Rhona’s forthrightness and dark humour is striking and to be much admired.
There are still people in our enlightened society who are discriminated against because they are different. Many are severely and most unjustifiably harmed by the ignorance and outright cruelty to which they are exposed. Some like Rhona struggle through it, helped both by their innate intelligence/cunning and often too by people who see who they really are. Rhona’s descriptions of two people, one hurtful and one helpful run through the book, and they will no doubt be with her for the rest of her life.
I enjoyed the clear insightful writing. Rhona’s forthrightness and dark humour is striking and to be much admired. I hope the book will be read by all teachers and by those who were higher in the pecking order in their school years, but we all have predjuces and I would say there is nobody who could claim that this book has nothing to offer them.
Dr Mike Lusk.
A must read for all educators.
I finished this book a few days ago and I’m still trying to wrap my head around the feelings I’m feeling. It hurt my soul to read this book. So raw. so real. So powerful. So painful. The author takes the reader on a narrated tour for her dismal school years. As an undiagnosed dyslexic she is misunderstood and treated unkindly by almost all who meet her...until she meets Miss English.
Essential reading.
As a High School teacher, I found Rhona MacDonald’s book invaluable. Not only does it give an insight into the struggles of those with dyslexia, it also stresses the value and importance of respectful and empathetic adults in a child’s life.
Rhona’s early frustrations and defeats are clearly exacerbated by teachers who fail her-they fail to adapt to her learning needs, fail to recognise her potential, and fail to nurture her dreams and ambitions.
The early part of the book is often very painful. However, once Rhona reaches high school, things change immeasurably for the better, and the story becomes one of triumph and success.
I urge anybody working in education to read Rhona’s story. You will come away from it inspired and prepared to help, rather than hinder, those whose minds work in different and brilliant ways. Essential reading.
"The beginning of healing for many hearts."
My almost 10 year old daughter and I we glued to this book within the first 3 Chapters. The brilliant nuanced way that she describes the thinking of a dyslexic mind is almost therapeutic to read for those of like minds. I imagine this book to be the beginning of healing for many hearts; I know it has been for us.
Nicki Pratire
"When the written word does not play nice."
An unmediated, sometimes heart-breaking account of growing up in small-town Scotland with undiagnosed dyslexia, slightly out of step with the worlds but not knowing why. Recommended for teachers, manager, dyslexics and anyone hyper-literal who has ever felt frustrated by the inane “rules” of both the English language- and also growing up- that makes no sense.
Talia
"A stunning piece of literature."
An absorbing story that’s highly humorous but also woefully sad with a delightfully happy ending. A wonderful insight into how the dyslexic brain works and adapts to the ever changing situation of differing schools and teachers told by a very clever, yet somewhat misunderstood little girl as she grows into a young lady. An absolute must read for anyone who is a parent or in the education profession.
Emily
An absolutely amazing story of triumph over a sorrow childhood. I was appalled by the way the teachers in this book handled a child with dyslexia. This is a beautifully written memoir, one minute I was laughing and the next minute I was crying. Thank goodness for the very special teacher that helped Rhona see the light at the end of the tunnel. I would highly recommend this book.
Rebekah
Amazing book and a great window into the life of a child with dyslexia.
It shows the profound effect a good teacher can have and sadly the numbing effect of a bad teacher. I couldn’t put this book down. It is beautifully written from the heart and had me crying in one chapter and then laughing out loud the next.
If this book could be on the reading list of every teacher, then hopefully children with dyslexia would have a greater opportunity to thrive.
Jane Campbell
Thank you Rhona for having the courage to write and share your journey through this story of the setbacks and achievements you have made through your life. Teachers at my school and myself are more aware now and we as educators are able to listen to and look for the key indicators of a child who is struggling with text, finding new ways to help them learn.Your story has had a very positive impact on my staff and their awareness of students needs. The little boy who sat right beside you on the parent evening has had a full diagnosis which we are now able to get help for him at school through his tutor. We are so happy as a staff and a team to be able to support him in ways that he needs . He is happy and is coming to school knowing he will feel safe and encouraged in his learning.
Margaret Samson
Principal Edmonton Primary
Rhona has that rare gift of being able to tell her story in a way that is entertaining, whilst also being touching, brutally honest and at times painfully sad. Yet this is ultimately a positive and encouraging tale.
I have a close friend with Dyslexia and Rhona’s book has helped me truly understand – for the first time – what Dyslexia actually is and, more importantly, how it affects the everyday life of the person with Dyslexia. I never realised what they have to deal with and negotiate on a daily basis - those things that most of us take for granted.
This book is a ‘must read’ for anyone who knows someone with Dyslexia – whether that person is a friend, family member, child, colleague or student – if you want to really understand how Dyslexia affects them, and ways to be able to help them.
I believe that this book will also help those with Dyslexia themselves, who will be able to identify with Rhona’s story and struggles, and hopefully pick up encouragement and tools to guide them out of their own forest.
Rhona has obviously written this book from the heart to help others, as knowledge and understanding is the way to educate others and hopefully prevent what happened to her, happen to others. I am in awe of how, despite everything she has been through, she managed to clear through the trees, escaping her forest to find her true light.
Escaping the Forest is a thoroughly recommended book.
Janet Harris
This book is well written, it allows the reader to gain a very vivid picture of what goes on in the mind of a child with Dyslexia with its myriad of conflicting emotions. It is thought provoking & tear inducing, whilst at the same time makes you laugh out loud. As a child who also survived in the 80’s education system I can relate to some of the thoughts & feelings experienced in the classroom but would never have been able to share theses feeling in such an articulate way.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is thinking of going into the teaching profession and also to any parent whose child is struggling in school.
I am privileged to have been able to call this fabulous author a colleague & friend. I am so glad that her stock phrase made it in to the book “total shambles”!
Yvonne B
Whilst reading your book I got a strange feeling I needed something beside me; a bottle of speyside malt and a quality crystal lowball to sip it from perhaps?The outpouring of your "truths" into this book has highlighted to me a lot things people willingly or unknowingly do to others; done without thought of the recipients emotions or wellbeing. Through the eye watering moments of sad lows, and equally eye watering incredible highs, I was so engrossed by it I couldn't put the book down whilst reading it on the flights recently taken. This insight into the way your mind thinks and the perspective taken on a day to day basis is magnificent.Thank you for making this wonderful piece of literature available for the world to read and I am glad to be one of the "Animals" that are part of your life.
Michael Wilson
A honest insight to the creative thinking and nimble movements developed over many years as a result of un diagnosed dyslexia. A roller-coaster of a journey with the writer, and one you cant put down. A testament to the fact that dyslexia need not stand in the way of achievement.
David
I loved this book – thank you for being so brave and sharing your story. I understand my son and his frustrations so much better because you were able to explain yourself as your child’s mind thoughts, feelings and reactions. You have given my an insight that will shape my own actions with my little boy. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Hazel M
Should be on the reading list for student teachers as this book shows the powerful effect that good teachers have on a kids life and the misery bad ones have. A book for anyone facing a struggle in life. Honest and well written
Rhubarb
Amazing book, a true roller coaster – be prepared to cry with joy and then cry with sadness all the way through. Can’t wait for the sequel.
Sarah