Having been inspired by learning about Daniel Tammet (see earlier blog entry and the link to his website), I decided to read his book "Born on a Blue Day". It was truly a captivating read and I find it very difficult to imagine how he has come to terms with day to day living. He has a good relationship with his partner and it seems like he has fantastic support from his family.
If you are ever feeling a bit 'cheesed off' and at a loose end, may I suggest that you trundle off down to the library (or, better still go out and BUY a copy of your own) and sit down to read the book of wonderment. I certainly felt lifted by Daniel's story.
The second of my recommended reading experiences is Mark Haddon's "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time". Written in the first person it is the account of 15 years-old Christopher Boone who suffers with Asberger's Syndrome who turns detective trying to solve the mystery of "Who Killed Napoleon".
Napoleon is a neighbour's dog who is found by Christopher on the lawn with a garden fork through it. His detective instincts lead him to discover lots of things about living in the world when you have a disassociated mind. Funny ... sad ... enthralling!
Read it at least twice!!!
I must thank my daughter, Mair, for putting me onto these books ... and the rationale behind them!
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4 comments:
I've read both of those books (indeed, I'm even mentioned in Daniel's) and agree that they are both excellent. I found "Born on a Blue Day" to be a tremendous insight into Daniel's life and taught me a lot about my friend, who I have known for many years now.
"The Curious Incident..." is indeed curious, and written by an author who himself does not suffer from Asperger's syndrome. As such I think it is a great story but you have to question the author's understanding of the condition. However as Daniel himself has said on many occassions, everyone with Asperger's is affected in different ways, there is no standard set of "symptoms".
If you're looking for a challenging read then might I suggest Richard Dawkins new book "The God Delusion". Whether you're an Atheist, Theist, Deist or hold any other belief, this is a book that really ought to make you question things, and may even have a life-changing effect on your life.
Thanks for your comment and interest. I found that Daniel's life and experience shows me a lot about everyday 'exposure' to autism, Asbergers, and many other conditions. How often do we see so-called 'naughty children' screaming and kicking in shops and heard individuals tutting and muttering about slapping legs and good hidings? We have got used to saying that the child may be autistic and that the criticising witnesses should be thankful that the child doesn't belong to them. We've been through the fringe of it with one of our grandchildren but can't begin to realise how it must be like to be subjected to it 24/7!
Your recommendation for my next 'damn good read' has been added to my 'must read' list.
Mr. Dawkin's book itself offers nothing new, its arguments have
already been successfully challenged by Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad -
Khalifatul Masih IV in his book 'Revelation, Rationality, Knowledge
& Truth' (Islam International Publications, 1998) so powerfully and
lucidly with reference to science that, being undoubtedly an emminent biologist ought to have made Mr.
Dawkins' rethink his own theories of creation, the principles of which he should know by now may well be plausible but unfortunately for him are not creative ones.
Rehan, thanks for your observations.
I was not aware of the full content of Dawkins' book (otherwise, why would I want to read it?) but I shall consume the contents thoughtfully, mentally file the bits I want to take on board and spit out that which I disagree with. But it will be approached initially with my mind open as I find, in my case, I can pick up some new angles! My ancient 'database' is creaking a bit but the headaches are getting less severe now.
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