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The Void Between Words: A gripping true story of a boy with a misunderstood mind but a gritty determination to succeed. Delve deep into the place which held him captive for over 50 years
Shame and inadequacy were an intrinsic part of growing up in the 1970s with dyslexia. Self-doubt and high anxiety cast long shadows over a boy with a bright, inquisitive but misunderstood mind. Downtrodden by the hobnail boot of working-class life, he finds solace within nature and discovers the ability to communicate with trees.
This inspirational true story follows his turbulent life of illiteracy, social exclusion and workplace bullying. A disfiguring nightclub attack, motorcycle accident and skin cancer only compound the problems brought about by his inherent learning difficulties and resultant lack of confidence.
The Void Between Words delves deep into a world where it was easier to escape the pressures of life and internalise his individuality, wallow in the mire of insecurity and become imprisoned without hope. A poignant and often humorous story we discover secrets, rejection, love and loss but ultimately, self-discovery and enlightenment.
Powered by an irrepressible need to express his own individuality, his artistic frustration eventually breaks loose of its literary shackles, and he enters into a passionate love affair with words. He eventually finds strength and courage and, to his complete surprise, cannot contain the overwhelming urge to write a novel.
The words which once imprisoned him become his greatest gift, and his frustrated creativity is finally set free. With joy and optimism, his new vocation as a writer is to encourage and inspire all those who might feel trapped and worthless as a result of being different.
This inspirational true story follows his turbulent life of illiteracy, social exclusion and workplace bullying. A disfiguring nightclub attack, motorcycle accident and skin cancer only compound the problems brought about by his inherent learning difficulties and resultant lack of confidence.
The Void Between Words delves deep into a world where it was easier to escape the pressures of life and internalise his individuality, wallow in the mire of insecurity and become imprisoned without hope. A poignant and often humorous story we discover secrets, rejection, love and loss but ultimately, self-discovery and enlightenment.
Powered by an irrepressible need to express his own individuality, his artistic frustration eventually breaks loose of its literary shackles, and he enters into a passionate love affair with words. He eventually finds strength and courage and, to his complete surprise, cannot contain the overwhelming urge to write a novel.
The words which once imprisoned him become his greatest gift, and his frustrated creativity is finally set free. With joy and optimism, his new vocation as a writer is to encourage and inspire all those who might feel trapped and worthless as a result of being different.
- GenresNonfiction
306 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 25, 2021
1 person is currently reading
342 people want to read
About the author
J.A. Crawshaw
9 books54 followersPassionate about writing contemporary fiction/romance and I'm possibly the world's most unlikely author!
Struggling with dyslexia all my life. I had never read a book before writing my first novel The Swing at the age of 50. At school, I was told I was thick and a no-hoper. It confused me, as I felt the opposite and my confidence was shattered. As a result, I avoided words, reading and literature as much as I could and developed a career working with trees.
Waking in the middle of the night around my 50th birthday, I began writing poetry and I was shocked at how much fun it was. It was only when I embarked on writing the novel, I realised, I had probably always had a talent for writing, but was scared to discover it.
Today, I am free from the dyslexic shackles and free to express myself with the books I write.
Many people ask me why I chose to write women's fiction & romance? My straightforward answer is, I didn't. It chose me.
I'm inspired by life and the many possibilities available to us. My Grandparents died within days of each other at the ages of 100 & 97. They had been married for 74 years and loved each other, hated each other, but couldn't live without each other. I realised that romance is life itself!
I also write what comes naturally to me. My passion for life and interest in people fascinate me.
Romance is exciting with highs, lows, challenges and joys. Who enjoys reading romance where everything runs smoothly?
That doesn't happen in my books.
Happy reading!
A contemporary romance. The Swing is a nostalgic and intriguing foray into the differences of the English class system. Charlotte and Peter battle with many external pressures, but hope that an earthy, deep connection, shared experiences, and passion will win through for them.
The View Beyond is the follow on story of The Swing and becomes a truly life-changing experience for both Charlotte and Peter. I'm also working on new titles with love, loss, passion and twists, which I hope you will equally enjoy.
I wrote my juggling books as a bit of fun. It's something I've always been able to do and forms part of my mindfulness and meditation practice, and as a dyslexic writer, often access my creative brain using this technique. Random, I know, but just me being me, and I hope you appreciate my honesty?
Hope you enjoy my books and very much look forward to reading your reviews. John.
instagram.com/j_a_crawshaw_author
facebook.com/jacrawshawbooks
tiktok.com/@j_a_crawshaw_author
www.youtube.com/@jacrawshaw
goodreads.com/J_A_Crawshaw
Claim your free book via my website.
