TikTok star embarked on inspiring journey of learning to read later in life [Video]

Reading labels on food packaging. Following a shopping list. Knowing which gas to pump.

Millions of U.S. adults struggle with these seemingly simple tasks that others may take for granted. That’s because 21% of adults struggle with low literacy skills, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

Oliver James, a motivational speaker and social media influencer, said he was functionally illiterate until he started teaching himself to read in 2020. He now shares his journey on social media to promote literacy skills.

@oliverspeaks1 We got a book read. #igotabook #books #learnin #love ♬ original sound – Oliver James

“I can’t read that well,” he told followers in a TikTok post, “and to tell you the truth, until recently I could barely read at all.”

On TikTok, he opens up about the challenges that come with learning to read as an adult, sharing his vulnerability with more than 325,000 followers on the social media platform.

Reading …