What do you think?
Rate this book
Why Can't I Just Enjoy Things?: A Comedian's Guide to Autism
Why were the other kids at school obsessed with Britney Spears instead of The Goon Show?
Why don't people ever say what they mean?
And... Why is everyone chewing so loudly?
Comedian Pierre Novellie was on stage when a heckler suggested he was autistic. Usually, this disruption would be water off a duck's back but two things made this heckler first, he was himself autistic. Second, he turned out to be absolutely right.
This random encounter led to a diagnosis of autism at the age of 31 that unravelled his world, explained his struggles and answered questions that had bothered him for his entire life.
At once a hilarious and insightful journey through autism and neurodivergence, an entertaining explainer for the uninitiated and observational comedy for the neurodiverse, this is the perfect read for anyone who has ever asked why can't I just enjoy things?
Why don't people ever say what they mean?
And... Why is everyone chewing so loudly?
Comedian Pierre Novellie was on stage when a heckler suggested he was autistic. Usually, this disruption would be water off a duck's back but two things made this heckler first, he was himself autistic. Second, he turned out to be absolutely right.
This random encounter led to a diagnosis of autism at the age of 31 that unravelled his world, explained his struggles and answered questions that had bothered him for his entire life.
At once a hilarious and insightful journey through autism and neurodivergence, an entertaining explainer for the uninitiated and observational comedy for the neurodiverse, this is the perfect read for anyone who has ever asked why can't I just enjoy things?
293 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 18, 2024
249 people are currently reading
1441 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 195 reviews
September 4, 2024
I saw Pierre Novellie at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe this year and he performed a great, hour-long comedy set which was consistently funny the whole way through. During the set, Pierre spoke about his autism diagnosis at the age of 31 and about a book he had written on this topic. My partner bought a copy after the show and I’ve picked it up myself.
This book has been a wonderful, well written insight into a wide range of autistic experiences filled with sensitivity, humour and kindness. It feels like a friend telling a story but is also very educational, addressing the wider landscape of diagnosis, different support needs, autism’s impact on mental health and the history of autism.
I’d highly recommend this for book to anyone, autistic or non-autistic. I’m pretty sure most readers would either walk away with a greater understanding of themselves and/ or others.
The audiobook is also on Spotify and is read by Pierre himself for people who prefer to listen.
This book has been a wonderful, well written insight into a wide range of autistic experiences filled with sensitivity, humour and kindness. It feels like a friend telling a story but is also very educational, addressing the wider landscape of diagnosis, different support needs, autism’s impact on mental health and the history of autism.
I’d highly recommend this for book to anyone, autistic or non-autistic. I’m pretty sure most readers would either walk away with a greater understanding of themselves and/ or others.
The audiobook is also on Spotify and is read by Pierre himself for people who prefer to listen.
August 2, 2024
This was fantastic. I have come a bit of an autism book connoisseur since my diagnosis and was immediately excited when I knew Pierre was writing his own. Because I find it so difficult to explain autism in the way I experience it to others( and even to myself) I’m always on the look out for a someone who is better at explaining things than I am.
So funny and accessible, it manages to explain things in a way most people cannot. Once I was finished I immediately wanted to go back and start again. Thank you!
So funny and accessible, it manages to explain things in a way most people cannot. Once I was finished I immediately wanted to go back and start again. Thank you!
June 4, 2025
Released: 18th July 2024
A wonderfully written and read book, that I listened to with my husband who we suspect has autism, so this was such a great listen for us to learn more and recognise similarities whilst also being entertaining and humorous.
A must-read for everyone, especially neurotypicals as it would help give them some great insights and hopefully empathy towards those with different needs to their own.
I highly recommend this as a great way to learn, as Pierre is a wonderful comedian who brings those dry facts to life and makes them accessible.
