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The Dyslexic Advantage: Unlocking the Hidden Potential of the Dyslexic Brain
An updated edition of Drs. Brock and Fernette Eide's popular dyslexia book with a wealth of new material and improved dyslexic-friendly font
What if we viewed dyslexia as a learning and processing style rather than as a learning disorder?
Drs. Brock and Fernette Eide use their impressive backgrounds in neurology and education to debunk the standard deficit-based approach to dyslexia. People typically define "dyslexia" as a reading and spelling disorder. But through published research studies, clinical observations, and interviews with dyslexic individuals, the Eides prove that these challenges are not dyslexia's main features but are instead trade-offs resulting from an entirely different pattern of brain organization and information processing that has powerful advantages. For example, dyslexic adults routinely outperform their non-dyslexic peers in studies on three-dimensional spatial reasoning and divergent creativity--one of the reasons why so many dyslexics are successful engineers. Approximately 20 percent of the U.S. population has dyslexia, and The Dyslexic Advantage shows how each one is predisposed to powerful skills called MIND strengths (Material, Interconnected, Narrative, and Dynamic Reasoning), leading them to possess incredible pattern detection, divergent thinking, episodic memory, problem solving, and prediction abilities.
The revised and updated edition of The Dyslexic Advantage includes eighteen rich new profiles of remarkable individuals with dyslexia--such as several world-renowned scientists, a Pulitzer Prize-winning poet, a world-record-setting memory specialist, three MacArthur "Genius" Award winners, the technical advisor for the Jurassic Park movies, and many more. Meanwhile, the enormous advances in dyslexia research over the last ten years provide valuable new insights for educators, employers, parents, dyslexic adults, and anyone interested in neurodiversity and human cognition. Blending personal stories with hard science, The Dyslexic Advantage (Revised and Updated) provides empowering advice on how to identify, understand, nurture, and enjoy the strengths of the dyslexic mind.
What if we viewed dyslexia as a learning and processing style rather than as a learning disorder?
Drs. Brock and Fernette Eide use their impressive backgrounds in neurology and education to debunk the standard deficit-based approach to dyslexia. People typically define "dyslexia" as a reading and spelling disorder. But through published research studies, clinical observations, and interviews with dyslexic individuals, the Eides prove that these challenges are not dyslexia's main features but are instead trade-offs resulting from an entirely different pattern of brain organization and information processing that has powerful advantages. For example, dyslexic adults routinely outperform their non-dyslexic peers in studies on three-dimensional spatial reasoning and divergent creativity--one of the reasons why so many dyslexics are successful engineers. Approximately 20 percent of the U.S. population has dyslexia, and The Dyslexic Advantage shows how each one is predisposed to powerful skills called MIND strengths (Material, Interconnected, Narrative, and Dynamic Reasoning), leading them to possess incredible pattern detection, divergent thinking, episodic memory, problem solving, and prediction abilities.
The revised and updated edition of The Dyslexic Advantage includes eighteen rich new profiles of remarkable individuals with dyslexia--such as several world-renowned scientists, a Pulitzer Prize-winning poet, a world-record-setting memory specialist, three MacArthur "Genius" Award winners, the technical advisor for the Jurassic Park movies, and many more. Meanwhile, the enormous advances in dyslexia research over the last ten years provide valuable new insights for educators, employers, parents, dyslexic adults, and anyone interested in neurodiversity and human cognition. Blending personal stories with hard science, The Dyslexic Advantage (Revised and Updated) provides empowering advice on how to identify, understand, nurture, and enjoy the strengths of the dyslexic mind.
448 pages, Paperback
First published August 18, 2011
1062 people are currently reading
4297 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 362 reviews
February 9, 2017
Long before I cracked open this book, my initial reaction was: "Oh my goodness, a reason I can feel good about myself without a lick of effort! Do I want a shameless ego-booster and and fluff pop-psychology mood enhancer?"
The answer was, of course, "Absolutely! Gimmie, Gimmie!"
For, you see, I have dyslexia. I have also spent most of my life in serious pursuit of overcompensation, too. I couldn't read before age 13 and I spent most of my effort trying to "fake it" just so I could get through school without being ostracized.
It didn't work. I almost quit school feeling like a complete and utter outsider who was pretty much worthless, which was pretty damn awful because I knew I was smart. I just couldn't make sense of all the easy things that everyone else had an easy time with, while all the complicated intuitional systems-theory top-down approach to a theory of mind came utterly easy to me. Complex ideas? No problem. Conclusions based on very little shown work? No problem.
So then I decided to compensate for my disability by tons of Naruto-like effort and after 8 months working on a single book, I finally came to a Theory Of Reading that relied on an idea-based approach that circled streams of words rather than the words, themselves.
Suddenly, I could read! Well, sort of. I could gist the hell out of anything.
More and more effort was required, and practice, practice, practice, mindful and careful attention to all basic practices of reading and writing, until I eventually worked my way out of special-ed and into honors courses and two degrees in college and eventually to an average 600-700 pages (or more) read per day.
And then we arrive to the reading of this book.
Is the M.I.N.D. approach to understanding both the trials and triumphs of dyslexics useful and edifying? Yes. Yes, it is. I recognized all the ways I think, which is quite different than how most people think. Do normal people build models of interconnected ideas in their heads and attach them all to memory episodes and narratives that tell stories, constantly retelling the tale about oneself as they keep changing and growing?
Um... maybe more than I think?
