NHOJ A Memoir That Started Backwards
By John Lazenby
As a journalist and author, John Lazenby has spent more than forty years chronicling the tales of others. But for much of his life he closely guarded his own compelling story – a long and challenging struggle with childhood dyslexia, unable to read or write at a time when neurodiversity was rarely considered or recognised. Sent away to boarding school at the age of seven, John’s future pivoted on the life-changing intervention of a teacher who finally understood the boy whom no one else could teach.
In this warm and poignant memoir, John traces his misadventures through the unforgiving education system of the 1960s, when illiteracy was viewed as a character defect that could be rectified by stern discipline and regular beatings, and takes us on an evocative visit to the not-so-distant past, introducing the kind and eccentric family who never gave up on him – and the array of teachers who did.
We follow the intrepid progress of a boy who could write only one word – his name, spelled backwards – to a man who finally found his true calling after a series of setbacks and false starts, only to make the late discovery that he had travelled through life unaware of a second neurodiversity, hiding in plain sight. Heart-warming, hilarious, raw and shocking, NHOJ is a tribute to overcoming challenges, ignoring barriers and holding on to hope in a world that initially seems to have no place for you.
*Read more from the author here*
Reviews
“Compelling and moving.”
David Haig, actor and playwright
“As a dyslexic journalist myself, I found John’s account incredibly moving. He accurately and powerfully describes the sense of affliction that many dyslexics feel, especially in our industry. He also wonderfully illustrates that dyslexia is not an affliction; it is an asset when harnessed correctly. This book is honest, powerful and witty.”
Will Hayward, award-winning journalist and Guardian columnist
“A powerful and at times painful read on the challenges faced by those with dyslexia. I wish I’d been able to read John’s book when I was going through school and starting out in journalism. His wisdom and fortitude are inspiring. So many of his stories will strike a chord with those who were made to feel like there was something wrong with how they performed at school or at work when, in fact, dyslexia is our superpower.”
Richard James, journalist and newsletter editor at Crikey
“NHOJ is a joyous and uplifting book. If you want to understand what it would’ve been like to have been a clever, deeply dyslexic boy struggling through the English school system in the 1960s, this is for you. Lazenby writes with great insight and humour about his almost impossible predicament and the failure of so many to help. His triumph in becoming such a brilliant writer is truly extraordinary.”
Rosie Boycott, journalist and author
“NHOJ is an exceptional exploration of self-discovery and reflection. What stands out is the vividness of John’s storytelling, which brings his youthful antics and inner turmoil to life. Recounting his early days as unreachable and unteachable, Lazenby’s story has transformed into something unputdownable. His ability to balance self-deprecation and poignancy is rare indeed and makes this memoir an engaging and touching read.”
Vybarr Cregan-Reid, academic, broadcaster and author of We Are What We Read
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- Hardback, 336 pages
- ISBN: 9781785908095
- 13 February 2025
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