Customer Reviews

With the Light: Raising an Autistic Child, Vol. 1

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3 star:		(1)
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As a parent myself of a child with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) I'm naturally curious about any kind of material dealing with autism. I'm also a big fan of Japanese manga and all of the cute characters and wonderful stories that can be found in this genre. As such, I was quite delighted to discover this work by Keiko Tobe in my local bookstore and after a quick read of the jacket and scan of the artwork, I knew that I would not set With the Light back on the shelf and leave without it.

Sachiko Azuma is a new mom whose first baby has just been born at sunrise and gives him the name Hikaru which literally means "light" in Japanese. Sadly, the joy of her new motherhood is rather shortlived at first. Hikaru turns out to be quite different from the other babies in Sachiko's small mother's group. He cries all the time and dislikes being held closely and not knowing about the autism yet, Sachiko starts to take it personally and becomes very distressed. Her workaholic husband Masato isn't very supportive either and is always complaining that what little sleep he gets is disturbed by Hikaru's crying in the night. All of Sachiko's idealistic dreams of motherhood and family come crashing down around her. She even starts to receive derision from her mother's group and her in-laws, Masato's family. Sachiko actually begins to accept their false accusations and blames herself for Hikaru's dreadful behaviors and she becomes very depressed.

This story doesn't end sadly though. Suspecting that Hikaru is deaf, Sachiko takes him to a doctor for examination. The first doctor isn't sure, so she takes him to another who determines quite conclusively that Hikaru is not deaf, but may have autism, a disorder Sachiko has never heard of. From there begins a long learning process for Sachiko and her husband, who does turn around and cut back his career ambitions. He eventually becomes a very good father after understanding Hikaru's disability better. The same goes for Sachiko's in-laws and thus much of her fear and distress is relieved when realizing that autism is not caused by being a bad mom. They also receive much help from the local health/welfare center, Hikaru's preschool, and eventually from Hikaru's grade school as well. In the end Sachiko's family turns out much more healthy and happy than she could have imagined only a few years before.

It is important to note that With the Light is a work of fiction and drama and not a true story. Like the book A Curious Incident of a Dog in the Night Time, With the Light was written based on research and interviews with families with autistic children. Keiko Tobe for the most part avoids detailed explanations of autism and the medical facts and theories behind the disorder. To include these details would be very distracting from the main plot in my opinion and thus she made a wise decision to leave them out. The editors do provide in the book's margins many relevant internet links pertinent to specific concepts if one wishes to pursue a more detailed investigation. Some independent background research would lend itself very nicely to anyone unfamiliar with autism to add further depth to the reading experience of With the Light.

Because of my own experiences, I can attest to the truth and authenticity of Keiko Tobe's presentation. She has done her homework and written an outstanding work. With the Light is a brilliant masterpiece that truly deserves all of the awards that it has received and more. This book will be the best read of 2007 for me I'm sure and anyone else that enjoys manga or family stories will love it too.

This is the first time in seven years of being an Amazon.com member that I liked something so very much I felt compelled to review it.

This book is not only three times as thick as a regular manga, but also moving and enlightening. A must read, both for manga fans and people who have to deal with autism in their everyday lives. I cried more than once while reading it. Looking forward to more volumes.

As a Psychologist, I know a lot about Autism and was very impressed with the fairly accurate representation of children and families living with Autism. This story is interesting in a of itself and is helpful for those who are trying to understand Autism. I like how real and down to earth some of the issues were. It was also very easy to follow.

"The day you were born...the morning sun was very beautiful." WITH THE LIGHT begins like a love letter from a mother to a child, and in a way, it is, although a fictional one. More than that, though, it is an in-depth analysis of a young mother discovering that her son, who came into the world at the first light of day, is different from the other children she knows. He doesn't talk. He cries often, and for hours on end. He doesn't like to be touched or held. He is difficult to understand and relate to.

Gently, and with the aching slowness of gradual realization, Sachiko comes to understand that her son, Hikaru, is autistic. With no understanding of the condition, she struggles to come to terms with what it means and what she can do about it, while her hard-working husband, Masato, pulls away and immerses himself in his career.

