"My grades looked like I was a genius, but when I got out of school, I didn't know anything. I had learned what I call the 'politics' of school: behaving myself, not causing trouble, doing all the right things, not asking questions. My teachers liked me, and I faked it all the way through. In college, I made friends with smart people who taught me how to fill out applications, how to take tests, and how to get by. I had my Bachelor's degree and was in graduate school at the University of Memphis when I finally admitted out loud that I couldn't read or write past the third grade level. A stranger overheard and approached me. He said, 'I can show you how to teach yourself to read' and he did. He told me to get two books: a dictionary and How to Read a Book (by Adler & Doren). At first, they just sat here collecting dust, but he kept calling me. Week after week, he called to see what kind of progress I was making. Finally, I decided I was going to do this. Once I started, I got so excited about reading that I could hardly stop to eat or take a shower. Whole worlds opened up to me: history, philosophy, travel, literature, cultures, religions, biographies. I bought an electronic dictionary too, one that pronounced and defined words, because there were so many words I had no idea how to say. I love to read now. These books are like my family. When I have a question, I can just pick up a family member and ask."
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