Born Lucky

A Dedicated Father, A Grateful Son, and My Journey with Autism

By: Leland Vittert, Don Yaeger

Narrated by: Leland Vittert, James Conlan

INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

In a world quick to label, judge, and box in people, one father and son stood firm and refused to be defined by an autism diagnosis.

If you’re channel surfing and happen upon Leland Vittert during his nightly national cable show on NewsNation, he comes off as a poised journalist prying nuggets from guests. If you watched him for years as an anchor at Fox News Channel, you saw him on the battlefields of the Middle East, the anchor desk, and the White House North Lawn. No one, including friends and co-workers, has ever known his full life story and how miraculous it was to get to that point.

Leland was a socially awkward boy who didn’t speak for years, and when he finally did, teachers and leaders declared him “weird.” His unique behavior and inability to connect with his peers made him a frequent target for bullying and exclusion. In one particularly harsh moment, a school principal bluntly told his parents, “The people here think Leland is pretty weird. I guess I do, too.” Those words felt like being shot with an arrow, as his parents sat in stunned silence, grappling with their own fears and uncertainties for their son’s future.

From a young age, Leland showed signs of being Autistic, a term rarely used at the time, struggling with social cues, communication, and behavioral norms that came naturally to other kids. The diagnosis didn't deter his father, Mark. He knew the world wouldn't change for Leland, so he quit his job and began changing Leland for the world. He became a full-time parent-coach, training Leland and teaching him the skills he needed to navigate in society. Simple concepts like eye contact, understanding humor, and instilling motivations had to be taught painstakingly. From hundreds of pushups at age 7 to toughen him against bullies, to coaching him through complex social interactions, Mark’s relentless dedication changed the trajectory of Leland’s life.

Born Lucky offers an intimate look into their inspiring journey. Leland lays bare his experiences of the crushing bullying during middle and high school, the sting of rejection continuing into college, and his ultimate transformation into an esteemed journalist. But above all, this book is a love letter from a grateful son, who despite his diagnosis, trusted his father and defied all odds.

It offers hope to every parent and every child who is grappling with their own unique challenges, to be inspired to break labels, tear down the walls that society builds, and create a better future.

Inspired fight for personal triumph

As a psychologist, I’m always on the lookout for personal autism experiences, to help parents understand what their children are going through. This is the story of one man who paid the price and is willing to continue to pay the price to succeed in his chosen field of work. It is also the story of parents who never wavered in their love and guidance. Very inspirational.

The narrator is the autistic person himself!

So sweet and helpful for those of us who have autism in our lives! As an autobiography, it is exceptional and proof of the value of the journey “Lucky” has traveled. Dads everywhere should read this book!! (Good Father’s Day gift)

A beautiful relationship between father and son

While, the entire book was mostly about Lucky there wasn’t one chapter that didn’t have his father’s fingerprint. It was heartwarming and inspiring especially because I’m a mom with an almost eight year old boy at home who is SO much like Lucky. I’m so grateful to have heard about this book on the 1000 hours outside podcast.

Awesome

Interesting and encouraging easy to listen and understand helpful hints , great to hear from dad at the end

Hopeful and inspiring.

If you have a child in your life that has any type of struggle, this can give you hope. If you want to help anyone understand compassion and kindness, this will inspire you to do so.