Off the Page with Oliver James

Oliver James is a TikTok sensation and motivational speaker. In his TikTok videos, Oliver often introduces himself by saying “I’m a 35-year-old man who struggles with reading.” However, it wasn’t long ago that he would say “I can’t read.” He opens up about many deep struggles he has gone through with learning to read as an adult, his challenges, triumphs and his mental health.

His story has been so inspiring that he ended up being interviewed on ABC’s Good Morning America, the Rachael Ray Show, NPR, and other major outlets. He was also recently featured in People magazine. Last October, he was awarded the 2023 National Literacy Honors Award by the Barbara Bush Foundation for the light he has shed on being functionally illiterate.

Oliver speaks about the importance of literacy, reading and hopes to inspires others to do hard things.

The Off the Page literary celebration, hosted by Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources, features bestselling authors, writing workshops, book signings, and more during the month of November. All Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources locations participate. Events are also held at partner locations like Ringling College of Art and Design, The Hermitage Artist Retreat and Venice Performing Arts Center.

Funding is provided in part through a Florida Humanities Book Festival Grant with funds from the National Endowment for the Humanities and in partnership with Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources and the Library Foundation for Sarasota County. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of Florida Humanities or the National Endowment for the Humanities.