Anything But Typical

Anything But Typical is a book by Nora Raleigh Baskin told from the point of view of Jason, a boy with autism. Jason is a gifted writer, but nothing else comes easy for him. Trying to understand the NT's (neuro-typicals, in other words all of us without autism or other spectrum disorder) and the world he lives in is hard for Jason. For instance, at school when a teacher comes up and talks to him and then stands there without moving Jason wonders, "I am trying to remember my list of the things a person could want but doesn't tell you what it is. Sometimes they just want to say something, and they are waiting for you to look at them before they will say it. That is often the case. But Miss Leno was already doing a lot of talking without me looking at her, so that's probably not it. Sometimes people stand around when they are waiting for you to do or say something. Something they think you should do or say. So they just wait, like that's going to help you understand what it is they want you to say or do. It doesn't."

As the story progress, the reader finds out about Jason's troubles with his peers (and teachers) at school, his mothers family, and most importantly his love for words. In fact Jason publishes his stories on a social networking site and ends up meeting a girl. Which is fine, until it turns out they will meet in person. How will she react when she meets Jason in person versus just typing with him over the Internet.

As Jason tells his story, we are given a glimpse into what life might be for some people with autism and it becomes clear, that while Jason may not express himself the same way we NT's do, that doesn't mean he doesn't feel emotions every bit as strongly.

I would love to hear comments from anyone on the spectrum who has read the book and what you think of it.