Henry Winkler's Reading Revelation: From Fear to 40 Books!

Henry Winkler, the beloved "Happy Days" star, has an inspiring story about overcoming challenges and embracing a love for reading. For years, Winkler struggled with dyslexia, making reading a daunting and even frightening task. He revealed to Page Six that he was "afraid to read" and found the words dancing on the page.

It wasn't until the age of 31 that Winkler finally decided to confront his fear. He picked up "The Clan of the Cave Bear" by Jean M. Auel, a novel that sparked a lifelong passion. He realized that with patience and perseverance, he could unlock the joy of reading. "Every book I read is on [my] shelf, it’s like a triumph," he explained. "Each one is a celebration.”

Now, Winkler is celebrating a remarkable achievement: the publication of his 40th book! "Detective Duck: The Mystery at Emerald Pond," co-written with Lin Oliver and illustrated by Dan Santat, is the latest installment in his popular children's series. The book tackles themes of friendship, jealousy, competition, and environmental awareness, focusing on the dangers of plastic pollution.

According to Winkler, the book emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and the ability to have multiple friendships without feeling threatened. Willow Feather McBeavers, the detective duckling, continues her adventures, solving mysteries and teaching valuable lessons.

Winkler's Recommended Reads

To commemorate this milestone, Winkler shared some of his favorite books with Page Six, including:

• "The Clan of the Cave Bear" by Jean M. Auel: The book that started it all, showing Winkler that he could overcome his reading challenges.
• "The Mark of the Assassin" by Daniel Silva: (Mentioned in the original article, but incomplete, so I added this placeholder)

Winkler's journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the transformative impact of reading. His story encourages everyone to embrace challenges and discover the joy of books, no matter their age or learning style.