Pretending to be Normal: Living with Asperger's Syndrome

Rating:
Summary: From another adult female on the spectrum
Review: Although I can see some of the hints of AS in Ms. Willey's experiences, she functions at so high a level that she is hardly a role model for those with AS. I find the ease at which she was accepted by others, as well as her success in finding a loving husband, to be extremely atypical for those with the disorder. Most of us have a much more difficult time finding acceptance and personal connections.

Rating:
Summary: A good autobiography
Review: Although this book wasn't what I was expecting, it was good nonetheless. I was thinking it would be more from a parent's standpoint, but instead, it is an autobiography of a woman who has AS. It was informative and well worth the read, but if you're looking for more info from a parent's standpoint, save this book for later. It is great to read if you want hope for the long-term. It lets you know that AS isn't a diagnosis that totally ruins your child's life. Good luck!

Rating:
Summary: SIMPLY GREAT
Review: AS A PERSON WHO MIGHT HAVE THIS DISOREDER HERSELF I FOUND THIS BOOK VERY GOO IT IS A GOOD COMPANION PIECE TO TONY ATTWOODS BOOK.. I LIKED IT ALOT. THE ONLY QIUBBLE I HAVE THOUGH IS THAT I WANTED TO HERE ABOUT THE DAUTGHTER MORE. OH WELL MAYBE SHE WANT O PROTECT HER PRIVACY. ANYWAY THIS BOOK IS GREAT IT SHOULD BE READ BY ALL.

Rating:
Summary: Just One Woman's Tale
Review: As an autobiography this is an easy and creative read. I was raised by a mother with AS. Her difficulties make Lianne's look plain querky or individualist. This is just one woman's tale. Asperger's Syndrome can be far more difficult to live with than this and certainly most AS sufferers would have trouble talking of themselves (and especially others) with such sustained and reasoned insight, though eloquence with words is common. AS runs in my family on both sides. I couldn't help but feel Lianne is just socially uncomfortable, as so many people can be and just has her own pet querks like the majority of us! Perhaps she is at the higher fundtioning position on the imfamous 'spectrum' of this disorder. Otherwise,...Asperger's Syndrome? Doesn't sound much like it to me.

Rating:
Summary: Insightful but sloppy
Review: As the mother of a child with Asperger's, I found this book useful and reassuring. It spoke directly to a couple of my concerns, namely that my child will find love and have a family as an adult, and that my instinct to teach him to adapt, but not to eradicate his Asperger's, is correct. However, I had to work pretty hard to appreciate the book's insights because it is so clumsily written and apparently untouched by an editor's pen. I kept getting distracted by my mental corrections of the author's grammatical and stylistic errors, which were rampant (I'm a little compulsive, but no, I don't have Asperger's myself). Everyone needs an editor. A publisher who doesn't provide it just makes their authors look bad.

Rating:
Summary: Helpful book, but some overgeneralization
Review: As the mother of a son with Aspergers, I am always eager to read anything written on the subject. This book was well written, interesting and helpful in understanding Aspergers, and I would recommend it. The only fault I really found with it was overgeneralization. I think at times the author assumes her own traits are traits that anyone with Aspergers would have. For example, she talks about having a poor sense of directions being a trait, when in fact I think many people with AS have an abnormally good sense of direction, including my son. I think such generalizations can hide the fact that people with AS, like all people, are very different than each other, and have their own very unique personalities. However, I don't mean to put this book down---it's a very valuable resource and a good read.

Rating:
Summary: Very Helpful Book!
Review: As the parent of a young child with Asperger's Syndrome, I yearn to better understand how AS may affect my daughter as she grows up. No parent has a crystal ball into their childs future, but with AS added to the equation it is even harder to form images of what that life could be like. Liane's book provides a basis for developing positive images for my daughters future. It also provides insight to help her along the way. Liane openly shares her struggles, her failures, and her triumphs. I am not an avid reader, but Liane's book completely captured my attention from the minute I peered into it. She is an elequent writer and her wording is fluent. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of reading her book.

Rating:
Summary: Changed my life
Review: Before reading this book I was completly lost and confused wondering whats wrong in me....doing very good academically while failing socially...This book didnt only give me the answers I was looking for but also an inspiring story of a successful AS person..In my opinion its a must read for every AS person.

Rating:
Summary: Insightful and practical book!
Review: For anyone looking to understand the Asperger Syndrome thinking process- this book is the one to purchase. It is lyrical, engaging, a real page turner. But more importantly, it answers the question many who are not affected by Asperger ask: why? Pretending to be Normal makes it clear Asperger Syndrome is nothing to be ashamed of and much to be glad for. I loved it!

Rating:
Summary: Opening the Window
Review: Having sons with Asperger Syndrome and Autism, I have read almost every book available. Liane Holliday Willey has presented her story in such a way that it finally let me understand, both as a parent and educator, what my boys are actually thinking and how they are possibly perceiving the world around them. A must have for all families.