Shony Alex Braun Books

Special Ed takes the reader on an autobiographical journey through the life of someone succeeding in spite of his dyslexia. Receiving little assistance in identifying and dealing with his learning difficulties, Ed perseveres to create a life he wants rather than allowing others to dictate his future based on limited assessments of his abilities. The book tells the story of an individual who although intelligent and creative consistently performs well below average academically. After high school graduation he realizes he is unable to accept the limited life choices available to him as a result of his failing grades. Ultimately, he creates his own path, and achieves the full life he envisions for himself. The book focuses not only on dyslexia but the wide range of difficulties students encounter, both academically and emotionally, throughout their education. It illustrates that no matter what challenges a person faces, they must follow their inner voice toward their own personal happiness and success. It provides encouragement for all students and insight for those who sustain them.

This book traces the unique and remarkable life of Shony Alex Braun. As a boy of four, he becomes lost in the Transylvanian forest and encounters a group of gypsies who enchant him with their musical instruments. This launches his love and fascination for the violin. He eagerly learns to play the violin, and by age eleven he makes his debut on Radio Bucharest. His dreams of further study are cut short by Nazi oppression and the deportation of him at thirteen and his family to Auschwitz. The violin miraculously saves his life in the death camp of Dachau and then after liberation, the violin brings him back from the brink of death as he recovers from a gunshot wound, blood poisoning, tuberculosis and malnutrition. He meets a charming girl in the recovery hospital and begins a new life with her as his wife in the United States. Shony goes on to become a prolific composer, Hollywood performer, concert soloist and Pulitzer Prize nominee. His faith in God and his courage to survive will inspire you. Shony's loving concern for others with help you realize there is good in the world.