What do you think?
Rate this book
Can't Read, Can't Write, Here's My Book
Amazing true story of Michael Jacques. Michael can't read or write, but has published a book which he wrote with the help of a speech-to-text app on his i-Pad. The book details Michael's trials and tribulations growing up with autism and an intellectual disability.
112 pages, Paperback
1 person is currently reading
109 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
October 12, 2019
5 stars!
Inspiring. Powerful. Motivating. Impactful.
The twenty-eight-year-old author, Michael Jacques, was diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS) and an intellectual disability in grade one. He considers these “challenges” instead of disabilities. These challenges prevent him from being able to read or write, yet through the speech-to-text function on his iPad, he was able to write this book (so amazing!!). He hopes this book is a way to help others understand that anything is possible when you set your mind to it. This book gives background into Michael’s childhood, his diagnoses in grade one, his school and job experiences and his loving family and their wonderful support.
This book is one that should be read by every high school student. It is eye-opening, inspiring and completely relevant in our world that needs to make room for more kindness and inclusion. One of the most powerful themes for me was inclusion and how exclusion is a form of bullying. People may not realize the impact they have on others by exclusion and Michael does a fantastic job enlightening his readers’ to be mindful and aware of this.
I had the pleasure of attending a presentation by the author, Michael Jacques, at my children’s school. Hearing and seeing him in person is even more powerful than reading his book. He is a true inspiration and I feel honoured to have had the chance to learn more about him and his experiences. I encourage you to check out his website at www.heresmybook.com where you can also order a copy of this powerfully motivating book. If you ever get the opportunity to attend a presentation by Michael, I strongly encourage you to do so. Teachers and principals should take the time to research Michael and all of his achievements and see if there is any way you could incorporate his book into your classrooms.
I thank Michael Jacques for sharing his personal experiences and writing this phenomenal book.
Inspiring. Powerful. Motivating. Impactful.
The twenty-eight-year-old author, Michael Jacques, was diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS) and an intellectual disability in grade one. He considers these “challenges” instead of disabilities. These challenges prevent him from being able to read or write, yet through the speech-to-text function on his iPad, he was able to write this book (so amazing!!). He hopes this book is a way to help others understand that anything is possible when you set your mind to it. This book gives background into Michael’s childhood, his diagnoses in grade one, his school and job experiences and his loving family and their wonderful support.
This book is one that should be read by every high school student. It is eye-opening, inspiring and completely relevant in our world that needs to make room for more kindness and inclusion. One of the most powerful themes for me was inclusion and how exclusion is a form of bullying. People may not realize the impact they have on others by exclusion and Michael does a fantastic job enlightening his readers’ to be mindful and aware of this.
I had the pleasure of attending a presentation by the author, Michael Jacques, at my children’s school. Hearing and seeing him in person is even more powerful than reading his book. He is a true inspiration and I feel honoured to have had the chance to learn more about him and his experiences. I encourage you to check out his website at www.heresmybook.com where you can also order a copy of this powerfully motivating book. If you ever get the opportunity to attend a presentation by Michael, I strongly encourage you to do so. Teachers and principals should take the time to research Michael and all of his achievements and see if there is any way you could incorporate his book into your classrooms.
I thank Michael Jacques for sharing his personal experiences and writing this phenomenal book.
July 21, 2018
This a wonderful book, written by a young man who lives with both autism and an intellectual disability. Our son has met, and listened to, the author, Michael Jacques, on a number of occasions at different meetings and conferences. Recently he bought a signed copy of this book at one of those conferences.
The book is an account of Michael's life so far and is a collection of stories describing how he and his family have always lived by the idea that one's life is not determined by he things they cannot do, but instead focuses on the positive of wha they can do. There is much that Michael has overcome in his life and his achievements thus far are testimony to a life of determination.
The book is an inspiration and should offer hope to many. The stories are very positive and, at times, Michael's humour shows through as well. using this work. He hasn't let the fact that he can't read or write stop him. Using his iPad's speech-to-text function, along with the help of those close to him, he has produced a book that is very much worth reading. Each chapter is illustrated by a different artist. Each of these artists is acquainted with Michael's sister Kaila, a graphic artist, who helped him put the book together.
This book is worth reading and is a good example of what can be produced when one is determined not to be limited in one's abilities. It's very inspirational and I look forward to reading more about Michael in the future.
