Customer Reviews

Just This Side of Normal: Glimpses into Life With Autism

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
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Just This Side of Normal is so compelling that you find you must read it all in one sitting, and then go back and read it again. The book's organization, vignettes which are loosely chronological, keeps the pace lively. A powerful story about love and struggle, it's told with tenderness, humor, and great courage.

With this book, JUST THIS SIDE OF NORMAL, Elizabeth King Gerlach has balanced her already highly respected reputation as an author (see her ESSENTAL research book: AUTISM TREATMENT GUIDE--and buy it too! ), with a more personal but no less valuable contribution to the field of literature on autism. Autism, the disorder confounding to doctors, educational professionals and parents alike, deserves to be confronted and thought about in a variety of ways. In this book, Ms. Gerlach takes her own experiences as the mother of an autistic child and expands our understanding, in a very personal way, of the trials, the confusions, and the small triumphs that confront a parent of an exceptional child like her son, Nicky.

You will not put this book down until you have read it cover to cover, I guarantee it. I have lent out this book so many times over it's absurd! Each time I have been stunned by the profound reactions of the people I have leant it to, whether they are special ed. teachers, just friends, professional writers such as Ms Gerlach herself, or parents of autistic children, like me. It reaches everyone. Ms. Gerlach's love of nature, life, and her child shine through on every page. Get this book. You will not regret it. It is beautifully honest and you will be moved. Absolutely one of my favorites in my personal library of books on autism.

best wishes, Jean

Many books are available that talk about the medical side of autism, but "Just This Side of Normal" puts it in perspective, as seen through the eyes of a devoted parent trying to understand her child's world. Elizabeth Gerlach's insights open up a window through which the reader can see not just the disorder, but the child. Highly recommended for parents, professionals, and others who want to understand people with autism more fully.

I cannot express how deeply affecting this book is. Any parent of a child with autism, any professional who deals with autistic children, will return to this book over and over again. A book of great depth, it spares us none of the pain that goes hand in hand with autism, and yet, ultimately, it is a book that follows a mother's struggle to raise her son with autism with both hope and with a profound respect. Respect for the beauty of life in all its wonder, in all its diversity, in the grace we find when we choose to hang in there and love. I have two autistic sons of my own and I couldn't ever find a book more beautifully written, more expressive of the feelings I have had, one time or another. You must read this book! No matter what your situation is, you will be moved--guaranteed. It's one of a kind.

As parents of an autistic child, we constantly read a great number of informative books on the disorder, always looking for links which will unearth the current "magic bullet" to help rescue our son from his oft-times lonely world. When our child was initially diagnosed as being within the autistic spectrum, we were given Elizabeth K. Gerlach's first book, "The Autism Treatment Guide" by our Regional Center. We realized that here was an author who had "been there... done that," and that her mentoring would be important... possibly the best overall examination of the many therapies available to help the autistic child. Since that time, we have ourselves given away more than a dozen copies of "The Autism Treatment Guide" to parents of the newly-diagnosed. It is still the single best guide in our rapidly expanding "autism library."

Her latest book, "Just This Side of Normal," is not a book of available therapeutic modalities. It is its own therapy. As I read and re-read, I found myself identifying our own place in the world of autism with Ms. Gerlach's. Her often bittersweet, but always hopeful approach to the growth of her children, is a delightful anecdotal pilgrimage. As she relates her views of Nicky's ongoing steps into the everyday world, her words spark chords of our own unique journey, making the resonance universal, and, as with her first book, becoming enormously helpful.

This is another book we'll surely pass on to new friends!

A wonderful story, a rich tapestry of love and hope and told with the masterful hand of an expert storyteller. Elizabeth King Gerlach stirs the heart with this magnificent true-life story of glimpses into life with Autism. Just This Side of Normal shares the heartache and celebrates the triumphs of a mother and family facing the challenges of raising an Autistic child. As a parent of two school age children, neither of whom is Autistic I found myself turning from one page to the next, inspired by hope which is the message that comes through in so clear a manner and at the same time savoring the artistic sensitivity and style of the authors hand. Just This Side of Normal is a must read for everyone; an educator, a parent, a parent of those children affected by Autism,young adults. Poetic in its execution, I find myself returing to the pages of Just This Side of Normal over and over again and I look forward to reading more from this highly talented author.

I recently bought this book from the author herself. She was speaking at our support group. I could not put the book down and completely read it that night. It made me feel that I am not alone with my feelings of frustration and awe of my son that has similar struggles and gifts. I plan on having my parents, my friends, my aunts, anyone in our life read it, just so they have some perspective about my life and my son's life.

An amazing story told by an amazing author. This is an inspiring story of love, pain, devotion, disappointment, hope, humor and courage. Elizabeth King Gerlach opens her life to the reader, allowing us a parent's perspective of what it means to raise an autistic child and deal with a world that doesn't understand. Simultaneously, Ms. Gerlach allows us a glimpse into her heart, a place of obviously deep caring, compassion and beauty. Her writing is refreshingly open, honest and sincere. Just This Side of Normal is complex while, at the same time, maintains a simple clarity that captures the essence of the love a parent has for their child.

While certainly a valuable work for parents of autistic children, this book is more an inspiration, a tribute to the human spirit, to be shared by all. I want to thank Ms. Gerlach for writing this beautiful book and for opening her heart to all who are fortunate enough to read it. This book moved me deeply, as a father and as a human being. Buy this book, read it over and over, laugh & cry, and then share it with everyone you know.

I enjoyed this book, and I have read several accounts of children with autism...I liked how Gerlach described her spirituality most of all. I believe that anyone who lives with exceptional children, whether they be parents, siblings, or educators, should have a strong spirit. Gerlach is a strong lady. She doesn't dwell on the "woe is me"; instead, she views her son for what he is...a precious gift. Her writing style is also very flowing and beautiful to read, unlike many more clinical books about autism. I have to admit, also, that this book made me laugh at times. I will recommend this book to my fellow teachers. Autism is often misunderstood, especially in the public schools. You'd be amazed at how many people think these children are simply being "bratty". Thanks to the author for sharing her wonderful story with others.

It is a beautifully told story, one that's hard to put down once begun. Although I don't have an autistic child, I was deeply moved by this book. It is personal, intimate, and loving and will touch a lot of hearts whether or not they have a disabled family member.