Inventing Ott: the Legacy of Arthur C. Guyton

Jerusha Bosarge
Quail Ridge Press (2005)
ISBN 1893062783
Reviewed by Susan Pettrone for Reader Views (8/06)

“Arthur C. Guyton never thought of himself as extraordinary.  Maybe that’s what made him so special”.  And so begins this book on the far from ordinary life, dreams and inventions of the man, known simply as Ott. Written by Jerusha Bosarge and published by Quail Ridge Press, within this book lays the story of a man who proved that great things can be accomplished by combining need with imagination.

At first glance this book seems pretty elementary; man accomplishes great things despite a handicap.  Most would say that this is a story that has been told a hundred times over.  And it has.  But this book has something more.  Perhaps it is the personal touch of the stories of Ott’s childhood, or maybe it is the captivating pictures included within its pages.  Whatever it might be, it transforms this book from what could easily be a “ho hum” biography, into a book that clearly illustrates just how one man overcame obstacles, not to help just himself, but others as well.

Throughout the reading of “Inventing Ott”, I was reminded of “Character Education” curriculum widely taught in schools today, and how Ott’s story provides great examples of traits in this program.  “Inventing Ott” clearly illustrates traits such as:  Trustworthiness:   Ott proved himself to be invaluable and trustworthy while working as a lens refractor in his father’s eye clinic. Responsibility:   although Ott was burdened by his own physical limitations, he still felt a responsibility, by meeting “needs” with his inventions.  Respect:  Ott helped many to learn respect, not only for those who had physical limitations, but he helped those with the limitations to find self respect as well. Fairness and Caring:  caring was why Ott invented devices to help others, and with regard to fairness, Ott refused to make money off the suffering of others, preferring instead only to meet the needs of others. 

This book, written for young readers, would be an excellent addition to any classroom.  In fact, with the problems many pre-teens and teens have today with self confidence and self esteem, “Inventing Ott” is a book that could easily pave the way for discussions on these subjects.  The fact that physical limitations did little to stop Ott and his dreams of making life easier for others would make wonderful classroom material on the subject of perseverance, especially with an emphasis on “the only limitations we really have within our lives, are those which we put upon ourselves.”

I was honestly impressed and humbled by this story of Ott.  His character shone through from the first page through his death and beyond.  He reminded me of my father, who despite all the ‘curve balls’ his health has thrown him in the last few years, refuses to give up and stop living.  Like Ott, he is an independent man who is always thinking of ways to help others and like Ott he serves others for the single purpose of “filling a need”, with little or no fan fare for his accomplishments. 

In my opinion, this book should be front and center of all Junior High classrooms, libraries, counselor’s offices and homes.  For within its pages, the reader finds not just the story of a man who overcame physical limitations, but the story of a man of great character and integrity as well.  And great stories that touch the soul and teach at the same time are very rare indeed.  Stories such as “Inventing Ott”, inspire and encourage today’s youth to follow a dream despite limitations that may seem insurmountable and provide hope to all who read them.  And we all know how precious “hope” is in this today’s uncertain world.

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