WITH THE LIGHT takes all of its principal characters on a long journey of self-discovery. Sachiko longs to understand the way her son's mind works.

The innocence and the tenderness of the scene in which Hikaru finally acknowledges his mother and, in his own fashion, expresses his love is heartbreaking. The ability of the book to convey the complexities of human emotions without getting sentimental or overwrought might be its most admirable quality. Author and illustrator Keiko Tobe at first treats her story almost with the allure of a mystery. Sachiko is driven and determined to unlock the secret behind her son's aloofness, while her husband and his family separate themselves, and even blame Sachiko.

All of which is not to say that WITH THE LIGHT doesn't have its tender moments. It does, but it earns each one of them without toying with the reader's emotions. When Masato struggles with his anger and stress of his son's autism and lashes out at his wife, it's not the cloying stereotype of an uncaring man with no time for his children. Instead, it's all too apparent that this is a man too young to be both an effective father and the star employee his bosses --- not to mention his family and society --- want him to be.

These two volumes run an expansive tale totaling over 1,000 pages, including resource material to help the reader along. A convenient guide to manga helps those who aren't familiar with its style (the book is read right to left; it's surprising how easy it is to adapt to it once you get started), and the editors of this English translation include brief descriptions of elements of Japanese and manga culture to avoid confusion and enhance the reader's understanding. Also included are supplementary materials on autism and translation notes.

WITH THE LIGHT is fascinating to watch unfold. Its broad scope spans years in the lives of this couple and their son, covering not only his development but the relationship he has with his sister, who comes into the family years after her brother. Teachers, doctors, friends and family all play a role, too --- sometimes in a negative, judgmental way, and sometimes with a heartwarming spirit of compassion --- as Sachiko and Masato learn to cope, live and move on. That's the brightness of these two graphic novels and the triumphant nature of its storytelling.

--- Reviewed by John Hogan

WOW! What a complete treat this book was to read. I happened upon it while shopping and tried to turn the book over to put it back on the shelf "correctly" when I noticed it was correctly placed. Since I enjoy reading any book which increases autism awareness, I about did a dance in the aisle at this unique medium to present an autism story. I not only was treated to a creative and wonderfully illustrated story, but learned how to read Japanese manga which I had never experienced before. It was also interesting to see how another culture/society addresses autism from the open-armed therapists to the grumpy people who considered it shameful or a reaction to the mother's care (the past US myth of refrigerator mothers came to mind).

The stress the family, especially the mother and son, face in the initial chapter are stressful and sad. However, as the father joins in the team and others in the community (including young peers, therapists, teachers and aides)join also, the progress of Hikaru (the boy with autism)blossoms. There are so many real life experiences shared in this book and having the vivid cartoons expressing them drew me right into the story. I wish that I could view the Japanese television drama which was created from this story.

I think this would be a terrific medium to introduce American teens to the issues of autism. It's cool, educational and an overall great book. Thank you YEN PRESS for bringing this to America. As an author of a children's book on autism, this is a terrific book for any school or home library. A Is for Autism F Is for Friend: A Kid's Book for Making Friends with a Child Who Has AutismJoanna Keating-Velasco

This stellar masterpiece of a book makes me think of the 1968 George Harrison song, "The Inner Light." It might make you cry. This book will infuse those fortunate enough to read it with the Light of Hope.

Since this book was written in the Japanese manga style, readers are also treated to Japanese literary culture. The book's story sequence is from right to left, which is the opposite of most Western languages. A glossary of Japanese words and a list of Japanese holidays and description of services for people with autism are provided as well. Readers are engaging in a form of cultural sharing with this book.

Sachiko and Masato Azuma's first child, Hikaru is named for the sunrise - he is a ray of new light into their lives. He is like the 1969 George Harrison classic, "Here Comes the Sun," as his birth was just like a sunrise - new and full of promise. Hikaru is a linking of cultures as well. Masato's mother is Western and his late father was plainly Japanese. Sachiko is not Asian. Hikaru is more Asian in appearance. There are other non-Asian and even Eurasian characters in this book as well, which provides a "diverse" look at Japan and Japanese culture.

