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Look Me in the Eye
Look Me in the Eye: My Life with Asperger's | John Elder Robison
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER As sweet and funny and sad and true and heartfelt a memoir as one could find. from the foreword by Augusten Burroughs Ever since he was young, John Robison longed to connect with other people, but by the time he was a teenager, his odd habitsan inclination to blurt out non sequiturs, avoid eye contact, dismantle radios, and dig five-foot holes (and stick his younger brother, Augusten Burroughs, in them)had earned him the label social deviant. It was not until he was forty that he was diagnosed with a form of autism called Aspergers syndrome. That understanding transformed the way he saw himselfand the world. A born storyteller, Robison has written a moving, darkly funny memoir about a life that has taken him from developing exploding guitars for KISS to building a family of his own. Its a strange, sly, indelible accountsometimes alien yet always deeply human.
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hollylynnbee
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Starting my August book just in time! So far everything is on track to me achieving my reading goal of 12 books this year. 👀

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abookdragonsretreat
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Pickpick

A funny yet emotional story/ autobiography about a man's life with aspergers. The unique events John goes through are interesting and I found myself relating a little. Though a little slow pacing wise, it's definitely worth a read!

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AspieReader
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Pickpick

Just finished this courageous and inspiring book. I highly recommend it if you know someone with Asperger‘s Syndrome, or if you have it or think you may have it. Eye-opening, uplifting, hopeful.

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Circlejxrk
Pickpick

I absolutely loved this book. I found it inspiring toward the end.

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LWagoner
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Pickpick

Such a courageous and insightful memoir. Written with care and detail, the author‘s story comes to life to help the reader broaden understanding of Aspergers and how it affects the lives bound by this “way of being.” #opencanonbookclub

Scochrane26 I read this yrs ago & still recommend it sometimes to people who want to know more about Asperger‘s. 5y
37 likes4 stack adds1 comment
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MoonWitch94
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Pickpick

The first time I read this, I had never met an individual with Autism. Now, nearly 12 years later I have had the honor of teaching dozens of little ones with ASD & working with many teenagers on the Spectrum. No 2 people w/ Autism are the same, but each of them wants the same things we “typicals” do: to live a full, meaningful, happy life. April is Autism Awareness/Acceptance Month. Please check this book out and let‘s discuss! #autism #april

14 likes1 stack add
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booklover3258
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Pickpick

As a fan of his brother's books, i was glad our book club chose this book. Funny and eye opening. Ive learned a lot about Asperger's and how to pull off pranks. All in all a great read.
3 stars

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BillyH
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Pickpick

Book #98 of 400. This is such a beautiful memoir. I enjoyed every minute of it and I was thoroughly thoroughly entertained the entire book, very often I was laughing. If you‘re into memoirs and autobiographies then this is a must read/listen.

Suet624 You‘re so right about this book. 5y
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rachelsbrittain
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Mehso-so

Parts of this book were great and parts just dragged on. I think I was hoping for more introspection on life with Asperger's and less of an autobiography. I'd probably recommend Born on a Blue Day, The Reason I Jump, or How Can I Talk If My Lips Don't Move if you're inrerested in a more thorough look at ASD through the eyes of someone who lives w it.

#bookreview #nonfiction #autobiography #autism #autismspectrumdisorders

Bradleygirl Good to know; I've got this and The Reason I Jump in TBR. My cousin has Asperger's (some of my siblings and me are maybe tinge that way) 7y
rachelsbrittain @Bradleygirl glad the review was helpful! I'd definitely recommend The Reason I Jump! And Born on a Blue Day is another one (like Look Me in the Eye) that's written by someone with Asperger's, so that might be another good one to check out if you're specifically looking for that perspective. 7y
12 likes2 stack adds2 comments
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sb3626

So I was supposed to be getting ready for work (again) and I was riveted by the beginning of this book. Hope to be able to read more soon!

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Chelseabillups30
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Pickpick

I chose this book as my final pick in my search to learn more about Autism Spectrum Disorders, prompted by April being Autism awareness month. It's strengths being the narrative description & imagery used to really put you in the shoes & inside the mind of a person living w/ Aspergers. It made me think twice about what "normal" really means in context of typical life experiences and what success means for someone whose brain is wired differently.