Is it a useful model to consider myself as having too little RAM, so I have to push almost everything into Permanent Storage on the fly with narrative "cheats"? Yes. Does this explain how I still can't hand-write legibly without losing the full train of thought before I even finish a sentence? Yes. Does it explain why I am always so damn SLOW when I start any new task, but then, after a long, long learning curve, I then blast out the door? Yes.
Do most dyslexics have similar stories? True success stories that NEVER begin in school but generally show an outrageous disproportion of hella-successful people in real life?
Probably.
I began reading this book from a snide and self-serving pessimism, thinking it was about time that I got some damn recognition instead of ostracism, but I finished it feeling a a pretty warm glow of understanding and camaraderie with the entire subset of the population of which I belong.
Maybe this book was meant for me, after all. In a real way. Not just the way I began it.
And perhaps this book was really meant for my 13 year old me, even more. Can I forget lifelong depression and self-worth issues? Yes. I can. Might it have been so much more productive if I had a book like this at a much earlier time?
I'd like to think so. And that's why I'd recommend this book for anyone with loved ones who have dyslexia. I'd recommend that you read this book to them, aloud, so that the understanding sinks in for both you and them at the same time. The connection you'll form with them will probably be invaluable, perhaps even life-long.
Dyslexia isn't a disease. Even ADHD, which is often a misdiagnosis of dyslexia, falls under the category of people who simply Think Differently. We have lots of talents, but those talents aren't easily identified when the expectations are for completely different skills. :)
Good book. :)
The answer was, of course, "Absolutely! Gimmie, Gimmie!"
For, you see, I have dyslexia. I have also spent most of my life in serious pursuit of overcompensation, too. I couldn't read before age 13 and I spent most of my effort trying to "fake it" just so I could get through school without being ostracized.
It didn't work. I almost quit school feeling like a complete and utter outsider who was pretty much worthless, which was pretty damn awful because I knew I was smart. I just couldn't make sense of all the easy things that everyone else had an easy time with, while all the complicated intuitional systems-theory top-down approach to a theory of mind came utterly easy to me. Complex ideas? No problem. Conclusions based on very little shown work? No problem.
So then I decided to compensate for my disability by tons of Naruto-like effort and after 8 months working on a single book, I finally came to a Theory Of Reading that relied on an idea-based approach that circled streams of words rather than the words, themselves.
Suddenly, I could read! Well, sort of. I could gist the hell out of anything.
More and more effort was required, and practice, practice, practice, mindful and careful attention to all basic practices of reading and writing, until I eventually worked my way out of special-ed and into honors courses and two degrees in college and eventually to an average 600-700 pages (or more) read per day.
And then we arrive to the reading of this book.
Is the M.I.N.D. approach to understanding both the trials and triumphs of dyslexics useful and edifying? Yes. Yes, it is. I recognized all the ways I think, which is quite different than how most people think. Do normal people build models of interconnected ideas in their heads and attach them all to memory episodes and narratives that tell stories, constantly retelling the tale about oneself as they keep changing and growing?
Um... maybe more than I think?
Is it a useful model to consider myself as having too little RAM, so I have to push almost everything into Permanent Storage on the fly with narrative "cheats"? Yes. Does this explain how I still can't hand-write legibly without losing the full train of thought before I even finish a sentence? Yes. Does it explain why I am always so damn SLOW when I start any new task, but then, after a long, long learning curve, I then blast out the door? Yes.
Do most dyslexics have similar stories? True success stories that NEVER begin in school but generally show an outrageous disproportion of hella-successful people in real life?
Probably.
I began reading this book from a snide and self-serving pessimism, thinking it was about time that I got some damn recognition instead of ostracism, but I finished it feeling a a pretty warm glow of understanding and camaraderie with the entire subset of the population of which I belong.
Maybe this book was meant for me, after all. In a real way. Not just the way I began it.
And perhaps this book was really meant for my 13 year old me, even more. Can I forget lifelong depression and self-worth issues? Yes. I can. Might it have been so much more productive if I had a book like this at a much earlier time?
I'd like to think so. And that's why I'd recommend this book for anyone with loved ones who have dyslexia. I'd recommend that you read this book to them, aloud, so that the understanding sinks in for both you and them at the same time. The connection you'll form with them will probably be invaluable, perhaps even life-long.
Dyslexia isn't a disease. Even ADHD, which is often a misdiagnosis of dyslexia, falls under the category of people who simply Think Differently. We have lots of talents, but those talents aren't easily identified when the expectations are for completely different skills. :)
Good book. :)
January 15, 2012
Hello, my name is Stephanie and I'm a Dyslexic.
I really didn't know this fact for sure until reletivly recently. For instance, I didn't know I was in a special reading class when I was young until my mom told me so a couple of years ago.
Dyslexia. Really. Sucks.
It has made my life more difficult than it would have been otherwise. School, 1st through 12th, was not fun. It has been a big pain in the ass in the work place as well.
I am not so dyslexic that I am disabled (I am typing this) though I have met a couple of people who were. My issues are just annoying enough to cause problems. For me, I confuse left and right constantly. More of a problem then you think.
I cannot spell. Now when I tell people this, they laugh and say....yeah, neither can I.....hahaaha. "no, you're not hearing me. I really can't spell, it's not that I don't try, I just can't do it". Then when confronted with one of my creations, they will laugh and point out the misspelling, making me feel stupid. I want to yell "Hey asshat, I told you I can't spell so fuck off!" But I don't. It upsets me.
