'Born Lucky': A Heartfelt Memoir of Autism and Resilience

Disclosure: I received a free advance review copy of this book from the publisher. This post also contains Amazon affiliate links [*]. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

As many of you already know, I don’t typically venture into the realm of nonfiction unless a topic truly ignites my interest—it’s a guiding principle of mine. After all, why waste time on something that doesn't spark curiosity? This brings me to Born Lucky: A Dedicated Father, a Grateful Son, and My Journey with Autism by Leland Vittert (with Don Yaeger), set to hit the shelves on September 30th. Mark your calendars and make sure to snag a copy ^[*]; you won’t regret it. Although the book is marketed under the categories of family and relationships, and Autism Spectrum Disorders, I prefer to label it an inspirational memoir—because that’s exactly what it is: a raw, unfiltered glimpse into the life of someone who has navigated the complexities of living with autism.

So, who is Leland Vittert, you ask? Picture this: you’re flipping through channels and stumble upon Leland hosting his nightly national cable show on NewsNation. He appears a composed journalist, deftly drawing out insights from his guests as if he’s some sort of interview wizard. If you’ve witnessed his work over the years at Fox News Channel, you’ve seen him reporting from the most intense hot zones—from the ravaged battlefields of the Middle East to the polished anchor desk and the chaotic grounds of the White House. Curiously, no one—friends or colleagues—has ever truly known the extraordinary story of his life and the incredible journey that led him there.

Leland’s childhood wasn’t a fairy tale; it was marked by the awkwardness that often accompanies being different. This socially tentative boy didn’t utter a word for years, and when he finally mustered the courage to speak, his uniqueness drew stinging comments from teachers and peers alike. A particularly blunt school principal once told his parents, “The people here think Leland is pretty weird. I guess I do, too.” Ouch. That felt like a knife to the heart, leaving his parents grappling with their anxieties for their son’s future.

From the get-go, it was clear Leland was on a different path, with signs of autism blossoming like a wildflower in a concrete jungle. Back then, the term “autistic” was scarcely mentioned, and Leland struggled with the social cues and behavioral norms that flowed easily for other children. However, his father, Mark, was not one to throw in the towel. Instead of searching for a world that would accommodate Leland, he took a bold path; quitting his job, he dedicated himself to reshaping Leland’s skills to face societal expectations. He became a relentless coach, teaching his son the nuances of the world—humor, eye contact, motivation—all through painstaking repetition. From making Leland do hundreds of pushups at age seven to bolster his resilience against bullies to meticulously coaching him through social interactions, Mark’s unwavering commitment changed the trajectory of Leland’s life in ways we can only imagine.

Born Lucky offers an intimate and sometimes gut-wrenching exploration of their journey. Leland bravely shares his harrowing experiences of bullying throughout middle and high school, the deep ache of rejection following him into college, and his eventual transformation into a respected journalist. But above all, this book reads as a heartfelt love letter from a grateful son who, despite his challenges, learned to trust his father and defy the odds stacked against him.

Reading Born Lucky left me grappling for words. It unearthed emotional echoes of my own childhood trauma at the hands of bullies—a habit that can cling like a bad smell. I may be introverted, but that’s not why I relate; it’s Vittert’s universal message that resonates. He encourages us to smash through the labels society so eagerly slaps on us, to dismantle the walls we've built over the years, and to create a brighter future for those yet to come. Or at least that’s the takeaway I gleaned from my reading experience.

Vittert’s life narrative is nothing short of inspirational. Despite the considerable hurdles presented by his diagnosis, his family—especially his father—urged him to break through barriers and emerge as the best version of himself. I often wish every child had such a fierce advocate in their corner, because maybe, just maybe, that could make the world a better place. Born Lucky is a poignant, uplifting read that I wholeheartedly encourage everyone to pick up. You might just find a little inspiration in its pages, just as I did. ╌★★★★★

〜B.J. Burgess