Earnest and realistic romantic advice for readers on the autism spectrum.
An autistic man shares dating lessons and advice.
In this often moving memoir and advice book, dedicated to his “soul mate,” debut author Scarantino shares his unique perspective as a person with a disability trying to find love. His frustration is palpable in the book’s touching, succinct introduction, in which he reflects on the time before he was in a steady relationship: “I look at guys everywhere with their girlfriends and wonder if that’ll ever be me,” he writes. Yet borne from his exasperation, loneliness, and trial-and-error searching came illumination on the do’s and don’ts of dating with autism. In straightforward, declarative text that’s devoid of decoration or extraneous exposition, the 20-something author combines stories of personal encounters with sage advice about dealing with shyness and depression, differentiating between flirting and platonic friendliness, managing others’ perceptions of autistic people, and understanding inappropriate behaviors and social cues. Scarantino admits that he made errors during his first relationship in college, which he says was hastily initiated: “I bought her some things that some boyfriends wouldn’t buy for their girlfriends right away,” he notes. He counsels readers seeking romance to look for someone who “will love you for you,” and he also talks about proactively managing one’s own hypersensitivity (or marked indifference) regarding sexual conversations or interpersonal contact. Overall, Scarantino bares his soul with integrity and humor throughout this book. Along the way, he encourages readers to approach dating, both online and in person, with careful confidence and to appreciate both good and bad experiences, as “You never know where they can lead you.” Although some of the commentary is repetitive, the author’s heartfelt guidance is consistently well-intentioned, and this book will make an essential addition to autism-related libraries.
Earnest and realistic romantic advice for readers on the autism spectrum.Pub Date: Jan. 31, 2019
ISBN: 978-1-79544-021-9
Page Count: 116
Publisher: Time Tunnel Media
Review Posted Online: June 14, 2019
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 2019
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
This is not the Nutcracker sweet, as passed on by Tchaikovsky and Marius Petipa. No, this is the original Hoffmann tale of 1816, in which the froth of Christmas revelry occasionally parts to let the dark underside of childhood fantasies and fears peek through. The boundaries between dream and reality fade, just as Godfather Drosselmeier, the Nutcracker's creator, is seen as alternately sinister and jolly. And Italian artist Roberto Innocenti gives an errily realistic air to Marie's dreams, in richly detailed illustrations touched by a mysterious light. A beautiful version of this classic tale, which will captivate adults and children alike. (Nutcracker; $35.00; Oct. 28, 1996; 136 pp.; 0-15-100227-4)
Pub Date: Oct. 28, 1996
ISBN: 0-15-100227-4
Page Count: 136
Publisher: Harcourt
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1996
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
An extravaganza in Bemelmans' inimitable vein, but written almost dead pan, with sly, amusing, sometimes biting undertones, breaking through. For Bemelmans was "the man who came to cocktails". And his hostess was Lady Mendl (Elsie de Wolfe), arbiter of American decorating taste over a generation. Lady Mendl was an incredible person,- self-made in proper American tradition on the one hand, for she had been haunted by the poverty of her childhood, and the years of struggle up from its ugliness,- until she became synonymous with the exotic, exquisite, worshipper at beauty's whrine. Bemelmans draws a portrait in extremes, through apt descriptions, through hilarious anecdote, through surprisingly sympathetic and understanding bits of appreciation. The scene shifts from Hollywood to the home she loved the best in Versailles. One meets in passing a vast roster of famous figures of the international and artistic set. And always one feels Bemelmans, slightly offstage, observing, recording, commenting, illustrated.
Pub Date: Feb. 23, 1955
ISBN: 0670717797
Page Count: -
Publisher: Viking
Review Posted Online: Oct. 25, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 1955
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