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Spotlight on local author Blake E. S. Taylor
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Blake Taylor, author of ADHD & me
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The art of reading is built upon the ability of the reader to completely immerse themselves in the mind of another. There exist, however, works of such unique clarity that they offer a deep connection between readers and the authors themselves. One such poignant work comes from a pen right here in our own backyard: a remarkable autobiography by the name of ADHD & me: what i learned from lighting fires at the dinner table, from author and Bay Area resident Blake E. S. Taylor.
As if the incredible clarity and moving story of Taylor's work were not enough to shock you, Blake himself penned this book starting at the age of 14. It was released on February 2, 2008.
ADHD & me is his own story in his own words. It sounds simple, but nothing in Blake's life has proven simple since his diagnosis with ADHD at the age of five. In addition to providing his own psycho-analysis, Blake's book is intended to give advice, both to those who have been diagnosed and to people with ADHD friends or family members. In a very systematic manner, each chapter includes a personal anecdote, a section of analysis of Blake's thoughts and actions, and finally a set of proposed solutions clearly presented in list format. Such organization gives unprecedented simplicity to the process of breaking down the complex thought of someone with ADHD, which lends an intimate feeling to the book. Additionally, despite a detailed description of the hardships created by the disorder, Blake places a positive spin on his condition, claiming that if you can 'channel the excess of energy', living with ADHD is ultimately a rewarding experience.
This rather impromptu project began as Blake was applying to private high schools. After encountering the familiar 'discuss an issue you've dealt with' essay prompt, he evaluated his response and decided to elaborate. After a private viewing of what was to become the first chapter, his family encouraged him to continue writing. After a self-described "long and arduous" writing process that included hunting for a publisher and almost two years of writing and editing, 17-year-old Blake finally signed a contract with New Harbinger Publications. At the time, Blake says, "there were only three completed chapters.Over the next year, I wrote the remaining 12; I would use a whole Saturday afternoon, for instance, to write one, as well as summer break and Christmas vacation."
His hard work and dedication to revealing his story has certainly paid off today. Since the book's publication, the now college sophomore is still busy with public speaking engagements and interviews. His upcoming project is a speech in the Netherlands this October, one he admits to being very excited about. However, the publicity has proved rewarding for Blake on a personal level, as well as a professional one. "In doing the public speaking, I better understand myself, and the way I think, and I would say it sort of helps me keep to my own rules," he explains.
Today, Blake remains untouched in his normalcy -- ADHD or fame have not served to alter him a bit. This coming fall, he will begin his sophomore year at the University of California, Berkeley, where he is worked toward degrees in both Molecular & Cell Biology and French. He is the now two-time recipient of the Berkeley Alumni Association Leadership Award, and continues his work for the local greyhound rescue group, helping the dogs he so passionately loves.
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