The Seven Imperfect Rules of Elvira Carr

By: Frances Maynard

Narrated by: Erin Mallon

Elvira Carr believes in rules. She also strongly believes in crisp schedules, clear guidelines, and taking people at face value. Not that the 27-year-old sees many people. After several unfortunate incidents, her overbearing mother keeps her at home.

But when her mother has a stroke, Elvira is suddenly on her own. To help her navigate a world that is often puzzling, she draws up seven ironclad rules. Armed with these, a notebook full of questions, and guidance from a helpful neighbor, she takes charge of herself - and realizes that something isn't quite right about the life she thought she knew.

She'll need all the courage, perseverance, and curious charm she can muster to unravel the mystery of what happened to her family and to manage her own life, her way.

Cover design by Connie Gabbert. Cover image by Tiffany L. Lausen/Red Owl Photography.

©2017 Frances Maynard (P)2017 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"The inevitable comparisons to Graeme Simsion's The Rosie Project (2013) and Julia Claiborne Johnson's Be Frank with Me (2016) are natural, but Ellie's authentic voice offers a fresh perspective on being different." (Booklist)

One I’ll recommend

This book was so different than a lot that I’ve read, but so enjoyable. Erin did a great job as Elvira too.

Wonderful narration

I really enjoyed this book. I felt like a fly on the wall observing Elvira’s life and growth.

Beautiful story!

I enjoyed this story. It was sad and sweet. It was easy to listen to.

Good story, poor narrator choice

I loved the story itself, but the narration made it difficult to listen to. The story is set in the UK and they chose an American narrator. Besides the accent being wrong, the tone and pronunciation was off in places.

So heartfelt, creative, and entertaining!

I love this story, told from the perspective of Elvira Carr, the young woman who is on the spectrum yet has so very much to offer. I also love her coming of age story, the unintentional humor woven into her unique observations, and how she exceeds everyone’s expectations for what she’s capable of - including her own. Her rules for living are applicable to us all, and I love the overall theme of learning to both “fit in” and do things your own way. Such a delightful listen, and the narration is top quality - perfect for Elvira’s personality!