A review by carrie562
Be Different: Adventures of a Free-Range Aspergian by John Elder Robison

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.