The book is an account of Michael's life so far and is a collection of stories describing how he and his family have always lived by the idea that one's life is not determined by he things they cannot do, but instead focuses on the positive of wha they can do. There is much that Michael has overcome in his life and his achievements thus far are testimony to a life of determination.
The book is an inspiration and should offer hope to many. The stories are very positive and, at times, Michael's humour shows through as well. using this work. He hasn't let the fact that he can't read or write stop him. Using his iPad's speech-to-text function, along with the help of those close to him, he has produced a book that is very much worth reading. Each chapter is illustrated by a different artist. Each of these artists is acquainted with Michael's sister Kaila, a graphic artist, who helped him put the book together.
This book is worth reading and is a good example of what can be produced when one is determined not to be limited in one's abilities. It's very inspirational and I look forward to reading more about Michael in the future.
February 16, 2025
I had the opportunity to hear Michael and his "service" dad (which is what he called him) talk at my teachers college. His message and positive outlook on life both in the book and during his presentation were so inspiring.
June 16, 2018
Such an insightful look into the challenges faced by this amazing young man who faces each day with austism and an intellectual challenge. Micheal works with me at a local grocery store. His cheerful disposition greets both his coworkers and customers everyday. He is fondly referred to as the gentle giant. He is over 6ft tall and has the largest feet I have every seen. Even though Michael can't read or write, through a voice to speech app on his I-Pad he has written and published his amazing story of dealing with his challenges daily. Michael hopes to expand his small business of public speaking and just today confessed that he would like to write another book someday.
March 26, 2019
Thank you Michael for sharing your story!! I bought this book this just after 10 am this morning (it’s now 1:36 pm) because it caught my eye and the back cover description resonated with me. I’m a parent of a child with autism. I could not put it down! So proud of you for rising to the “challenge”. We don’t use the word “disability” at our house either. My heart breaks often for my daughter and the challenges she has for inclusion - just because she’s not “normal”.
October 17, 2019
Well now, this is certainly inspiring! It would do all manner of shoppers at Sobeys grocery store a great service to pick up and read a copy of Michael Jacques's fabulous book. I will read this again with my daughter, taking turns out loud. The simple design is wonderful, complete with fun illustration and I love love love the author's process. Pictograms! Remember, this guy can't read. And yet, in my hands I hold a book that tells a story. And it is a wonderful one at that.
August 6, 2018
Happy Michael shared his story with me. I work with children up to 18 diagnosed with Autism and their families and I really enjoyed this book. A testament that we can learn from everyone, if we are willing to listen.
January 31, 2024
I had the privilege of hearing Michael Jacques and his “service” Dad (that is what Michael called him) speak last night. He was inspiring and his message was one of belonging and inclusion! He has a legacy of focusing on his strengths and staying positive.
This is a book that everyone should read, reflect on and think about the strengths that each individual brings.
I am so inspired by this presentation and book. I am so pleased to add it to my book shelf dedicated to books signed by authors!
This is a book that everyone should read, reflect on and think about the strengths that each individual brings.
I am so inspired by this presentation and book. I am so pleased to add it to my book shelf dedicated to books signed by authors!
September 6, 2019
I was so pleased to read this book --enjoyed it as my read at the beach this summer. It is thorough, well written, and talks not only about Michael's experiences growing up and gaining friendships, dealing with isolation and challenges, and developing a career but also talks about his advocacy work as a person with a developmental disability and autism.
Quite simply, this was a really enjoyable book to read. I was pleasantly surprised by the scope and depth of the book. I was unaware of Michael's involvement in disability advocacy, and was intrigued by Michael's descriptions of the personal growth he has had through cumulative experiences, especially related to stepping stones from one experience to another, leading to being on the board of Ontario Community Living. A helpful reminder that great things are achieved by taking one small step at a time.
A hidden gem in the book is the artwork. Michael's sister is a graphic designer and represented several artists' work as illustrations for each chapter. She was also involved in putting the book together, and receives many mentions in the book as someone particularly significant to the author.
I shop frequently at Sobey's in Fonthill where I bought a signed copy from Michael himself. Nice to know so much more about him after this book.
Quite simply, this was a really enjoyable book to read. I was pleasantly surprised by the scope and depth of the book. I was unaware of Michael's involvement in disability advocacy, and was intrigued by Michael's descriptions of the personal growth he has had through cumulative experiences, especially related to stepping stones from one experience to another, leading to being on the board of Ontario Community Living. A helpful reminder that great things are achieved by taking one small step at a time.