Most jobs that are easy for the general population are hell for me. Which is why I suck at most "jobs". For instance, I have a friend here on the GRs that can listen to audiobooks while typing in numbers, data. WTF?? That blows my mind, because entering in numbers, in specific order would take every ounce of my concentration. The horror.
So, when I saw the title of this book I had to read it because I have not experienced any particular advantage with the way my brain is wired. What I do well with this particular "advantage" is I am very mechanically minded. Spacial is my thing. I can draw, paint. I like to sculpt as well though I haven't done much in that lately. I make a living (kind of) as an artist because, I really don't feel I have many other choices.
It would have been easier if I were like most everybody else, but life is more interesting because I'm not.
This book is great, and I love the author for pointing out the good stuff associated with dyslexia and how we are as smart as the rest of you. Today, with more knowledge like this, kids with dyslexia will have the fighting chance that I didn't get.
I really didn't know this fact for sure until reletivly recently. For instance, I didn't know I was in a special reading class when I was young until my mom told me so a couple of years ago.
Dyslexia. Really. Sucks.
It has made my life more difficult than it would have been otherwise. School, 1st through 12th, was not fun. It has been a big pain in the ass in the work place as well.
I am not so dyslexic that I am disabled (I am typing this) though I have met a couple of people who were. My issues are just annoying enough to cause problems. For me, I confuse left and right constantly. More of a problem then you think.
I cannot spell. Now when I tell people this, they laugh and say....yeah, neither can I.....hahaaha. "no, you're not hearing me. I really can't spell, it's not that I don't try, I just can't do it". Then when confronted with one of my creations, they will laugh and point out the misspelling, making me feel stupid. I want to yell "Hey asshat, I told you I can't spell so fuck off!" But I don't. It upsets me.
Most jobs that are easy for the general population are hell for me. Which is why I suck at most "jobs". For instance, I have a friend here on the GRs that can listen to audiobooks while typing in numbers, data. WTF?? That blows my mind, because entering in numbers, in specific order would take every ounce of my concentration. The horror.
So, when I saw the title of this book I had to read it because I have not experienced any particular advantage with the way my brain is wired. What I do well with this particular "advantage" is I am very mechanically minded. Spacial is my thing. I can draw, paint. I like to sculpt as well though I haven't done much in that lately. I make a living (kind of) as an artist because, I really don't feel I have many other choices.
It would have been easier if I were like most everybody else, but life is more interesting because I'm not.
This book is great, and I love the author for pointing out the good stuff associated with dyslexia and how we are as smart as the rest of you. Today, with more knowledge like this, kids with dyslexia will have the fighting chance that I didn't get.
April 23, 2013
If I could give this book ten stars I would. It explained to me someting that I instinctively knew, yet felt unjustified in claiming: that my daughter is gifted. I knew early on that she saw things differently. She would say things like "Look at all the people, they are skeletons". Then when she was four, and I tried to teach her the alphabet the magnetic letters started flying off the fridge, and by six after numerous meetings with her very concerned school, she was diagnosed (unofficially because despite the offical tests they won't confirm a diagnosis this young) as dyslexic. At the same age she was given a free trip to South Korea to attend a Comics Convention because someone across the otherside of the world had recognised her artistic talent from an online photograph.
Dyslexics do not have a disability, they have a learning difference. A difference that like Einstein , Newton and Leonardo da Vinci can help them see and achieve greatness. The education system doesn't allow for this learning style, and their talents often go unrecognised until later in life when they are being measured against real world standards. That is if the education system hasn't destroyed them first.
This book has helped me explain in very scientific terms to my daughter, how clever she is. It has given me a very pragmatic list of strategies to get her through these primary, secondary and tertiary years. It has empowered me to perservere with the mechanics of reading and spelling in the knowledge that this skill will come. It will just take a little longer. That in return for the extra work it will take to read and spell well, she has been given creative insight (At seven, with hard work, she is now reading at average). It has given me the courage to challenge her school's policy making in this area. It has taught me (a non-dyslexic English teacher) the very dyslexic skill of seeing the bigger picture - and knowing that my daughter is in everyway beyond perfect.
The other day I asked her "If you could swap being able to draw, and make scultpures, and tell amazing stories, to be able to spell, would you?" "Never", she replied.
Dyslexics do not have a disability, they have a learning difference. A difference that like Einstein , Newton and Leonardo da Vinci can help them see and achieve greatness. The education system doesn't allow for this learning style, and their talents often go unrecognised until later in life when they are being measured against real world standards. That is if the education system hasn't destroyed them first.
This book has helped me explain in very scientific terms to my daughter, how clever she is. It has given me a very pragmatic list of strategies to get her through these primary, secondary and tertiary years. It has empowered me to perservere with the mechanics of reading and spelling in the knowledge that this skill will come. It will just take a little longer. That in return for the extra work it will take to read and spell well, she has been given creative insight (At seven, with hard work, she is now reading at average). It has given me the courage to challenge her school's policy making in this area. It has taught me (a non-dyslexic English teacher) the very dyslexic skill of seeing the bigger picture - and knowing that my daughter is in everyway beyond perfect.
The other day I asked her "If you could swap being able to draw, and make scultpures, and tell amazing stories, to be able to spell, would you?" "Never", she replied.
August 30, 2014
I never suspected that I was dyslexic.
Never that is, until my wife started researching dyslexia a couple of years ago. She concluded that not only was my daughter dyslexic, but I probably was too. Even then I mostly brushed her off.
