The man who forgot how to read is a memoir by Howard Engel

The man who forgot how to read is a memoir by Howard Engel

The man who forgot how to read is a memoir by Howard Engel that describes how he lost his ability to read. He first learned of this condition one summer morning when he picked up a newspaper but realised, he could not read the words. On realization of the severity of his condition, Engel learns he had suffered a stroke in the past that left him with a rare condition known as “word blindness.” This essay explores what this condition meant for Howard and people close to him through an interview he had.

Howard’s reaction to the realization that he could not read was an ironical calmness not expected from a person who had been accustomed to reading a lot. He explains that he was only aware of the disability when he needed to use his reading ability. He was unaware of the words he was forgetting and thus did not react unusually. Engel was nevertheless determined to regain his reading skills since he agreed to go back to therapy. Engel’s mother was supportive and motivating since she is described telling Engel to write about the hospital since it was easy. Engels’s friends were also supportive since they helped him in reading the newspaper. Engel also reacts calmly to losing his driver’s license, which he never through he could do without.

Howard had a negative interaction with healthcare professionals. He felt they could have done a better job in setting up tests for patients with a similar disorder. He claimed that tests were inferior to give to a novelist indicating that they were not flexible enough. On the other hand, Howard commends the hospital, remarking that his stay at the rehab was not rigorous (Engel 3). He was allowed out for lunches, met with friends at home and in the streets, and was also allowed to go home on weekends. The therapists helped him in different aspects, such as his physical health and mental wellbeing. Howard confessed such assistance significantly contributed to his recovery trail.

Engel’s memoir is an indication that doctors should do more research on better methods to treat word blindness. Patients with word blindness also need more lessons on how to retrain themselves on regaining their reading ability. The questions also offered to word blindness patients should be made flexible for all sorts of patients.