Reviews

Be Different: Adventures of a Free-Range Aspergian by John Elder Robison

earsore's review against another edition

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informative inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing medium-paced

4.0

luvbug7554's review against another edition

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3.0

ok book, better if just learning about aspergers. not as helpful as a clinican who frequently works with free range aspergians. stories arent nearly as cute as robisons first book. it was a nice reflection on how aspergets can make life hard for a kid, but that with time things get better, especially with sipportive adults.

krisis86's review against another edition

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4.0

I'm not sure what to think of this book. On the one hand, it was fun to read. I couldn't put it down. On the other hand, it didn't...really... *go* anywhere.

I can definitely see where my PDDNOS son fits in in Robison's stories, anecdotes and brief science-y parts though. That was very interesting.

ashawp's review against another edition

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4.0

This book provided what I was looking for in Look Me in the Eye by the same author. The stories coupled with insights into Asperger's Syndrome were invaluable to my understanding. Although I did not get what I expected from his memoir, it was good that I read it first so that I had background coming into this book. I'm sure my experience would have been different otherwise, but I can't say how much.

There were a few times I tuned out a little while he talked about technical aspects of his special interests. There did seem to be some tangential rants in the stories, but that was my only complaint!

I would highly recommend this book to those I know who have been diagnosed. The author does not sugarcoat things or compromise his unique perspective. He tells things like he sees them, which often does not align with common social norms. However, he also stays positive and talks about the perks of learning to live with the vast majority of humanity who follow these norms. He encourages people to embrace their differences, while also learning to live in harmony with others. I think it would be a great resource for students, teachers, and, of course, school counselors!

livesinthetub's review against another edition

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4.0

very insightful...for high functioning male autists, not so much for others.

claudiaswisher's review against another edition

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5.0

Three pages of notes copied, a pack of stickies to mark longer quotes...did I like this book?? OH YEAH! I already have the first line of my fan letter composed: "Mr Robison, we didn't know it at the time, but we were both at Lloyd Noble Arena in 1979 for the KISS Dynasty tour."

Robison did NOT rehash his memoir in this book...it truly is new information...he tells us how his Aspergers is a gift, how it's given him singular opportunities at the same time it challenged him.

I appreciated his positive attitude, his willingness to learn to work with those neuro-typical...or Nypicals...who people his life. He gives concrete suggestions for putting Nypicals at ease in social situations, and to avoid being judged by them for what is the working of his mind.

He is honest about his struggles in school, and he gives suggestions to teachers and other people who deal with young folks. He speaks directly to other Aspergians. His message is one of belief: believe in yourself, know you have skills and talents. Know some of them came from the way your brain is wired, and go find your way.

I found a youtube of KISS's Dynasty tour, and the flashing guitar he designed for Ace Freley...my students were fascinated.

The writing here is clear and strong. Robison's voice rings out with such clarity and confidence. He truly is a survivor. I learned so much from this book, and I will be able to share with all my students.

spinningjenny's review against another edition

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hopeful informative medium-paced

3.75

janerel's review against another edition

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3.0

A good insight into life from the perspective of an Aspergian.

clairejk's review against another edition

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4.0

Good resource for gaining perspective for individuals with Asperger’s

nilchance's review

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4.0

Clear basic guide to the author's life with Aspergers.