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nikkit_nzl's review against another edition
3.0
It kind of felt disjointed. Was it about Daniel or about his mum? It never really decided. It was just ok.
clevergirl216's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Did not like the relationship revealed near the end. The plays dealing with autism and family dynamics were handled well.
cadefritz's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
tomaind's review against another edition
2.0
I was interested in the story of a child with autism because I have a nephew who has autism. I had a hard time getting into this book. I did not like that the story was based in England. I do not care for stories that take place there.
lynnreadsbooks's review against another edition
2.0
For me, this book simply did not live up to all the hype. Neither in content nor style.
The plot of the novel (and that is what this is a NOVEL, not a memoir) was acceptable. Given the difficulty of taking on a subject such as autism, you have to give the author some credit. But it just didn't shine. It seemed to me that the book focused around the main character's overwhelming sense of loss: of her child, of her husband, and of all sense of normalcy. Which would be fine, but she doesn't make any real strides to gain any of it back. The book surprisingly focuses little on her son with autism. It's almost as if he is an after thought to the sufferings she must go through.
The skewed emphasis on the mother's love life was also somewhat distracting. Although I'm certain with the challenges of autism comes other family problems, and the character's issues are probably not too far from the truth for some parents. However, I was so busy being angry with the husband that I really couldn't focus on any other part of the story line.
Just two stars - because I would rather read a memoir, and because the hype was just too much.
The plot of the novel (and that is what this is a NOVEL, not a memoir) was acceptable. Given the difficulty of taking on a subject such as autism, you have to give the author some credit. But it just didn't shine. It seemed to me that the book focused around the main character's overwhelming sense of loss: of her child, of her husband, and of all sense of normalcy. Which would be fine, but she doesn't make any real strides to gain any of it back. The book surprisingly focuses little on her son with autism. It's almost as if he is an after thought to the sufferings she must go through.
The skewed emphasis on the mother's love life was also somewhat distracting. Although I'm certain with the challenges of autism comes other family problems, and the character's issues are probably not too far from the truth for some parents. However, I was so busy being angry with the husband that I really couldn't focus on any other part of the story line.
Just two stars - because I would rather read a memoir, and because the hype was just too much.
heyjackierice's review against another edition
4.0
compelling story of a mother's love for her children and the never say die spirit that one must have in the face of a life-changing illness.
kdferrin's review against another edition
2.0
Stories about people who pursue other relationships before divorce is even mentioned, let alone finalized, don't really interest me.