Also go check out Pierre Novellie's stand ups and podcasts too 👌
Reviews also published on:
Instagram || Threads || BSky || Fable || Uncover || Coffee and Kindle Blog || The StoryGraph || Amazon || Bookmarks
Happy to make friends on all socials
A wonderfully written and read book, that I listened to with my husband who we suspect has autism, so this was such a great listen for us to learn more and recognise similarities whilst also being entertaining and humorous.
A must-read for everyone, especially neurotypicals as it would help give them some great insights and hopefully empathy towards those with different needs to their own.
I highly recommend this as a great way to learn, as Pierre is a wonderful comedian who brings those dry facts to life and makes them accessible.
Also go check out Pierre Novellie's stand ups and podcasts too 👌
Reviews also published on:
Instagram || Threads || BSky || Fable || Uncover || Coffee and Kindle Blog || The StoryGraph || Amazon || Bookmarks
Happy to make friends on all socials
December 28, 2024
My first 5-star of the year, on the 28th of December! I listened to Pierre (and it feels right to call him by his first name, we are bros now) reading WCIJET? in audiobook form, and bought a hard copy as well about five minutes in, because it was already clear how important and underlineworthy it was. For anyone interested, this is a fantastic resource - the right man has done the right task, to the power of lots.
I think I need to come back with a ‘proper’ review, I am very much still processing… but thankyou, Pierre, for finally helping me understand so much about myself that just wouldn’t click no matter how it was presented until now. I know you’ve been getting a lot of this, but it can’t be repeated enough. Truly, literally, you have done something life-changing here.
I think I need to come back with a ‘proper’ review, I am very much still processing… but thankyou, Pierre, for finally helping me understand so much about myself that just wouldn’t click no matter how it was presented until now. I know you’ve been getting a lot of this, but it can’t be repeated enough. Truly, literally, you have done something life-changing here.
August 5, 2024
Great book, funny and thoughtful - feel like I learnt about myself and a bit more about those around me too. Koji.
October 30, 2024
So so so brilliant. This is such a readable and approachable account of autism.
A bit taken aback by how much I related to a lot of the experiences Pierre shared and felt as though parts of this book vocalised things I have experienced since childhood but haven’t had the words to explain before. I am not autistic (though I have suspected I am neurodivergent in some form for quite a while so this wasn’t hugely shocking to me) but it detailing some very specific behaviour that I haven’t had the awareness to recognise in myself before, or accounts of things that I know about myself but have always seen as being high maintenance or a pain in the arse, took me by surprise.
The thing I appreciated the most was how much he advocated for tailoring care and support specific to the person, there is no one size fits all way to support someone with neurodivergence since it can take so many forms.
It also fit nicely into the only category of books I can listen to as audiobooks - books written and read by comedians, and I’m v glad I listened to it bc Pierre is v funny so it was very enjoyable and easy to listen to. I took so much from it that I will definitely be listening to it again and recommending it to other people that I know share similar experiences.
A bit taken aback by how much I related to a lot of the experiences Pierre shared and felt as though parts of this book vocalised things I have experienced since childhood but haven’t had the words to explain before. I am not autistic (though I have suspected I am neurodivergent in some form for quite a while so this wasn’t hugely shocking to me) but it detailing some very specific behaviour that I haven’t had the awareness to recognise in myself before, or accounts of things that I know about myself but have always seen as being high maintenance or a pain in the arse, took me by surprise.
The thing I appreciated the most was how much he advocated for tailoring care and support specific to the person, there is no one size fits all way to support someone with neurodivergence since it can take so many forms.
It also fit nicely into the only category of books I can listen to as audiobooks - books written and read by comedians, and I’m v glad I listened to it bc Pierre is v funny so it was very enjoyable and easy to listen to. I took so much from it that I will definitely be listening to it again and recommending it to other people that I know share similar experiences.
April 24, 2025
I thought I had a fairly good understanding of Autism as I've done quite a bit of training and research into it as part of my job. However, I learned so much from this book, and had many of my previous assumptions challenged. It was so articulate, engaging and funny, as well as being an invaluable resource for both Autistic and neurotypical readers.
