Well I never got round to reading my ARC book for July, but I went to read everyone else's reviews.
One particular review really kicked me into touch. Darcy had reviewed a book about a 15 year old boy with Asperger's (part of the autistic spectrum), and she was very impressed. Being the mother of a 15 years old boy with Asperger's, I was intrigued ....ordered the book...waited....and have now read it...and it is still July.
So even though it breaks all the rules ...I am going to review...
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, by Mark Haddon
(and this is the journal page I have made)
I LOVED THIS BOOK!!!!!
Every page made me laugh, which may seem a strange reaction to some, but I had sooooo been there already. The author has a true insight into how the mind of an Asperger's suffer works, and I can only assume he grew up with or raised a child with this syndrome. I know all sufferers are different from each other, but there are certain behavioural and emotional elements that are obvious markers, and the author has worked these perfectly into his young hero (well he is a hero to me).
The events that take place during school time are all so true, I have lived every one of them...including arguing about helping my son cope with exams...and the conversations about not telling people they are stupid or smell, as the truth can be hurtful.....and the throwing away of artwork because someone else spoiled it.
While reading the book, I found that I was actually hearing it in my sons voice, as the speech patterns and content was so familiar to me. The fascination with science and mathematics is so accurate, and the way he deals with "noise"......
If you don't know anyone with Asperger's, but would like to understand a little of what it is like, read this book.
If you do know or live with some one with Asperger's, read this book. It really does cover so many aspects of my life and relationships it is spooky, though I am one of the lucky one's. Being a very calm person by nature I have been able to cope more easily than some, though there have been times that I cried myself dry just thinking about the future. Plus my boy is one of the "huggy" ones so at least I have been spared the pain of never being able to hold my child.
My husband is going to read it now...and I may try and get my son to read it too...but I am DEFINITELY going to get his teachers to read it!!!!
My journal page is based on a photo of my son when he was 3. 3 is his favourite number, and the journalling reads:
"When everything is the same volume...I can't hear anything!!!"
and refers to his main "problem", which is an issue with his peripheral hearing. According to the experts, he hears everything at the same volume, so if I am whispering in the kitchen while he is watching tv in the next room he answers and joins in the conversation I am trying to have in private. This makes concentrating very difficult in school, or in a crowded place. And even at such an early age he always had such serious expressions on his face. People would say he had the eyes of an old man.
Back to the book.....
I don't want you to think it is a light-hearted story....in places I really struggled not to cry(for fear my son would want to know why)...but it does finish on a very hopeful note. Am so glad I cheated this month.
Enjoy :D XXX
I am counting this journal page for "Piece A Week" and Paper Saturdays challenge
Thank you for the review Gina! I've read the book during my teacher education (studying to become an English teacher) and it was a great read and I'm glad you approve of it. Thank you for sharing your story also!
ReplyDeleteHugs Ilona
i would have bawled. my pastor's middle son (12) has asbergers and you'd never know. he loves to catch flies, bugs, frogs.. you name it he's trying to catch it.
ReplyDeleteyeah, the sky you saw on my blog is my basic template. blogger sucks lately.
all else is good. hope you are too. i think we chat more on FB than blogging, but i won't give up my blogging. it's like my diary - LOL.
hugs sweetie!
Yes, I've read that book, it's great, I like your composition!
ReplyDeleteI had read sbout this book a while ago but felt I could not copevwith readingnit on top of all life's other problems. It rings so many bells and I can understand you crying yourself dry as you read it. Perhaps I might try it, as your review is so touching, but not just yet. A wonderful review and your artwork says so much, it's very powerful and is perhaps understood on a deeper level by some than others through experience.
ReplyDeleteI must confess that I know very little about autism. This could be a good book to start reading something about it. Your artwork speaks to me. I have a problem with loud noises... it's like going mad. A big hug to you and your wonderful son!! :))
ReplyDeleteI love this very much Gina. You surprise me over and over again by what you can turn your hand at!
ReplyDeleteManonXx
First, I just added The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time to my reading list. I can't help it. Your review, the art it inspired, the thought of your boy hearing whispers which his brain heard louder than any bit of blasting music... well, all of it is too intriguing not to read.
ReplyDeleteThe yellow and the red on the background are perfect--troubled and chaotic. And when it comes to numbers? I totally understand his "3" For when I'm about to lose all control, I focus on 13 and somehow the world look like it should (to me).
Love it when you break the rules ;-D
I got my copy!
DeleteI read this years ago - not long after it came out I think. I remember there being a lot of hype about it. I can only vaguely remember the plot - I remember it being eye opening on the Aspergers front - you're making me think I should read it again. There was a little boy who really took to Ruby when she was in nursery and I remember her coming home telling me this boy would chase her and pull her hair and I would say 'did you tell teacher?' Anyway - the Mum herself put together a little leaflet from the boy explaining all these pointers saying he wasn't odd he was just different (he had autism and ADHD) and she distributed it amongst the parents. I thought it was so sweet and she took me to one side and told me she'd heard about the hair pulling (the teachers had told her but not me) it was his way of picking Ruby out as his friend and he was fascinated with her "beautiful hair." Ruby always considered him a friend but I just thought the leaflet she put together was wonderful.
ReplyDeleteAnyway - to cut a long waffle short. I love your art page and I love your reaction to the book.
Thank you for being so understanding toward that family Carmen....just one person like you makes a whole heap of difference to the family of a child in this situation <3
DeleteYes, I know this book and love it, too. You created a great page.
ReplyDeleteGlad you read it in the end, and enjoyed it so much. Really like your journal page. hugs, donna
ReplyDeleteIt's sometimes good to break the rules. Especially when this was such a meaningful experience for you. I could tell how much you enjoyed the book, and of course, the artwork was also meaningful, since it was so incredibly personal. Well, well done, Gina.
ReplyDeleteGreat review Gina! Your journal page is very touching!
ReplyDeleteGlad you broke the rules. A wonderful review and so kind of you to share your feelings with us. After I read it I to wondered where the author got his insight.
ReplyDeleteJen x
I have finished my book, just not got to the art work and there you are doing it all! lol I am glad you found solace in this book. Lovely art work as well Dxx
ReplyDeleteWonderful review, Gina. I read this book quite a few years ago and loved it. I think over the years, in my job, I have dealt with people who displayed similar characteristics and did not appreciate the problems that they had. This book was a revelation to me. I was humbled.
ReplyDeleteJanet xx
So glad you enjoyed it Gina, i recognized so many traits too that i have seen in friends children, and also in some adults i know. i found it sad at times, but glad i read it.
ReplyDelete