Author:John Elder Robison
From the time he was three or four years old, John Elder Robison realised that he was different from other people. He was unable to make eye contact or connect with other children, and by the time he was a teenager his odd habits - an inclination to blurt out non-sequiturs, obsessively dismantle radios or dig five-foot holes (and stick his younger brother in them) - had earned him the label 'social deviant'. It didn't help that his mother conversed with light fixtures and his father spent evenings pickling himself in sherry.
Look Me in the Eye is his story of growing up with Asperger's syndrome – a form of autism – at a time when the diagnosis simply didn't exist. Along the way it also tells the story of two brothers born eight years apart yet devoted to each other: the author and his younger brother Chris, who would grow up to become bestselling author Augusten Burroughs.
This book is a rare fusion of inspiration, dark comedy and insight into the workings of the human mind. For someone who has struggled all his life to connect with other people, Robison proves to be an extraordinary storyteller.
John has a life that is humanity's version of extreme sport. Even without the Asperger's he would have had an appalling childhood ... This is no misery memoir, however. He is a gifted storyteller with a deadpan sense of humour and the book is a rollicking read
—— The TimesOf course it's brilliant; my big brother wrote it. But even if it hadn't been created by my big, lumbering, swearing, unshaven "early man" sibling, this is a sweet and funny and sad and true and heartfelt a memoir as one could find, utterly unspoiled, uninfluenced, and original
—— Augusten BurroughsJohn Robison's book is an immensely affecting account of a life lived according to his gifts rather than his limitations. His story provides ample evidence for my belief that individuals on the autistic spectrum are just as capable of rich and productive lives as anyone else
—— Daniel Tammet, author of BORN ON A BLUE DAYDeeply felt and often darkly funny, Look Me in the Eye is a delight
—— People magazineIt's a fantastic life story (highlights include building guitars for KISS) told with grace, humor, and a bracing lack of sentimentality
—— Entertainment NewsThere's an endearing quality to Robison and his story that transcends the "Scissors" connection ... Look Me in the Eye is often drolly funny and seldom angry or self-pitying. Even when describing his fear that he'd grow up to be a sociopathic killer, Robison brings a light touch to what could be construed as dark subject matter ... Robison is also a natural storyteller and engaging conversationalist
—— Boston GlobeRobison seems likable, honest and completely free of guile, qualities well served by writing that is lean, powerful in its descriptive accuracy and engaging in its understated humor. It is also emotionally gripping
—— Chicago TribuneRobison’s lack of finesse with language is not only forgivable, but an asset to his story . . . His rigid sentences are arguably more telling of his condition than if he had created the most graceful prose this side of Proust.
—— Chicago Sun-Times[Blackburn] has written an exceptionally perceptive and fascinating book, a tribute by a remarkable daughter to the resilience of filial love.
—— Anne Chisholm , Sunday TelegraphIn this memoir she describes her eccentric, dangerous, wonderful bohemian parents...Blackburn emerged from this turmoil as a fine writer, and this book is full of understanding and reconciliation
—— Margaret Drabble , New Statesmana rich account...brilliant vignettes
—— Camilla Long , Sunday TimesThis piercing memoir paints in vivid colours Julia Blackburn's nightmarish childhood
—— Alison Flood , The TelegraphBlackburn tells us about these things in a compelling authorial voice which is by turns numb and incredibly sensitive
—— William Leith , Evening StandardBrutally honest book ...deeply moving testament to the love that can somehow survive
—— Aimee Shalan , GuardianAn extraordinary family memoir... A bohemian classic
—— Week
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