July 20, 2025
Interesting… 🤔
December 26, 2024
He can be funny at times but not that well written in my opinion. A lot of things I already knew, frankly. The way he writes sometimes is amusing but honestly a bit disappointing.
July 20, 2025
Enjoyed it massively ! Life majorly getting in the way of reading at the moment but in a sort-of-good-ish way I can concede to for now. WHAT A BOOK!!! Still unsure as to whether the self diagnosises, diagnosi??? are correct. But if I’ve related to, laughed with, euraka-d at. Isn’t that his point?? Have definitely recommended it to the people in my life that may also enjoy. He’s also just a really funny guy. My humour!
January 26, 2025
This is a book that everyone should read or listen to, whether you have (or suspect you have) autism, know or think someone does, or are a neurotypical just looking to expand their knowledge.
This is a personal account of one man’s journey and understanding of Autism since his official diagnosis at 31. He is the first to state that it is not all encompassing, he is not an expert on every single element surrounding autism, and he knows his own experiences may not fully reflect anyone else’s, however he writes in such a way that keeps the conversation flowing, and draws you in to his research and understanding with such vigour, you are able to fully understand the scope of what he is saying.
Pierre also happens to be, in my opinion, a rather funny comedian, and he was able to interweave humour throughout the book via personal anecdotes, ridiculous hypotheticals or even just astute observation which made me genuinely chuckle a fair few times, but never at any point downplays the seriousness or difficulties that are faced with autism, while still bringing a hopeful and optimistic side as well. It is a fine line to balance, and Pierre does it well. As a man used to having to work out the right way to say things for his comedy acts, his narration for the audiobook felt natural and almost as if you were listening to him in the back room of a comedy open mic.
On a personal level, I found the book to be very relatable, something that did not surprise me, however I found it particularly interesting to hear about certain events or traits in Pierre’s life that have helped me to rethink many parts of my own. Those I could not relate to, whether myself or even those elements that didn’t bring anyone I know to mind, were also a strong reminder that everyone who may or does have autism (depending on any official diagnoses of course) will likely experience it differently to another.
This is a book I wish had existed earlier, one that I do hope completes its objective of helping as many people understand themselves or others, it certainly has helped give me further context, and I’m glad I picked it as my free Spotify Audiobook for the month.
Rating 4.25/5
This is a personal account of one man’s journey and understanding of Autism since his official diagnosis at 31. He is the first to state that it is not all encompassing, he is not an expert on every single element surrounding autism, and he knows his own experiences may not fully reflect anyone else’s, however he writes in such a way that keeps the conversation flowing, and draws you in to his research and understanding with such vigour, you are able to fully understand the scope of what he is saying.
Pierre also happens to be, in my opinion, a rather funny comedian, and he was able to interweave humour throughout the book via personal anecdotes, ridiculous hypotheticals or even just astute observation which made me genuinely chuckle a fair few times, but never at any point downplays the seriousness or difficulties that are faced with autism, while still bringing a hopeful and optimistic side as well. It is a fine line to balance, and Pierre does it well. As a man used to having to work out the right way to say things for his comedy acts, his narration for the audiobook felt natural and almost as if you were listening to him in the back room of a comedy open mic.
On a personal level, I found the book to be very relatable, something that did not surprise me, however I found it particularly interesting to hear about certain events or traits in Pierre’s life that have helped me to rethink many parts of my own. Those I could not relate to, whether myself or even those elements that didn’t bring anyone I know to mind, were also a strong reminder that everyone who may or does have autism (depending on any official diagnoses of course) will likely experience it differently to another.
This is a book I wish had existed earlier, one that I do hope completes its objective of helping as many people understand themselves or others, it certainly has helped give me further context, and I’m glad I picked it as my free Spotify Audiobook for the month.
