Look Me in the Eye

My Life with Asperger's

By: John Elder Robison

Narrated by: Mark Deakins

Length: 9 hrs and 16 mins

Publisher's 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 40 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.

©2007 John Elder Robison (P)2007 Books on Tape

Critic reviews

"Thoughtful and thoroughly memorable." ( Publishers Weekly)

Thisi explains so much of my life

Finally, a story told from the point of view of someone like me. This is a wonderful revelation. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

review

helped me understand my son better. mental differences. made me laugh amd reflect. great book

grateful

very happy and thankful to have heard this story and grateful for you're sharing it. I have one diagnosed child, one I've been trying to get his mother to have him tested because I'm pretty certain and a toddler who will most definitely be tested as soon as they allow. so this story was to help me better understand thoughts that he may be having and feelings he may not even understand himself. this was very helpful and answered some questions as well as explained some uncertainties. much is now making much more sense... so Thank you thank you thank you for writing this story and sharing your life to help those of us who don't have the understanding necessary....

good book

i love this book, i find it educating and entertaining. very well written and read

Fantastic insight.

Robison shares his amazing personal journey with Aspergers. From victim to overcomer he is certainly an overcomer. How enlightening for any listener who wonders what it is like for those who have Aspergers. It was hard to stop listening.

Great story

Had a hard time really starting this, probably due to my adhd and being recommended this book by my kid's teacher because he has aspergers, but wish I powered through sooner! It was insightful, but I enjoyed it as a story in its own right.

Aspergian and proud

With my recent diagnosis, I've been reading all I can on the subject of Asperger's, mainly personal accounts, of which this was one. Though I do wish I had paid better attention and read this book about 5 years ago, I am very glad to have read it now.

I really like when things connect. This book connected me to a new way of thinking about my life, in addition to connecting to my previous obsession with every work of Augusten Burroughs.

Some explanations might seem dry to Nypicals, but pay attention, and you'll stand to learn a lot about that loved one in your life who has always puzzled you. If you are Aspergian, they will make perfect sense and find yourself gesturing wildly and bemoaning agreement while listening to many parts of this book.

If you are looking for something more self-help than memoir, check out Robison's latest, "Be Different." Also, keep a look out this spring for his upcoming book about raising his son "Cubby" after his own diagnosis. Or, David Finch's "Journal of Best Practices," which I found also very comforting, on so many levels.

Fabulous

Incredibly well written, fast moving, almost novel-like, this autobiography is well worth the read/listen. Especially helpful for anyone who is friend of family of an "Asbergian>"

Riveting, emotional, enlightening.

If you could sum up Look Me in the Eye in three words, what would they be?

Thank you for helping me understand the world of Asperger's as I embark on this journey with my 3 year old. Your insight will help change the trajectory of his life. I will be more conscientious of everything I do and say in his life and will advocate for him in all areas. The book helped me see the gift of Asperger's. Thank you for sharing your story with the world and this mama bear.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Look Me in the Eye?

When John Elder returns to his home town, a town filled with painful memories, he sees it as a chance to right a wrong. I believe this was a turning point in his life. This has been encouraging to me as I have been forced to start over in my hometown as a single, 42 year old mother of an infant. It gives me, a typical adult, hope for better days for myself and my son.

Have you listened to any of Mark Deakins’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When John Elder showed compassion and empathy for his dying father. That must have been a tremendous, personal, breakthrough. What courage, what persistence, what an example for humanity.

Any additional comments?

John Elder, I cry for your heartbreak and I celebrate your victories! May you always feel loved and important!

Asperger's A LIfe

Where does Look Me in the Eye rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I really enjoyed this book. I've read it quite a few times.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Look Me in the Eye?

I love listening to John's time with KISS and some of his other adventures. It is always an experience for someone with Asperger's to listen to someone else with Asperger's and say "Yeah, I'm not so weird!"

What about Mark Deakins’s performance did you like?

I enjoyed this reader.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No. It's easy to put down and pick up.

Any additional comments?

If you ever have the chance to go see John speak, you should. His experiences are wonderful and pretty unique.