A hidden gem in the book is the artwork. Michael's sister is a graphic designer and represented several artists' work as illustrations for each chapter. She was also involved in putting the book together, and receives many mentions in the book as someone particularly significant to the author.
I shop frequently at Sobey's in Fonthill where I bought a signed copy from Michael himself. Nice to know so much more about him after this book.
September 22, 2018
What a fantastic read, and how lovely to meet Michael Jacques and his family through these pages.
Michael tells his story with passion, with insight and with great humour.
He seems like a pretty incredible human being, who does not suffer from finding his place in the world as many do. Instead Michael is confident in creating his place, and standing up in it - with a smile!
An admirable advocate for those with disabilities and indeed for all humans. Michael can be proud of what he brings to the world around him,
and we .. have much to learn.
Thank you Michael Jacques for sharing your story!
Michael tells his story with passion, with insight and with great humour.
He seems like a pretty incredible human being, who does not suffer from finding his place in the world as many do. Instead Michael is confident in creating his place, and standing up in it - with a smile!
An admirable advocate for those with disabilities and indeed for all humans. Michael can be proud of what he brings to the world around him,
and we .. have much to learn.
Thank you Michael Jacques for sharing your story!
January 20, 2020
A great book by a stellar guy. He writes about his experiences and encourages us to create a more inclusive world. Very inspiring!
March 20, 2024
I had the pleasure of hearing Michael and his “service dad” (as he called him) speak at Western University’s Faculty of Education. What an inspiring and eye-opening book. One that I feel every person working within education should read. Inclusion is so crucial in our schools and communities - and Michael’s words really emphasize how meaningful it is for him.
Thank you Michael for sharing your story, it was a pleasure listening to you speak today. I look forward to bringing your book “I Belong, Can I Play?” into future classrooms and into Day Camp programs!
Thank you Michael for sharing your story, it was a pleasure listening to you speak today. I look forward to bringing your book “I Belong, Can I Play?” into future classrooms and into Day Camp programs!
December 31, 2021
An uplifting and inspiring book written in a casual and inviting style. It feels like sitting down for a coffee with the author, and hearing his thoughts on inclusion, overcoming changes, and making things happen!
"I hope reading my book had helped you to not just see me as a person with a disability; I hope that you will see me as someone who is deserving of the same opportunities in life as those without disabilities. My book is meant to inspire anybody who has been told they can't do something."
This quote from the end of the book is a great summary of what this book is about.
"I hope reading my book had helped you to not just see me as a person with a disability; I hope that you will see me as someone who is deserving of the same opportunities in life as those without disabilities. My book is meant to inspire anybody who has been told they can't do something."
This quote from the end of the book is a great summary of what this book is about.
June 6, 2025
What a lovely story by the nephew of our friend Sandy of Lora Bay. Just goes to show you how someone with a disability can achieve so much. Well done Michael!!!
July 27, 2019
"When you expect life to be hard it becomes easy, and when you expect it to easy it becomes hard." Wow is all I can say about this amazing book that I just devoured cover to cover. Anyone with a child on the spectrum needs to read this book now. The author Michael is a 26 year old man on the spectrum who can't read or write but managed to write this book using his iPad. He has graduated highschool with a diploma even though doctors said he wouldn't, has competed in the special Olympics multiple times winning bronze, has done multiple speaking arrangement to various groups of educators, and has sat on multiple boards talking about how to improve inclusion programs. This man is incredible along with what sounds like two incredibly supportive parents who raised an amazing human being. I have a hard time typically reading books and watching shows with people on the spectrum because sometimes it means taking off my rose coloured glasses but this true story inspires so much hope that I couldn't put it down. This book definitely just made my top 3 list of books that everyone needs to read. I hope I get to hear him speak one day in person.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 2, 2025
This isn't a pity review that talks about how great it is that someone with autism and an intellectual disability can write a book. Gee, isn't that great.
Nope, there are a lot of good ideas on what inclusion looks like and what it looks like to get help rather than being patronized. There is no doubt that Michael did most of the heavy lifting for this book. The voice reads like I imagine he thinks.
It took five years for him to figure it out with help from various folks. The point is that inclusion doesn't have to be onerous for someone to be productive. These various voices are helpful. They can make a difference in many folks lives and not just ones with disabilities. That is kind of the point.
This would be a good primer for folks who are thinking about going into the education field or for those considering DEI beyond lip service. It gets at this in another way other than talking about putting people in places they don't deserve and taking away jobs from people who do deserve it. It can cut through the political clutter and clatter. It's just about helping folks where they are do something they want to in a way that makes sense.
