Customer Reviews

Episodes: My Life as I See It

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

EPISODES is a unique memoir. It chronicles the life of Blaze Ginsberg from his freshman year in high school through his first two years in college, and it does so as a sequence of television episodes staring the author, his family, and the people most influential in his life.

We see the world through the eyes of a teenager on the autism spectrum: how he relates to school, friends, romantic crushes, and the harsh realities of a first job. All to the tune of episode "soundtracks," the ubiquitous background music that scores every teenager's life. Blaze's mother Debra Ginsberg, herself an accomplished author, wrote in her sensitive introduction to the book: "Like all of us, Blaze has favorite episodes in his life and some that he wishes he could forget. To an extent, I believe this is something we all do. We're all the stars of our own shows."

EPISODES will undoubtedly be classified as part of the literature on autism. Blaze's fascination with dates, bus numbers, chronological sequences, and even the whereabouts of the garbage truck all speak to the quiet genius that is apparently characteristic of "high functioning" children who adapt poorly in traditional classrooms. But I think the book goes beyond that. It illustrates the day-to-day challenges every teenager faces, with emphasis on the nuances that govern personal relationships. Blaze is refreshingly honest when describing losing his temper, misbehaving in class, and being in tears because he doesn't have a girlfriend. He evaluates his own conduct matter-of-factly and provides unique insight into the mind of a developing adolescent. Parents and other students of psychology would do well to read this book closely.

My favorite quote (during a pretend wedding): "I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may hug."

Does EPISODES represent a new genre? Maybe. I'd like to see other young people follow suit with their own interpretations.

Yes, Episodes is organized differently in just about every way, but it is more than just about how the author's mind works. You grow to know and understand Blaze as he navigates through life. I really enjoyed this book--especially the goofs and quotes! Thank you Blaze, for letting us get to know you and helping us see the world as you see it.

Blaze Ginsberg is a unique individual. In his book, he discusses his life as a high-functioning autistic teenager. Blaze's novel is also unique in the way that it is formatted. He views his life as a group of episodes, much like a television series.

Different things are important to Blaze - who he talked to during the day, trying to find a girlfriend, going to his college classes. Some of the episodes are in syndication, some have ended, and others are on-going. The Thanksgiving episode appears once a year.

The characters (Blaze's family) remain the same, but the story is always a little different. Guest stars will occasionally make an appearance, and Blaze is quick to give them credit. To some, it might seem that the episodes are disjointed, but to Blaze, it all makes sense.

I will be honest, it was difficult for me to start this book. I was one of those readers who felt Blaze's plot was disjointed, but now I understand the workings of his mind. A typical book has chapters, a continuous plot, a definitive ending. Blaze's novel has all of these things, but they are developed and executed differently. Once I realized this, I was able to enjoy the novel that much more.

I'm glad I read Blaze's book, and I congratulate him for having the courage to write it in the first place.

Reviewed by: LadyJay