Helpful Score: 20
Written by the brother of the guy who wrote "Running with Scissors," this book is highly entertaining while giving an inside look at Asperger's Syndrome, a slight form of autism. Robison is candid about his feelings, his dysfunctional family life, his time working with the band KISS--but through it all he tells the stories with a sense of humor. Highly recommended.
Helpful Score: 15
Very interesting book. I found some of it troubling, and some of it brilliant...certainly well written. As a adult now, I hope his sense of what is a "trick" on others has changed, his jokes were some scary stuff!
Well worth the time to read, hopefully leading to a better understanding of Aspergers.
Well worth the time to read, hopefully leading to a better understanding of Aspergers.
Helpful Score: 9
I LOVED this book!! Having my own son with Aspberger tendencies it was such a joy to have someone write about it from their own standpoint rather than that of a doctor.
Monica O. (socalnascargal) reviewed Look Me in the Eye- My life with Aspergers on + 5 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 8
Now I know why my own son doesn't look me in the eye.
This book is very telling. I think it's because the author is looking back and didn't know when he was growing up that he has Asperger's.
It really helps me understand the little "things" that make my son tick. And I know now that he really doesn't have to look someone in the eye to be listening. It also gave me a better understanding of how your child can seem neurotypical but still has those moments when you (and everyone around you) know better. It also helps me feel better in knowing that my son can grow up and be successful.
I recommend for anyone who is dealing with Asperger's in their life.
This book is very telling. I think it's because the author is looking back and didn't know when he was growing up that he has Asperger's.
It really helps me understand the little "things" that make my son tick. And I know now that he really doesn't have to look someone in the eye to be listening. It also gave me a better understanding of how your child can seem neurotypical but still has those moments when you (and everyone around you) know better. It also helps me feel better in knowing that my son can grow up and be successful.
I recommend for anyone who is dealing with Asperger's in their life.
Elizabeth R. (esjro) -
Helpful Score: 6
Look Me in the Eye is John Elder Robison's memoir of his experiences as a person with Asperger's Syndrome. The early chapters are the most difficult to read, as Robison describes growing up in a family with alcoholism, physical abuse and mental illness. Fortunately he omits most of the more disturbing experiences described by younger brother Augusten Borrough in his memoir "Running with Scissors," but the added challenges Robinson faces because of his condition make the story even more poignant.
Once Robison leaves home and slowly begins learning how to interact in a socially acceptable way, Look Me in the Eye becomes a fun and interesting read. The author's stories of being on tour with KISS and working in R&D for a toy company show what a talented person he is. Though it starts out bleak, Look Me in the Eye is ultimately a happy story as Robison is able to forgive his parents and find a wife who appreciates who he is.
Purists be warned: this paperback edition was edited to make it more appropriate for the teenage audience it has found. Seek out the hardback edition if you want the swearing intact.
Once Robison leaves home and slowly begins learning how to interact in a socially acceptable way, Look Me in the Eye becomes a fun and interesting read. The author's stories of being on tour with KISS and working in R&D for a toy company show what a talented person he is. Though it starts out bleak, Look Me in the Eye is ultimately a happy story as Robison is able to forgive his parents and find a wife who appreciates who he is.
Purists be warned: this paperback edition was edited to make it more appropriate for the teenage audience it has found. Seek out the hardback edition if you want the swearing intact.