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Chelseabillups30

Getting abused or beaten up or bullied is humiliating, even more so when it happens at home.

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Chelseabillups30

Caring—or pretending to care—about other people is a learned behavior. It's one of several kinds of empathy, I suppose.I have true empathy for my family and close friends. If I hear of something bad happening to one of them, I feel tense,or nauseous, or anxious. My neck muscles cramp. I get jumpy. That, to me, is one kind of empathy that's "real".

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Chelseabillups30
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A lesson in logical empathy.

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Chelseabillups30

The fact is, from an evolutionary standpoint, people have an inbred tendency to care about and protect themselves and their immediate family. We do not naturally care about people we don't know.

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Chelseabillups30

People die every minute, all over the world. If we tried to feel sorry for every death, our little hearts would explode.

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Blueberry
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#eyesoncover or not #maybookflowers
From my tbr.

NataliePatalie I've seen this book around a lot. Surprised you haven't already read it! 7y
26 likes2 stack adds1 comment
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Chelseabillups30
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So I didn't actually start reading any of these throughout Autism Awareness month but I was inspired by this month to purchase these from ThriftBooks and still plan to dig into them soon! 💙

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Victoriahoperose
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Mehso-so

This book wasn't great for me. I just felt like it was super repetitive and by the end I was bored. I was disappointed because the beginning really grabbed my attention and I am a huge fan of Running with Scissors and Augusten Burroughs, but this just didn't do it for me. I think it is an important topic, but I just didn't like the way it was written.

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Reviewsbylola
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Last week our 4 year old daughter was diagnosed with autism. Part of me felt shocked that we finally had an answer and part of me was relieved because it has helped me understand my amazing girl more. I started reading Love That Boy last night, which is a memoir written by a father whose teenage son was diagnosed with Asperger's and I realized I would love to read more books in the same vein. I would love suggestions from my fellow littens.