Rating 4.25/5
July 20, 2024
I knew I would love this and I did! I've seen Pierre's stand up many times (so good, recommend) so when he mentioned that he was writing a book on autism I pre-ordered it so fast it was actually quite embarrassing.
I'd recommend it to anyone who is autistic themselves (self- or officially diagnosed), anyone who knows an autistic person, anyone who has heard about autism and wanted to know a bit more about it. Basically, anyone.
It's such a great guide, the information is easy to follow, properly referenced, and Pierre's own experiences give context that is often missing in autism literature.
Definitely the most relatable book on autism I've ever read, I can't recommend it enough!
I'd recommend it to anyone who is autistic themselves (self- or officially diagnosed), anyone who knows an autistic person, anyone who has heard about autism and wanted to know a bit more about it. Basically, anyone.
It's such a great guide, the information is easy to follow, properly referenced, and Pierre's own experiences give context that is often missing in autism literature.
Definitely the most relatable book on autism I've ever read, I can't recommend it enough!
March 3, 2025
Pierre strikes a perfect balance between academically referenced insights and sharp witted, humour-packed anecdotes. This is underpinned by retrospective autobiographical experiences, in which he guides the reader through how he interprets his diagnosis, bringing focus to aspects such as alexithymia and sensory issues. The comforting tone makes for a very accessible entry point, with diligently structured themes explored in a coherent flow. In particular, it struck me as an ideal gateway for any reader in the early stages of interpreting an adulthood diagnosis, for which purpose I couldn’t recommend enough … it’s certainly helped join a lot of dots within my own journey.
August 22, 2024
In my current decrepit state, reading books can be physically exhausting let alone finding mental space to appreciate reading. It’s a living hell for a bibliophile. And yet I’ve managed to get through all of this and it is *wonderful*. Obviously every autistic person is different and we have huge areas where we do not have any connection (but mate, I’d have been that Goon show kid for you any day), but it’s witty and articulate and thoughtful and kind and caring and simply the best book not written by Temple Grandin on the subject you could hope for. I cannot recommend it enough
September 29, 2024
(audiobook) Such a fascinating insight into being autistic and the vast array of possible symptoms of, indicators towards, and issues surrounding autism. Also very funny! Fern Brady gets a few shout outs too, thanks for the recc dad 😎
August 26, 2024
I've read a lot of books about autism and I think this is my favourite. Listened to the audiobook and I really enjoyed the author's delivery too (he has a very listen-able voice).
January 28, 2025
A thoughtful, funny and enlightening book about autism, that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Pierre Novellie shares his own experiences being autistic, as well as taking us through some of the history and current research.
The book delves into many different aspects of autism: Sensory issues, empathy, and stimming are some of the topics discussed, but he also includes many aspects of autism that I had never really thought about or considered.
4.5⭐️
Pierre Novellie shares his own experiences being autistic, as well as taking us through some of the history and current research.
The book delves into many different aspects of autism: Sensory issues, empathy, and stimming are some of the topics discussed, but he also includes many aspects of autism that I had never really thought about or considered.
4.5⭐️
August 24, 2025
Audiobook. I don’t know why he’s saying these are autistic tendencies, surely this is just normal stuff that everyone feels? Right??
I found this reasonably informative, even if I didn’t empathise with all the ideas, the main bit that’s sticking with me as an idea is the thought of how people would be perceived if the amount of autistic and non-autistic folk was swapped.
I found this reasonably informative, even if I didn’t empathise with all the ideas, the main bit that’s sticking with me as an idea is the thought of how people would be perceived if the amount of autistic and non-autistic folk was swapped.
January 9, 2025
I loved this, it’s informative, relatable and funny.
I found the connection between autism and eating disorders particularly interesting and loved the inclusion of burnout and the explanation of how autistic burnout differs from depression.
