Odd Girl Out

Fascinating, even if you don't have autism

I don't have autism (or at least I don't think I do), but I do have people in my life who have Asperger's (aka high-functioning autism).

My friends and family with Asperger's are wonderful, intelligent, often successful at work and sometimes have lifelong partners, but most people, including me, simply do not comprehend some of their behaviours or challenges. And in many cases, I don't think they even do!

This personal account resonates so much. I kept finding myself thinking, 'Oh yes, that's just what XXXX does', and then Laura often goes on to explain the WHY behind the behaviour.

So it's not just a personal account. It's also informative, helpful and, yes, the cliched inspirational. The inspiration comes from the fact that Laura learns to accept and deal with the diagnosis, and that both she and those in her life learn that just because people with Asperger's do things differently, that doesn't mean it's wrong. In fact, it can be often enlighteningly right.

This has certainly helped me gain perspective on my friends and family with Asperger's, but I also feel that it would help women who may not have Asperger's, but who have always felt slightly on the fringes of life, not quite sure why they don't fit in. So in that regard, it's not just about Asperger's so much as society's need to crowbar women into preconceived ideas of how women should act.

Thank you so much for writing this, Laura!

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Disappointing

Much of this book seemed too trivial,
personal and filtered through a textbook account of what female Aspergers is supposed to be. The writing style is journalistic, which is unsurprising , but it all seemed very superficial to me.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Odd women of the world

This is a wonderfully written book, a biography that is tenderly told and informative. Autism, for girls and women, is a tough one, not because we are autistic but because we were missed. Laura captures that so perfectly. Relating to people is a difficulty for us but Laura’s life is very relatable. Even if you’re neuro-typical you can really get to know what life can be like for us atypical folk.
My ASD review: well written and easy flow, intense empathy can happen but with balanced (wonderful) feelings of shared experiences.
The narrator, Louiza Patikas, captures Laura’s voice so well, she is clear and has an ease with the emotions in the book. My ASD review: Clear musical voice, not shouty or too high/low pitched, not annoying or nasal. Lovely way of balancing performance and narration.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Informative. Recommended highly.

Autistic professional and doctors need ti look into this autism in women can be such a hardship that they need to hear put words. This story is fantastic In terms of showing how autos in women isn't a superpower.

priceless

so grateful to the Author for writing, sharing and being herself. above all it's a very entertaining read.

Just what I needed

I am myself awaiting an autism assessment as an adult in my mid thirties. I have read a few other books but this one really resonated with me. Lisa explains things so well. I highly recommend this book

Odd Girl Out

I loved this book from start to finish, enthralling and captivating it captured my attention from the very first sentence.
Such a precise and detailed description of autism in adult women, thank you Laura James for baring your soul in this wonderful book.

This book has been very helpful for me personally.

Fantastically narrated and beautifully written. This book glimpses at some of the struggles women with autism can experience. I myself being a 40 something woman who is just realising why she has never been able to fit in with society, this book gave some light at the end of the tunnel. And the words of the author helped me explain to my partner things I've not even able to put into words myself. I can thoroughly recommend this to women and partners of women who are starting this journey themselves.

Brilliant

Where does Odd Girl Out rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Best Ever.

What did you like best about this story?

So many similarities to my life. Found it quite comforting and unsettling both at the same time.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

Too many to write about.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Definately

Any additional comments?

I loved this book. Thank you Laura James. I now need to pluck up the courage to get a diagnosis myself.

0 of 1 people found this review helpful