Fact is, I had no idea what dyslexia was. After letting the idea that I may be dyslexic buzz around in my brain for a year and a half or so, I decided to find out whether or not I was. The Eide's book looked like a good place to start.
I didn't have to get very far into the book before I was convinced that I am definitely dyslexic. I've said throughout my life (at least to myself) that my brain just doesn't work. Of course what I mean is that it doesn't work at doing a lot of things that other people do easily, such as organizational skills, and speech processing. Now I realize that what I've been saying is true. My brain doesn't work the way most other people's brains work.
The Eides' main thesis is that the dyslexic brain simply has a different wiring architecture than a "normal" brain. This dyslexic architecture comes with its own set of strengths and weaknesses. Traditionally society has focused on the weaknesses of the dyslexic brain. Now, however, we know (so say the Eide's at least) what the strengths that come along with dyslexia are, and it's about time that we started focusing on those. (We cannot, of course, forget about the weaknesses. Dyslexics still need specialized help, especially during their early educations.)
The Eides outline four areas of dyslexic strengths (each of which comes along with weaknesses as trade-offs). They call them the MIND strengths. I'm not really qualified to judge the scientific grounding of the Eide's claims, but they certainly sounded believable and came off as being grounded in scientific research (if also in the Eides' anecdotes about their clients). The division into four seperate strengths seemed maybe a little ad hoc, especial the last two (N=Narrative Reasoning and D=Dynamic Reasoning).
I really enjoyed The Dyslexic Advantage. It helped me see what some of my talents are, and how those talents came to me through dyslexia. I wouldn't trade my dyslexic brain for a non dyslexic one if I had the choice. I'm also very excited that one of my children has dyslexia. I'm eager to see how she approaches the world as she grows.
Never that is, until my wife started researching dyslexia a couple of years ago. She concluded that not only was my daughter dyslexic, but I probably was too. Even then I mostly brushed her off.
Fact is, I had no idea what dyslexia was. After letting the idea that I may be dyslexic buzz around in my brain for a year and a half or so, I decided to find out whether or not I was. The Eide's book looked like a good place to start.
I didn't have to get very far into the book before I was convinced that I am definitely dyslexic. I've said throughout my life (at least to myself) that my brain just doesn't work. Of course what I mean is that it doesn't work at doing a lot of things that other people do easily, such as organizational skills, and speech processing. Now I realize that what I've been saying is true. My brain doesn't work the way most other people's brains work.
The Eides' main thesis is that the dyslexic brain simply has a different wiring architecture than a "normal" brain. This dyslexic architecture comes with its own set of strengths and weaknesses. Traditionally society has focused on the weaknesses of the dyslexic brain. Now, however, we know (so say the Eide's at least) what the strengths that come along with dyslexia are, and it's about time that we started focusing on those. (We cannot, of course, forget about the weaknesses. Dyslexics still need specialized help, especially during their early educations.)
The Eides outline four areas of dyslexic strengths (each of which comes along with weaknesses as trade-offs). They call them the MIND strengths. I'm not really qualified to judge the scientific grounding of the Eide's claims, but they certainly sounded believable and came off as being grounded in scientific research (if also in the Eides' anecdotes about their clients). The division into four seperate strengths seemed maybe a little ad hoc, especial the last two (N=Narrative Reasoning and D=Dynamic Reasoning).
I really enjoyed The Dyslexic Advantage. It helped me see what some of my talents are, and how those talents came to me through dyslexia. I wouldn't trade my dyslexic brain for a non dyslexic one if I had the choice. I'm also very excited that one of my children has dyslexia. I'm eager to see how she approaches the world as she grows.
November 8, 2023
I highly recommend this book to anyone who has dyslexia, is parenting a young person with dyslexia, works in education at any level or is just in general interested in how differing brain structures effect things such as working memory, 3D visualization, problem solving, and other areas of cognition. I've known I was dyslexic since I was about 8 years old, but I had never picked up a book on the topic. I found this very interesting and very easy to read (its printed in a san-serif font with large page margins, and also short well-structured chapters). It contains many real-life stories of people with dyslexia rising to the very pinnacle of their chosen fields as well as a good section of layperson's neuroscience of brain structure and some of the latest research on memory formation. The authors do an excellent job highlighting how so many of the things that are cast as weaknesses or drawbacks in dyslexic students' early education are often reshaped into strengths later in life. Multiple times the authors emphasized that while dyslexic students should receive extra instruction in reading in early childhood, that they probably won't catch up their peers until later in life, often in high school or beyond and that one of the most important things is never letting the dyslexic student give up on their own ability to learn, thrive, and succeed. Most dyslexics are late bloomers, but as the book says, "time is on your side."
December 21, 2011
Finally, something is making sense.
As someone who has been dealing with dyslexia for any years, I can't say enough good things about this book. It's literally as if I have found the missing manual to my brain. Every example and training suggestion was helpful; I have befitted more from this audiobook than through years of training. Thank you, authors, for carefully constructing a resource that will help those dealing with dyslexia.
As someone who has been dealing with dyslexia for any years, I can't say enough good things about this book. It's literally as if I have found the missing manual to my brain. Every example and training suggestion was helpful; I have befitted more from this audiobook than through years of training. Thank you, authors, for carefully constructing a resource that will help those dealing with dyslexia.
October 28, 2011
I can't say enough good about this book. If you have a child with dyslexia, or teach a child with dyslexia, it will give you insight and ideas to maximize their potential... to stop focusing so closely on their challenges and recognize their strengths. The title is somewhat limiting though, because dyslexia and ADHD share some of the same challenges and strengths due to poor working memory -- so I think this book would be extremely helpful to anyone looking for help with ADHD as well.
