Quinn's debut, framed as an autobiography, reveals his personal trials with a condition diagnosed when he was only two years old: developmental language disorder (DLD). A speech and language disability that can be mistaken for stuttering or muddled speech, DLD created extensive challenges for Quinn, from struggling with slow speech and stuttering to delayed learning, marking his early years of development with low self-confidence and self-doubt. He relays those challenges starting with his birth—punctuated by insights from family members and treating professionals alongside his own extensive research—and focuses throughout on raising awareness.

Quinn writes with an obvious passion for educating others, sharing candid first-person testimony that is honest, sincere, and, even during his most painful moments, upfront about the challenges he has faced and overcome. That passion will inspire readers, and Quinn notes it has opened significant doors of opportunity for him, including serving as a vice president for the AFASIC organization, established to spread awareness and provide support for youth diagnosed with DLD. His overriding message is hopefully earnest: the impact of DLD is far-reaching, but, with support and effective care, it can be managed. “I have been knocked down,” he writes, “[but] I got back up and soldiered on through life, ever molding myself to be what I am today.”

Quinn’s personal and professional victories will encourage others to rise to the challenge, as he channels his frustration at the lack of awareness about DLD into a victory rally. “This disability is a part of me, but doesn’t define who I am,” he emphasizes. The narrative flow is disrupted at times by loosely related deviations, but, when delving into his more intimate moments of pain and triumph, Quinn’s writing is powerful. His inclusion of photographs builds connection with readers, and he closes with simple ways to shed light on DLD research and programs.

Takeaway: Empowering personal story of coping with development language disorder.

Comparable Titles: Sheila Hale’s The Man Who Lost His Language, Marc Shell’s Stutter.

Production grades
Cover: C
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: A
Editing: B
Marketing copy: B