Struggling with dyslexia all my life. I had never read a book before writing my first novel The Swing at the age of 50. At school, I was told I was thick and a no-hoper. It confused me, as I felt the opposite and my confidence was shattered. As a result, I avoided words, reading and literature as much as I could and developed a career working with trees.
Waking in the middle of the night around my 50th birthday, I began writing poetry and I was shocked at how much fun it was. It was only when I embarked on writing the novel, I realised, I had probably always had a talent for writing, but was scared to discover it.
Today, I am free from the dyslexic shackles and free to express myself with the books I write.
Many people ask me why I chose to write women's fiction & romance? My straightforward answer is, I didn't. It chose me.
I'm inspired by life and the many possibilities available to us. My Grandparents died within days of each other at the ages of 100 & 97. They had been married for 74 years and loved each other, hated each other, but couldn't live without each other. I realised that romance is life itself!
I also write what comes naturally to me. My passion for life and interest in people fascinate me.
Romance is exciting with highs, lows, challenges and joys. Who enjoys reading romance where everything runs smoothly?
That doesn't happen in my books.
Happy reading!
A contemporary romance. The Swing is a nostalgic and intriguing foray into the differences of the English class system. Charlotte and Peter battle with many external pressures, but hope that an earthy, deep connection, shared experiences, and passion will win through for them.
The View Beyond is the follow on story of The Swing and becomes a truly life-changing experience for both Charlotte and Peter. I'm also working on new titles with love, loss, passion and twists, which I hope you will equally enjoy.
I wrote my juggling books as a bit of fun. It's something I've always been able to do and forms part of my mindfulness and meditation practice, and as a dyslexic writer, often access my creative brain using this technique. Random, I know, but just me being me, and I hope you appreciate my honesty?
Hope you enjoy my books and very much look forward to reading your reviews. John.
instagram.com/j_a_crawshaw_author
facebook.com/jacrawshawbooks
tiktok.com/@j_a_crawshaw_author
www.youtube.com/@jacrawshaw
goodreads.com/J_A_Crawshaw
Claim your free book via my website.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
March 18, 2021
Thank you, John, for a very touching memoir. I was with you, seemingly in person, when you went on your liberating vacation so long ago. Everyone would do well to take an occasional spontaneous trip! Your love of nature helped you to overcome many an obstacle. It just goes to show what perseverance can do.
I especially appreciated how much you cared for your grandparents. What a special couple they were.
The only reason I gave the book four stars instead of five was due to spelling errors.
Well done, my friend.
I especially appreciated how much you cared for your grandparents. What a special couple they were.
The only reason I gave the book four stars instead of five was due to spelling errors.
Well done, my friend.
March 4, 2021
This book had me gripped from the start, it is a heart rending account of a boy growing up in the 1970's and 80's with absolutely no confidence in his ability to succeed at anything. At school he is labelled from day one as different when he turns up in a hand me down jumper worn inside out with the previous owner Lucy's name tag on show. He is ridiculed unmercifully by his classmates and made to feel stupid by his teacher who "can't read a word " of the story he has written with so much enthusiasm about his family summer holiday. When asked to stand and read it aloud to the class he stutters and freezes and doesn't manage to deliver a single sentence. His lifetime struggle with low self esteem has begun.
We follow John and his alter ego Johnny as he struggles on his difficult journey from boyhood via adolescence to the confident and successful adult he is today. His undiagnosed dyslexia is the root of his problems but he is saved by a love of nature which is nurtured by his grandfather. John is happiest in an outdoor world and gains confidence and inner strength from the mighty trees he climbs to find sanctuary.
There is a lot of humour in this book, (I loved his affectionate put downs of his Mum's cooking for example) but there were many times when I had to reach for a tissue because my heart went out to him as he faced yet another difficult situation where the words defeated him.
In my mind's eye I can envisage the film emerging from this book, it's KES in a different guise, a coming of age story with a strong message for anyone struggling with their self esteem. I read this book during the Covid pandemic when all around me young people are facing crisis and struggling with self identity and mental health issues. John's message is that there is light at the end of the tunnel even if you have to struggle very hard to find it.
I loved this book.
We follow John and his alter ego Johnny as he struggles on his difficult journey from boyhood via adolescence to the confident and successful adult he is today. His undiagnosed dyslexia is the root of his problems but he is saved by a love of nature which is nurtured by his grandfather. John is happiest in an outdoor world and gains confidence and inner strength from the mighty trees he climbs to find sanctuary.
There is a lot of humour in this book, (I loved his affectionate put downs of his Mum's cooking for example) but there were many times when I had to reach for a tissue because my heart went out to him as he faced yet another difficult situation where the words defeated him.
In my mind's eye I can envisage the film emerging from this book, it's KES in a different guise, a coming of age story with a strong message for anyone struggling with their self esteem. I read this book during the Covid pandemic when all around me young people are facing crisis and struggling with self identity and mental health issues. John's message is that there is light at the end of the tunnel even if you have to struggle very hard to find it.
I loved this book.
March 10, 2021
Life is not easy, it seems easy but when you look into it, you will find the true picture.
In the following Novel the author openly presented his life in beautiful words. The kind of story John showed here is often dealt by us. We tend to ignore and stuck at that point. Here author fought and rose with all his flaws.
Every moment we face challenge which mould for good, bad, or nothing. Our Hero of the novel was somewhere near middle, as he was not aware of his purpose of life. In his childhood he used to love trees and shrubs but he neglected that. Yet nature always smiled at him.
Yes, John was living a life but not enjoying. Then one day he got an opportunity to hold his interest and purpose and he flourished so well.
We often Compare ourselves with other and there we lost faith & potential. t's necessary to believe in ourselves.
In the end I would like to say Thank You to the author to open up his life infront of readers because it's not easy to showcase a life where you face so much of challenges.
In the following Novel the author openly presented his life in beautiful words. The kind of story John showed here is often dealt by us. We tend to ignore and stuck at that point. Here author fought and rose with all his flaws.
Every moment we face challenge which mould for good, bad, or nothing. Our Hero of the novel was somewhere near middle, as he was not aware of his purpose of life. In his childhood he used to love trees and shrubs but he neglected that. Yet nature always smiled at him.
Yes, John was living a life but not enjoying. Then one day he got an opportunity to hold his interest and purpose and he flourished so well.
We often Compare ourselves with other and there we lost faith & potential. t's necessary to believe in ourselves.
In the end I would like to say Thank You to the author to open up his life infront of readers because it's not easy to showcase a life where you face so much of challenges.
March 1, 2021
The Void Between Words: A lifetime of being different by J A Crawshaw 📚
My Rating - 4.8/5 🌟
My review📚
🌀🌟Starting with the title of the story, the title is so joyful that makes your heart happy and for title I will certainly rate it 1/1. Cover of the novel is attractive and matches the plot of the story, you will get to know when you will read this one out.
🌀🌟The Void Between Words by J A Crawshaw is a long read of 300 pages which took me sittings to finish but its an awesome read.
🌀🌟So coming to the plot this book is a story of Peaks and downs of prosperity in the 70s and 80s, and one man's path across health and self.I loved how the author gave insights about Dylexia with a blend of humour and emotions. Common life and anxieties that are well disguised is what kept me hooked throughout.
🌀🌟You will be surprised to see how elaborately the author has delivered the story and this will completely take you to a ride of perfectly blended storyline. The choice of words is just as amazing as the writing skills of the author. So, there is absolutely no reason left to not pick this book up. So, what are you guys waiting for go grab your copy fast. There was no unnecessary stretching at all. It was all so perfect. I just loved it all. I loved the experience this book gave. I highly recommend it to all the readers out there.
🌀🌟Read the book, Gift it to close ones and enjoy. Also, I would like to thank the author for giving me such an experience through the book. I do not want to be a spoiler so without breaking any suspense, I would request you all to read this book. I highly recommend it to all the readers out there to give it try and tell me if you liked it or not.
My Rating - 4.8/5 🌟
My review📚
🌀🌟Starting with the title of the story, the title is so joyful that makes your heart happy and for title I will certainly rate it 1/1. Cover of the novel is attractive and matches the plot of the story, you will get to know when you will read this one out.
🌀🌟The Void Between Words by J A Crawshaw is a long read of 300 pages which took me sittings to finish but its an awesome read.
🌀🌟So coming to the plot this book is a story of Peaks and downs of prosperity in the 70s and 80s, and one man's path across health and self.I loved how the author gave insights about Dylexia with a blend of humour and emotions. Common life and anxieties that are well disguised is what kept me hooked throughout.
🌀🌟You will be surprised to see how elaborately the author has delivered the story and this will completely take you to a ride of perfectly blended storyline. The choice of words is just as amazing as the writing skills of the author. So, there is absolutely no reason left to not pick this book up. So, what are you guys waiting for go grab your copy fast. There was no unnecessary stretching at all. It was all so perfect. I just loved it all. I loved the experience this book gave. I highly recommend it to all the readers out there.
🌀🌟Read the book, Gift it to close ones and enjoy. Also, I would like to thank the author for giving me such an experience through the book. I do not want to be a spoiler so without breaking any suspense, I would request you all to read this book. I highly recommend it to all the readers out there to give it try and tell me if you liked it or not.
September 14, 2021
Interesting read
February 21, 2021
A fascinating and inspirational story of a brave young man who took his own insecurities to task and made a success of his life. Flows, an easy narrative, humorous and thought-provoking.
June 24, 2025
Can a dyslexic write a novel? I had never read a novel and could not see the enjoyment in doing so. At the age of 50 I faced my fear of words and literature head on, and surprisingly could not contain the overwhelming urge to write one.
Delve deep into The Void Between Words and discover a world where it was easier to hide from the pressures of life. The void eventually becomes a place where I can access my subconscious and unlock what has become a complete joy of words and a passion for writing. My aim now, is to inspire others to unlock their potential and follow their dreams.
Excerpt
'The class ended, and we exited into the hallway. Claire came up beside me. I could sense her just over my shoulder, and I could smell her girlie, soapy scent. My legs felt weak, and I could feel a sort of cramp in my stomach. Halfway down the corridor she got a little ahead of me and turned.
'Thank you for the card,' she said.
All I could see were her lips making the words, and I smiled nervously.
'It's ok.'
'You spelled Christmas wrong!' she said.
Instantly the blood drained from my face, arms and legs, and the cramp in my stomach twisted, like I was dying inside. Crippled with total embarrassment, my shoe caught on a drain cover and I stumbled to the ground, scuffing my knees and grazing my palms. I regained my feet and as I looked up, she was gone.
Who knew Christmas had an H in it? Or a T for that matter!'
Synopsis
Shame and inadequacy were an intrinsic part of growing up in the 1970s with dyslexia. Self-doubt and high anxiety cast long shadows over a boy with a bright, inquisitive but misunderstood mind. Downtrodden by the hobnail boot of working-class life, he finds solace within nature and discovers the ability to communicate with trees.
This inspirational true story follows his turbulent life of illiteracy, social exclusion and workplace bullying. A disfiguring nightclub attack, motorcycle accident and skin cancer only compound the problems brought about by his inherent learning difficulties and resultant lack of confidence.
Powered by an irrepressible need to express his own individuality, his artistic frustration eventually breaks loose of its literary shackles, and he enters into a passionate love affair with words. He eventually finds strength and courage and, to his complete surprise, cannot contain the overwhelming urge to write a novel.
The words which once imprisoned him become his greatest gift, and his frustrated creativity is finally set free. With joy and optimism, his new vocation as a writer is to encourage and inspire all those who might feel trapped and worthless as a result of being different.
Delve deep into The Void Between Words and discover a world where it was easier to hide from the pressures of life. The void eventually becomes a place where I can access my subconscious and unlock what has become a complete joy of words and a passion for writing. My aim now, is to inspire others to unlock their potential and follow their dreams.
Excerpt
'The class ended, and we exited into the hallway. Claire came up beside me. I could sense her just over my shoulder, and I could smell her girlie, soapy scent. My legs felt weak, and I could feel a sort of cramp in my stomach. Halfway down the corridor she got a little ahead of me and turned.
'Thank you for the card,' she said.
All I could see were her lips making the words, and I smiled nervously.
'It's ok.'
'You spelled Christmas wrong!' she said.
Instantly the blood drained from my face, arms and legs, and the cramp in my stomach twisted, like I was dying inside. Crippled with total embarrassment, my shoe caught on a drain cover and I stumbled to the ground, scuffing my knees and grazing my palms. I regained my feet and as I looked up, she was gone.
Who knew Christmas had an H in it? Or a T for that matter!'
Synopsis
Shame and inadequacy were an intrinsic part of growing up in the 1970s with dyslexia. Self-doubt and high anxiety cast long shadows over a boy with a bright, inquisitive but misunderstood mind. Downtrodden by the hobnail boot of working-class life, he finds solace within nature and discovers the ability to communicate with trees.
This inspirational true story follows his turbulent life of illiteracy, social exclusion and workplace bullying. A disfiguring nightclub attack, motorcycle accident and skin cancer only compound the problems brought about by his inherent learning difficulties and resultant lack of confidence.
Powered by an irrepressible need to express his own individuality, his artistic frustration eventually breaks loose of its literary shackles, and he enters into a passionate love affair with words. He eventually finds strength and courage and, to his complete surprise, cannot contain the overwhelming urge to write a novel.
The words which once imprisoned him become his greatest gift, and his frustrated creativity is finally set free. With joy and optimism, his new vocation as a writer is to encourage and inspire all those who might feel trapped and worthless as a result of being different.
May 22, 2023
This author’s memoir tells of his personal struggles living with dyslexia and a life time of set backs and how he managed to find self worth and positivity through his passion for nature. What an inspirational story this is. I devoured this in two days, I just had to know if he found his happy ending! I was keen to read it because I have met the author and I’m nosey but also because the subject matter was of interest to me and after reading the blurb I knew I had to read it. This is a raw and courageous account and inbetween the dark events of bullying, injury and family breakups, there a subtle wit and humour which didn’t fail to make me smile. I can identify with areas of my life where I’ve felt worthless and not good enough and have suffered low self esteem, so I did finish this book feeling uplifted and inspired. It’s well worth a read and has encouraged me to seek out more real life memoirs, not just from A list celebrities.
March 10, 2021
The Void Between Words is a beautiful story that covers the struggles of living with dyslexia and how the main character John overcame his difficulty with words through a love a nature.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and as a dyslexic myself I found it to be very relatable, inspiring, and emotional.
Highly recommended read =)
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and as a dyslexic myself I found it to be very relatable, inspiring, and emotional.
Highly recommended read =)
June 20, 2025
I was surprised to find out that J A Crawshaw is dyslexic and had never read a book before writing his first novel at the age of 50! His memoir is outstanding. Funny, nostalgic and deep, it explores his dreadful journey from unconfident non reader to author of ten published books.
April 26, 2023
Truly enjoyed it
Great life journey that made me feel inspired by numerous events. It helps understand the troubles that other people go through and how they overcome them.
Great life journey that made me feel inspired by numerous events. It helps understand the troubles that other people go through and how they overcome them.
June 18, 2025
A must read !
Well written and totally inspiring.
Well written and totally inspiring.
May 20, 2022
Self indulgent.
July 24, 2023
A very interesting biography of a boy who suffered from dyslexia. His parents did not understand or have the means or time to take an interest in his problem, so he found ways around it himself. Mainly he avoided anything that required large amounts of reading. He was by no means dumb or stupid because he showed promise on mechanical things and was very observant on the subtle things of nature.
He managed to get himself into an apprentice program as a cook and was transferred to a prison kitchen as his assignment. As he matured as a cook he advanced and was given promotions which caused him some anxiety, but he managed well enough to get by. Eventually he left the chef career to try his hand working for the parks departments in England. Again he was well
versed in nature and could take instructions well enough to continue to advance in this job, eventually leaving to go to work for himself, working as a arborist and consultant. In his spare time, he managed to continue his formal education in courses needed for his job and get his degree. A man now, he managed to improve enough (with some difficulty) in his dyslexia to write this biography and a relationship novel.
This is a never say die or, never give up story that is so very interesting that at one point I was sure that it was fiction. Mr. Crawshaw's determination and skill at always wanting to get better at anything he did is a very inspiring story that many teenagers should read. He would not take no for an answer even though he had a disability that set him back as a child. He found ways around difficulties and yes, he had some breaks and a bit of luck, but because of his attitude of wanting to do better, I believe that God was looking out for him. Get this book for your teen, especially if they are not living up to your expectations or are somewhat of a slacker, it may inspire them to follow J.A. Crawshaw's path to success.
He managed to get himself into an apprentice program as a cook and was transferred to a prison kitchen as his assignment. As he matured as a cook he advanced and was given promotions which caused him some anxiety, but he managed well enough to get by. Eventually he left the chef career to try his hand working for the parks departments in England. Again he was well
versed in nature and could take instructions well enough to continue to advance in this job, eventually leaving to go to work for himself, working as a arborist and consultant. In his spare time, he managed to continue his formal education in courses needed for his job and get his degree. A man now, he managed to improve enough (with some difficulty) in his dyslexia to write this biography and a relationship novel.
This is a never say die or, never give up story that is so very interesting that at one point I was sure that it was fiction. Mr. Crawshaw's determination and skill at always wanting to get better at anything he did is a very inspiring story that many teenagers should read. He would not take no for an answer even though he had a disability that set him back as a child. He found ways around difficulties and yes, he had some breaks and a bit of luck, but because of his attitude of wanting to do better, I believe that God was looking out for him. Get this book for your teen, especially if they are not living up to your expectations or are somewhat of a slacker, it may inspire them to follow J.A. Crawshaw's path to success.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews