Will Trent’s Bookshelf Secret: Why a Dyslexic Detective Surrounds Himself with Novels

One of the many things that sets Ramón Rodríguez’s Will Trent apart from other procedural protagonists is his dyslexia, but as Will Trent viewers know, he still has many books in his home. ABC’s crime drama, created by Liz Heldens, Daniel T. Thomsen, and Karin Slaughter, is based on Slaughter’s book series of the same name. Like the novels, the show follows Will Trent, a highly skilled special agent with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI). While he is celebrated (and ridiculed) for his success and unwavering loyalty to identifying and exposing the truth, Will also has a traumatic past.

Will grew up in the foster care system, where he was consistently abused, emotionally and physically. Consequently, the Will Trent main character wants to help those who can’t help themselves, like he wishes someone did for him when he was young. Unfortunately, due to his traumatic upbringing, Will’s severe dyslexia went untreated. As an adult, Will struggles to read, but he has come up with ways to counteract his dyslexia. One aspect of Will’s character that still confuses some, though, is the presence of numerous books in his house.

Will Trent’s Many Books At Home Explained

Will Wants To Keep His Dyslexia Hidden At The Beginning Of The Series

As some may recall, Will never wanted anyone to know about his dyslexia at the beginning of Will Trent. His dyslexia is something that Will was ridiculed for in the past, which dissuaded him from opening up to his peers about this part of his life. As Ramón Rodríguez told Distractify, “I think for him, he’s incredibly sensitive, he’s incredibly aware. And therefore, he presents himself in a certain way to deflect any attention about his vulnerabilities.” So, Will’s books at home are likely there to keep up with the facade that he has created.

Will could also have the books in his home for decor or because he wants to challenge himself to read. However, it’s more likely that Will wants (or wanted) to put up a front. As the ABC police procedural series has continued, though, Will has become more open about his dyslexia. By the time the Will Trent season 3 premiere rolls around, the GBI special agent even has a phone that he can use to read menus at restaurants.

How Karin Slaughter’s Novels Explain Will’s Books At Home

Will Listens To Audiobooks

ABC’s Will Trent pulls Will’s dyslexia from Karin Slaughter’s book series, where the character also forces himself to read. Will sometimes listens to audiobooks, but he will also read the physical copies, explaining the novels in his home. Ultimately, Will in the books is very similar to the character that fans see in Will Trent season 3 — someone who pushes himself to be the best that he can be, and who takes what are perceived as weaknesses and turns them into strengths.