of a twelve-year-old. It is intelligent, well written and has beautiful poetry as chapter openings. All educators of special needs and mainstream schools as well and professionals involved with the care of disabled children ought to read this book. We must all champion their cause. If we don’t then, we are failing the geniuses of the future who could change our world.
Let's hear from Jonathan as no words speak louder than the authors.
"All my life, people have done things for me. I am washed, dressed, fed via a tube and wheeled around. Now I have found my voice, I want to use it to help other children to read and write so that they can communicate with the world. My body is weak, but my desire to make a difference for children like me is very strong."
Thank you, Jonathan, for writing this inspirational book.
January 23, 2020
What an incredible story of courage and giving a voice to the voiceless. There were many times whilst reading that I shed some tears. Jonathan’s story is not unique, and many children who are mislabelled as PMLD will have experienced the same as him. This book is a reminder to me as a trainee teacher that every child regardless of their label or disability deserves a literacy education. Well done Jonathan!
September 29, 2018
Jonathan is loving, funny, clever, passionate and determined young boy, who also happens to have cerebral palsey and is unable to speak or communicate, or in fact do much for himself. But he hasn't let that get in his way!
Jonathan's story, told by his mum and then by himself is a testament to the courage this boy has and the love of his brave family. It is in turn a beautiful story of victory and championing by Jonathan, at the same time as a heartbreaking reflection on an education system which doesn't always take the time to really see and unlock the potential of many children who already have so much stacked against them. I know there are many special education teachers who go above and beyond but in a system where it seems that children's academic level can be based purely on their physical limitations.
"Give the spelling to more people"... giving the final words of the book to his friend Will is a perfect summary of all that Jonathan is determined to champion for all those who, like he once was, have no voice of their own.
Jonathan's story, told by his mum and then by himself is a testament to the courage this boy has and the love of his brave family. It is in turn a beautiful story of victory and championing by Jonathan, at the same time as a heartbreaking reflection on an education system which doesn't always take the time to really see and unlock the potential of many children who already have so much stacked against them. I know there are many special education teachers who go above and beyond but in a system where it seems that children's academic level can be based purely on their physical limitations.
"Give the spelling to more people"... giving the final words of the book to his friend Will is a perfect summary of all that Jonathan is determined to champion for all those who, like he once was, have no voice of their own.
July 29, 2018
Truly Amazing
It challenges our perception of what is inside a body which doesn't conform to a "normal boy" I particularly like the fact that we see photographs of him and the rest of his truly amazing family. I will try to encourage friends to read it too.
It challenges our perception of what is inside a body which doesn't conform to a "normal boy" I particularly like the fact that we see photographs of him and the rest of his truly amazing family. I will try to encourage friends to read it too.
May 14, 2024
Heartbreaking and beautifully inspirational❤️
July 30, 2018
Appearances are deceiving. Don't judge the person by the wheelchair or other visible disabilities, especially when that person is a child. Don't limit them to YOUR expectations!
An auto accident, a detached placenta, an emergency birth, cerebral palsy, kidney failure, kidney transplant, multiple admissions to ICU, needing oxygen forever, meeting Jesus in the garden, Locked in Syndrome, needing to communicate, learning to read, bringing the message that all need to be taught to the maximum of their abilities not the minimum.
Jon has lived through all of this and much more, but he is ever forward thinking and has written this book at the age of 12 ! Buy it, read it, talk about it!
An auto accident, a detached placenta, an emergency birth, cerebral palsy, kidney failure, kidney transplant, multiple admissions to ICU, needing oxygen forever, meeting Jesus in the garden, Locked in Syndrome, needing to communicate, learning to read, bringing the message that all need to be taught to the maximum of their abilities not the minimum.
Jon has lived through all of this and much more, but he is ever forward thinking and has written this book at the age of 12 ! Buy it, read it, talk about it!
September 22, 2022
As an educationalist and a writer, this was one of the most moving stories I have encountered - both in meeting Jonathan and in reading his words in this perfect book.
His story is so profoundly important to us all and his heart is beautiful.