Sarah83 I just only know the book 'rain man'. More popular is the movie acting Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman. You know this probably. 7y
RiotMom @Owlizabeth has some great suggestions, I'm sure. Your daughter is such a cutie! 7y
Suet624 You've read Robison's book? That was good. 7y
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BeckyLeJ A BOY MADE OF BLOCKS by Keith Stuart is in my TBR and I enjoyed Ned Hayes's EAGLE TREE. Both are fiction. 7y
Reviewsbylola I actually have not. I know it deals with Asperger's later in life. It seems like a more popular choice so I am definitely going to add it to my list. @Suet624 7y
saresmoore I'm glad for you to be feeling some relief/empowerment. No books to recommend, but moral support and friendship over here! She's such a cutie patootie! 7y
LeahBergen I haven't read the above ☝️ but I've heard good things about it. 7y
Moray_Reads I used to work with teenagers with ASD and many parents recommended this one if you haven't already come across it ❤ 7y
rachelm On a fictional take: 7y
Reviewsbylola A Boy Made of Blocks sounds interesting and she actually really loves Minecraft because she sees her dad and sister play it. 😂 @BeckyLeJ 7y
Reviewsbylola I hadn't thought of Rainman but thank you! @Sarah83 7y
Reviewsbylola Thanks @riotmom. She is such a joy to me. ❤️❤️❤️ 7y
Louise I found this book very insightful. It is written by a Japanese boy with autism and shares the experience from his perspective. 7y
Reviewsbylola Thanks @saresmoore . We have known something was not "right" when she was a baby and have spent the last few years scratching our heads so I feel like I have somewhat of an answer now. 7y
Reviewsbylola Thanks @leahbergen and @Louise . That sounds amazing. 7y
Reviewsbylola Thank you for your inside perspective. Definitely adding that to the list. @Moray_Reads 7y
CallMeIshmael She is beautiful 7y
Reviewsbylola Oooh thanks, I have seen this one around but didn't realize that is deals with ASD. @rachelm 7y
Reviewsbylola Thank you so much. @CallMeIshmael 7y
LauraBrook I'm sorry for your diagnosis, but glad that you have an answer. 💖 7y
I-read-and-eat She looks so happy! And it sounds like you have a great attitude about this situation. My cousin has autism and he is such a wonderful boy and doing so well in life. And the boyfriend of one of my best friends has Aspergers and they have a great and happy life together! So there is a very bright future ahead for kids with autism 😊 Also, I loved this book 7y
Reviewsbylola Thanks @I-read-and-eat . For me, she is who she is. No diagnosis changes that, and if she weren't autistic, she wouldn't be the same girl I love so dearly. I actually read The Curious Incident years ago but I may need to revisit it now. @Carleneishere 7y
Moray_Reads @Reviewsbylola There are few experiences in my life more valuable than teaching those boys, it was a privilege. They taught me things I didn't know I was missing. I'll look back through my old notes and see if I can send more recs but I second 7y
Simona No books to recommend, but I want to tell you that your girl looks like very happy, vibrant child and I'm glad that you have answer and you will be capable to understand her❣ 7y
LauraBeth She's beautiful! I don't have any recommendations but just had to post that because I'm not scrolling by your beautiful girl and not saying that. I'm so sorry for the diagnosis but I understand the relief you feel at knowing. Now that you know, you can be proactive 😀 7y
Jenshootsweddings Look at that smile! ❤️❤️ 7y
TheLondonBookworm Just passing along a lot of litten love ☺️☺️❤️❤️ 7y
cathysaid She looks so happy ❤️. I have not read it but I've heard good things about Look Me In The Eye. Also, this looks like an interesting book list for kids: https://www.fatherly.com/toys-and-books/the-9-best-books-about-autism-in-2016/ 7y
mom2bugnbee What a sweet, sweet girl. Praying for your family through your adjustment -- you've got this! 7y
Gulfsidemusing 💕🤗 7y
Owlizabeth Hi! I have two autistic stepsons, so I didn't go through the diagnosis steps and had to catch up real quick! I read A LOT of books, one I haven't seen in the comments yet is Life, Animated. But, if you want to contact me directly, ill make a big old list for you!!! Owlizabeth on IG or Twitter; enengle@gmail.com if you prefer email. Welcome to the community!! The most important thing that you ALREADY know is listen to your kid and your instincts!! 7y
tjwill Beautiful girl! As a teacher, I've worked with lots of amazing kids who have autism. A book I liked about living with autism is The Reason I Jump, by a young man who has autism. 7y
Libby1 ❤️ 7y
britt_brooke Thanks for sharing this! 💕 She's such a cutie. 💕 Have you read Look Me in the Eye by John Elder Robison? We may have discussed it before. I've had a couple of conversations on here about it, but I've forgotten who with. 😉 7y
britt_brooke @cathysaid It's a wonderful book. 👍🏻👍🏻 7y