The Eide's research is exceptional, and their use of real people and their own clinical experience lends to the book's authenticity. The best part about reading this book was the moment I recognized my child's advantages in the 4 areas of strength. It changed the way I approach his teaching. I'm reading it for a second time with a highlighter and pencil.
The Eide's research is exceptional, and their use of real people and their own clinical experience lends to the book's authenticity. The best part about reading this book was the moment I recognized my child's advantages in the 4 areas of strength. It changed the way I approach his teaching. I'm reading it for a second time with a highlighter and pencil.
October 2, 2021
This is a must read for ANY parent with a child that struggles with reading/writing or for anyone who has even the SLIGHTEST inkling that they themselves might be dyslexic or even ADHD. This book is a game changer and every teacher should be required to read this. Dyslexia isn't a learning disability, it's a learning difference... and as soon as children understand where their struggles are coming from, the sooner they can get the proper accommodations. This book is amazing and I will be forcing people to read this until the day I die.
June 24, 2023
Good adjunct reading after finishing Overcoming Dyslexia: A New and Complete Science-Based Program for Reading Problems at Any Level. I admit I was skeptical at first, I was afraid this book would simply profile successful dyslexics, mainly focusing on their anecdotes. Fortunately, this book is much more and I enjoyed reading the science behind what the author has listed as a dyslexic's strengths in thinking.
I'm deducting a star since the author gives now outdated advice. Any parent reading this should know that the Orton-Gillingham approach to reading is not the only approach that can benefit a child with dyslexia. This was articulated well in the updated edition of Overcoming Dyslexia: A New and Complete Science-Based Program for Reading Problems at Any Level.
I'm deducting a star since the author gives now outdated advice. Any parent reading this should know that the Orton-Gillingham approach to reading is not the only approach that can benefit a child with dyslexia. This was articulated well in the updated edition of Overcoming Dyslexia: A New and Complete Science-Based Program for Reading Problems at Any Level.
September 9, 2012
If there is a dyslexic in your life or if you are a professional dealing with this population, this is THE book to read. Copyrighted in 2011 it, takes advantage of and synthesizes all past information, medical breakthroughs and contrarian ideas. IT creates a total picture of dyslexia including and highlighting the positive aspects of this "learning type" and the brain differences that make for the high IQ or even EQ of many dyslexics. IT is chicken soup for the mother's soul to read about the struggles of one dyslexic and discover that it is Anne Rice they are talking about. Incidentally she was the best-selling author of all time at over 100 million books. (I"m guessing that level has been surpassed by now.) Eide describes in detail the upside and the downside and in addition to the diagnostics, which most books are pretty thorough about, includes elementary school, high school and even workplace suggestions.
I could say a LOT more, but I'm not even finished reading the book. So...if it is in your sphere of interest, just read it. It'll make it easier on Moms because there will be less lengthy responding to do when people say something to the effect of, "Awww, poor you, your child is dyslexic." Heck, yeah!
I could say a LOT more, but I'm not even finished reading the book. So...if it is in your sphere of interest, just read it. It'll make it easier on Moms because there will be less lengthy responding to do when people say something to the effect of, "Awww, poor you, your child is dyslexic." Heck, yeah!
August 22, 2024
I did not need a book to tell me that my dyslexic son’s mind was incredible and unique. I knew *that* before I ever knew he had dyslexia. I’ve always been fascinated by his ability to make connections, his auditory comprehension is WAY above grade level, and his thought processes seem to work in 3D. This book only affirmed what I already knew: dyslexia is a gift.
And as with any strength, there are weaknesses. It was helpful to hear so many real life examples of people who worked hard to overcome the challenges that come along with this gift. Each story was unique, and their timeline for learning basic reading / writing was different. Could it be that children are born whole persons and the reason dyslexia is a “problem” is because these children just don’t fit into the required standard set in place by a system?
There was a ton of overlap with Charlotte Mason’s pedagogy. People with dyslexia thrive off of “ideas” and the Science of Relations is always at work in their mind, whether they can read or not. Also, because we read LIVING BOOKS, my son is not lacking food for his mind.
This book encouraged me to allow more audio books (hearing is one of the oldest ways of “reading”), to continue to work with him on reading with short lessons (another CM principle!), and trust that his mind is capable and it will click eventually.
I think everyone who has dyslexia or knows someone who has it (especially if it’s your child) should read this book! Let’s change the narrative of dyslexia just being a “problem” to see the amazing gift that it truly is!
And as with any strength, there are weaknesses. It was helpful to hear so many real life examples of people who worked hard to overcome the challenges that come along with this gift. Each story was unique, and their timeline for learning basic reading / writing was different. Could it be that children are born whole persons and the reason dyslexia is a “problem” is because these children just don’t fit into the required standard set in place by a system?
There was a ton of overlap with Charlotte Mason’s pedagogy. People with dyslexia thrive off of “ideas” and the Science of Relations is always at work in their mind, whether they can read or not. Also, because we read LIVING BOOKS, my son is not lacking food for his mind.
This book encouraged me to allow more audio books (hearing is one of the oldest ways of “reading”), to continue to work with him on reading with short lessons (another CM principle!), and trust that his mind is capable and it will click eventually.
I think everyone who has dyslexia or knows someone who has it (especially if it’s your child) should read this book! Let’s change the narrative of dyslexia just being a “problem” to see the amazing gift that it truly is!