What a remarkable story!!
His story is so profoundly important to us all and his heart is beautiful.
What a remarkable story!!
February 25, 2021
WOW!
One of the most poignant and 'special' books I've read in a very long time.
I was passed this book by a PA/Carer of my son's who knew of Jonathan Bryan from a teacher who knew him.
I started the book in earnest and literally read the whole book in a few hours ... only taking stock to give my tear ducts a break and to let my emotions settle.
As a mother of a young man with profound medical and complex special needs, a wheelchair user and someone who is pre-verbal ... the one thing that I took away from this book was guilt.
I love my son, unconditionally, he is now my life's work and to say we've been through a lot is an understatement. The first half of the book could have been written by me, so many similarities, so many hospital visits and 'near death experiences' and shall we say 'new starts!' Every time my son had a big upheaval in his health, spent any time away from school, or in hospital, it meant/means retracing his steps, re-learning some simple skills and re-building all the securities that are lost.
My son is nearing his 18th birthday ... yet at 5 years old was pretty much 'written off!' Your son's understanding is minimal, he will never speak, 'he has the mental age of a 9-12 month old infant' are the words that resonate again and again... but, as his mother and the one that spends the most time in his company, caring, feeding, nursing, educating and loving him with every fibre of my being, I know that there is more going on inside his head than anyone gives him credit for. He knows things - the smirks, the knowing smiles, the tell tale side-glances, and being in his constant presence tell me that.
My biggest fear, my biggest regret and my biggest question is why hasn't my son been given the same opportunities, and is it now too late?
Jonathan has overcome such a huge obstacle in his path and as a mother of a son with special needs, I am so ridiculously proud of what he has achieved and the questions he has posed ... but there is also, I cannot lie, a hint of underlying jealousy - that I'm hoping will spur me on to seek out and to challenge what indeed resides inside my own son's head. If I can ever manage to unlock even a hint of what he wants me to know then I am most definitely winning.
For me this book is not over. Thank you Jonathan, for opening my eyes, my heart and unleashing a ferocity of 'questions' that only a special needs mother will fight tooth and nail to get answered.
One of the most poignant and 'special' books I've read in a very long time.
I was passed this book by a PA/Carer of my son's who knew of Jonathan Bryan from a teacher who knew him.
I started the book in earnest and literally read the whole book in a few hours ... only taking stock to give my tear ducts a break and to let my emotions settle.
As a mother of a young man with profound medical and complex special needs, a wheelchair user and someone who is pre-verbal ... the one thing that I took away from this book was guilt.
I love my son, unconditionally, he is now my life's work and to say we've been through a lot is an understatement. The first half of the book could have been written by me, so many similarities, so many hospital visits and 'near death experiences' and shall we say 'new starts!' Every time my son had a big upheaval in his health, spent any time away from school, or in hospital, it meant/means retracing his steps, re-learning some simple skills and re-building all the securities that are lost.
My son is nearing his 18th birthday ... yet at 5 years old was pretty much 'written off!' Your son's understanding is minimal, he will never speak, 'he has the mental age of a 9-12 month old infant' are the words that resonate again and again... but, as his mother and the one that spends the most time in his company, caring, feeding, nursing, educating and loving him with every fibre of my being, I know that there is more going on inside his head than anyone gives him credit for. He knows things - the smirks, the knowing smiles, the tell tale side-glances, and being in his constant presence tell me that.
My biggest fear, my biggest regret and my biggest question is why hasn't my son been given the same opportunities, and is it now too late?
Jonathan has overcome such a huge obstacle in his path and as a mother of a son with special needs, I am so ridiculously proud of what he has achieved and the questions he has posed ... but there is also, I cannot lie, a hint of underlying jealousy - that I'm hoping will spur me on to seek out and to challenge what indeed resides inside my own son's head. If I can ever manage to unlock even a hint of what he wants me to know then I am most definitely winning.
For me this book is not over. Thank you Jonathan, for opening my eyes, my heart and unleashing a ferocity of 'questions' that only a special needs mother will fight tooth and nail to get answered.
