Name: Oliver James: Unread
Start: 2026-02-22T16:00:00-05:00
End: 2026-02-22T17:00:00-05:00
Location: Frederick Book Arts Center

If you know BookTok, then you’ve probably heard of this author! Curious Iguana is excited to host TikTok inspiration Oliver James on Sunday, February 22 from 4:00-5:00 pm at Frederick Book Arts Center to discuss his new memoir Unread. Oliver’s book details his journey of learning to read, which he boldly shared on TikTok; his story continues to inspire many readers and proves the power of reading is invaluable. Oliver will be in-conversation with Andrew West, a director at the Literacy Council of Frederick County. Following their conversation, Oliver will answer questions and sign books. Copies of Unread will be available for purchase at this event. Doors open at 3:30 pm.
Please note: A portion of all book sales at this event will be donated to the Literacy Council of Frederick County. We deeply appreciate all the work they do to provide adults with pathways to essential literacy skills! You can find out more about the Literacy Council’s resources and local impact on their website.
This free, public event is presented in partnership with the Literacy Council of Frederick County and Frederick Book Arts Center. For accessibility requests, email [email protected] at least two (2) weeks prior to the event.
About the book: As a result of childhood learning disabilities and educational neglect, Oliver James graduated from high school and became one of approximately 45 million functionally illiterate Americans. However, at age 32, with big dreams and few tools to actualize them, he dedicated himself to learning the key skill that had evaded him his entire life: reading.
Oliver has become a TikTok/BookTok sensation for the way he’s candidly documented his decision to learn to read as an adult, and his struggles and triumphs along the way. Here, he tells the full story behind his journey for the first time through the 21 key books that shaped and informed his experience. His story reveals the ways in which reading can teach each of us how to be better, more empathetic people.
In just 365 days, Oliver went from barely being able to read a restaurant menu to closing in on his goal of finishing 100 books in a year. Unread is a moving reminder to all of us that words and stories have power, and that, no matter our past, it’s never too late to grow.
About the author: Oliver James is a California-based personal trainer, motivational speaker, literacy activist, and influencer. He has been featured in or on Today, NPR, Jennifer Hudson Show, Los Angeles Times, Newsweek, Rachael Ray, and ABC News, among many others. Additionally, he is the recent recipient of the 2023 Barbara Bush National Literacy Award. He lives in Costa Mesa, California.
About the moderator: Andrew West is the Development & Outreach Coordinator for the Literacy Council of Frederick County. He had originally become involved with the Literacy Council in the spring of 2024 as a volunteer tutor and was hired as a full-time staff member in March of 2025. Andrew is passionate about education and literacy, considers himself a life-long learner and teacher, and also works as an Instructor for the Literacy Council’s Workplace Literacy program. He supports LCFC’s work of Lifting Lives Through Literacy in the Greater Frederick area by bringing in funds to support the organization and attending community events to raise awareness of their mission in the community.