Thirteen Doors

by Aaron Wright, Aaron J. Wright

Second-Place Winner 2020 Indie Reader Discovery Awards

Finalist 2020 Montaigne Medal Award

What do you stand for? How far will you go to advocate for a loved one? What are your limits?

Arthur Russell is an average guy-a married man with one child and one on the way, he and his growing family settle in Davis, CA for a life they dreamed of and a top-notch educational system. In this promising life, Arthur comes face-to-face with a discrimination that tests his limits. Thirteen Doors is a story of transformation, resilience, a parents' love, and a family's bond. This deeply moving and personal story brings us to the threshold of injustice and brings us through the thirteen doors to become a warrior for change. "The most paralyzing part of the autism journey is believing you are alone - that your experience of "different" is absolute and alienating. That's why stories like Thirteen Doors matter. In preciously recognizable little moments, as much as larger plot lines, connection secures strangers to feathers, and lifts us all a little higher." - Jennifer Cook (formerly Cook O'Toole), Best-selling author of Autism in Heels and founder of Belong



"Beautiful, heartbreaking, real. A story that shares the truth about the struggles and complexity of the autism journey from a father's perspective. I walked away with more understanding and compassion." -Amy Ahlers, Author of Big Fat Lies Women Tell Themselves and Reform Your Inner Mean Girl

Genres: Autistic Spectrum Disorder

309 pages, Paperback

Published December 19, 2020

About the author

Aaron Wright (also published under Aaron J. Wright) is the product of a public education and a member of a family deeply entrenched in public education. He is a Nurse Practitioner and the parent of two children, one with autism. Professionally he has worked with severely injured adults and children for nearly two decades. Outside of work, he has been a staunch advocate for disabled students in public education and youth sports. He firmly believes in the benefits of a public education and access. He lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with his family and three distinctly different dogs.

Reviews

[Diane Cota · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is beautifully written. Such remarkable story telling by this author that I truly think this story would appeal to anyone whether you have a unique stake in special education or not. I was expecting a non fiction biography type or how to book. I am the parent of an autistic son navigating the public school system as well. But this is an indulgent STORY written with as much poise as any best selling novel. I wish I could get this into the general public’s hands. This deserves a wide audience. I couldn’t put it down.

[Emily Lutz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had a hard time putting this book down. I was able to relate so much. And found it so eye opening on how we need to advocate so much more as no one else will for our kids.
It also made me so angry how a school district could act like this. I appreciate the end message and as I’ve been stumbling upon the realization that change requires me to step up to the plate this has helped me to cement that knowledge and feeling more.
Thanks for sharing your experience!

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a book to explain special education from a parent’s standpoint, start at page 150. The first 150 pages were about their dog, and then the rest of the book had the child’s experience in special education.