Man, this story broke my heart into a million pieces. Autism, anywhere on the spectrum, can be very difficult. Somers details her journey raising a son with Asperger Syndrome. The way I understand it, this term is no longer being used, due to the originator being found to be a collaborator of a certain German regime during the 1930s and 1940s. Still, it’s a unique form of autism that is hard to define because the autism spectrum is so wide. The author talks about coming to terms with her son’s disability and finally finding her voice to tell others the reasons why when Jack has a meltdown.

I sympathize with the author. I also have a kid on the spectrum who appears “normal” and yet has many challenges. I had to laugh at her asking Jack if he was hungry a few times…my kid is WAY more likely to have a meltdown if their basic needs aren’t being met, most especially hunger. I also know the impending signs of a meltdown and have tried to stave them off, although I’m not always successful.

Kudos to the author for being vulnerable and honest. This must have been a very difficult book to write.

Thank you to NetGalley and She Writes Press for an eARC. All opinions are my own.