Book Review - Hyper: A Personal History or ADHD

ADHD Education

There’s a new book out about one ADHD boy’s journey to adulthood:  Hyper:  A Personal History of ADHD by Timothy Denevi. 

Half of the book is Tim’s story, and the other half, interwoven throughout, is a detailed account of the scientific and therapeutic history of ADHD.  Tim Denevi is an excellent storyteller, and he shares the anguish and pain he and his family went through as they navigated school systems and treatments to help him find his way to a successful adulthood.  It is a moving story of Tim’s inner experience, and readers will get an illuminating insight into the emotional vulnerability of a person with ADHD. 

I found the historical account to be quite good, but I wish Denevi had just told his story without the interruptions of the historical pieces.  I found myself impatiently flipping ahead to continue with his story while, at the same time, telling myself I’ll have to come back and read the history portions later, which is what I ended up doing.  

The high praise for Hyper is quite appropriate.  If you want another excellent resource to recommend along with Hallowell, Ratey, Giwerc, and Solden’s books, this one deserves consideration.