I found the connection between autism and eating disorders particularly interesting and loved the inclusion of burnout and the explanation of how autistic burnout differs from depression.
Read
June 21, 2025I’ve seen Pierre Novellie live and he is excellent. I picked up this book looking forward to “a comedian’s guide to autism”. Funny and informative! No. It is much more just a guide to autism. I’m sure this is a very interesting book - understanding more about autism can only been a good thing. But to be honest, right now I am not interested in reading about it and I’m even less interested in Pierre’s personal research into and experiences of autism. Another time maybe.
For future reference, Laura, you made it to page 72.
For future reference, Laura, you made it to page 72.
August 14, 2025
This made the topic of autism readable, digestible and engaging while being funny and informative.
April 8, 2025
3 stars.
This review is going to turn into a bit of a rant, which might make it sound like I hated it, though I really didn't. At the very least it got my brain cogs turning sufficiently to come up with the contentions for said rant, that itself is positive. And I get what Novellie is trying to achieve here, it is an accessibly written book on living with autism. The fact that he is a comedian means that he has a way with words that makes the book easy to read, I appreciated hearing his perspective and he does a brilliant job of explaining what's going on (or not going on - and again I'm amazed at his self-awareness re: some of his realisations about himself) in his head. I haven't actually seen him perform, so I don't know how this relates to what he is like on stage, but the style is certainly very conversational with what seems like relatively little editing to turn it into a more traditional book prose, something that I think worked quite well for the topic.
I would definitely have enjoyed it more, and scored it higher, had he stopped at attempting to do just that: Describe his personal experiences with autism. But instead, what he tries to do is weave in scientific research - which in itself is fine, except that the science he covers here is just so cherry-picked that arguments start to fall apart with a bit of rational thought. I started getting red flags early on when there are a couple of pages that heavily reference Simon Baron-Cohen, a writer who I've found has a bit of a knack of writing "public science" books and articles that conveniently ignore half of the literature that don't support his views.
One example that particularly riled me was .
Some of the things that he describes do sound like they would be difficult to deal with, and indeed I'm not sure I would have seen it that way had it not been written that way in this book (for which I appreciate), it's just that I didn't quite get his constant banging on about the rarity of the condition. I guess it also doesn't help that I work in an environment that seems to highly select for autism-associated traits, that made me start questioning his numbers almost right away.
And the thing that drove me absolutely mental was the use of footnotes, which were inconsistent in their nature: Some were extensions of the commentary in the paragraph within which they were referenced, others were just a citation. I generally dislike footnotes - because I find that jumping to the bottom of the page and then having to find my place again afterwards really disrupts the flow of reading - but I accept that they are useful sometimes. They were not useful here. Write the commentary extension into the commentary itself if they are necessary, omit them altogether if they are not, and stick references in the back of the book!
Conclusion: I enjoyed the parts of this one where he describes his personal experiences, breaking down how he feels (and sometimes how even he doesn't know how he feels), and when he can, the reasons that he does or doesn't do things a certain way. Those felt authentic. But in the parts where he does a half-baked job of trying to explain it with science, citing research one-sidedly, I thought just fell flat, so a middling score. Which is a pity, because there is a lot of the first part.
This review is going to turn into a bit of a rant, which might make it sound like I hated it, though I really didn't. At the very least it got my brain cogs turning sufficiently to come up with the contentions for said rant, that itself is positive. And I get what Novellie is trying to achieve here, it is an accessibly written book on living with autism. The fact that he is a comedian means that he has a way with words that makes the book easy to read, I appreciated hearing his perspective and he does a brilliant job of explaining what's going on (or not going on - and again I'm amazed at his self-awareness re: some of his realisations about himself) in his head. I haven't actually seen him perform, so I don't know how this relates to what he is like on stage, but the style is certainly very conversational with what seems like relatively little editing to turn it into a more traditional book prose, something that I think worked quite well for the topic.
