Customer Reviews

Eddie and Me on the Scrap Heap

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This is one of the best children's novels about a character with autism that I have ever read. Mr. Littman has drawn a plausible cast of very eclectic characters and this work is nothing short of brilliant. I just LOVE it!

Nine-year-old Eddie has Asperger's Syndrome (AS) which is the spectrum partner to autism. Since autism/Asperger's (a/A) is a continuum, there are many overlapping behaviors and Eddie's behavior often appeared closer to the autism end of the spectrum.

When readers are introduced to Eddie via his Uncle Natie, he greets his uncle wearing his ubiquitous fire helmet, underwear and a smile. He insists on drinking from a baby's bottle at night and his divorced mother (aptly nicknamed the Ice Queen) speaks disparagingly of Eddie and often in the boy's presence. Why the Ice Queen would give a 9-year-old a bottle and then complain about it never made sense to me.

Natie, the Ice Queen's brother has returned home to Los Angeles after an unsuccessful stint in New York. A frustrated reggae guitarist, Natie's goal is to secure a reggae band. A Jamaicaphile, he learns Caribbean patois; wears dreadlocks and teaches Eddie how to play guitar. Eddie, a musical prodigy takes to it like his idol Chuck Berry took to duck walking.

Natie becomes more than a mentor for Eddie. He's the boy's friend. He attends class with Eddie as a support person; cheers Eddie's brilliant questions in class despite his teacher's dismay; helps Eddie bring his reading level up to speed; regales the class with music and jokes at the teacher's expense. Since Eddie's teacher is ill suited for the job, Natie takes full advantage of it in very humorous ways.

Natie insists that the Ice Queen level with Eddie about his father - the man is not dead; he is simply no longer a part of their lives by his own choice. Eddie has some very interesting allies - his Uncle Natie; the school custodian, a man with a lot of heart, Natie's friend Jake who built a pirate ship on his junkyard and Sharon, one of Jake's customers who has her car serviced there.

Sharon is a wonderful and very interesting character. A wiccan, she teaches Eddie and Natie about her holistic remedies and beliefs. The bond between this self proclaimed New Age healer and the boy is heartwarming.

Jake, a self-proclaimed pirate is a delightful, funny and VERY interesting character. I like the way he and Natie take Eddie into the world of male bonding and shared masculine humor. Jake and Natie were really good for Eddie.

Natie is a delightful and very funny character. He steps up to the plate for Eddie at all times; he copes with his strident family and finds the humor in traditional Jewish ceremonies. Eddie's inadvertant upstaging of his pompous cousin's Bar Mitzvah was just too funny. Natie's crass older brother Abe was just the right thorn in the side to work as comic foil for Natie, who always managed to have fun at his expense.

Natie brought fun into Eddie's life; Eddie made a very poignant observation about how Jake's junkyard was a metaphor for his own life. He describes himself as being like the junked cars - at one time they were new and welcomed by their owners only to end up as scrap metal. He describes how he is unable to follow rules; a day at the playground underscores the challenges people with Asperger's contend with.

Even that dark cloud had a silver lining - an unexpected messenger recognizes Eddie's AS and comes through like the cavalry for him.

This is a truly extraordinary book with a cast of unforgettable characters and a lot of delicious irony and wicked humor. I just love it!

Read this with JACKSON WHOLE WYOMING, which is a good companion book to this one.

Reviewing is an interesting profession. You get to read an amazing selection of books- never one particular style, genre or subject. There is never an expectation going into the first page, the first chapter or the book itself. itself. A clever cover, a slick media package or lack of media blitz, subject matter or author web site can create no preconceived notions, no assumptions. So when a truly unique book appears with creative characters, an engrossing plot and a message appears it is moment of joy. Eddie and Me on the Scrap Heap was my time of joy.

"Rub-a-dubdub, three adults in a tub and who do you think they be? A pirate, witch and reggae singer, the only three friends for me."

Eddie is a 9 year old boy with Autism. His mother loves him dearly but life with Eddie is not easy. Mothering Eddie alone while working full time leaves her tense and frazzled. At a weak moment she allows her brother to move in with them to give him a place to stay and to help take care of Eddie. But Uncle Eddie, a guitar playing, dread locked Jamaican wanna-be reggae singer, does not make her life any calmer. Eddie and Uncle Nathan find refuge in their friend's junkyard, a magical place of scrap pirate boats, wiener mobiles and treasures galore. Here Eddie is able to be the guitar playing, mechanical wizard, loving boy he is. A friendly and attractive woman, Sharon, wanders into the junkyard to add a welcomed female influence, even if she is a witch.

