Are dyslexics who love to read an oxymoron?
When I was first diagnosed as a dyslexic, I couldn’t really read. It would take me what seemed like forever to read just a few pages. The idea of having to read aloud at school was so scary! Even now I don’t love to read out loud!
It’s been 5 years since my diagnoses and I LOVE to read!!!!
One of the ways I overcame my fear was to read over facetime with my Gran. Judy Moody became one of my favorite series because of it. Every school day at 4pm, we would each take turns reading out loud. Sometimes we would each read one page, sometimes if the chapters were long or if I was tired, she would read 2 pages to my 1. I remember once, as she was reading, I quickly read ahead to double check the words I would be reading. Knowing what I’m going to be reading ahead of time helps me feel more confident. That day when I told her what I had done she was proud of me for knowing how to find my success option. We have read most of the Judy Moody books and Clementine books that way. After 18 months of doing this life got too busy.
Another way I overcame my fear was finding the type of books that speak to me. For my older sisters’ birthday, I got her a graphic novel that a friend of ours had. One night while my parents and siblings were busy, I decided to give it a try. It looked interesting and had great pictures so at the very least maybe I could picture read. The first time I read it I noticed there were a handful of big words, but I loved the rest so much that I just skipped the words I couldn’t figure out. I read that first graphic novel in 1 night! I couldn’t put it down. Reading had always been something I dreaded, but this was different. Graphic Novels are my jam! The next time I went to the library all I got was graphic novels. For my next birthday and every birthday since I ask my friends for graphic novels.
Finding my love for graphic novels was like turning a light on in a dark room. I have learned that I prefer realistic fiction. I never thought I could ever have favorite authors and now I do. Reading isn’t so bad when you love what you read.