I would definitely have enjoyed it more, and scored it higher, had he stopped at attempting to do just that: Describe his personal experiences with autism. But instead, what he tries to do is weave in scientific research - which in itself is fine, except that the science he covers here is just so cherry-picked that arguments start to fall apart with a bit of rational thought. I started getting red flags early on when there are a couple of pages that heavily reference Simon Baron-Cohen, a writer who I've found has a bit of a knack of writing "public science" books and articles that conveniently ignore half of the literature that don't support his views.
One example that particularly riled me was .
Some of the things that he describes do sound like they would be difficult to deal with, and indeed I'm not sure I would have seen it that way had it not been written that way in this book (for which I appreciate), it's just that I didn't quite get his constant banging on about the rarity of the condition. I guess it also doesn't help that I work in an environment that seems to highly select for autism-associated traits, that made me start questioning his numbers almost right away.
And the thing that drove me absolutely mental was the use of footnotes, which were inconsistent in their nature: Some were extensions of the commentary in the paragraph within which they were referenced, others were just a citation. I generally dislike footnotes - because I find that jumping to the bottom of the page and then having to find my place again afterwards really disrupts the flow of reading - but I accept that they are useful sometimes. They were not useful here. Write the commentary extension into the commentary itself if they are necessary, omit them altogether if they are not, and stick references in the back of the book!
Conclusion: I enjoyed the parts of this one where he describes his personal experiences, breaking down how he feels (and sometimes how even he doesn't know how he feels), and when he can, the reasons that he does or doesn't do things a certain way. Those felt authentic. But in the parts where he does a half-baked job of trying to explain it with science, citing research one-sidedly, I thought just fell flat, so a middling score. Which is a pity, because there is a lot of the first part.
October 19, 2024
I think it's important to say at the beginning of my review that I don't have autism so I don't feel particularly well placed to write this review but I always review the books that I have read so I felt it was important to set out that this was my opinon as a non-autistic person.
The book is intended to be a sort of handbook for the newly diagnosed, those who think they may have autism or friends and relatives of someone with autism. Before beginning the book I thought it would be an autobiography of Pierre's life and experiences of growing up with undiagnosed autism when it is actually more of a handbook for autism with anecdotes from Pierre's life sprinkled throughout. It has entire chapters devoted to different topics such as sensory issues, relationships and burnout.
It is a good book but personally I felt the balance between factual and anecdotal was a little off, it is a very fact heavy book which is fine but that did make the reading experience a bit like reading a textbook at times. It is an interesting and in-depth read and it covered a lot of areas, I've read a few other books about autism and Pierre's covered a lot of topics that I hadn't seen covered in other books. It was very informative and I learnt a lot about autism from reading the book, particularly interesting facts about the history of autism and lots of fascinating science.
If I were to be critical of the book it would be to say that the overall vibe of the book felt very negative. As a non-autistic person I don't feel completely qualified to say this but I felt it was quite a bleak account of what it is like to be autistic. The book is intended to be a handbook for those newly-diagnosed and before reading I had hoped to share the book with someone with autism but it felt a bit too downbeat an account and I worried it would impact them negatively. Within the book Pierre discusses the opposite opinion of autism being a positive thing or a 'super-power' and I also disagree with this (as does Pierre) so please don't think that this is my stance, I just wished the book was a little more upbeat.
I would recommend this book but maybe give the sample a try first to see if it what you're after.
The book is intended to be a sort of handbook for the newly diagnosed, those who think they may have autism or friends and relatives of someone with autism. Before beginning the book I thought it would be an autobiography of Pierre's life and experiences of growing up with undiagnosed autism when it is actually more of a handbook for autism with anecdotes from Pierre's life sprinkled throughout. It has entire chapters devoted to different topics such as sensory issues, relationships and burnout.
