Dear Subscribers,
I’m thrilled—and a little nervous—to share something deeply personal with you today. For over a decade, I’ve held onto a story that has never quite made it out into the world. It’s a story rooted in my childhood, shaped by my struggles with dyslexia, and marked by the painful yet formative moments of learning in a way that often felt isolating.
When I was young, I hated school. The letters didn’t stay still; they twisted, danced, and refused to make sense no matter how hard I tried. It left me feeling behind, different, and at times defeated. But life is never just about the struggles—it’s about what we learn from them, who we lean on, and how we grow in unexpected ways.
"Dancing Letters" is a story loosely based on my early life, though it takes on a life of its own as fiction. It’s my way of telling that little boy’s story—not just to revisit the challenges but to show the small victories, the strength found in family, and the beauty of being different.
This isn’t the first version of this book. Over the years, I’ve written and rewritten it, letting the story evolve along with my understanding of myself and others like me. This, however, is the first time I’m sharing it publicly, and it feels like the right time.
I hope this story resonates with you—not because we all have the same experiences, but because it’s a reminder that we’re not all on the same page, and that’s okay. Some of us take the scenic route to understanding, to growth, and to success.
"Dancing Letters" is for anyone who has ever felt different, struggled to fit in, or fought for something that felt just out of reach. And it’s for everyone else, too, as a window into what it means to learn in your own time and your own way.
Thank you for being here to witness this chapter of my journey. Your support means the world, and I’m excited to take you along as this story unfolds.
Warmly,
John
Introduction: Dancing Letters
Vancouver in the 1970s was a place of change. The city was growing, its streets buzzing with new faces and voices, each chasing a piece of something better. For the Bosa family, immigrants from a small Italian village, it was a land of opportunity wrapped in unfamiliarity. The promise of a brighter future rested on long workdays, tight budgets, and the quiet hope that their children might have an easier path than they had.
Gianni Bosa, the eldest of two young boys, carried the weight of this hope in ways he didn’t yet understand. At six years old, he saw the world differently—words slipped through his grasp like grains of sand, letters twisted and danced when he tried to read them. School became a battleground, and every lesson was a reminder of what he couldn’t yet do.
But Gianni’s story wasn’t just about struggle. It was about discovery. About finding strength where he didn’t expect it—in the quiet support of his father, who didn’t speak much English but spoke volumes with his actions; in the determination of his mother, who balanced two worlds with grace and grit; and in his own small victories, pieced together like a puzzle no one else could see.
This is the story of Gianni Bosa. A boy learning to stand tall in a world that sometimes felt too big, a world where even letters refused to stay still. A story of family, resilience, and the quiet power of belief.
I'm thrilled to share my latest venture with you: 'Rediscovering Vancouver.' This book encompasses my journey, from childhood memories to remarkable encounters with Johnny Depp, Michael Bublé, and a Chinese Revolutionary. The editing process was captivating - I couldn't put my own stories down. The book is now available on Amazon, so if you're interested, grab your copy and join me in this incredible adventure!