Leave a comment or share your story on this post. And/or you could follow me on twitter, that would be nice. I will pick one person from the comments and you will have the book in a week. Be sure to leave your email for me to contact you if you win. This giveaway ends April 30, 2011. Good luck!
Make sure you check out S-O-S Best of Best Book Reviews and Giveaways http://tinyurl.com/3pzn135!
My Review of "Be Different"
Have you wondered what it really meant to be wired differently? I have read many books that gave me the physiological difference and explanations, but nothing had given me such great insight to the mind of an Aspergian than John Elder Robison's new book "Be Different." So here goes my review.
This book offers great, practical advice to parents, teachers, and care-givers of Asperger kids. For me, the memorable part came when he covered aspie's lack of empathy.
"Don't worry, he doesn't even notice," he heard people around him say. And this was his response.
"I may seem robotic and mechanical sometimes, but there is nothing mechanical or cold about my internal feelings...I am just as sensitive as anyone to snide remarks and criticism. I cried inside fifty years ago, and I still do today."
Well, that's where I cringed. Even though I understood that my son's lack of empathy didn't equal to not having feelings, I did the something to my son. I didn't mean to brush him aside or make him feel invisible; I was just too used to having him not pay any attention to me and what was happening around him. Now, I truly am sorry.
Besides teaching me many good lessons, this book actually left feeling good. I put it down with the better knowledge of Asperger and a little more understanding of my son. As he told through this book, embracing being Asperger doesn't mean you can't be positive.
Okay, let me take off my "blogger" hat and say what's really on my mind. Obviously, there's so much more in this book which can't all be mentioned. I just like to say that I LOVE reading, mostly fiction. But this book was the most delicious non-fiction I've ever read, well, if non-fiction could be delicious. So go and buy a copy or better yet win it here! It's worth your time, I promise:)
I'm glad you liked Be Different. You're the first one to do a giveaway contest; good luck!
ReplyDeleteWow. I wish I had a story to share... just for the book! Can't wait for your review:)
ReplyDeleteHello. I'm just chiming in here even though I don't have a story to share. I have a 7 year-old grandson who was diagnosed last year, but his parents haven't told him yet. Although he's a very smart boy, he's not high functioning as your son nor is he mature enough. His parents decided to wait. I hope to see more comments here, so I can figure out the best way to approach this. Thanks everyone.
ReplyDeleteMike
My son was diagnosed when he was 3. But I didn't tell him until he was entering kindergarten. I told him he would be different from his classmates and he shouldn't be ashamed. He is beginning to understand that it takes him longer to make friends and how to ignore remarks from other kids. I enjoyed this author's first book Look at me in the Eye. Can't wait to read this one.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the contest!
For those of you emailed me because you're stories were too personal, you'll be considered for the contest. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI am not a parent but I have Aspergers and I have found that it has been a blessing to grow up with Aspergers. Many many don't understand me, but those who do have had their eyes opened when I make a comment in which is a thinker. Shortly after my mother passed (from breast cancer - in autism awareness month), I was diagnosed on the Autism spectrum. This was in 1990 and I was in first grade (the grade my mother taught before she passed).
ReplyDeleteThe following 10 years, I struggled through school, trying to make friends and understand education. Most were difficult to understand. During the '90's, I felt like I was living with a "Gonzo" syndrome. A feeling like I was from a different planet and I really didn't belong here. No one to relate to and no one fully knowing how to understand and guide me in this world. I became fascinated and obsessed with outer space and kept looking for some sign that I belonged somewhere else. No answer.
In 2000, I went to a camp where there were others on the spectrum. For the first time in about 18 years, I felt like I found my own kind and I was at home. I actually felt comfortable and at ease. I had a family member say "You are lucky that you aren't as severe as these people here." He said this not realizing that even though I was not exactly like them, I felt more like them than like my own family. I continued to go to that camp (and became a counselor through 2003), all the while I was going to college.
Afterward, I finished college and obtained my first job, lost it to the economy, and obtained my second job. Between 2007 through today, on the side, I started several Autism groups for tweens and adults on the spectrum. I did this trying to recreate the feeling I found at the camp so long ago. I am currently in charge of Adults with Aspergers and have about 50 total members and about 10-20 active members. I have finally achieved the acceptance and feeling in which I have been looking for my whole life, all the while I am spreading this feeling to others (like a virus which heals).
Congratulations to both winners. I have the books in the mail already. Thanks for the emails.
ReplyDeleteAs the deaf mother of an Aspie (or Aspergian), I can't wait to be able to read this book from cover to cover! My son (age 12) is a delight and a challenge all wrapped up in one. Thanks for sharing your opinion on the book!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great read!! I am very much looking forward to reading it!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a great read. Thx for the opportunity to win maybe get to through winning it. mmstangerjunk (at) comcast (dot) net
ReplyDeleteCongrats Michele. Email me your address for your book. Thanks.
ReplyDelete