January 23, 2020
Such a powerful and moving story about Jonathans life. It shows the importance of communication and how we need to be not settling for things we already do, but look and think about other ways in which we can approach learning. Look at children as individuals and think about what works for them, encouraging everyone to find their voice. Thank you Jonathan for being so honest and it was a privilege to meet you at Oxford Brookes
October 21, 2019
What a challenge and encouragement!
March 7, 2020
This is an astonishing and wonderful account of a young man about whom there is so much more than might be assumed based on appearances. His faith, his intelligence and his love for others all shine out of the pages of this short book which should be read by all!
April 17, 2021
Fully recommend, very inspiring
July 20, 2018
Amazing Eye Opener
A book everyone should read. My God daughter has a parallel condition and limits to Jonathan . We e mail all the time using the eye control. She lived independently with 24 hour care. This book is an absolute revelation to me both from her parents' point of view and anxieties and their daughter's. I can only say thank you. I am so glad both parents' and daughter share Jonathan's faith.
A book everyone should read. My God daughter has a parallel condition and limits to Jonathan . We e mail all the time using the eye control. She lived independently with 24 hour care. This book is an absolute revelation to me both from her parents' point of view and anxieties and their daughter's. I can only say thank you. I am so glad both parents' and daughter share Jonathan's faith.
March 29, 2019
Wow! What an inspirational book.
I haven't been gripped by a book like this in a long time. Jonathan has a gift with words to communicate an important message of the importance to teach ALL children regardless of their disability. Well worth reading. Short but profound. . A great gift.
I haven't been gripped by a book like this in a long time. Jonathan has a gift with words to communicate an important message of the importance to teach ALL children regardless of their disability. Well worth reading. Short but profound. . A great gift.
December 21, 2022
An incredible read (but make sure you have a sturdy pack of tissues nearby).
This starts with a heart-breaking passage from Jonathan's mum, which went into the painful details of the stress and difficulties faced in the early stages of Jonathan's life, particularly in those moments where everyone seemed to give up on him, but she felt the need to keep fighting.
We then have the beautiful writing from Jonathan. It reveals a remarkable insight into his life, the journey to find a form of communication that works despite his cerebral palsy, and the truly inspiring campaign to revolutionise the education of children regardless of their disabilities. Not only that, but Jonathan is such an intelligent and poetic writer - this book is also fundamentally delightful to read as a result.
This starts with a heart-breaking passage from Jonathan's mum, which went into the painful details of the stress and difficulties faced in the early stages of Jonathan's life, particularly in those moments where everyone seemed to give up on him, but she felt the need to keep fighting.
We then have the beautiful writing from Jonathan. It reveals a remarkable insight into his life, the journey to find a form of communication that works despite his cerebral palsy, and the truly inspiring campaign to revolutionise the education of children regardless of their disabilities. Not only that, but Jonathan is such an intelligent and poetic writer - this book is also fundamentally delightful to read as a result.
August 11, 2018
Amazing biography
An amazing biography to read. Helps those of us who have so much to appreciate the gift we have. His selfless spirit and deep faith come through every page. I pray that those with the power will listen to his message and enable others to find their voice.
An amazing biography to read. Helps those of us who have so much to appreciate the gift we have. His selfless spirit and deep faith come through every page. I pray that those with the power will listen to his message and enable others to find their voice.
August 3, 2018
Phenomenal, eye-opening and challenging
This book should be read by everyone, particularly those in education. It is wonderful that because of Jonathan, those trapped in their own minds can speak for themselves and people will start to listen.
This book should be read by everyone, particularly those in education. It is wonderful that because of Jonathan, those trapped in their own minds can speak for themselves and people will start to listen.
July 13, 2018
Wow, this book should be essential reading for anyone in the medical profession, education or social care. Jonathan writes beautifully about his life and illness. I will be reading this again before sharing it far and wide. Fantastic
May 12, 2025
What a special and wonderful book. As a student of Linguistics, words are obviously very important to me - and have been all my life, really. I started a list on my phone of new words when I was 11, and I still add to it occasionally when I come across a particularly interesting word. So to read a book where words were everything to somebody is so special, and I'm so glad to have read it! His love for Jesus, his family and communication is so touching (and I did have a little cry at a few points, but I'm emotional at the minute anyway so could just be me....)