September 7, 2013
This book is simply fantastic in that it re-frames the conversation about Dyslexia.
Who should read this book?
If you are dyslexic or live with a dyslexic, you have to read this book.
If you think you may be dyslexic but are not sure, read this book.
More importantly, every teacher and education professional should read this book.
I have given out more copies of this book than almost any book in the last two years. One of the most valuable parts of the book is the description of the different flavors of dyslexia.
Also, this book has helped me be more open about my own dyslexia and helped be more understanding of those who never understood it --which at times has included me. When I grew up, the solution to dyslexia was "Cowboy up, and take 4th grade again." I had no idea of what was going on. Definitely a book I would time machine back and give to all my teachers, principle and parents. So grateful this book was written for kids today.
And my only criticism is one a dyslexic would make. I wish the book had more visuals.
Whatever these writers do next, I'm buying.
Who should read this book?
If you are dyslexic or live with a dyslexic, you have to read this book.
If you think you may be dyslexic but are not sure, read this book.
More importantly, every teacher and education professional should read this book.
I have given out more copies of this book than almost any book in the last two years. One of the most valuable parts of the book is the description of the different flavors of dyslexia.
Also, this book has helped me be more open about my own dyslexia and helped be more understanding of those who never understood it --which at times has included me. When I grew up, the solution to dyslexia was "Cowboy up, and take 4th grade again." I had no idea of what was going on. Definitely a book I would time machine back and give to all my teachers, principle and parents. So grateful this book was written for kids today.
And my only criticism is one a dyslexic would make. I wish the book had more visuals.
Whatever these writers do next, I'm buying.
September 17, 2012
I would think that anyone with dyslexia – or anyone with a child or spouse with dyslexia – would find this book enormously helpful. It is a very positive, comprehensive, and affirming write-up that focuses on the advantages that a brain, wired for dyslexia, has to offer. The contents include chapters on how dyslexic brains differ; four areas where dyslexic brains excel; and how/where to put the dyslexic advantage to use (including the right school and workplace environments).
The book is very narrative and pleasant to read. A number of individuals are profiled; one is quoted in the book as saying “I learned early on that since you can’t get out of dyslexia, you better get into it…I decided to ‘embrace the beast’… and how to be proud of who I am.” We are all wired a little differently, and I like how this book, while recognizing the challenges, highlights the benefits and real strengths that dyslexia can offer.
The book is very narrative and pleasant to read. A number of individuals are profiled; one is quoted in the book as saying “I learned early on that since you can’t get out of dyslexia, you better get into it…I decided to ‘embrace the beast’… and how to be proud of who I am.” We are all wired a little differently, and I like how this book, while recognizing the challenges, highlights the benefits and real strengths that dyslexia can offer.
April 18, 2013
This wonderful and well written book seeks to re-frame how we see the dyslexic mind. Without denying or underplaying the difficulties young dyslexics face, Brock and Fernette Eide do an amazing job cataloging and describing the dyslexic advantages that often accompany the disabilities. There is much practical advice offered for dyslexics; even after three decades of accommodating my dyslexia, I learned many useful tips. I highly, highly recommend this book to fellow dyslexics, parents, and educators.
Disclaimer: I was lucky enough to be interviewed by the authors, who did me the honor of using my particular life story, so far at least, as an example of the "narrative intelligence" strengths that man dyslexics have. It's a truly humbling experience to see my name listed among so many, and much more accomplished dyslexics, such as Charles Schwab, Anne Rice, Sir Richard Bransen. However, I'd offer the glowing reviews of this book as more objective evidence of its excellence.
Disclaimer: I was lucky enough to be interviewed by the authors, who did me the honor of using my particular life story, so far at least, as an example of the "narrative intelligence" strengths that man dyslexics have. It's a truly humbling experience to see my name listed among so many, and much more accomplished dyslexics, such as Charles Schwab, Anne Rice, Sir Richard Bransen. However, I'd offer the glowing reviews of this book as more objective evidence of its excellence.
November 3, 2011
This book explains dyslexia with all its pros and cons better than anything I have read. It is very positive about a dyslexic's potential, but it also doesn't negate the very real challenges they face. I would highly recommend it to anyone who is, or knows someone who is a dyslexic.
September 10, 2013
This book was amazing. I believe that my daughter is dyslexic. She is only 4 and nobody is willing to help me or test her. So I started reading. Best decision ever! I wrote 24 pages of notes!
Not only do I understand my daughter better, my marriage is better because it helped me understand how my husband's brain works (another undiagnosed dyslexic). I wish somebody had given me this book when we got married!
Anyhow, this book changes how I teach her and how I will move forward with her education.
There were some profound things in this. I recommend reading it if you suspect somebody in your life is dyslexic!
Not only do I understand my daughter better, my marriage is better because it helped me understand how my husband's brain works (another undiagnosed dyslexic). I wish somebody had given me this book when we got married!
Anyhow, this book changes how I teach her and how I will move forward with her education.
There were some profound things in this. I recommend reading it if you suspect somebody in your life is dyslexic!
December 31, 2014
I ended up having to skim this one. It was rather dry reading and offered very limited practical advice. Its value lies primarily in providing encouragement that dyslexics can, and do, succeed well in life, but I don't need to read hundreds of pages to know that. Also, it didn't really seem to apply to my son (I read it because he is dyslexic). It kept going on about how spatially gifted dyslexics are, but that is not the case for him. He has clear gifts (he's good at mental math, logical thinking, strategy, and has a good sense of humour), but he actually has a deficiency in geometrical matrices. It has clearly been encouraging to many, but I guess I'm not the intended audience.
