Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
30(30%)
4 stars
37(37%)
3 stars
33(33%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
100 reviews
July 15,2025
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While it is a difficult read, it is truly worthwhile. The author, who is autistic, likely with High Functioning Autism (HFA) or Asperger's Syndrome, delves into the lives of his former classmates from the early days of junior school. The three classmates he connects with, along with the parents of the fourth, vividly demonstrate the wide spectrum of autism. There is one who communicates best through puppets, another who struggles with human connection and executive function, a third who has become an established speech writer in Washington, and the fourth who unfortunately took her own life, likely out of frustration with her life in this world. The book rambles to a certain extent as the author goes off on tangents, which can be irritating at times. However, I could still relate to it. It is a collection of very human stories, told without the use of psychological terms, that offer a unique perspective on life on the autism spectrum.

July 15,2025
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Really funny!

This is such a great book to read. It's filled with hilarious moments and engaging stories that will keep you entertained from start to finish. The author has a wonderful sense of humor that shines through on every page. You'll find yourself laughing out loud at the witty dialogue and absurd situations.

Whether you're looking for a lighthearted escape or just something to brighten your day, this book is definitely worth picking up. It's the kind of book that you can easily lose yourself in and forget about the stresses of the world.

So, if you're in the mood for a good laugh, give this book a try. You won't be disappointed!
July 15,2025
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Interesting indeed. Although the author claims that he was a classmate of the subjects he wrote about, yet curiously, he fails to really present his own account of what he personally endured or whether he was actually and truly diagnosed with autism. This omission leaves a bit of a gap in our understanding of his own experiences. However, what he does provide is an interesting perspective on adults living with autism. It gives us a glimpse into their lives, their challenges, and perhaps some of the unique ways they view the world. It makes us wonder about the various factors that contribute to their daily experiences and how society perceives and interacts with them. Overall, while the author's personal story remains somewhat elusive, the article still manages to offer an engaging look at the lives of adults with autism.

July 15,2025
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I truly relished this book.

It was a delight to encounter such a diverse array of manifestations of autism and levels of functionality.

It was fascinating to observe how those who loved them provided assistance.

This book enabled me to understand that the right individuals will not view you as a liability but will collaborate with you, without being condescending.

This was extremely reassuring.

I awarded it four stars because on occasion, the author embarks on these tangents that are only peripherally related.

They were engaging, yet didn't seem to pertain to his classmates as much as to his personal worldviews.

Sometimes they were memories that connected very well, while at other times, they were rather loosely related.

Overall, it was a thought-provoking and heartwarming read that offered valuable insights into the lives of those with autism and the power of love and support.
July 15,2025
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The author, Kamran Nazeer, who is autistic, attended a school for autistic children in NYC during his upbringing. As time passed, he gradually lost touch with his fellow students. Now, having grown up and working as a successful policy analyst (?) in London, he makes the decision to seek out his former classmates and discover the trajectories their lives have taken. A few of them consent to be included in this book, which presents a non-fiction account of their meetings with the author and his reflections on what it means to be on the autism spectrum.

Nazeer is a proficient writer. Despite writing about how his condition makes it challenging to categorize or process information, particularly emotional information, he is talented in writing about relationships. I found this book to be a fast-paced and engaging read. I'm pleased that I read it now that I'm a parent as well, because I believe it provides some persuasive evidence regarding autism and how parents often respond (both positively and negatively) to a child's diagnosis.

This book not only offers insights into the lives of those on the autism spectrum but also sheds light on the complex emotions and experiences that come with it. It is a valuable read for anyone interested in understanding autism better or for parents who are dealing with a child's diagnosis.
July 15,2025
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An interesting and sometimes enlightening view of what it's like to have high-functioning autism from the point of view of the autistic is presented. It offers unique insights into the experiences and perspectives of those on the autism spectrum. I did skim a bit as some stories went on a bit too long. However, it is highly recommended to those who have friends or loved ones in this spectrum. By reading this, one can gain a better understanding and empathy for the challenges and joys that individuals with high-functioning autism face. It can also help to break down the barriers of misunderstanding and promote a more inclusive and accepting society. Overall, it is a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about autism and the people who live with it.

July 15,2025
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This article delves into the author's experience with a particular work on autism that took nearly a decade to obtain. The work is rated based on its content, with some parts receiving high praise for being from an autistic person's perspective, while others fall short. The author criticizes the work for succumbing to survivorship bias and for not fully representing the diverse experiences of autistic individuals. The article also explores the impact of capitalism and the kyriarchy on children with neurodivergency and disability, highlighting the need for a more inclusive and understanding approach. The author concludes by expressing a desire for more books of this type that are less complacent in the face of the status quo and by reflecting on the personal value they gained from reading the work.



  Had I not known to look for such strategies, if historically I had not needed to do this throughout my life, then perhaps I would have done less well [.]