December 3, 2018
Jonathan Bryan has severe cerebral palsy, a condition that makes him incapable of speech or voluntary movement. He was locked inside his own mind, aware of the outside world but unable to fully communicate with it until he found a way by using his eyes to laboriously choose individual letters, and through this make his thoughts known.
I knew this was a special book, but was unprepared for the emotional impact. It is a book of two halves – the first part is written by Jonathan’s mother and charts the events leading up to the accident that caused Jonathan’s problems. The list of life-threatening difficulties he has endured is shockingly long, as is the number of medical interventions and trips to hospital he had needed. His gritted courage and determination were evident in the fact that he simply hung on in there and refused to die when the odds were stacked against him, time and time again.
But what for me was a source of heartbreak and intense frustration was his treatment at the special school where he was simply being warehoused. It brought back far too many unhappy memories of another bright boy whose education was severely compromised because expectations about his ability were set far too low. This book is a testament to Jonathan’s own intelligence and passion, as well as a tribute to a mother who refused to listen to the experts and was guided instead by her own instincts about her son. She taught him to read and over time, they found a way to allow him to express himself, even though it is laborious.
Jonathan’s own feelings about being trapped within his body without any way to express himself, while forced to watch the same TV programme designed for developing infants should be a wake-up call for everyone in Special Needs education. I very much hope the politicians he has met will take note of what he is saying and realise that while he is remarkable, there are probably many other children and adults with active, creative minds also trapped by their bodies. I’d like to think as a country we will take on board Jonathan’s plea that everyone should be taught to read and write, using all the technology available, unless it becomes apparent that it isn’t appropriate, which is not the case now.
In the meantime, go and track this book down. It is an emotional read, but also very uplifting. Jonathan’s poetry will stay with me for a long time…
10/10
I knew this was a special book, but was unprepared for the emotional impact. It is a book of two halves – the first part is written by Jonathan’s mother and charts the events leading up to the accident that caused Jonathan’s problems. The list of life-threatening difficulties he has endured is shockingly long, as is the number of medical interventions and trips to hospital he had needed. His gritted courage and determination were evident in the fact that he simply hung on in there and refused to die when the odds were stacked against him, time and time again.
But what for me was a source of heartbreak and intense frustration was his treatment at the special school where he was simply being warehoused. It brought back far too many unhappy memories of another bright boy whose education was severely compromised because expectations about his ability were set far too low. This book is a testament to Jonathan’s own intelligence and passion, as well as a tribute to a mother who refused to listen to the experts and was guided instead by her own instincts about her son. She taught him to read and over time, they found a way to allow him to express himself, even though it is laborious.
Jonathan’s own feelings about being trapped within his body without any way to express himself, while forced to watch the same TV programme designed for developing infants should be a wake-up call for everyone in Special Needs education. I very much hope the politicians he has met will take note of what he is saying and realise that while he is remarkable, there are probably many other children and adults with active, creative minds also trapped by their bodies. I’d like to think as a country we will take on board Jonathan’s plea that everyone should be taught to read and write, using all the technology available, unless it becomes apparent that it isn’t appropriate, which is not the case now.
In the meantime, go and track this book down. It is an emotional read, but also very uplifting. Jonathan’s poetry will stay with me for a long time…
10/10
June 14, 2022
At a recent UK writing conference (2022), this must have been the most stunning of all the talks and presentations we listened to during the weekend. The queue that formed after Jonathan's presentation, at the book sales table, was the longest in the whole conference!
Not only is this a captivating account of how Jonathan came to be born with severe cerebral palsy and an inspirational story of his finding ways to enrich his life, but also, during the story, he recalls his early childhood impressions during an apparent near-death experience, and over the course of time, relates the details to the adults in his life.