But life outside the junkyard is still impossible. The adults in Eddie's world are not the caring, sympathetic people he needs. His teacher is the man who should never be allowed in a classroom, his mother's family does not understand, nor care to try to, his Autisms and peers as friends are nonexistent. But the world at Jolly Roger's U-Pick gives him the world every person deserves, especially a child- a world of friends who accept each other for who they are.

This is not the in depth, well rounded plot summary as is usual required part of all reviews. This is a book of characters; it is the people and their affects on those around them that is the foundation of this novel. With his fire hat on his head, Whoville in front of him, and a million questions on his lips Eddie is a boy you will love and cheer as he teaches those around him the ultimate lessons in patience, perseverance and passion.

Marc Littman is the father of a son with Autism. He uses this debut novel to both entertain, it is a wonderful read, but also to educate. The chapter "No Cure-All" is a vivid portrayal of the judgmental, even if meant as helpful, suggestions every parent of a child with special needs encounters. The IEP meeting scene is too realistic to be anything but eye opening. He has written a wonderful story that makes the readers laugh out loud while tears run down their face.

Maybe the next time the child behind you in line or at the next table in a restaurant makes you take a deep breath, you'll think of Eddie and smile.

Reviewing is an interesting profession. You get to read an amazing selection of books- never one particular style, genre or subject. There is never an expectation going into the first page, the first chapter or the book itself. itself. A clever cover, a slick media package or lack of media blitz, subject matter or author web site can create no preconceived notions, no assumptions. So when a truly unique book appears with creative characters, an engrossing plot and a message appears it is moment of joy. Eddie and Me on the Scrap Heap was my time of joy.

"Rub-a-dubdub, three adults in a tub and who do you think they be? A pirate, witch and reggae singer, the only three friends for me."

Eddie is a 9 year old boy with Autism. His mother loves him dearly but life with Eddie is not easy. Mothering Eddie alone while working full time leaves her tense and frazzled. At a weak moment she allows her brother to move in with them to give him a place to stay and to help take care of Eddie. But Uncle Eddie, a guitar playing, dread locked Jamaican wanna-be reggae singer, does not make her life any calmer. Eddie and Uncle Nathan find refuge in their friend's junkyard, a magical place of scrap pirate boats, wiener mobiles and treasures galore. Here Eddie is able to be the guitar playing, mechanical wizard, loving boy he is. A friendly and attractive woman, Sharon, wanders into the junkyard to add a welcomed female influence, even if she is a witch.

But life outside the junkyard is still impossible. The adults in Eddie's world are not the caring, sympathetic people he needs. His teacher is the man who should never be allowed in a classroom, his mother's family does not understand, nor care to try to, his Autisms and peers as friends are nonexistent. But the world at Jolly Roger's U-Pick gives him the world every person deserves, especially a child- a world of friends who accept each other for who they are.

This is not the in depth, well rounded plot summary as is usual required part of all reviews. This is a book of characters; it is the people and their affects on those around them that is the foundation of this novel. With his fire hat on his head, Whoville in front of him, and a million questions on his lips Eddie is a boy you will love and cheer as he teaches those around him the ultimate lessons in patience, perseverance and passion.

Marc Littman is the father of a son with Autism. He uses this debut novel to both entertain, it is a wonderful read, but also to educate. The chapter "No Cure-All" is a vivid portrayal of the judgmental, even if meant as helpful, suggestions every parent of a child with special needs encounters. The IEP meeting scene is too realistic to be anything but eye opening. He has written a wonderful story that makes the readers laugh out loud while tears run down their face.

Maybe the next time the child behind you in line or at the next table in a restaurant makes you take a deep breath, you'll think of Eddie and smile.

My son is autistic. I appreciate how Mr. Littman showed the special qualities and talents of the autistic boy in this book. The story was full of interesting characters, too, so even if you do not have an autistic child in your family, you will enjoy this book.

