Dad Runs Away With The Circus

Dad Runs Away with the Circus

Ellen's Story

"Ellen's Story" is a testament of my persistent struggle for literacy, the crippling defeat I suffered in my adult life due to this problem, and the ultimate steps I needed to take toward triumph. My story begins in England as World War II breaks out. As a victim of the times and of a society unaware of learning disabilities, I fell further and further behind in a system focused only on achievers. At the age of eighteen, contemplating a dim future as an ill-educated factory worker and bearing thoughts of suicide, I immigrated to Canada. But dreams of a new life of marriage, children, and friendships never came to be; struggles with learning disabilities sabotaged every hope. My marriage failed, I sunk into a deep depression, and I tried to raise four children on welfare. Eventually, after intensive therapy, I was diagnosed with dyslexia and only grade-7 reading skills. Through the incredible support from the Victoria READ Society, a special school in BC, I came to believe I could learn, and learn I did. However, my triumphs came with more pain. Literacy problems had devastated my life and my relationships, and I felt an incredible fear knowing the lives I'd hurt. But then I learned I was far from alone; there were millions in Canada that were feeling the same shame and hopelessness that I was. What was the true number of people—particularly children—suffering as a result of this issue? The terrible effects of literacy and numeracy problems on human health, wealth, and happiness are unseen. The victims face lifelong shame, guilt, and failure. I hope my story will open eyes to the real destruction of this hidden epidemic and give courage to those willing to come forward and attend classes. But more importantly, since less than 5 percent of adults with learning difficulties seek help, I hope my story will give courage and hope to others.

Mayhem, Mystery and Murder

OC Back when I was a kid growing up in South Chicago, I never dreamed that having a Lebanese father and a Syrian mother would turn out to be an asset. But my ancestry paid off big-time when I sat down across from Timothy Fisher at a San Francisco sidewalk cafe on that warm September morning. He bought my cover as a Mid-East terroristOCohook, line and sinker. Of course, being an FBI agent, IOCOd been provided with excellent cover. Even so, he was nervous and kept looking around at our neighbors, the only ones at the time being a young couple who, hands across their table, were obviously and hopelessly in love. OC IOCOve got the money, OCO I told him, assuming that might help to calm him down. It didnOCOt. He kept scanning the street. OC IOCOm not interested, OCO he said. And that surprised me. What he said next surprised me even moreOC OCO Over 50! mystery short stories by John Broussard, a prolific and compelling writer. Boson Books also offers several full length mystery novels by John Broussard. Visit our Fiction page and look under Action, Adventure and Mysteries . For an author bio, photo, and a sample read, visit bosonbooks.com."