A Different Life: Growing Up Learning Disabled and Other Adventures

Ten percent of the population is affected by a learning disability, but few of us understand what being learning disabled (LD) is really like. When he was fourteen, Bradlee was diagnosed with Velo-Cardio-Facial-Syndrome (VCFS), a wide-spread, little-understood disorder that is expressed through a wide range of physical ailments and learning disabilities. In this funny, moving, and often irreverent book, Bradlee tells his own inspirational story of growing up as an LD kid -- and of doing so as the child of larger-than-life, formidably accomplished parents: long-time Washington Post executive editor Ben Bradlee and bestselling author Sally Quinn. From his difficulties reading social cues, to his cringe-worthy loss of sexual innocence, Bradlee describes the challenges and joys of living ＂a different life＂ with disarming candor and humor. By the end of A Different Life he will have become, if not your best friend, one of your favorite people.

Quinn Bradlee attended Landmark College, American University, and the New York Film Academy. He has made a series of documentary films about children with learning disabilities and rare genetic syndromes, and recently launched friendsofquinn.com, an online community for LD kids and their families. He lives in Washington, D.C.

Jeff Himmelman worked on Bob Woodard’s Maestro and Tim Russert’s Big Russ and Me, and has contributed to a host of other book projects. His work with Woodward and a team of other reporters helped The Washington Post win the Pulitzer Prize for its post-9/11 coverage. He lives in Washington, DC.