Marc Littman has a hit with Eddie and Me on the Scrap Heap. This was a quick but enjoyable read. As the story progresses, the reader begins to feel sorry for Eddie's mother because she did not receive proper counseling about what to expect after her son was diagnosed as being autistic.

Eddie has Asperger's-type autism and this complicates everyone's life and makes Eddie aware that he isn't like other kids. This struggle to do the right thing and make his mother proud is the basis of this story.

Natie Newman, Eddie's long-lost uncle, comes to aid the family by becoming the "nanny." Eddie takes Natie on the wildest trip of his life, trying to prove that he is worthy of something and not a total mess up, or junk to be put on the scrap heap.

We are shown the family's strife in dealing with Eddie as well as his inner turmoil as he tries to fit in.

I really enjoyed the story as it developed. There were humorous moments throughout as well as many tear-jerker ones. I have to admit that the "An Angel Sent to Hell" chapter really made me want to go find the person and beat him up. Since this book is based on the author's child, I can only hope that this did not really happen to William or Marc. My heart goes out to them if this occurred in their lives.

Overall, this book does bring together the nonbelievers, the believers and everyone in between. My applause to the author for bringing a bit of a special-needs child into my life.

Armchair Interviews says: A very enjoyable and inspiring read.

Marc Littman's debut novel, Eddie And Me On The Scrap Heap, is the story of autistic nine-year-old Eddie and the remarkable changes he makes in the people around him, including Uncle Natie Newman (who is a forty-year-old would-be reggae singer who hasn't ever been to Jamaica but speaks and looks Jamaican), Captain Jake (an artist and pirate who has aspirations of sailing to Tahiti in the beached yacht which overlooks the broken cars of Jolly Roger's U-Pick junkyard), and Sharon (who is a modern day witch with a tragic past). Eddie, Eddie And Me On The Scrap Heap is the delightful and original story of how the three social misfits try to help Eddie with his autism-based poor social skills and provide him with a positive and creative atmosphere in which to grow. Eddie And Me On The Scrap Heap is very strongly recommended reading as an outstanding first-time novel with a delightful roster of memorable characters.

Journalist/author Marc Littman has created a cast of enchanting characters to tell a heartrending and heartwarming story of the struggles faced by those challenged by special needs and the challenges faced by those who care for them in "Eddie and Me on the Scrap Heap."

Having an autistic child has cost "Ice Queen," Amy, her husband, her career as a lawyer, and as far as she is concerned her life. Determined to make sure there is nothing left to lose, Amy locks her heart. Even to her son. But she reluctantly accepts the help when her mother insists she allow her down-on-his-luck brother to come live with her and act as nanny.

Nate Newman has "no digs, no gigs" and no choice but to head back to LA from New York and help his "Ice Queen" sister, Amy, take care of his nephew. But it doesn't look good when within minutes of stepping in the door he accidently steps on the kid's mock-up of Whoville.

"You're fired, Uncle Natie! I'm going to throw you into space and you'll never come back again...ever!"

But when Nate grabs up his gear, his guitar slips and hits the floor and the bond is formed. Music.

Instead of pursuing his art, Jake, complete with eye patch and parrot on

his shoulder, rules over his family's junkyard business from the helm of his "pirate ship" perched on stilts over his office. He welcomes the visits from his childhood friend, Nate, and enjoys sharing some of the hidden treasures of his junkyard with Nate's nephew Eddie.

Sharon is a practicing white witch with a haunted past. When she pulls into the Jolly Roger U-pick junkyard to see if she can get her car fixed, she sees the potential in the challenged child and a possible potential future in his uncle.

Do they junk people, too, Uncle Natie?"

Eddie tries to be good. He wants to make friends. He wants to fit in with his family. Most of all nine-year-old Eddie wants to make his mother proud of him. But Eddie is autistic, a genius in some areas but unable to comprehend or deal with simple day-to-day life and rules he is afraid he will end up on life's scrap heap. Unwanted. Tossed away. Like the cars in his Uncle Nate's friend Jake's junkyard. Maybe music is the key to unlock his mother's heart, find his place, and make his way. Because despite his challenges, Eddie has a gift for music and he can play his uncle's guitar "like a ring in a bell."

Can his dysfunctional family and a group of misfit friends overcome their own prejudices and challenges and help Eddie deal with the challenges of his autism and life in an intolerant and unacepting society, or will their attempts to make him fit scrap all hope from his heart?

