My Headwinds to Freedom : A Memoir (Paperback)

Ian Grant Cobb was born in 1944 in St. Lambert, Quebec, where he grew up. It was a time when little attention was paid to children's learning differences. Undiagnosed dyslexia, concussion and hearing loss left him confused about why he could not learn. Sixty-two years later, with the help of good friends, Ian began to learn to read and write. His is a story of a life lived in transit during which he repeatedly lied about his illiteracy in order to forge a life. For him, writing his memoir has been a journey to a new freedom and understanding.

"After coming full circle," Ian says, "I now want to dedicate my time to charities, especially those for children. From my own experience, I know that there are always young people out there who could use a little help."

"An inspiring must-read! Follow the spirited journey of a troubled boy who couldn't read or write, wheeling and dealing to survive, as he discovers himself and his strengths against all odds. From his time on the streets to his pursuits as a self-taught philanthropist, this is a story you won't want to miss!" --Alayne Hing, mental performance consultant, Elite Edge

"Ian Cobb is a real-life Forrest Gump, but his life story is even better than the one depicted in the movie -- and Ian's story is not fictional. An amazing life and an incredible man." --Stu Cowan, Montreal Gazette sports columnist

"In many ways [Ian Cobb's] learning difficulties became great advantages. [His] drive to learn and discover forced [him] to observe and experiment in so many ways. [His] inability to find steady work freed [him] to acquire many skills and have fantastic experiences.... Society is doing itself a great disservice by expecting everyone to learn and think the same way. My Headwinds To Freedom is a fantastic read and will be a best seller." -- Gail Hamer

"A fantastic read about perseverance and a terrific adventurous man. It's well worth reading. Captivating from page 1 until the end." --Lew Azaroff, retired sportswriter, The Record, Hackensack, N.J.

From the author: "Illiterate, dyslexic, partly deaf since birth, PTSD from concussions and abuse, I discovered the best way to my future was to create it, and so I did. There has never been a book like this before, I am told by professionals in the industry. How could there be? I had nothing to follow. I have never been able to read a book in my life." --Ian Cobb