The Awakening of HK Derryberry: My Unlikely Friendship with the Boy Who Remembers Everything by Jim Bradford with Andy Hardin

My thoughts: This short non-fiction book recounts the story of a severely handicapped boy and a retired gentleman who met perchance because of the gentleman's desire for a cup of coffee. Seeing the boy seated all alone and obviously with multiple disabilities Mr. Bradford asked about him. Learning his story he struck up an acquaintance with the boy and his grandmother who worked at the restaurant.

Altruistic sympathy and simple human kindness enabled Jim Bradford to aid in the care and keeping of young HK providing stimulating company and cheering him on to achievements.  In the course of events, it was discovered that although handicapped, HK had a remarkable talent. He was capable of Highly Superior Autobiographical Memory (HSAM) which enabled HK to recall accurate and astonishing details of events and occasions back to age three.

I found learning about HSAM to be particularly fascinating. I also found Jim Bradford's continued care and support of HK particularly amazing. As time passed, HK was able to graduate high school and he and Mr. Bradford have had the opportunity to engage in motivational speaking opportunities. 

This little book provides a good opportunity to read about an amazing young man and his amazing sponsor and supporter. I encourage teens and adults to read.

About the book: The Awakening of HK Derryberry is the inspiring story of how one man was willing to step out of his upper middle-class world into the life of a young, disabled boy with a dismal future. Little did Jim Bradford know the transformational potential of that friendship-for HK and himself. HK Derryberry came into the world with the odds stacked heavily against him. Eventually it becomes apparent that buried beneath HK's severe disabilities is one spectacular ability. He is diagnosed with Highly Superior Autobiographical Memory (HSAM), which involves superlative powers of recollection that enable him to remember everything that has happened to him since the age of three. Less than one hundred people have been diagnosed with HSAM, but none of them have the physical disabilities of HK Derryberry. 

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Handlebar Publicity Group to facilitate a review of my opinions. I was not compensated.