It is a good book but personally I felt the balance between factual and anecdotal was a little off, it is a very fact heavy book which is fine but that did make the reading experience a bit like reading a textbook at times. It is an interesting and in-depth read and it covered a lot of areas, I've read a few other books about autism and Pierre's covered a lot of topics that I hadn't seen covered in other books. It was very informative and I learnt a lot about autism from reading the book, particularly interesting facts about the history of autism and lots of fascinating science.
If I were to be critical of the book it would be to say that the overall vibe of the book felt very negative. As a non-autistic person I don't feel completely qualified to say this but I felt it was quite a bleak account of what it is like to be autistic. The book is intended to be a handbook for those newly-diagnosed and before reading I had hoped to share the book with someone with autism but it felt a bit too downbeat an account and I worried it would impact them negatively. Within the book Pierre discusses the opposite opinion of autism being a positive thing or a 'super-power' and I also disagree with this (as does Pierre) so please don't think that this is my stance, I just wished the book was a little more upbeat.
I would recommend this book but maybe give the sample a try first to see if it what you're after.
July 5, 2024
Thank you to Bonnier for providing me with a review copy!
I have read a good pile of books on neurodiversity whilst I gather all my research together. Two years ago, I stumbled across a post which lead to me realising I could be autistic. Ever since, I've been obsessively researching it and info-dumping so much on my closest friends. "Isn't that wild??? I thought everyone did that!"
Out of everything I've read, Pierre Novellie's guide to autism has been the most validating book I have rrad to date. There were chapters which were so eerily similar to my own personal experiences and I had learnt even more about autism that I didn't know previously.
This is my go-to method for when I want someone to completely understand me. I'll press this book in their hands and excitedly await a two hour long discussion afterwards.
The book was funny, informative and so incredibly important. Thank you, Pierre Novellie, for giving an undiagnosed adult woman the validation she needed to go and get that diagnosis!
I have read a good pile of books on neurodiversity whilst I gather all my research together. Two years ago, I stumbled across a post which lead to me realising I could be autistic. Ever since, I've been obsessively researching it and info-dumping so much on my closest friends. "Isn't that wild??? I thought everyone did that!"
Out of everything I've read, Pierre Novellie's guide to autism has been the most validating book I have rrad to date. There were chapters which were so eerily similar to my own personal experiences and I had learnt even more about autism that I didn't know previously.
This is my go-to method for when I want someone to completely understand me. I'll press this book in their hands and excitedly await a two hour long discussion afterwards.
The book was funny, informative and so incredibly important. Thank you, Pierre Novellie, for giving an undiagnosed adult woman the validation she needed to go and get that diagnosis!
September 27, 2024
Maybe 3.5⭐️
I didn’t learn much new news here, but overall I appreciated the perspective of an adult diagnosed autistic with similar level of challenges to me. And a similar difficulty in unravelling if it’s better that I pushed through school and university masking, or if the damage done by that to my tiny, elective mute inner child, was too high a cost. I do agree his advocating for and explicit stance that diagnosis is a balm, and helps in a lot of ways.
Always interesting to read a comedian’s writing, which doesn’t always work for me. I found this well written, in an easy to read way, but there weren’t a lot of jokes. Which is probably for the best, I think stand ups jokes don’t always write down well.
I didn’t learn much new news here, but overall I appreciated the perspective of an adult diagnosed autistic with similar level of challenges to me. And a similar difficulty in unravelling if it’s better that I pushed through school and university masking, or if the damage done by that to my tiny, elective mute inner child, was too high a cost. I do agree his advocating for and explicit stance that diagnosis is a balm, and helps in a lot of ways.
Always interesting to read a comedian’s writing, which doesn’t always work for me. I found this well written, in an easy to read way, but there weren’t a lot of jokes. Which is probably for the best, I think stand ups jokes don’t always write down well.
March 4, 2025
Such an easy and entertaining way to learn about autism. Encouraged me to get a diagnosis and to speak up about the way I think and my struggles. Thank you for writing this book! I listened to audiobook version and was very enjoyable.
