Two Lives in One: The Struggles and Triumphs of a Dyslexic Mensa

“Words have always held a place of power and mystery in my life. That is because I am severely dyslexic, and will never be able to read beyond the fourth-grade level.”

Born in a small town in Texas at the start of the Great Depression, Glenn Harrington is an outgoing, happy child full of curiosity and imagination. Until he realizes he has a secret he can never tell a soul. Unlike the other kids, Glenn cannot read. And no one, it seems, either notices or cares.

In the Air Force, after fortuitously earning his high school diploma, Glenn discovers something amazing. Though he struggles to read and write, he is a gifted instructor. His success teaching aircraft mechanics opens doors he never knew he could enter: to college, graduate school, and eventually a successful career as a science teacher. Through it all, Glenn hides his learning disability, and it is not until the age of 70 that he finally discovers this lifelong impediment has a name: dyslexia.