so-soI am struggling with reviewing this book. On one hand, I think it is such a vital book because there aren‘t a wide range of books for autistic kids and their families, especially when the kid is a teenager. But I wanted this to inspire me, and instead it made me sad. Charlie (RJ) just seems as if he is treated as a burden, and as if he feels his autism is a horrible sentence. I don‘t doubt the struggles AT ALL, but it hurts to imagine my ⤵️
Reviewsbylola daughter feeling that way. I don‘t want the Peetes to sugarcoat anything, but it just left me feeling a bit hopeless. And as scared as I am for my daughter‘s future, I‘ve never felt hopeless. I know my youngest daughter will also face struggles with having an autistic sister but Callie (Ryan) spoke of RJ as if he as afflicted with some terrible condition. I just want my children to see each other for who they are. I am definitely keeping this ⤵️ 6y
Reviewsbylola On my shelf and will revisit it as the years go on. I had added a copy to Genevieve and Florence‘s bookshelf but I might remove it. I just don‘t know. 🤷🏼♀️ 6y
Cinfhen That‘s a beautiful review ❤️your girls are blessed to come from such a loving & supportive family. I‘m sure they will continue to grow & learn to be each others cheerleaders! 6y
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Reviewsbylola Thank you! I struggled with this because obviously the Peetes have their own story to tell and I don‘t want to diminish that in any way. @Cinfhen (edited) 6y
emilyhaldi That's disappointing but you're right, each story is different and her feelings don't have to reflect yours. ❤️ 6y
Kalalalatja What an insightful review. Every person and family are different, so their story doesn‘t have to end up being your story, but I can only imagine how it must feel to read this book ❤️ 6y
Mdargusch Very introspective review. I guess every time you read a book it‘s just more knowledge. Not good or bad just more. 6y
arubabookwoman Have you read #ToSiriWithLove? The author has twin teenage sons, one with autism, one without. I liked it very much, but it is not without controversy. 6y
Reviewsbylola I have it on my TBR! @arubabookwoman 6y
Weaponxgirl This is a lovely review. Dyo mind me asking if they felt like it was awful because of how others treat them? I have a brother with aspergers and work with children with autism and it's often seemed like the availability of sensitive services ect shapes how people view it. Hope you don't mind me asking as I know it can be sensitive and every individual and situation is different. 6y
Reviewsbylola I absolutely don‘t mind. @Weaponxgirl To me, it seemed as if Charlie viewed autism as an affliction, which is totally valid, but no one seemed to try to point out what was so special about him. They all just went along with ASD being this horrible life sentence. His sister was always focusing on how everything they did had to be catered around Charlie‘s needs. If she did have to rescue him from a negative social scenario, it was always in a ⤵️ 6y
Reviewsbylola Grumbling, frustrated way. I just wish it were more balanced. I can‘t imagine anyone with ASD would come away from reading this book feeling good about themselves. I do think though that it‘s good in the sense that it‘s relatable. @Weaponxgirl 6y
Weaponxgirl Thank you for the reply, I really appreciate it. This is an area I'm really passionate about and whilst it's important to be realistic about some of the problems that can arise I think it's so important to focus on the positive and what we can do to help them shine. 6y
Reviewsbylola I totally agree. I spent most of the book unsure of how I felt because truthfully, most of the scenarios they talked about rang true to some degree. @Weaponxgirl 6y
CarolynM Speaking as the mother of a 21 yo aspie who scores pretty high on the tests herself, I think you've hit the nail on the head when you talk about people seeing it as an affliction. My thinking is that it's just a different way of seeing the world, a different way of being. Of course there are degrees of difference and just how different you are has a big impact, but understanding, both of the different thinking and by the different thinker is 👇 6y
CarolynM What it's all about. Your concerns for your other daughter are also valid, my so called normal daughter has had some struggles with this, when she was younger a bit like what you have described from the book. We tried hard to make sure there was family time that was all about her too. Now at 18 I think she gets it but is finding it hard to establish an independent adult relationship with her brother. I'd be happy to talk more if you want 6y
Reviewsbylola Thanks so much for sharing @carolynM. ♥️ I definitely can see that the issue will arise as far as my ASD daughter getting more attention. My younger daughter is only three but she already notices it in some aspects. She is so jealous of all the therapy her sister gets to do. 😂 It will be interesting to see how their relationship grows as they get older. 6y