Jonathan's description emerged after he had been taught to read and write, via his perspex spelling board from which he chooses letters and words using his eye movements. His experience took place in Intensive Care while he was in an induced coma during ventilation, which he was highly unlikely to survive.
“Alive. I had never felt so alive.” He describes a beautiful garden which he identifies as “Jesus’ garden” and he vividly relates how he walked and ran around and swung his free arms, sauntering through an orchard full of “trees laden with delectable fruit”, playing with other children by the trees: all things he had never experienced in this life in a crippled, dysfunctional body.
“With the sibilance of the oxygen silenced, I inhaled deeply, the fresh air revitalising my new body and filling my soul with joy… the atmosphere was saturated in a deep, contented peace.”
His most compelling image is: “As I stretched my body to its full height (my scoliosis had elongated and vanished altogether), I realised the dragon cerebral palsy had been banished from the lair of my body.” He also describes meeting his friend Noah who had died the year before from a brain tumour. Jonathan refers to the choice he was given, to stay to meet the gardener, or to go back to his fragile, sick body, back to “my mind trapped in my silence; back to the family I loved.”
I found this book moving and powerful. Children’s author Michael Morpurgo wrote the foreword, and Jonathan has founded a charity called “Teach Us Too” pleading for all children regardless of their “label” to be taught to read and write. A significant proportion of the profits from his book will go to that charity.
I do recommend this book to you.
Not only is this a captivating account of how Jonathan came to be born with severe cerebral palsy and an inspirational story of his finding ways to enrich his life, but also, during the story, he recalls his early childhood impressions during an apparent near-death experience, and over the course of time, relates the details to the adults in his life.
Jonathan's description emerged after he had been taught to read and write, via his perspex spelling board from which he chooses letters and words using his eye movements. His experience took place in Intensive Care while he was in an induced coma during ventilation, which he was highly unlikely to survive.
“Alive. I had never felt so alive.” He describes a beautiful garden which he identifies as “Jesus’ garden” and he vividly relates how he walked and ran around and swung his free arms, sauntering through an orchard full of “trees laden with delectable fruit”, playing with other children by the trees: all things he had never experienced in this life in a crippled, dysfunctional body.
“With the sibilance of the oxygen silenced, I inhaled deeply, the fresh air revitalising my new body and filling my soul with joy… the atmosphere was saturated in a deep, contented peace.”
His most compelling image is: “As I stretched my body to its full height (my scoliosis had elongated and vanished altogether), I realised the dragon cerebral palsy had been banished from the lair of my body.” He also describes meeting his friend Noah who had died the year before from a brain tumour. Jonathan refers to the choice he was given, to stay to meet the gardener, or to go back to his fragile, sick body, back to “my mind trapped in my silence; back to the family I loved.”
I found this book moving and powerful. Children’s author Michael Morpurgo wrote the foreword, and Jonathan has founded a charity called “Teach Us Too” pleading for all children regardless of their “label” to be taught to read and write. A significant proportion of the profits from his book will go to that charity.
I do recommend this book to you.
February 20, 2019
I absolutely loved this memoir as a unique and important book, and it has really stuck with me.
You may already have heard of twelve-year-old Jonathan Bryan, as the '"locked-in" boy who learned to write with his eyes', as he's been featured on national TV and press as a remarkable writer, poet and campaigner.
Born with severe cerebral palsy, incapable of controlling his movements, it was assumed that Jonathan had very little brain activity. However, his mother, Chantal, always believed that he was more alert than the doctors told her, and she persevered with teaching him the alphabet and basic words until they hit upon a system where he could learn to 'write' using an alphabet board and eye movements.
What she discovered was astonishing: a clever, thoughtful, funny boy who was also a firm Christian, having encountered Jesus in visions. Jonathan's memoir was 'dictated' by him and transcribed by his mother in a painfully slow process, letter by letter.
The world now has access to the inside of Jonathan’s mind, and we are the better for it.
