Some stories need to be told
My purpose is to share my story
My story isn't unique, but it needs to be told. For 14 years, I battled serious mental and physical trauma that I wouldn't wish on anyone. Somehow, I found a path to health and stability. It's been 12 years now, and I am here to share my experience. My journey taught me more about resilience, hope, and human transformation than any textbook ever could.
Today, I share that story through writing and speaking. My memoir, Knights of Nonsense, while written as a novel, chronicles my path from crisis to healing. It highlights the importance of excellent healthcare, kindness, and real support. Having given countless talks about my experience and received numerous reviews about the Icelandic version of the book, I know it was worth sharing.
Available on Kindle
Four men meet by chance. Each stands at a crossroads in their lives, and together they face a time when they must fight for their lives, health, and dreams. Knights of Nonsense is a true, original, and profoundly honest account of challenges and demanding illnesses.
“Wonderfully well written and accessible story, honest and direct with both its light and dark sides. Thank you.”
“Well written book. This book helps all of us gain insight into the world of those who are ill, and a perspective on how life continues after recovery.”
“This was not entertaining pastime, but a deeply personal story that made an impact. Ágúst provides detailed and hair-raising insight into lived experience of illness, both physical and mental. The descriptions of the stoma operation, of schizophrenic perception of reality, and the manic person's overconfidence sent chills down my spine. Hats off to the author and everyone else living with and despite chronic illnesses.”
“A perfect book. Thank you to the author for inviting me into his world and for his courage. Five stars.”
“Knights of Nonsense is a unique story of one man's lived experience across four life stages with difficult physical and unpredictable mental illnesses. The book is characterized by brilliant narrative joy, vulnerability, love, and wonderful humor! Truly a book that speaks to all of us.”
“This book completely captivated me, well written and well narrated. It provided insight into a world hidden from most of us, yet part of many people's reality.
“I started reading after work and didn't stop until I finished. The book kept me captivated the entire time. We need voices like Ágúst.”“Exceptionally good and educational book.”
“Incredible story and well written. Powerful.”
“A good book full of emotions.”
In my talks, I give insight into the challenges I have faced, followed by reflections and thoughts about health and happiness. I do it in hopes of giving a deeper understanding of those who struggle with illness, to change the healthcare system, and inspire all to greater health.
"Ágúst, I wanted to express my sincere gratitude for your talk today - by far the most interesting talk I've seen, not just today but in general, and an inspirational personal journey… Seeing your talk and listening to your story more informally has been the highlight of my time here. Amazing."
"It was incredibly important for me to listen to you and get insight into your past illnesses. It was especially important for me as a manager of sensitive mental care to hear what helped you get well and about the obstacles in that process. As we are always trying to minimize force in our department and find ways to meet the individual where they are, the experience and viewpoints of users are very important to us.
To me, the most important thing we do when we take care of patients who are at a similar place as you described is to show respect, consideration, and care. In critical situations and stressful settings at the hospital, it is easy to lose sight of what is important in mental healthcare - the human connection.
Therefore, we need to hear your story to remind us, to inspire us, and keep us focused."
"Ágúst's lecture inspired me to start a personal quest for improvement that is still ongoing."
"Ágúst is an excellent speaker and gave important insights. The lecture was informative, heartfelt, and impactful all at the same time. I hope that his story and experience will spread as widely as possible."
"A truly memorable lecture, one of the best I have ever attended."
"Ágúst, to listen to and watch your presentation last week gave me hope - to hear from a person who has experienced so much stigma in our society yet speaks straight from the heart, with a clear and important message, with compassion and love.
You were there without ego, without drama, and managed to present visually and chronologically your process through manic episodes - with emotions but also strength. You spoke your truth without arrogance.
I have been featured in numerous interviews across television, podcasts, radio, and print - mostly in Icelandic. Here are selected interviews
I took it upon myself to become whole (National TV - Icelandic)
The Disability Diaries Podcast - Pushing the limits to get his life back
The Violence Made Me a Warrior (National Radio - Icelandic)
Ostomy Canada - Adventurous Life With an Ostomy