Reviews

While there is no universal autistic experience, I appreciated the honesty of this book, and the personal and useful look at the strengths and challenges of being on the autism spectrum. Written in a way that could be shared with the kids. We need more books like this that move beyond the diagnostic and present real people in their fully human form.

samlo28's review against another edition

Go to review page

This book didn't really offer anything different from what's in his previous two books, but it felt like it ostracized female readers a bit when this is supposed to function as a guide for everyone.

carrie562's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

Enjoyed this very much. Not as compelling as Look Me in the Eye, just because that one had more of a narrative structure and this one comprises short anecdotes intended to illustrate particular aspects of his condition. I was hoping to come away with some improved perspective on parenting a "different" (but not, I think, Aspergian) child. I guess I don't have much of a take-away, except that things that seem weird and frustrating in childhood can become assets in the adult world. "The more different you are from other people, the more likely you are to solve problems in a unique way," Robison says. "That may be a handicap in school, where they expect you to do things the teacher's way. Once you get out of school, though, your difference can become a powerful competitive advantage."

Bottom line, I think this is an extremely valuable book for teenagers with Asperger's or other social differences. Well written and insightful.

karschmidtholloway's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

There are parts where I feel like he's making generalizations, but I have to remember he's talking about himself: his experiences, his life, his feelings, his neurology.

That said, I related to so much of what he said, I started sobbing at one point. A very good book to read for autistics and non-autistics alike.

More...