Sincerely, Michael

by Olivia Grace Owens

Life with Michael; an audacious, funny, autistic, six-year-old. Sincerely, Michael is a nonfiction story written by a mother's moments with her autistic son. Michael's moments can be grueling, but other times loudly living life. The simple things become fruitful as they teach us all we have a lot more to learn. This is a must read for anyone willing to see the challenges we have in life become minute, yet rewarding. These moments are far greater in the every day life of parenting and the audacious, thrill-seeking child.

126 pages, Paperback

First published April 3, 2013

About the author

Who am I?

This is a loaded question...

I am a second generation American and a native expatriate. I am underpaid, under-educated and I have a hard time comprehending why a decent paying job has eluded me for so many years.

I am an aspiring writer. I use several pseudonyms because I believe they give me an air of mystery. The more pseudonyms, the bigger the mystery.

I have yet to be published, but my hopes are high. I recently received an offer for my work to be published in a reputable publication entitled “Common Mistakes Aspiring Writers Make.” I am very excited.

In my spare time, I raise two boys who are seven- and eight-years-old. They have single handedly contributed to my declining health. My doctors tell me I may recover when my children move out; even then, it’s questionable. Unfortunately, I was given another sixty years to live, unless I get hit by a bus or run with scissors. Until recently, the doctors have done everything they could to make me more comfortable, and for that, I am grateful.

I have received several awards. Unfortunately, Mother of the Year has eluded me. This may be the fault of my eight-year-old son. When he asked if he could drive my car because he was a big boy, I believed him. Had he stayed within the lines, we never would have been pulled over.

Then, Child Protective Services got involved for no apparent reason. But, I am a driven individual and I do not give up easily. My son and I have discussed his mistake, and I am confident, this will be my year.

Reviews

[Jennifer Toliver · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ugh, I really feel ugly inside giving this book a 2 star review but honesty must speak. It's not that Owens is a poor writer. In fact, she has a friendly, relatable style. However, I'm not sure this can really be classified as a story. It's more of a collection of short journal entries or blurbs about Michael's daily activities, etc.

There really isn't any flow or any rhyme or reason to the order of the blurbs. It's as if everything is just haphazardly thrown together...and many themes are often repeated.

I commend Owens for her hard work doing her best as a mom of two boys with autism. I have a three year old with OCD so I can imagine how challenging her day is with constant questioning and rigidity. Being a parent of a "perfect" child must be hard enough but having one with challenges is immensely difficult. Owens book offers a great laugh here and there to lighten the load.

I received this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Tim Hillebrant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Olivia Owens is a great author with a phenomenal sense of humor.
She brings that sense of humor to bare with her razor's wit to bring us Sincerely, Michael.
The book is full of funny moments, anecdotes, and reasons to smile. What it's also full of, and pleasantly so, is the very clear message that those with Autism are most certainly people with great heart, and a unique perspective on life.
I would recommend this to anyone- for both the heartfelt writing and a most touching read.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had plenty of laughs, read quite a bit out loud to my husband, and feel this is a look into my future. It is a great read to have a quick laugh, see into the world of a toddler, and the way their minds work.