Connecticut Man Learns To Read, At 98-Years-Old!

MYSTIC, CT (CBSNewYork) - Do you think you're too old to learn? You might think differently after reading this story.

WCBS 880 Connecticut Bureau Chief Fran Schneidau On The Story

Jim Henry of Mystic is bursting with pride over his ability to read says that for most of his 98 years, he didn't know an A from a Z. He was taken out of school to work the farm as a child and never had the chance to learn to read.

But once he got the bug, he stuck with it.

"Once I got the idea of it and then I felt real strong, I gotta do it now. I have to do it," he told WCBS 880 Connecticut Bureau Chief Fran Schneidau.

And do it he did!

Henry not only reads. He's now written his own book with chapters about his life as a deep sea fisherman.

The book - "In A Fisherman's Language" - is a big success and for Henry, the reception he gets is a huge surprise.

"Practically everybody up here tells me the same thing. When they start reading the book, they think that they're talking to me at times, and that makes me feel so good," he said.

Mark Hogan, a tutor with Literacy Volunteers, signed on to help Henry.

"I liked so much, the age, what he had come through," said Hogan, who called him an enthusiastic learner, which is evident in home Henry talks about his newly honed skill.

"It's hard to believe. I was reborn again. That's the way I look at it. I got so excited that I could read a little bit," he said.

To buy a copy of the book, click HERE.