Look Me in the Eye: My Life with Asperger's

Written by:
John Elder Robison
Narrated by:
Mark Deakins

Unabridged Audiobook

Ratings
Book
27
Narrator
9
Release Date
September 2007
Duration
9 hours 16 minutes
Summary
Ever since he was small, John Robison had longed to connect with other people, but by the time he was a teenager, his odd habits–an inclination to blurt out non sequiturs, avoid eye contact, dismantle radios, and dig five-foot holes–had earned him the label “social deviant.” No guidance came from his mother or his father. It was no wonder he gravitated to machines, which could, at least, be counted on.

After fleeing his parents and dropping out of high school, his savant-like ability to visualize electronic circuits landed him a gig with KISS. Later, he drifted into a “real” job, as an engineer for a major toy company. But the higher Robison rose in the company, the more he had to pretend to be “normal” and do what he simply couldn’t: communicate. It was not until he was forty that an insightful therapist told him he had the form of autism called Asperger’s syndrome. That understanding transformed the way Robison saw himself–and the world.

Robison also provides a fascinating reverse angle on the younger brother he left at the mercy of their nutty parents–the boy who would later change his name to Augusten Burroughs. Ultimately, this is the story of Robison’s journey from his world into ours, a strange, sly, indelible account–sometimes alien, yet always deeply human.
Reviews
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Dionne G.

This story is insightful, funny and unfiltered. It's a unique opportunity to look into the life of someone with Asperger's.

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Crystal Howell

I loved this book!! It gave me great insight into my sons life. In early years I was determined to make him look at people in the eyes among other things Aspie's avoid doing because I felt it was disrespectful not understanding it had nothing to do with respect at all.

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Alice Pieritz

I wanted to read/listen to this book because I have recently realized I likely have Asperger's. I am 56 years old and have never had a clue. I will admit that it was not exactly what I expected it to be. Until chapter 20, it just seemed like a guy telling a bunch of stories about his life that weren't of particular interest to me. However, I am glad I kept listening. Chapter 20 until the end of the book made it all worthwhile. The insight in these chapters is remarkable and has helped me to see that I am not just a useless loner who has never really understood the society in which I live...that there are other people--likely very many other people--who see things from the same perspective as do I. I personally feel the narrator did an excellent job at keeping me interested throughout by his inflections and tone of voice.

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Mandy Webster

As the parent of a child with Aspergers, I couldn't have asked for a better book to give me an insight into what my own child may be experiencing. This is a must-read for anyone dealing with Aspergers, and a fascinating look at the life and struggles of an interesting and unique individual for everyone else.

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Anonymous

Excellent and insightful. A good read / listen. The author has succeeded in bring us into his world. Very enjoyable / enthralling.

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