Spellbound

My Life as a Dyslexic Wordsmith

By: Phil Hanley

Narrated by: Phil Hanley

This program is read by the author, comedian and severe dyslexic Phil Hanley, who reveals his unlikely path to success in a story that is equal parts hilarious and heartbreaking.

When Phil Hanley was in first grade, he realized something that would forever set him apart from his peers: he couldn’t read. His teachers were ill-equipped to assist him, and he slipped through the school’s cracks, year by year falling further and further behind his friends. Finally, he was diagnosed with dyslexia, a learning disability that would shape the rest of his life.

Unable to pursue college or a traditional job, Phil was thrust into a life defined by unconventional twists, including a stint as a runway model in Europe. Eventually, he found himself on a stage with a microphone, a spotlight, and five minutes of jokes. Unlike so many previous pursuits, stand-up felt right to Phil, and he soon discovered that the more he worked at it, the more he got out of it—a realization that, he compellingly argues, saved his life. Spellbound is a story of humor and also of struggle and heartbreak, of constantly living in a world that sees things differently than you do, and of triumph over adversity.

Hanley tells us that dyslexia can be a huge challenge, but it doesn’t spell certain condemnation (and neither can he). Just the opposite: dyslexia has been more than a blessing in his life—it’s been his North Star.

A Macmillan Audio production from Henry Holt & Company.

©2025 Phil Hanley (P)2025 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

A Lit Hub Most Anticipated Book of 2025

“Brilliant, funny, poignant, raw, honest, and full of heart, Phil Hanley’s Spellbound is the voice of a movement. He shares wisdom about what it's like to be dyslexic, but most importantly, he sets the record straight on what is right with the dyslexic mind and how we can all find our path and voice in the world.”—David Flink, Founder of Eye to Eye and CNN Hero

"From the backroads of Canada to the runways of Milan, Phil has a great story. I’m sure there are unruly Canadians and sarcastic Deadheads, but he’s got to be the only one that’s both."—Colin Quinn, comedian

"Spellbound is an achievement of authentic and talented storytelling. Hanley delivers validating, relatable and humorous anecdotes for the millions of people who have dyslexia and sends messages of resilience, acceptance and ultimately, celebration. I personally appreciate this book, not only as a therapist, but also as a parent who is always looking for positive and successful stories to share with my dyslexic son."—Roberto Olivardia, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist and Lecturer, Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School