I bought this book on a whim (so that my order would get free shipping from Amazon.com). I was quickly horrified to learn that the author is the real-life brother of Augusten Burroughs, author of Running with Scissors. I did not enjoy that memoir at all. Go read my review of it so see what exactly I hated, if you're so curious. But I decided that I would try not to hold Robison's family against him and read his book.

I have to admit, given my son's placement on the autism spectrum, books that approach that subject matter spark my interest. Robison's memoir focuses on his view of the world as a person living with Asperger's, and for a very large portion of his life, without a dianosis. So many moments I saw characteristics common to my son, and it made me consider that raising of such a child. It's clear that I could not read this book with my usual academic detachment.

But here goes with the rest. Much of his writing was interesting. I mean, who doesn't want to hear about the life of a guy designing smoking guitars? However, there were chapters that were a bit bland, overly analytical, and just there for information. Parts like that read like a brochure in a psychiatrist's office. But to be fair, Aspergians can definitely be that way, so it was truth in style, more or less. For me, the very best part of this book was the epilogue. It was interesting and heart warming. Robison was able to do something his brother failed to do in Running With Scissors, conclude the story. It ended, and I was content. As a reader, I can't ask for much more.