Reviews

Look Me in the Eye: My Life with Asperger's by John Elder Robison

kcrouth's review against another edition

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5.0

I absolutely loved this wonderful memoir of John Elder Robison's life with Asperger's syndrome. This story contains something for everyone, and i highly recommend it! It is especially interesting and inspiring to share the thoughts and feelings of Mr. Robison, and to understand a little bit more of the world as experienced by a person with autism. This is the 2nd book i've read by a person with autism, but it certainly will not be the last. I'm looking forward to reading more of Mr. Robison's books, as well as others recommended and referenced in this book. This is a wonderful story that is a delight to read. I loved this story, don't miss it!

jgraydee's review against another edition

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4.0

Very insightful. I will always respond to an "autistic" person with more attention and patience because of this book. Surely, everyone of us is autistic to some degree? If we're lucky, that is.

margolovie89's review against another edition

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emotional

3.0

goodem9199's review against another edition

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2.0

While I find this a fascinating subject, the narrator bored me to tears. Maybe it's better in print.

emwil13's review against another edition

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3.0

It was an interesting insight into Asperger's, a condition that is still fairly new. I liked that it was written by an author that actually has the condition because it makes it so much more interesting and you really get a first hand view of a person's life with Asperger's.

suvata's review against another edition

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3.0

3.5 out of 5

I would have given this book a 4 (really liked it) if it weren't for all the technical-type details about sound engineering, trains, KISS, and other things I have little or no interest in. The story itself was well written and compelling. John Elder is a clever storyteller and a very interesting character. I've read 3 or books about Asperger's. Look Me in the Eye shows a very different picture of this syndrome than the other book (more complete). I'm glad I read it.

abaugher's review against another edition

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4.0

very interesting. this is Augusten Burroughs' brother. now i want to read his books, too.

jesslolsen's review against another edition

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4.0

I enjoyed this book so much more than I was expecting too. I pictured it to be dryly written and have the weight of a textbook, instead I found it insightful, interesting and humorous.

The first section focused on Robinson's early childhood and home life, and I found this part depressing and so sad, but that just makes his achievement to overcome his challenges with Aspergers so much more incredible. How many other people throughout history that achieved great things in their chosen field, might have had a similar spectrum condition?

I didn't really have much of an understanding of Aspergers prior to reading this, but I'm glad I did, as I feel like I would be able to assist them with feeling comfortable with the conversation and then appreciate their unique ability. I can see how this novel would be very important to help educate school aged children to be more tolerant and understanding to their peers, regardless of any diagnosis.

shareen17's review against another edition

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4.0

I found this book fascinating. The author has had an eventful life (crazy family, worked designing special effects guitars for KISS, non-traditional paths to career success), even apart from his Asperger's. But what I really enjoyed reading was his detached way of analyzing what to most people would be emotional situations and about the way he views and relates to people. It's an interesting look into how one person with Asperger's thinks and deals with the world. I also liked his writing style - very to the point.

It may be interesting to some that the paperback version of this book was edited for language to accommodate teachers and young people who were reading the book. The hardback version is unedited. I read the paperback version, so I'm not sure what the language is like in the other.

steakumm_jakeumm's review against another edition

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emotional funny informative inspiring lighthearted reflective sad medium-paced

2.5