Look Me In The Eyes

We've all known someone a bit weird; someone who just seems out of place in a social setting. Well, maybe they are an Aspergian. Yes, you read right; an Aspergian which is someone with Asperger's Syndrome, a mild form of Autism. So, what does this have to do with books? Well, I just finished a very funny, eye-opening, well written autobiography by John Elder Robison, who just so happens to be an Aspergian with an amazing life. His story starts with a dysfunctional family, some who you may have read or seen in Running with Scissors, a book turned movie by John Elder's little brother Augusten Burroughs. As his life continues, John Elder notices that he is different from the other kids. He doesn't socialize well and he can't seem to look people in the eye, hence the title of the book. As Asperger's Syndrome wasn't classified in the 60's, 70's and 80's and his behavioral differences were milder than that of Autistic children, everyone around him thought that he was just a delinquent. So, when John Elder turned the legal age, he dropped out of high school. For some, this would have been the beginning of the end but not him. This was just the beginning. I don't want to ruin the book so lets just say that John Elder ends up being an eletrical engineer for one of rock's most famous bands, climbs the coporate ladder in the gaming industry and starts an unlikely business.
John Elder shows you the ins and outs of being just a bit different from the "norm"; everything from friendships to marriage (number 1 and 2) and even fatherhood. This is a great autobiography for those who like the unconventional and like to learn what it's like to be in other people shoes. It's also for those who like to laugh out loud, literally! There were a few occasions when I couldn't help but let out a chuckle and on more than a few occasions when I couldn't help but let out a big laugh. Such a great read!