Reviewsbylola I haven't read it but I do love Augustan Burroughs and have heard of it. Adding it to my list! @britt_brooke 7y
Reviewsbylola Thanks so much! @owlizabeth . I will check out Life, Animated and definitely contact you if I have questions or need resources. It is a daunting situation with all the care that a diagnosis entails. Luckily she has already been on an IEP for over a year and has been receiving services through a special needs preschool so a lot of her care is already in place. 7y
beaniebankbeth The author of "The Reason I Jump" has written a bunch of other books, but I'm not sure how many are translated into English. A film rec, watch "Wretches & Jabberers," which features Naoki & is about to grown Vermont men with autism traveling the world to connect with others with the condition. It will make you cry but it is eye-opening. 7y
Lindy You might be interested in this manga memoir about raising a child with autism: 7y
beaniebankbeth This book is a narrative about the twin of someone with autism. I haven't read it yet, but I bought it to put in my classroom library. It's worth a read. 7y
Lindy For imagining what your daughter's non-neurotypical experience might (possibly) be like when she's a little older: 7y
Mimi28 I had a friend with two young children in autism spectrum. All I really know is that structure is very important. I couldn't just drop by her house. Everything had to be arranged in advance because they had a set routine. They were both doing very well the last time I talked to her. I'm glad you got a diagnosis and can now take steps to help her in a more specific way 😊sending positive vibes 🎆☮️ 7y
Reviewsbylola @beaniebankbeth I like the idea of a book told from the perspective of siblings. It does make me wonder how this will affect my youngest, who is less than two years younger than Genevieve. I will definitely check that one out. 7y
Reviewsbylola @lindy Thank you for your suggestions. I am especially intrigued by the manga! 7y
rachellayown 💜💙💚💛 7y
Reviewsbylola My daughter is pretty set in her routine as well and for any activity, she pretty much has a 20-30 minute limit before she hits a wall. Playground, pool, play date . . . She has pretty much had her fill at that mark. @mimi28 7y
Mimi28 I feel the same way. My attention span is really bad. I have been diagnosed with depression and anxiety and sometimes I get really bored and even manic. I am 40. I wonder what I would have been diagnosed with as a child using the standards and testing they have today? They said I was very "shy" and I have never liked being around people or anyone but my mom and cats. My family didn't understand. Thank God things are better diagnosed today ? 7y
Bibliogeekery She's adorable! 💖 7y
LiteraryinLawrence I used to work at a theatre, and we had special "sensory friendly" performances of our children's shows. We provided a resource for parents to use in advance to walk through what the child might encounter during the theatre visit (I think it was called a trigger story?). Your area might have something like that too (for when you want to see the books come to life!). Good luck with the adjustment to the diagnosis and we are here for support! 7y
Reviewsbylola Thank you! ❤️❤️❤️ @rachellayown @Bibliogeekery 7y
Reviewsbylola That one looks very comprehensive, thank you! @beaniebankbeth 7y
Reviewsbylola I was told that girls are far harder to diagnose and can "hide" their symptoms better. It definitely isn't clear cut. I am sorry your feelings were brushed aside like that. I fear every day that I will respond to my daughter in a way that isn't helpful to her because I just don't understand but I will do anything to make sure she doesn't feel slighted. I have dealt with anxiety since I was a child and it is isolating. @mimi28 7y
Reviewsbylola I have heard about programs like that, including movie showings for sensory sensitive kids. So far situations like that haven't bothered her but I do find that it is super helpful to explain things to her multiple times beforehand so she knows what to expect. @LiteraryinLititz 7y
beaniebankbeth @Reviewsbylola I've heard this book is incredible by both NPR book reviews & by the podcast All The Books on Book Riot with @Liberty 7y
Christine Sending love your way! I have a little one (or he was a little one - he's 12 now!) with autism too. You've received so many wonderful suggestions here, but I will pass on others if I think of them (and am always available for questions or commiseration if needed)! ❤️ 7y
Mimi28 There is this great website themighty.com that offers a ton of support and info on a range of topics ❤️ 7y
Betty Several books by and about Temple Grandin. Great movie too. I've taught kids with autism and aspergers-- I loved talking to them til they had an a-ha moment of the issues we were discussing. 7y
102 likes4 stack adds66 comments
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UltraVioletRosie
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Pickpick

