Review: Dyslexia:  Surviving and Succeeding at College By Dr. Sylvia Moody

Routledge: 2007; ISBN 978-0-415-43059-3;
Price: £ 13.99;
216 pgs.

 

reviewed by Eleanor May-Brenneker MA

This book is the 3rd volume in Dr. Sylvia Moody’s ‘Dyslexia’  series and in my opinion the jewel in her trilogy crown. It is written with great clarity, simplicity, precision and full understanding of the problems dyslexic/ dyspraxic college students may face. The structure of the whole book as well as each individual chapter is highly systematic, logical and functional. The content is hugely practical and tailor-made for dyslexic/dyspraxic students. It is packed with strategies, exercises and self-help techniques.  These might be beneficial to any of those students who usually struggle with:Organisation, Reading, Note-taking and Writing, Memory and Negative Feelings and Choosing the right equipment and/or soft ware packages. Some of these specific study skills might even be helpful to non-dyslexics.

The book consists of four parts:
Dyslexia at college, with a section on help and support;
Improving skills, with tips, strategies and advice to enhance study and emotional skills; Significant others: tutors and employers, with a quick guide on dyslexia/dyspraxia for tutors; Further help and advice, covering checklists, further reading lists, useful equipment and addresses.

In this easily readable book, pitched at the right level for her audience, Dr. Sylvia Moody shares with us her enormous insight and knowledge of  dyslexia/dyspraxia and her vast experience - amassed over many years as an EP - in dealing with an innumerable number of students suffering from these specific educational difficulties.

Eleanor May-Brenneker MA ‘Tel. 020 8658 6657 Lecturer, Therapist, Dyslexia & NLP Consultant