The Gift of Dyslexia: Why Some of the Smartest People Can't Read... and How They Can Learn,   ISBN:9780399522932

Customer Rating: 

After watching my son struggle for 3 years trying to read at a 1st grade level while he excelled socially, physically, and in many other ways I was ready to try anything. The title of this book caught my attention as I was looking for a more expensive product. It describes my son so well. He is SO smart, yet it seemed he could not advance in reading, writing, and math no matter what curriculum was used. It was having very negative affects on his self-esteem. I didn't realize he even had dyslexia, I just thought he struggled with mixing up a few of his letters. I had no idea what was really going on in his mind. I have never heard or read the information that was in this book ever before - despite the fact that my husband is also dyslexic. I have been implementing the techniques he recommends and have watched my son blossom in a short period of time. My husband has also tried some things and has been amazed at how such simple things have helped him. It seems to validate much of the feelings experienced by people with this gift. It also gives language to the frustrations, and ways to eliminate them. I totally have a new respect for my son and husband, and am so appreciative that someone was willing to speak from the inside of this reality. It is helping many others. I'm glad I started with this financially conservative approach, and would highly recommend it for anyone else.

Customer Rating: 

Another good book on dyslexia we are using in conjunction with our grand-daughter that is afflicted with this problem. Between tutoring and special assistance from the grand-parents, we can only hope for success.

Customer Rating: 

What I find interesting is that the reviews of this book are mostly extremes. Either they hate it or they love it. What is interesting to note is from where each of those reviews are coming from. Most of the positives come from parents who have had wonderful experiences with their children. Most of the negatives come from people who are or claim to be a specialist in the educational field, and cannot accept something that is introspection based. True, that most of the claims Ron makes are based on introspection, and not scientific deduction, but it makes it no less true.

I believe the experiences of numerous parents who have seen success with their children should be at the very least anecdotal proof that it does work. It is hardly scientific, and neither does the Davis method claim to be the fix for everyone. It is a method not meant to be a self help book. It is meant to be done with someone helping the dyslexic and this is where I think some of the adult dyslexics are having problems with this book.

I however agree that the language used in the verbal instructions while performing the procedures can be difficult, and can in fact be in and of itself "disorienting", however an intelligent or perceptive facilitator will spot this and adjust the language to be more appropriate to his subject.

This method does not claim to be effective 100% and in fact there may truly be learning disabled people who will not benefit at all from this method, but discounting the testimonials and anecdotal evidence, just because it is non "scientific" is insulting to the people who have experienced it.

Customer Rating: 

I originally read this book with the idea of helping an adult friend who has dyslexia. I was diagnosed with dyslexia myself as a child. The book provided great information and insights on both levels. A great strong point is the orientation that dyslexia is a gift rather than a disability.

Customer Rating: 

From a former dyslexic child, Davis made his own way to understand how himself was creating dyslexia, and managed to get rid of it.
If you want to know more about what's in the head of a dyslexic child and how to help him.