The first part of the book is written from his mother’s perspective, telling the story of his traumatic birth after a car accident, her battle with medics and schools to allow him access to learning. The remainder is Jonathan’s own reflections of his life. Jonathan's writing has its own mature voice, distinct from his mother’s, with an amazing range of vocabulary, consistent with those who have learnt to read before speaking. His poetry is remarkable and deeply moved me.
Highly intelligent and with a poet’s soul, Jonathan's perspective on life and faith is unique and beautiful.
I devoured the book and it’s one of my favourites from last year – I recommend it to everyone as a unique and important story, beautifully written. Buy it immediately.
You may already have heard of twelve-year-old Jonathan Bryan, as the '"locked-in" boy who learned to write with his eyes', as he's been featured on national TV and press as a remarkable writer, poet and campaigner.
Born with severe cerebral palsy, incapable of controlling his movements, it was assumed that Jonathan had very little brain activity. However, his mother, Chantal, always believed that he was more alert than the doctors told her, and she persevered with teaching him the alphabet and basic words until they hit upon a system where he could learn to 'write' using an alphabet board and eye movements.
What she discovered was astonishing: a clever, thoughtful, funny boy who was also a firm Christian, having encountered Jesus in visions. Jonathan's memoir was 'dictated' by him and transcribed by his mother in a painfully slow process, letter by letter.
The world now has access to the inside of Jonathan’s mind, and we are the better for it.
The first part of the book is written from his mother’s perspective, telling the story of his traumatic birth after a car accident, her battle with medics and schools to allow him access to learning. The remainder is Jonathan’s own reflections of his life. Jonathan's writing has its own mature voice, distinct from his mother’s, with an amazing range of vocabulary, consistent with those who have learnt to read before speaking. His poetry is remarkable and deeply moved me.
Highly intelligent and with a poet’s soul, Jonathan's perspective on life and faith is unique and beautiful.
I devoured the book and it’s one of my favourites from last year – I recommend it to everyone as a unique and important story, beautifully written. Buy it immediately.
July 21, 2023
Every so often a book comes along that is truly astonishing. This is one of them.
The introduction, written by Jonathan's mum, shows the medical problems that challenged Jonathan's early years, many times coming close to dying. His mum and dad faced them with a strong faith, a dose of humour and an unending love, that carries them all through. There is an intense determination inherent in the whole family. Reading the introduction it is also clear where Jonathan got his flair for writing from.
The fact that a 12 year old boy has written a book would astound many. That he has broken through the cerebral palsy, found his own methods of communicating and writing, that he has not been held back by the challenges to create such an eloquently written account, all make it even more impressive. It is profoundly humbling.
Jonathan has the skill of astute observation, he writes with humour and poignancy. And what an imagination! It makes me wonder if there is some great fiction formulating in his mind that we may get to read one day.
At the heart of his story, central to his very essence, is his faith. Poetically described, the precious proximity of Jesus is a clear strength, one that is inspirational to him but also to the reader.
When his story goes on to describe a time when he glimpsed into heaven, into Jesus's garden, it highlights the power of faith and hope.
His strong imagination and gift for using words, especially through poetry, clearly give him a release, a freedom that he cannot experience physically.
Central to his life is also his family, such a close unit. His Haikus, one for each family member, made me cry, each skilfully crafted and clearly written from the heart.
Jonathan is an astonishing, heartwarming, inspiring character. Thank you for writing this book.
See more reviews of Christian books at https://www.robseabrook.com/category/...
The introduction, written by Jonathan's mum, shows the medical problems that challenged Jonathan's early years, many times coming close to dying. His mum and dad faced them with a strong faith, a dose of humour and an unending love, that carries them all through. There is an intense determination inherent in the whole family. Reading the introduction it is also clear where Jonathan got his flair for writing from.
The fact that a 12 year old boy has written a book would astound many. That he has broken through the cerebral palsy, found his own methods of communicating and writing, that he has not been held back by the challenges to create such an eloquently written account, all make it even more impressive. It is profoundly humbling.
Jonathan has the skill of astute observation, he writes with humour and poignancy. And what an imagination! It makes me wonder if there is some great fiction formulating in his mind that we may get to read one day.