Nope, there are a lot of good ideas on what inclusion looks like and what it looks like to get help rather than being patronized. There is no doubt that Michael did most of the heavy lifting for this book. The voice reads like I imagine he thinks.
It took five years for him to figure it out with help from various folks. The point is that inclusion doesn't have to be onerous for someone to be productive. These various voices are helpful. They can make a difference in many folks lives and not just ones with disabilities. That is kind of the point.
This would be a good primer for folks who are thinking about going into the education field or for those considering DEI beyond lip service. It gets at this in another way other than talking about putting people in places they don't deserve and taking away jobs from people who do deserve it. It can cut through the political clutter and clatter. It's just about helping folks where they are do something they want to in a way that makes sense.
December 8, 2019
If you need a positive and inspirational read – this is it!
This book was written by a young man from the community I live in. He works at the local grocery store (Sobey’s) and so is a recognizable face here. When he published his book there was a story in the local paper (front page!) about him and his book. He was selling his book at our Sobey’s, so I bought it because it’s what I do (I like to support young people in their dream). That was last year, so it’s been ‘in the pile’ for awhile.
Jacques has autism and an intellectual disability. He was able to fulfil his dream of writing a book by using speech to text software on his iPad. He has written about his life (so far) with the intention of encouraging everyone to “embrace and celebrate our differences”. This really is a charming, heart-warming book. He doesn’t deny that things aren’t always easy, and he has had negative experiences in his life but he is a person who sees the positive and has actively worked to advocate for persons with disabilities (based on his experience). A sentimental, but deserving 5*.
This book was written by a young man from the community I live in. He works at the local grocery store (Sobey’s) and so is a recognizable face here. When he published his book there was a story in the local paper (front page!) about him and his book. He was selling his book at our Sobey’s, so I bought it because it’s what I do (I like to support young people in their dream). That was last year, so it’s been ‘in the pile’ for awhile.
Jacques has autism and an intellectual disability. He was able to fulfil his dream of writing a book by using speech to text software on his iPad. He has written about his life (so far) with the intention of encouraging everyone to “embrace and celebrate our differences”. This really is a charming, heart-warming book. He doesn’t deny that things aren’t always easy, and he has had negative experiences in his life but he is a person who sees the positive and has actively worked to advocate for persons with disabilities (based on his experience). A sentimental, but deserving 5*.
May 22, 2024
Okay. So I remember about a month ago Jacques visited my school to do a motivational talking. I found it quite incredible that with the technology we have today, Jacques was able to write a book in spite of a learning disability affecting his reading and writing. Lots of people who can write and read have written books that cannot compare to this one. Thank you for this excellent pice of literature!
March 1, 2020
“I hope that you will see me as someone who is deserving of the same opportunities in life as those without disabilities”
So impressive. A reminder that people with less sometimes do more...A reminder to look below the surface and truly see someone...So grateful to have had the chance to read this - and can only hope that others will, too...
So impressive. A reminder that people with less sometimes do more...A reminder to look below the surface and truly see someone...So grateful to have had the chance to read this - and can only hope that others will, too...
April 2, 2020
What an inspiring book! It gave me tears to read Michaels story. He said similar, but he was blessed to have parents who looked at his disabilities as challenges instead. Anyone who works with students or youth who have disabilities or are autistic should read this book and be reminded of the ‘cans’ instead of the ‘can’t’s.
July 20, 2020
This was a truly sweet read. I would love to meet Michael and hear him speak one day. As a mother of an autistic child, I found this book very inspirational, and full of ideas for exploring the world with my son.
June 26, 2022
I read this with my autistic teenage son. Like Michael Jacques, he can't read or write but is a wiz on the iPad. Michael's account was endearing and inspiring. We enjoyed reading it together very much.
February 11, 2020
I would give this book 10 stars if I could. Michael is unbelievably determined and inspiring.
June 3, 2020
I purchased this book directly from Michael when he spoke at a conference I attended in 2019. Both his talk and book were full of his warmth and positivity.
September 11, 2020
An impressive insight into a unique individual and an excellent resource on the topic of inclusion.
November 18, 2021
This book is a treasure and this young man is amazing.
March 8, 2024
This is an amazing book that every parent and educator should read. Amazing insight from someone with lived experiences.
April 8, 2024
This is a must-read for anyone who values inclusion and who would like to better understand the experience of someone living with autism and an intellectual disability.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews