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

Inspirational tale of overcoming a disability and fighting to make it a positive.

I really liked the behind the scenes clips at the start of each chapter. They give you just a small example of the work both Phil and the crew put in to make this audio book.

The perseverance that Phil has had to have to get to were he is at now is incredible. All in all a great listen IMHO.

Don’t quit your day job

Feel like I know this guy. Second half is very good. Can’t wait for the sequel.

I love Phil Hanley’s comedy and I hope someone reads this to him!

I want Phil to know I’ve listened to it twice already. Watched and liked all of his work on YouTube. He made me understand dyslexia on a deeper level than I would have ever imagined. Ooh la la. I highly recommend this book to anyone with a heart. ❤️

good listen

great comedian. loved hearing his story and what he went through growing up and how he helps others

Loved it!

Such an incredible read. Read this now!! Funny, heartwarming and will stay with you. Highly recommend.

Incredible storytelling

Phil has palpable rawness that is so genuine and his storytelling is second to none.

Don’t skip this book

I laughed and cried while listening to this book. A great memoir. Can’t wait to hear more.

Phil's struggles

Hearing his story and actually hearing him struggle to narrate really hits home with what he had to overcome. Even if you don't have the same struggles, it is easy to empathize with him and relate it to your own life. He is one of my favorite comics and until this book, I would never have guessed what he had gone through in his life. what he does on stage seems so effortless, something impossible for me to do. I highly recommend listening.

Loved every second.

The candid live clips opening every chapter made the story so much more personal and grounded into what an accomplishment this is for Phil and how amazing he is.

Not what I expected at all

I couldn’t wait to read Phil‘s autobiography. I signed up before release and waited until midnight on the day of the release and sadly it was not released until later in the day. I devoured it wandering around stores in my house listening. I love his crowd work Clips on YouTube and as a fellow dyslexic., I am Marvel at his quick wit. My dyslexia has blessed me with a super fast, quick wet, much like his. I didn’t realize how much I would have in common with his journey through dyslexia.. This was a real autobiography. I was expecting something much lighter. It was amazing and enlightening. It’s a wonderful story told beautifully with plenty of humor, but this is not a laugh a minute story. It’s a beautiful story.
If it wasn’t for talk to text, I would’ve had no prayer to spell dyslexia. Lol.