At the heart of his story, central to his very essence, is his faith. Poetically described, the precious proximity of Jesus is a clear strength, one that is inspirational to him but also to the reader.
When his story goes on to describe a time when he glimpsed into heaven, into Jesus's garden, it highlights the power of faith and hope.
His strong imagination and gift for using words, especially through poetry, clearly give him a release, a freedom that he cannot experience physically.
Central to his life is also his family, such a close unit. His Haikus, one for each family member, made me cry, each skilfully crafted and clearly written from the heart.
Jonathan is an astonishing, heartwarming, inspiring character. Thank you for writing this book.
See more reviews of Christian books at https://www.robseabrook.com/category/...
June 5, 2022
Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 STARS ⭐️
Plot: An incredible memoir written by Jonathan Bryan, who is diagnosed with cerebral palsy, resulting from a car crash and premature birth.
Writing style: My colleagues kept mentioning that Jonathan's language was far superior than an average 12-year-0ld and even adults, including themselves. I can vouch for this statement too. Initially, I did feel that some words used were pretentious. However, I feel like this is Jonathan's attempt to constantly expand on his vocabulary and truly capture the messages he wants to convey with the most accurate terminology.
Overall comments: This book was given to my department as a gift and must-read. Two out of four of my colleagues have already read the book and sent it back with high praise. I found the first couple of chapters difficult to process, whereby Jonathan's traumatic first few months of life are presented by his mother. However, there is a sense of admiration and wonder as you read through Jonathan's tale, realising the extent to which one) we take communication for granted and two) the depths in which an individual will take to be able to communicate efficiently. The most poignant thing that I will remember is Jonathan's outlook on special schools, based on his own experience. Working in a special school myself, it saddens me how many of the adverse actions that Jonathan describes is what I see on a daily basis when walking around the PMLD hubs and classes in general. This memoir provides a lot of food for thought and I only have appreciation for what Jonathan and his family have gone through to get where they are now.
Plot: An incredible memoir written by Jonathan Bryan, who is diagnosed with cerebral palsy, resulting from a car crash and premature birth.
Writing style: My colleagues kept mentioning that Jonathan's language was far superior than an average 12-year-0ld and even adults, including themselves. I can vouch for this statement too. Initially, I did feel that some words used were pretentious. However, I feel like this is Jonathan's attempt to constantly expand on his vocabulary and truly capture the messages he wants to convey with the most accurate terminology.
Overall comments: This book was given to my department as a gift and must-read. Two out of four of my colleagues have already read the book and sent it back with high praise. I found the first couple of chapters difficult to process, whereby Jonathan's traumatic first few months of life are presented by his mother. However, there is a sense of admiration and wonder as you read through Jonathan's tale, realising the extent to which one) we take communication for granted and two) the depths in which an individual will take to be able to communicate efficiently. The most poignant thing that I will remember is Jonathan's outlook on special schools, based on his own experience. Working in a special school myself, it saddens me how many of the adverse actions that Jonathan describes is what I see on a daily basis when walking around the PMLD hubs and classes in general. This memoir provides a lot of food for thought and I only have appreciation for what Jonathan and his family have gone through to get where they are now.
September 30, 2019
What words to use to describe this book? How do you begin, knowing that each word was painstakingly written letter by letter using the blinking of a boys eyes? Each word in this review seems somehow more important to take care over, to choose wisely, as a result.
There is no doubt that Jonathan has a profound gift with words. The fact that his voice was silenced for so long is a travesty, but it is amazing that he had the support of a loving family and skilled professionals who helped him find it. I found some of the religious rhetoric a little uncomfortable, but I can appreciate that this accurately reflects the author’s views, if not my own.
The story was broadly linear - articulating Johnathan's experience of the life events outlined by his mother in the Intro. The final chapter focuses on his charity work and impact in the education sector, which is so inspiring. Hearing how he felt when he met Michael Morpugo (who wrote the Foreword for the book) brought me to tears.
Johnathan never outwardly condemns his special school or the education system, but the inference is clear that students with complex needs are being failed in the UK schooling system. His legacy, and that of this book, is hopefully that they will bring real and meaningful change to the system - they certainly showed me a whole new view of the world through hopeful and grateful eyes.
There is no doubt that Jonathan has a profound gift with words. The fact that his voice was silenced for so long is a travesty, but it is amazing that he had the support of a loving family and skilled professionals who helped him find it. I found some of the religious rhetoric a little uncomfortable, but I can appreciate that this accurately reflects the author’s views, if not my own.
The story was broadly linear - articulating Johnathan's experience of the life events outlined by his mother in the Intro. The final chapter focuses on his charity work and impact in the education sector, which is so inspiring. Hearing how he felt when he met Michael Morpugo (who wrote the Foreword for the book) brought me to tears.
Johnathan never outwardly condemns his special school or the education system, but the inference is clear that students with complex needs are being failed in the UK schooling system. His legacy, and that of this book, is hopefully that they will bring real and meaningful change to the system - they certainly showed me a whole new view of the world through hopeful and grateful eyes.
October 23, 2021
An outstanding book in every possible way.
Jonathan Bryan not only has cerebral palsy but locked-in syndrome as well. He wrote his story using his eyes through a laborious but highly effective system that he learned with the help of his Mum and his carers. His brutal honesty caught me off balance more than once and I defy you to read the book without tears. Learning to communicate gave Jonathan wings and he uses them to great effect. his story is humbling, unnerving and poignant. His evocative poetry is nothing short of beautiful.
I finished it with huge admiration for his whole family who are obviously very close, but with absolute astonishment at the level of care and commitment of his Mum (who wrote the first half of the book) through all the years of fighting for him, spending time teaching him, reading books to feed his imagination and encouraging him even in a system which put a lid on the expectations of his learning very early on. His 'conversation' with the Head teacher at his special needs school is an excoriating and unnerving one which caused me to wonder how much help those with special needs really receive as uniquely created individuals.
Jonathan Bryan not only has cerebral palsy but locked-in syndrome as well. He wrote his story using his eyes through a laborious but highly effective system that he learned with the help of his Mum and his carers. His brutal honesty caught me off balance more than once and I defy you to read the book without tears. Learning to communicate gave Jonathan wings and he uses them to great effect. his story is humbling, unnerving and poignant. His evocative poetry is nothing short of beautiful.
I finished it with huge admiration for his whole family who are obviously very close, but with absolute astonishment at the level of care and commitment of his Mum (who wrote the first half of the book) through all the years of fighting for him, spending time teaching him, reading books to feed his imagination and encouraging him even in a system which put a lid on the expectations of his learning very early on. His 'conversation' with the Head teacher at his special needs school is an excoriating and unnerving one which caused me to wonder how much help those with special needs really receive as uniquely created individuals.
February 26, 2020
Went to a conference at uni.
This talk was emphasising how students can be mislabelled -difficult access to learning does not correlate with the child's ability level.
Aim of talk: increasing awareness of the moral obligation to increase access to learning e.g. through the use of technology and students with difficulties accessing their learning to have additional support from trained teachers.
Short read, very interesting. Such a courageous child. I was expecting the entire book to be written by Jonathan, but most of it was written by the mother - apart from the ending. The story told about the car accident, conception and early life of Jonathan... it was compelling to hear the story from the perspective of the mother, of the challenges she faced... and how Jonathan was underestimated and mislabelled, how this affected him and effects others.
This talk was emphasising how students can be mislabelled -difficult access to learning does not correlate with the child's ability level.
Aim of talk: increasing awareness of the moral obligation to increase access to learning e.g. through the use of technology and students with difficulties accessing their learning to have additional support from trained teachers.
Short read, very interesting. Such a courageous child. I was expecting the entire book to be written by Jonathan, but most of it was written by the mother - apart from the ending. The story told about the car accident, conception and early life of Jonathan... it was compelling to hear the story from the perspective of the mother, of the challenges she faced... and how Jonathan was underestimated and mislabelled, how this affected him and effects others.
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