November 7, 2018
This book was exceptional, and not just in understanding how to help those with dyslexia harness their strengths. It was also hugely beneficial in understanding the ways in which we all think differently and how to help each other identify how they best process things and respect that diversity.
June 21, 2024
I'ev neevr flet os snee yb a boko!
Jokes aside, every part of this book explained all my struggles and strengths. It makes so much sense that dyslexia is really just a different way of making connections. It comes with some very interesting strengths. Everything they say about types of jobs dyslexic people thrive in have all been areas I have enjoyed and done well in. That's very affirming.
I wish I would have come across this in my very difficult school years, but I'm grateful for the challenges that forced me to gain other skills.
Jokes aside, every part of this book explained all my struggles and strengths. It makes so much sense that dyslexia is really just a different way of making connections. It comes with some very interesting strengths. Everything they say about types of jobs dyslexic people thrive in have all been areas I have enjoyed and done well in. That's very affirming.
I wish I would have come across this in my very difficult school years, but I'm grateful for the challenges that forced me to gain other skills.
February 22, 2014
Ugh. I only finished this book because it was a gift, and I have a stubborn streak. Though there are many valuable points made, they are difficult to find beneath the inconsistent writing style and redundancies. I kept thinking that the entire book could have been condensed into a more readable - and therefore more powerful - 10 page article. Also, it is difficult to keep an open mind toward the authors' message when their message frequently involves gross negative generalizations of my profession. Since my work is intensely personal, yes, I take offense.
March 6, 2013
I have learned so much about myself and dyslexia from this book. I highly recommend it to anyone who thinks they might be dyslexic or anyone with dyslexic family members or coworkers.
June 9, 2023
Probably more valuable to someone with an academic background, it was a pretty dry read for me to get through. It dives into the biological differences in the brain wiring of the dyslexic vs non dyslexic. It tries to explain how dyslexics perceive things, which was interesting. It lists challenges dyslexics face, as well as strengths they bring into the world. Not a lot of hands-on tips for dealing with dyslexia but more of an encouragement to embrace it. Not what I was expecting, but definitely this book has its place.
May 31, 2023
I’m amazed how much solid, encouraging, and useful information and perspective was able to fit into this book. I’m buying the new edition after reading the library’s copy and realizing I need to be able to mark this book up so I can get all the good out of it. As a homeschooling mom new to the dyslexia world, this was just what I needed. I’ve already been able to pass on to my son some of the hopeful ideas learned from this book and both of us are more excited about moving forward with his education now.
October 6, 2021
I’m not quick to give ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ but this one gets it! I was actually sad to return it and beyond thankful for the clarification of dyslexia and how people like this learn, process information, and FLOURISH. Dyslexia is not a curse but simply a different processing system and I want to learn more!
December 25, 2020
It is an insightful yet accessible book on dyslexia. Under four classes, the types of dyslexia, advantages, and challenges associated with each are explained well. Eide & Eide suggest using assistive technologies, innovative teaching methods, and a nurturing environment to manage the challenges, if not we cannot completely overcome them. The realistic childhood struggles and the adulthood success stories make it into a captivating read despite being dense in science. I also like practical tips and references on choosing colleges, choosing appropriate programs, being part of the supportive community, etc. to be able to achieve long term success.
October 20, 2018
At first I found myself vert captivated reading the book. The beginning and the information provided by the book is quite interesting and especially useful. I think it is a good read for both parents of dyslexic kids as for dyslectics of any age. The book highlighted certain aspects of a dyslexic brain that I, as one, might have taken for granted. I do think that the book can be of use for many.
But... this work has its own shortcomings. I have, as others, found myself struggling to finish the book. The firs 3/4 of the books are very interesting and provide a general overview of being dyslexic. I started to struggle as soon as this general overview was over. After this part is what I would call a very practical bit on how to deal with dyslexia at specific stages. I do thing this is valuable information, but I am not sure it was needed in this book itself, I would much rather seen those as separate book, which all of them could be expanded as well.
What in the book gives a sense of elevation and encouragement on initial reading soon after the book is put down starts to transform in one of those motivational trashy types of book. As soon a was able to get some distance from the written, I started to realise the unnecessary hype and cheap motivational speech of the kind: "you can do it if you envision it, even you have the potential to become the next Richard Branson", etc.
Finally the book is not really ready for an international audience. Especially the practical end of the book feels even more out of place as most information is very specific and aimed at the US environment. Truly SAT and the US type of education is not a worldwide phenomena. This might be a bit of an unfair critic, but when a book leaves its cradle country it should take into account that the rest of the world is in the end different in many aspects.
Unfortunately this book, which brings a very positive look on dyslexics feels a bit incomplete due to this shortcoming. I will still recommend the book to anyone interested in what goes on in dyslexic brain, but unfortunately I would have to include additional literature to anyone needing some guidance in navigating in the life of a dyslexic.
But... this work has its own shortcomings. I have, as others, found myself struggling to finish the book. The firs 3/4 of the books are very interesting and provide a general overview of being dyslexic. I started to struggle as soon as this general overview was over. After this part is what I would call a very practical bit on how to deal with dyslexia at specific stages. I do thing this is valuable information, but I am not sure it was needed in this book itself, I would much rather seen those as separate book, which all of them could be expanded as well.