A junkyard pirate, witch, and a Jewish reggae singer. Despite being intrigued by the story line when queried about doing a review of "Eddie and Me on the Scrap Heap" I wasn't really sure about what I was getting into. And the initial block of Jamaican dialect had me putting it down, almost. Because as I set the book on the table, back side up, the blurb on the back had me picking it up again. I am so glad! The dialect that first so distracted me is rare and character setting. The scenes in the setting of the junkyard are humorous and fun. The characters are welcome new friends despite, or maybe because of their flaws and foibles. And Eddie, Eddie is a gift.

Littman crafts a story like Eddie plays guitar. "Eddie and Me on the Scrap Heap," "rings like a bell," a wake up bell, in mind and heart long after the final page is turned.

Charlene Austin

Author of Dream Pictures

Natie, a Jewish Reggae musician with dreadlocks, who dreams of going to Jamaica, agrees to help out his sister Amy, lawyer turned paralegal, and be nanny to his autistic 9-year-old nephew, Eddie. Natie's family considers him to be a failure, but Amy needs him and so does Eddie. What Uncle Natie doesn't know is that he needs Eddie, too.

Between the expectations of family and school and children at school and in his neighborhood, Eddie is caught in a societal vise that does little to slow him down. And Eddie has talent. He plays guitar "like a-ringin' a bell" and runs like the wind. Eddie also knows things about people and can see auras and predict the outcome of horse races, thoroughly delighting Natie and sparking the gleam of fast cash and a long trip to Jamaica. Eddie has so much more to offer and he will change Uncle Natie's life and the lives of his friend Jake, a junk yard pirate, a beautiful vegetarian witch named Sharon, and thaw the ice around his mother Amy's heart.

In "Eddie and Me on the Scrap Heap", Mark Littman shows a world that alternates between fear of Eddie's actions and fear for Eddie's well being. Almost everyone wants to change Eddie, to make him behave according to what is normal and acceptable. It is difficult and very trying for everyone but Jake, the junk yard pirate, and Sharon, the vegetarian witch, to deal with Eddie's tantrums, outbursts and hyperactivity, but they learn. Littman's tale is a charming, idiosyncratic story with heart. In the character of Eddie, Littman crafts an eccentric comet of energy and creativity that can be as exasperating as he can be delightfully insightful. Exploding the "Rain Man" autistic stereotypes, "Eddie and Me on the Scrap Heap" provides a very real story that strikes a ringing chord that reverberates in the soul and in the heart. Littman's prose is clean and uncluttered and his straight forward style humorous, wry and honest.

Judging this book by its cover and thinking it wouldn't be something I would particularily enjoy, I almost passed up the opportunity to find out about the interesting contents of it - an initial mistake similarly made by many of the characters within the "Eddie And Me On The Scrap Heap" story, toward nine-year old Eddie due to the traits of his autism and his uncle, Natie, due to what some considered an eccentric lifestyle.

Professional writer, Marc Littman, who obviously knows his way around words, has had experience living with a special needs child and writes a finely-tuned, realistic fiction novel that is easy to read with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, but is also serious in its main points and lessons. One such point was Natie's reply to Eddie's question of why people continually shunned them: "I dunno, Eddie. Some people don't get us. They're afraid of what they don't understand so they act mean to hide that they're scared."

Characters of main interest are: Eddie, Natie and their Jewish family, Natie's best friend who owns a junk yard and the modern-day "witch" they befriend. Misunderstanding, rejection, disappointment, suspicion, hopelessness, aimlessness and the search for significance give way to acceptance and redemption, resulting in a nice conclusion and an enjoyable book to read.

"Eddie and Me and the Scrap Heap" by Marc Littman is an outstanding book about a young boy with autism that I saw advertised on the authors BLOG. My interest in reading this book was largely due to my having known young people that were autistic.

Once I started reading this book I could not put the book down as the author wrote this book in a way that exceeded my expectations. When I was reading this book I found myself, several times, saying "WOW this is a great book".

The characters that the author chose for this book was well chosen as they contribute to the story and have made it possible for the author to write an outstanding book about a special person named Eddie.

"Eddie Me and the Scrap Heap" is a book that I enjoyed very much and I will recommend to anyone, not only to new parents of an autistic child, but to anyone that enjoys a good book to read.