Thursday 27 October 2011

Brock & Fernette Eide: The Dyslexic Advantage

In this paradigm-shifting book, neuro-learning experts Drs Brock and Fernette Eide describe an exciting new brain science that reveals that people with dyslexia have unique brain structure and organisation. While the differences are responsible for certain challenges with literacy and reading, the dyslexic brain also gives a predisposition to important skills and special talents, the MIND strengths (material reasoning, interconnected reasoning, narrative reasoning, dynamic reasoning).

What a great read! This book really helps non-dyslexics start to understand the world of dyslexics. The practical advice and references to real-life case studies provide much-needed support for parents and educators of dyslexics. There is never any talk of dyslexia being easy to deal with, but there are generous examples to make you understand that the diagnosis dyslexia isn't the end of the world....

Friday 21 October 2011

Sarah Rayner: One Moment, One Morning

The Brighton to London line. The 07:44 train. Carriages packed with commuters. A woman applies her make-up. Another occupies her time observing the people around her. A husband and wife share an affectionate gesture. Further along, a woman flicks through a glossy magazine. Then, abruptly, everything changes: a man has a heart attack, and can't be resuscitated; the train is stopped, an ambulance called. For at least three passengers on the 07:44 on that particular morning, life will never be the same again. Lou witnesses the man's final moments. Anna and Lou share a cab when they realise the train is going nowhere fast. Anna is Karen's best friend. And Karen? Karen's husband is the man who dies.

I had looked forward to reading this book, in particular as it was set in the South-East of England. However, despite a strong initial storyline I couldn't really enjoy the novel, as it got more and more boring and cliché. Very disappointing. Easy chick-flick for the bath, but not more than that. The narrative and the change of perspective and the flash forwards and backwards were rather irritating, too.

Sunday 16 October 2011

Jean Augur: This Book Doesn't Make Sens, Cens, Sns, Scens, Sense

As a parent and teacher, Jean Augur learned to cope with dyslexia for 20 years. Her experience as the mother of three sons - all dyslexic to a greater or lesser degree - enabled her to understand compassionately. Here she shows how she devised ways and means of helping dyslexics to help themselves.

I had high hopes for this book due to the excellent reviews I've seen everywhere. However, I was disappointed. The practical advice was limited and the understanding for dyslexics and dyslexia was also not enriched. Some of the other books I saw and read recently were way more informative and useful.

Friday 14 October 2011

Philomena Ott: How to Detect and Manage Dyslexia

A reference book aimed at learning support co-ordinators, specialist and non-specialist teachers, and all others involved in helping students with dyslexia. The book includes: step-by-step explanation of the Special Needs Code of Practice legislation; help with teaching spelling and writing to dyslexic students; advice on study skills and preparation for GCSE examinations; information on the provision made by examination boards for dyslexic students; guidance on how technology can help the dyslexic learner; and help with identifying the early warning signs of dyslexia.

Very informative. Some of the sections are very interesting because of the practical advice that is being offered.

Friday 7 October 2011

Shelley Freydont: Todesrätsel - Ein Sudoku-Krimi

Als Kate in dem beschaulichen Granville ein Sudoku-Turnier ausrichtet, ahnt sie nicht wie viel Aufmerksamkeit sie damit bekommt. Aus allen Teilen des Landes reisen Rätselfans an. Es wird ein spannender Wettkampf. Bis Kate über eine Leiche stolpert. Gordon Lott, einer der Teilnehmer, ist ermordet worden. Er war nicht sonderlich beliebt und wurde des Öfteren verdächtigt, mit unlauteren Mitteln zu kämpfen. Aber wer sollte ihn deshalb gleich erschießen?

Der Krimi an sich war weniger originell, aber die Sudokus in jedem Kapitel hatten es doch in sich. Sehr unterhaltsam und kurzweilig.

Wednesday 5 October 2011

R Frank & K Livingston: The secret life of the dyslexic child

A practical guide for parents and educators to allow them to see the world through the eyes of a dyslexic child. Dr Frank explains that dyslexia is more than just a reading problem and that, in fact, many of the methods now used by parents and teachers may be making matters worse be reinforcing the child's fears and frustrations.

Very informative...

Sunday 2 October 2011

Ron Davis: The Gift of Dyslexia

Written from personal experience of dyslexia, this breakthrough book offers unique insights into the learning problems and stigmas faced by those with the condition, and provides the author s own tried and tested techniques for overcoming and correcting it. The experience of being dyslexic is fully explained, from its early development to how it becomes gradually entrenched as a child comes to rely on non-verbal perception.

An eye-opener to read and re-read and re-read again....

Saturday 1 October 2011

David Walliams: The boy in the dress

This book is all about a boy named Dennis. He lives in a boring street in a boring town, and he doesn't have much to look forward to. But what he does have is dreams - and once he starts to follow them, things will never be the same again.

A sweet story about being different, about friendship and how love and friendship can overcome any differences....