January 28, 2025
I found this as I was scrolling popular audiobooks on Spotify and thought it looked like a lightly entertaining read. A pseudo-autobiography by a comedian diagnosed with autism in his early thirties, with a retrospective dive into how it took so long.
I’m almost certainly not autistic, but I feel like I may exhibit a handful of stereotypical characteristics shared by autistic people so felt any kind of insight would be interesting. It ended up being an extremely educational and honest listen.
I actually didn’t associate with most of the book at all, to my slight surprise, and feel quite confident that I’m not on the spectrum, I’m just a nerd. However, I absolutely feel like I understand some of the differences exhibited by autistic people, including friends and colleagues, with increased clarity. This is entirely due to the author being so forthright with his true inner thoughts and occasionally embarrassing experiences.
Despite being by a comedian, it’s not particularly comedic. This isn’t a fault, and I enjoyed the book all the same. The occasional veer into an autobiographical story is welcome for context, but the book is primarily about the whole scope of autism.
Excellent read. A well-narrated and valuable piece of work, with a huge amount of care put into being respectful.
I’m almost certainly not autistic, but I feel like I may exhibit a handful of stereotypical characteristics shared by autistic people so felt any kind of insight would be interesting. It ended up being an extremely educational and honest listen.
I actually didn’t associate with most of the book at all, to my slight surprise, and feel quite confident that I’m not on the spectrum, I’m just a nerd. However, I absolutely feel like I understand some of the differences exhibited by autistic people, including friends and colleagues, with increased clarity. This is entirely due to the author being so forthright with his true inner thoughts and occasionally embarrassing experiences.
Despite being by a comedian, it’s not particularly comedic. This isn’t a fault, and I enjoyed the book all the same. The occasional veer into an autobiographical story is welcome for context, but the book is primarily about the whole scope of autism.
Excellent read. A well-narrated and valuable piece of work, with a huge amount of care put into being respectful.
August 16, 2024
Another author that I admire recommended this book, so I went and look for it. Then I saw the chapter list, had a big chuckle with the titles and just knew I was gonna love it.
His ability to balance humour with serious insights is incredible. Not only does he explain everything in such a brilliant, accessible, funny way, he also throws in quirky historical facts every now and then (which I greatly enjoyed).
It’s mad to see how the life experience of this South African guy who grew up in England and works in entertainment is so similar to mine and resonates so deeply with my own (a Latina woman working in a completely different field). The emotional connection I felt reminded me why I love reading books so much!
His ability to balance humour with serious insights is incredible. Not only does he explain everything in such a brilliant, accessible, funny way, he also throws in quirky historical facts every now and then (which I greatly enjoyed).
It’s mad to see how the life experience of this South African guy who grew up in England and works in entertainment is so similar to mine and resonates so deeply with my own (a Latina woman working in a completely different field). The emotional connection I felt reminded me why I love reading books so much!
August 30, 2024
A brilliantly funny, very British, light-hearted guide to diagnosis and life as an autistic person. Following the familiar format of a historic and easy-to-digest scientific guide to neurodivergence as many books on the topic seem to be, there may be plenty you've already heard before, yet delivered with humour and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. I wasn't familiar with Novellie before, but really appreciate his unique yet relatable perspective. Definitely recommending this to friends and family for a less dry and more engaging read on neurodivergence.
May 28, 2025
This book. This book. THIS BOOK. This book is my new bible, it means everything to me. Every single chapter I was nodding (undiagnosed but I know I’m definitely autistic- I just can’t spent €900+ for someone to agree with me).
I’m not sure I can write a review that encapsulates how *seen* this book made me felt. But if you feel like you might be autistic or a loved one is autistic, I highly recommend!!
I’m not sure I can write a review that encapsulates how *seen* this book made me felt. But if you feel like you might be autistic or a loved one is autistic, I highly recommend!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 195 reviews