Judge, 27th Annual Writer’s Digest Self-Published Book Awards
Dyslexia is more than a reading disorder, as the author details in this memoir. It's also a social perception disorder which means people may not see a person as she really is or have the patience to learn that person's value. The author has a very readable style as she chronicles her journey from childhood through school, dealing with a sense of alien-ness and isolation because of her dyslexia and because of the people she encounters in her home in Scotland. The author cleverly wraps her childhood classroom experiences around a skiing accident, weaving in and out as she parallels examples of what many children feel "“ no one listens. It's an effective device for telling biographical information as is the later device of using Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald as models for writing about what you know and who you are. The author uses good mechanics and similes in the 48 chapters of her autobiographical journey to discover herself and her self-esteem. She has a clever sense of language, subtle and not always obvious, such as calling teachers generically as Miss English and Ms. Math. Or describing an X-ray technician as "non-white-coat-wearer."
Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite
Dyslexia - Escaping The Forest: A Child's View Lost in the Trees by Rhona Macdonald is the heartrending story of the author and gives readers a peek into her growing up years as a dyslexic child. Rhona was the youngest of three children and the only girl child in the family. The book chronicles the author's painful and upsetting memories beginning in school where she was looked down upon as being lazy and how she dreamed of getting away from all of it. She speaks of how survival on a daily basis was difficult and how at times during childhood she wished her parents were dead and she could live with her Auntie Helen in Australia. The book also introduces readers to her primary school teacher who always made her suffer and took joy in seeing her suffering. A change of school happens and that gives Rhona some relief. It is her secondary school teacher who guides her and helps Rhona find her way through the forest.The author's personal experiences will make the reader realize that there are no guidebooks or instructions on how to adapt to dyslexia. This account will encourage all those with dyslexia or dealing with dyslexia patients to keep moving on and adapting to the new challenges they face daily. The book is honest, straightforward, and heartwarming and it will make readers see the author's struggles, pain, and troubles as she tries to live her life. This book gives hope to many readers out there
Rhona Macdonald is a remarkable person for two reasons; the first is because she is honest and brave to write her story, and the second is because she is an exceptionally talented author. Her impeccable writing is a joy to read and flows beautifully throughout so that the reader will feel compelled to read non-stop.
Red Headed Book Lover
Rhona’s book is a heartbreaking story of a child struggling with dyslexia in the ‘80s. But more than that, it’s the story of a child, like most children in the ‘80s, who was almost never listened to or treated with respect by the adults in her life. This book will show you what it feels like to have dyslexia, and it will also show you what it feels like to have the help in exams which are now routinely given (reader, writer and extra time). Rhona’s compelling story absorbed me from start to finish, and really showed me what Dyslexia was, and is, like for her.
Liz Sedley, Creator of Dyslexia Gold
"Rhona’s childhood journey gives the reader a fresh perspective on growing up with the challenge of dyslexia. Her clever, ‘inner monologue’ narrative tells her story in a child-centred way, as daily dramas, vivid imagination and relationship dynamics are shared, filtered through the different stages of growing up. For educators, this is a timely reminder of the powerful role we have in the classroom and our responsibility to enable every single child in our care to thrive, no matter what their circumstances. Her story highlights the power of understanding a learning disability and having the skills and willingness to personalise a programme to allow a young person to reach their potential. The more stories that are heard, the better understanding of dyslexia we will all have."
Sarah Wakeford, Humanities Teacher
