Dear Brynley,

I consider this letter to you my Christmas present. When I read about your dyslexia, it made me really happy.

I am writing a novel about dyslexia — specifically about two dyslexic people who fall in love.

(I don’t know which I love more, honestly — the fact that it’s a love story or the fact that it’s about dyslexia.)

I love love stories, especially love stories with happy endings. I really can’t tolerate any other kind.

(Of course, in the novel, I intentionally separate them so they have to write to each other. I know; I’m a bastard.)

I can tell you exactly when I fell in love with dyslexia, and why, and how, but that’s for another letter.

I am not dyslexic, but I think it’s beautiful. Can I say that without being offensive?

I honestly feel that way, though. It is not solely because I identify (a little bit) with this particular state of being, but I do.

To generalize and stereotype, dyslexic individuals are often brilliant. They see the world differently — literally.

Their powers — they really are powers — of perception, deduction, and associative thinking are, quite frequently, astonishing.

Dyslexic people — in my humble opinion — are nothing short of magic.

You have a relationship with the language we all share that is completely unique and your own. I envy you.

Yes, you will have your challenges, but who doesn’t? Fall in love with the “problems” in your life. They’re why you’re here.

Actually, they aren’t really problems; they are your life itself. You belong to them as much as they belong to you.

In the end, the longest and most intimate relationship you will have in your life will be with yourself, so make peace with yourself.

In the end, the longest and most intimate relationship you will have in your life will be with yourself, so make peace with yourself.

Accept. The. Beauty. Of. Who. You. Are.

Also, someday — being no one but yourself — you will perfectly complement someone, and they — being no one but themself — will perfectly complement you.

I think you can learn anything, especially how to relate to people, people of all kinds, too.

I have a little trick to share with you. (Yes, I had to learn this too, once.) It’s very easy and it always works.

What you do is [ … ].

If you do that, you will have gone 90 percent of the way you’ll have needed to go to make a friend that’s on your side, for good.

People mistakenly believe that only extroverts have an innate ability to interact with people.

Quite the opposite is true, however. No one knows better the inner workings of the heart — any heart — than an introvert.

Relax and trust yourself, and you can connect with anyone, deeply. I know this from personal experience, too.

Honestly, I don’t know how you could possibly fail at anything you try in life. You have it all. Plentifully.

There’s one thing you don’t have, however — a copy of my book! I have to write it first, though. If you like, I’ll send you one.

A person only needs so many door-stops!

Sincerely,

David