Be Different: Adventures Of A Free-Range Aspergian (2011) - Plot & Excerpts
I was pretty much done with Robison after reading "Look Me in the Eye". He writes well, but there are things about him that rub me the wrong way. However, my mother-in-law dropped this book off with me and insisted I read it, so I did. I don't see how this book is all that helpful to anyone with Asperger's or autism or the people in their lives. Robison throws some "advice" in once in a while, but most of what this book is is more of him talking about the things he's done in his life. I don't believe Asperger's had too much to do with his success in life and business. He was born in an era in which not having gone to college didn't immediately bar you from most upscale work, and he found lucky breaks all over the place. I get that his life was made harder because of Asperger's, but in the long run, he's lived a better life than most neuro-typical people I know!If you have Asperger's or you know someone who does or is on the autism spectrum, I wouldn't really recommend this book. There are bound to be better books out there to illustrate the differences in the brains of those with Asperger's and autism, and also better advice books for people with the condition or their loved ones. Really enjoyed this book. I learned about the power of focus, hard work, and immersion, traits I'd like to hijack from those with Asperger's. In fact, I think I will. He got great results in his areas of interest because of these three. I can learn from that. Here's a snippet from Be Different: "The first secret is that you must figure out what you're good at and stick with it. In school a lot of emphasis is put on identifying your weaknesses and then improving them. That's important if your weaknesses are holding you back, but it's not the path to greatness. Greatness happens when you find your unique strengths and build upon them. Building up weaknesses just makes you less disabled." And this: "It's focus and hard work that truly bring success." Good old fashioned pearls. Thanks, John.
What do You think about Be Different: Adventures Of A Free-Range Aspergian (2011)?
Some chapters were interesting, however,cannot compare to his first book, Look Me in the Eye.
—amoonda
Insightful, practical and elegantly written. This would be worth coming back to.
—Jessrobpelk
could be a great resource for clients. good read. lots of helpful advice.
—Natalie
Anyone who has someone with Asperger's needs to read this book.
—Mimi
