As we read he moves the scene at just the right pace so that we remain immersed in the landscape as he introduces us to his very believable characters. This talk was emphasising how students can be mislabelled -difficult access to learning does not correlate with the child's ability level. The story was broadly linear - articulating Johnathan's experience of the life events outlined by his mother in the Intro. This is a powerful memoir from an incredible young author whose writing ability defies age or physical disability – a truly inspirational figure.

Jonathan's story is such a powerful one - and light, love, and compassion shine from everything he does. He was determined and set about writing his book himself – one letter at a time – astonishing me and everyone else as Bonnier Publishing in the process. It makes me wonder if there is some great fiction formulating in his mind that we may get to read one day. It is wonderful that because of Jonathan, those trapped in their own minds can speak for themselves and people will start to listen.The final chapter focuses on his charity work and impact in the education sector, which is so inspiring. His legacy, and that of this book, is hopefully that they will bring real and meaningful change to the system - they certainly showed me a whole new view of the world through hopeful and grateful eyes. At a recent UK writing conference (2022), this must have been the most stunning of all the talks and presentations we listened to during the weekend. It is in turn a beautiful story of victory and championing by Jonathan, at the same time as a heartbreaking reflection on an education system which doesn't always take the time to really see and unlock the potential of many children who already have so much stacked against them.

RUNNING when your legs have never worked is the most indescribable feeling of freedom,” Jonathan Bryan declares in “The Forever Garden”. Jonathan’s description of his time in the garden with Jesus shows me that Jesus is never constrained by theological beliefs and nor does Jesus abide by doctrinal rules – Jesus is YaHWeH and Jesus is never restricted by human traditions or human prejudices. but, as his mother and the one that spends the most time in his company, caring, feeding, nursing, educating and loving him with every fibre of my being, I know that there is more going on inside his head than anyone gives him credit for. Getting to know Jonathan’s sisters, first friend Will at his special school and classmates at his local primary feels a real privilege.Jonathan refers to the choice he was given, to stay to meet the gardener, or to go back to his fragile, sick body, back to “my mind trapped in my silence; back to the family I loved.

She taught him to read and over time, they found a way to allow him to express himself, even though it is laborious. A Moving and inspiring insight into the life of a child’s sufferings and joys that he was at last able to express despite his disabilities. I have known of Jonathan for quite a long time now as he lives in the next village to me and my children went to the same mainstream primary school that he attended one day a week. Note: Our refurbished grades - Pristine, Very Good and Good - are solely based on the cosmetic condition of the phone.

Inside you disappear to magical places, but most of the time remain imprisoned within the isolation. The book is rich with Jonathan’s friendships, his family, his delight in life and his Christian faith.