Inside the brilliance of a mind with Aspergers Syndrome. Enlightening and interesting.

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aa_guer2021
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Pickpick

That was educational, entertaining, and deeply honest. It caused me to laugh out loud, and after I started, I couldn't put it down. Makes me wonder if my ability to shut out the world, and read as quickly to be my super power? 🙄📚🐛🐦🤓 It provided some valuable insight, as I had hoped. It also told me that being different isn't a bad thing. And that it is possible to harness that difference for good. I am thankful I found it.
💙🖒😍👏 5/5

britt_brooke Excellent book! 7y
aa_guer2021 @britt_brooke I believe it was your post that led me to finding out about it. (Proper tense now 😔) If so, thank you!! 💙 7y
britt_brooke @ruskigurl16 Oh, yay! Yes, I posted about it a few weeks ago for recommendsday. I'm so happy you liked it! 7y
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aa_guer2021

"Small talk - or any kind of talk that goes beyond a simple exchange of information - has always been a challenge for me. When I was young, I learned that people would not like it when I uttered the first thought that entered my mind when they approached. Since making that discovery, I have slowly taught myself how to succeed at a conversation - most of the time." #truestory #Litsyconfession ????

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aa_guer2021

"Asperger's is not a disease. It's a way of being. There is no cure, nor is there a need for one. There is, however, a need for knowledge and adaptation on the part of Aspergian kids and their families and friends. I hope readers - especially those who are struggling to grow up or live with Asperger's - will see that the twists and turns and unconventional choices I made led to a pretty good life, and will learn from my story." #Ihopeso ??

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Yenya1954
Pickpick

I rad this book on the hopes of understanding my oldest grandson a bit more. My now 23 year old has been diagnosed for more than 15 years. I am pleased to say this book did help me find more understanding in this condition. I would recommend reading this story.

Laura317 My nephew is on the spectrum. It's a lonely place for some of these kids. 😢 7y
11 likes1 stack add1 comment
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JacintaMCarter
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One of the most #MemorableMemoirs I've read in the past few years was this one about Robison's struggles to fit into a world that didn't necessarily understand him. #booktober

the_hibernator Good book! 7y
26 likes1 comment
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britt_brooke
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Fantastic memoir about growing up with undiagnosed Asperger Syndrome. #recommendsday

Note: This is Augusten Burroughs' (aka Christopher Robison) older brother.

TheNextBook I have this! I've been meaning to read it. I've heard a lot of great things. 7y
britt_brooke @TheNextBook It's really interesting. 👍🏻 He has since published a couple of other books but I haven't read those yet. 7y
Pamtherunner I picked this up at a yard sale a few weeks back. Haven't read it yet though 7y
See All 12 Comments
kspenmoll The book is well worth it and so are his subsequent books. 7y
britt_brooke @kspenmoll Good to know, thanks! I plan to read the others. 👍🏻👍🏻 7y
Mccall0113 On my nightstand now! 7y
britt_brooke @Mccall0113 🙌🏻🙌🏻 Hope you enjoy! 7y
Mccall0113 @britt_brooke my son has aspergers. I retired to get him to read it. No go. Lol 7y
quirkyreader Speaking as an Aspie, this was a good peek into our daily lives. 7y
britt_brooke @quirkyreader 😊👍🏻 7y
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Read_Abundantly
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Mehso-so

This might be unfair, but I wanted more from this. I deeply enjoyed the sections about his childhood and how his mind responded to different situations and how logically, his actions made sense to him. However I feel like the story got lost a bit in his career and just different experiences. I understand his asperger's influenced his career choice and some of those interactions, but I wanted more of the specific details of how his mind works.

Coleen Agree. 7y
20 likes1 comment
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Pamtherunner
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Book haul today from the #ymca yard sale. Four books for two dollars! They had others at a different table as well!

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Kaylamburson
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I missed the contest, but I still wanted to try spine poetry because it sounds fun! #24in48 #readathon @Litsy @Authorlinda
"Look me in the eye: RAGE.
Confusion written in the stars.
Under the harrow, in the woods--losing it.
Where futures end."

Authorlinda I like it! 8y
12 likes1 comment
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MatildaBaggins
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Pickpick

I really enjoyed this memoir. Not only does he give insight into his struggles with undiagnosed Aspergers, he also shares funny and touching stories. Being a huge fan of Augusten Burroughs, I very much enjoyed hearing some of the stories from John Elder's POV. 👍🏼😄

15 likes3 stack adds
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MatildaBaggins
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Almost at the end of my current audiobook (which is fantastic so far!). I have 2 credits available and not sure what to get next?! Any audiobook recommendations?? 😄

StephTKO What are you in the mood for? 8y
MatildaBaggins @StephTKO Just about anything! I especially enjoy memoirs on audible, or books narrated by the author. 8y
StephTKO @LoriMcclurg If you haven't already, you should get Let's Pretend This Never Happened. It's a memoir, read by the author and it's laugh out loud hilarious. 8y
9 likes3 comments
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MatildaBaggins
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Starting this audiobook today! This has been on my to-read list for a while now, I'm excited to finally read it 👍🏼

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Lindsy
Pickpick

Funny and frustrating, John Elder Robison certainly knows how to tell a compelling story. I loved how he explained the challenges he has had to overcome. A great memoir of a man having to constantly adjust to a world not designed for his success.

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Lindsy
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This month's book club read. So far so amazing! Review to come!