“Crooked and Confused” by Molly Reno is an excellent example of how someone can over-come adversity that is dealt to them in life, even from a young age. The author, at the age of 9, is diagnosed with scoliosis and dyslexia, on the same day. Her response: “I am not scoliosis and I don’t have dyslexia” is a classic response and reflects her strong spirit with dealing with hardships.
This book is filled with humorous anecdotes and had me laughing out loud on many occasions. While the author tells us that her book can be read in almost any situation, except while driving, I would go a step further and recommend not reading it where outbursts of laughter may be viewed negatively.
Molly describes the burden of wearing a plastic back brace to the point you can almost feel its hardness. While what sounds extremely uncomfortable, she makes the most of it. She taught herself to use the brace as a straw opener, a push-up bra, and even a whoopee cushion. Anyone forced to wear one of these devices can truly learn from her.
She beautifully describes her struggles with reading and writing from the dyslexia in a way non-dyslexic people can understand. What may be easy for most of us, is a battle for people with dyslexia, such as spelling people’s names or posting a Facebook status or even sending a text message.
To add to Molly’s burdens, see was also diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder and lost a front tooth, permanently. But she never makes it seem like she suffered. Her fortitude in the face of such calamities is remarkable and I doubt few others could come out of it with such positivity and good humor.
“Crooked and Confused” is a must read for anyone who faced obstacles in their childhood or adolescence. Or, for anyone who just wants to laugh.
I finished the book in a few hours, not only because it was interesting, but because my kids saw it and want to read it as well. My only wish is that it would have been longer so I could read more stories and be fascinated for a while longer.
You rock, Molly Reno!
Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2016 Linda Girgis, MD, FAAFP