This work provides valuable insights into the experiences of autistic individuals, but it also has its limitations. The author's personal journey in understanding autism and the associated challenges is an important aspect of the article. The discussion of how capitalism and the kyriarchy affect those with neurodivergency and disability is both timely and relevant. It is clear that there is still much work to be done to create a more inclusive and equitable society for all.



  I'm drawn to this explanation [that testing results are affected by autistic children understanding that they are being tested] because it suggests that the children involved are smarter, cannier, less passive than the clinicians observing them assume. I was one of those children. I'd like to think better of us. I'd like to think we were winning.




The author's perspective on the work is nuanced and thought-provoking. While they appreciate the work's strengths, they also recognize its weaknesses. The article serves as a reminder that we need to be critical consumers of information and that we should always strive to understand the experiences of others from a variety of perspectives.



  And those who are good at argument, the logical, the single-minded, the dominating types, well, don't they often have terrible opinions?




In conclusion, this article offers a valuable contribution to the ongoing conversation about autism and neurodivergency. It challenges us to think more deeply about the issues at hand and to work towards creating a more inclusive and understanding world.

July 15,2025
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It just needed something more to hook me for more of a quick read.

The scenarios or human interactions described in it were indeed informative and really heartfelt. They had the potential to draw the reader in and make them feel connected.

However, it also had a great deal of academic, dry jargon that unfortunately made me less intrigued to keep reading. The use of such technical and specialized language seemed to create a barrier between the content and the reader.

Despite this, I still managed to finish it. But now, after reading this, I find myself in need of reading some mystery fiction. I'm looking forward to the excitement, the twists and turns, and the element of surprise that mystery fiction can offer. It will be a nice change from the more academic and jargon-heavy piece I just completed.

I'm hoping that the mystery fiction will capture my attention from the very beginning and keep me engaged until the very end. Maybe it will have the perfect combination of interesting characters, a captivating plot, and enough悬念 to keep me on the edge of my seat.

Who knows? Maybe I'll discover a new favorite author or series. All I know is that I'm ready for a new reading adventure.

July 15,2025
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It is truly very interesting. I must admit that I wasn't always completely certain that I had fully grasped the author's meaning. In fact, I repeatedly found myself with the urge to ask him to clarify various minor details. However, despite this initial confusion, the work had a plethora of valuable insights. It contained elements of joy that could bring a smile to one's face and also moments of sadness that tugged at the heartstrings. Isn't it amazing how human beings are endlessly fascinating? Their emotions, experiences, and the way they express themselves through writing can create such a rich tapestry of feelings and ideas. It makes one realize that there is always more to discover and understand about the complex nature of humanity.

July 15,2025
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The life of people who are connected through autism is truly a remarkable and often emotional journey. Autism is a complex neurological disorder that affects individuals in various ways, yet it also has the power to bring people together in unique and profound ways.


Take the story of Elizabeth, for example. Her chapter in this shared experience was nothing short of heartbreaking. We can only imagine the challenges she has faced, the struggles she has endured, and the emotions she has felt along the way. But through it all, she has remained坚强 and has found a way to connect with others who understand her on a deeper level.


For those who are connected through autism, life may not always be easy. There will be difficult days, moments of frustration, and times when they feel alone. But they also have a community of people who support them, love them, and understand their journey. And together, they are able to create a life that is full of meaning, purpose, and connection.

July 15,2025
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I must admit that I expected better. I thought the book would tell about a group of autistic children. Instead, it is the account of one of them who, as an adult, has tracked down his old companions and describes how they are now. But he does it in a way that didn't really engage me much (partly due to the translation, which was at times embarrassing). I don't know, it didn't grip me. I didn't become attached to any of the people described. Moreover, in certain points it seemed more like an essay to explain what autism is rather than the story of a personal experience.

Perhaps if the author had focused more on the individual personalities and emotions of the characters, it would have been a more interesting read. As it stands, it felt a bit dry and clinical. However, it does provide some valuable insights into the world of autism and how it affects people's lives. It just didn't manage to touch my heart in the way that I had hoped.

Overall, I was a bit disappointed with this book. It had the potential to be a great story, but it fell short in several areas. I would recommend it to those who are interested in learning more about autism, but not necessarily to those who are looking for a captivating and emotional read.

July 15,2025
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A Lovely Memoir: Insights into the Lives of Autistic Individuals

This is a truly lovely memoir that chronicles the meetings of an autistic man with his childhood friends who are also on the autism spectrum after a gap of 20 years. The book is not just a collection of their experiences but also a means to clear the many misunderstandings surrounding autism. It delves into aspects such as echolalia and local coherence, providing a more intimate and human perspective on the lives of autistic individuals. What I particularly liked about this book is that it doesn't present autism as a one-size-fits-all concept. Instead, it shows that each individual on the spectrum is unique. Moreover, the argument that autistic people should not be forced to conform to societal expectations but rather that society should accept their own norms and view them as fellow humans is presented throughout the book.

If you are seeking a deeper understanding of the autism spectrum and a closer look at the lives of those who live with it, this book is a must-read. It offers valuable insights and a fresh perspective that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the diverse experiences of autistic individuals.
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