What in the book gives a sense of elevation and encouragement on initial reading soon after the book is put down starts to transform in one of those motivational trashy types of book. As soon a was able to get some distance from the written, I started to realise the unnecessary hype and cheap motivational speech of the kind: "you can do it if you envision it, even you have the potential to become the next Richard Branson", etc.
Finally the book is not really ready for an international audience. Especially the practical end of the book feels even more out of place as most information is very specific and aimed at the US environment. Truly SAT and the US type of education is not a worldwide phenomena. This might be a bit of an unfair critic, but when a book leaves its cradle country it should take into account that the rest of the world is in the end different in many aspects.
Unfortunately this book, which brings a very positive look on dyslexics feels a bit incomplete due to this shortcoming. I will still recommend the book to anyone interested in what goes on in dyslexic brain, but unfortunately I would have to include additional literature to anyone needing some guidance in navigating in the life of a dyslexic.
September 21, 2016
Oh, wow. There are a lot of "OH, S($&^@" moments in this book. I have never suspected any dyslexia in myself personally, but with new diagnoses in the family, I've been learning a lot more. So many points in this book rang true to personal experiences or those in the family. Strengths in material reasoning, interconnected reasoning, dynamic reasoning? We have those in spades. Trade-off weaknesses in recognizing orientation in symbols, rote memorization, and backwards problem-solving? Yeah, hi, I'm familiar. The Eide's anecdotes were well-placed and illustrative, and several surprised me. More than one geologist was used as an example, and I had no idea that Sarah Andrews, an author of a mystery series starring a geologist protagonist that I've long enjoyed, was dyslexic. Ms. Andrews received an extensive profile and I found her experiences with interconnected and dynamic reasoning incredibly familiar.
I feel that for a long time I have intuited much of the information in this book (hello, dynamic reasoning), and because of that I've been able to give my kids a good foundation, but it was very good to see it confirmed in print. I was particularly interested in the last section of the book focusing on helping the dyslexic take advantage of their strengths, and the brief appendix with targeted specific recommendations (yay we have used/are using many of these!). This one is going on the shelf. Recommended for anyone who wants to understand and help a dyslexic or stealth dyslexic.
I feel that for a long time I have intuited much of the information in this book (hello, dynamic reasoning), and because of that I've been able to give my kids a good foundation, but it was very good to see it confirmed in print. I was particularly interested in the last section of the book focusing on helping the dyslexic take advantage of their strengths, and the brief appendix with targeted specific recommendations (yay we have used/are using many of these!). This one is going on the shelf. Recommended for anyone who wants to understand and help a dyslexic or stealth dyslexic.
October 1, 2024
Listen.
If you are an educator of any sort, you MUST read this book. It will open your eyes to the wonderful advantages of a dyslexic brain. Yes, dyslexia is labeled as a neurological disorder, but I believe it is only labeled as such because the general population does not know how else to label it.
The Eides do a spectacular job of breaking down the pitfalls while focusing heavily on the hidden intricacies of dyslexic tendancies. They give examples of brilliant physicians, scientists, authors, etc who learned to work past the difficulties of dyslexia and "hack" their way through life and education, producing great work in the world.
If you are dyslexic, don't believe that lies that you are not smart enough. Your intelligence is not dampened by dyslexia, though it is often HIDDEN. Get this on audiobook, and bask in the encouragement and suggestions provided throughout this book.
I am so glad I read this again.
If you are an educator of any sort, you MUST read this book. It will open your eyes to the wonderful advantages of a dyslexic brain. Yes, dyslexia is labeled as a neurological disorder, but I believe it is only labeled as such because the general population does not know how else to label it.
The Eides do a spectacular job of breaking down the pitfalls while focusing heavily on the hidden intricacies of dyslexic tendancies. They give examples of brilliant physicians, scientists, authors, etc who learned to work past the difficulties of dyslexia and "hack" their way through life and education, producing great work in the world.
If you are dyslexic, don't believe that lies that you are not smart enough. Your intelligence is not dampened by dyslexia, though it is often HIDDEN. Get this on audiobook, and bask in the encouragement and suggestions provided throughout this book.
I am so glad I read this again.
November 29, 2020
For a book about people with dyslexia which contains information which would be useful to said people it is not very dyslexia friendly. I would go as far as to say it is very unfriendly to dyslexics. The constant lists with examples and walls of text make it very hard to read in book form and the narrator is one of the dullest people I have had the displeasure of listening to. I find myself veering from close to falling asleep to boiling annoyance at this book.
This book is so full of anecdotal evidence it almost disqualifies the actual studies that have been done. Every chapter has at the very least one example of a person who overcame their dyslexic challenges which somehow is supposed to prove something.
The information in this book is not worth the effort it takes to consume said information.
This book is so full of anecdotal evidence it almost disqualifies the actual studies that have been done. Every chapter has at the very least one example of a person who overcame their dyslexic challenges which somehow is supposed to prove something.
The information in this book is not worth the effort it takes to consume said information.
March 17, 2018
This book was clearly written for a non-dyslexic parent to help them with a dyslexic child. But I found it extremely interesting especially the beginning half that explained how a dyslexic brain is structured differently from a non-dyslexic and how that explains many of the challenges and special abilities that I have. In general this book was extremely empowering for me and I very much appreciate of the work the writers are doing to help people with dyslexia. Some of my favorite parts were when I went “ohhh doesn’t everyone think like that.” Not realizing that dyslexia gave me the gifts of understanding 3 dimensional space, strong interconnected reasoning, and strong narrative reasoning. It’s nice to be able to see my dyslexia as a gift.
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