Jesse A. Saperstein

If society ever has a reaction against supporting people with autism, it will be because of books like this one.

I say that as someone with autism myself. I know, very well, that people on the autism spectrum need support, understanding, compassion -- and friendship. I do not blame Jesse Saperstein for being unhappy with many things about his life.

But the old saw is that "when you know one person with autism, you know... one person with autism" -- and I very possible have less in common with show more Saperstein than I do with a "neurotypical" (non-autistic) person. Like Saperstein, I have no great desire to be "like the rest of you." But neither do I want to get hostile about it.

That is what bothers me about this book. Too much anger, too much "it's not my fault so fix it," too much self-justification for things that really can't be justified. Even his humor is sarcastic rather than friendly. Let's face it, this is a book by someone who is mean. This isn't all that unusual for people with autism -- I find John Elder Robison's "practical jokes" to be quite cruel also. This really bothers me. I hope Saperstein can find people he actually likes someday, and fit in. Until then, perhaps he should write about something else. As the old saying goes, "Can't we all just get along?" Striking back at a world that has attacked you never solves anything. show less

There were aspects of this book I found fascinating. But for the most part I found it exhausting rather than insightful. The author has a good sense of humor about himself, but he takes a lot of jabs at religion and other people that I didn't appreciate. These may be coping mechanisms, which I understand. But for years the author was mocked, bullied and misunderstood, and he now he's doing the same to others?

This kid is definitely on the Autism Spectrum and his insights for the most part are spot on. I enjoyed what he had to say about the workplace and effectively learning when to keep your mouth shut. Out of the whole book the part labeled Employment 101 should be read and memorized by anyone on the Spectrum or who advises anyone on the Spectrum. The section on romance could be applied to anyone who does not have a lot of experience dating. While the book is not written by a professional the show more book will be useful to anyone who has been recently diagnosed on the Spectrum and needs general life advice. This book can serve as a conversation starter between the parent of of someone on the Spectrum and their doctor or counselor. show less

Very readable. A good balance of humor and seriousness. The author`s tendency to stereotype and judge women (and then bemoan his lack of a girlfriend) was frustrating, especially considering how self-aware he was in other areas and of other prejudices. Overall, worth reading, but not a book I`d read again.