From Illiteracy to Inspiration: The Remarkable Story of Oliver James

Last week, Kama Truch, Executive Director of The Reading Foundation, had the incredible opportunity to meet with Oliver James, known to many as @oliverspeaks1 on TikTok. She was deeply moved by his powerful journey—from living in the margins of a system that failed to teach him how to read, to becoming a beacon of hope for countless others.

For most of his life, Oliver grappled with illiteracy, a challenge that shaped nearly every aspect of his daily experience. But in 2020, everything changed. That Christmas, his partner gave him a book—the first he had ever owned. Something clicked. Determined to learn, Oliver opened the book and began a life-changing journey. He shared with Kama, “Before I started reading, I didn’t know what I didn’t know.” But after finishing his first book, he “caught a glimpse into the world around [him],” fueling an insatiable desire to keep learning.

Eager to share his story, Oliver made his first TikTok post in 2022. To his surprise, he discovered a vast community of others struggling with reading. Inspired, he set an ambitious goal: to read 100 books in 2023. And he did it. Today, Oliver reads daily, driven by genuine curiosity and joy. Kama describes his journey as “like a kid in a candy store.” Oliver reflects, “The more I read, the more I learn, and the more I want to keep going.”

Kama was struck by Oliver’s resilience and infectious passion for reading, remarking, “He is a bright, articulate, and entertaining young man who has inspired many to pick up a book. In the ’90s, we had Oprah’s Book Club. In 2025, we have Oliver James on TikTok.”

Follow Oliver’s inspiring journey on TikTok and Instagram @oliverspeaks1. His story is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to learn—and that the right book, at the right time, really can change a life.