Hikaru displays autistic behavior shortly after his birth. He cannot stand loud noises; dislikes being picked up and cries incessantly. Hikaru's behavior takes a toll on the marriage; Masato spends more time working and less time at home. Sachiko becomes increasingly depressed and resentful of other children who are not running into Hikaru's developmental roadblocks.

This, too offers another glimpse of Japanese culture. In recent times, much has been written about the "mothers' clique," which starts when their children are preschoolers. Mothers groom their children from infancy to join what they feel are the most desirable social groups and one's status is often elevated or lowered by the school their child/ren attend. Sachiko fears for the day Hikaru will be at the age for kindergarten as his behavior is quite extreme.

The clique of mothers blame Sachiko for Hikaru's behavior; they no longer feel he is a threat or competition to their children being accepted by the top schools. Sachiko's depression deepens; she and Masato undergo a trial separation.

Fearing Hikaru might be deaf, Sachiko has him tested. Those tests proved inclonclusive, so the doctor recommends Sachiko to yet another specialist, a behavior specialist who diagnoses Hikaru with autism. Over time, others in Sachiko's community realize that Hikaru's behavior was not caused by her or anyone else; he has a neurobiological condition. One person says the boy is like "R*** M**," which is a slur in the autistic community. The R** M*** perjorative also isn't true as Hikaru is NOT a prodigious savant and in no way does his behavior resemble that of the infamous fictional title character in that movie.

Parts of this book are funny. Once, Hikaru, then 4 and barely verbal managed to slip out of the house in his underwear. He was found at a shop where balloons were sold. Sachiko rushes out to find her son, only to be greeted by a puzzled police officer wanting to know why there was a little boy in his underwear grabbing balloons and not giving them back. One can imagine the looks on everyone's collective faces at Hikaru's rather daring exploit!

After much soul searching and a collapse at work, Masato returns and Sachiko and Masato's marriage heals. The Calvary also comes in the form of their local welfare center (Japanese welfare centers are described in this book) who help Sachiko secure placement for Hikaru in a mainstream preschool. Gun shy after seeing how other children with autism were ignored by staff and ostracized by peers, Sachiko approaches the last center with great trepediation. Luckily, Yumi, a kind teacher with a progressive mind agrees to take on her new pupil. Hikaru, by then slightly verbal uses his photograph cards of family members and familiar objects to communicate. The boy's teacher explains to the class that Hikaru needs more help and tells them what the cards are for. Naturally, the other children are curious and interested in the cards and want to join in with Hikaru.

Hikaru makes friends with a bright, high-spirited girl named Moe. Hikaru, always attracted to strings, pulls out Moe's ribbons, which enrages the girl's mother. Moe was okay with it - she understood that Hikaru was, in his fashion making contact with her. The two bond and in an especially poignant part of the book, inadvertently help school staff make the entire school safer for all the pupils. Hats off to their incredible teacher!

The drawings are magnificent and the characters are very appealing and believable. At times, one could easily forget that this is a novel. The book has a preface about two Japanese families coping with autism. It is very interesting to learn about autism services in other countries. The Japanese character for "autism" is "closed off" or "cloistered self." The irony of the Japanese character for autism is that Hikaru is part of a very integrated community and, thanks to Moe and his wonderful teacher is anything but cloistered. By the first volume's end, Hikaru then 7 becomes a big brother to spirited, highly verbal Kanon. She resembles Sachiko and is less Asian in appearance than her brother. When the children are sleeping, they do have a decidedly Asian appearance. The two are good for each other and Hikaru literally gets a crash course in interaction, whether he wants it or not!

Keiko Tobe has unified people from all over the world with this stellar book. She wisely included explanations and descriptions of Japanese culture and mores as well as some humor. While Tobe does not go into great detail about autism, her story and the magnificent drawings clearly depict severely autistic behavior and how it impacts others.

This is a delightful book that will remain a bright light in the hearts of all who read it.

It was fun reading, addicting and moving. It help open my eyes into a new world: autism, it's unique qualities and how it is perceived by the people around it. It makes me want to know more about it, can't wait for the #2! Oh, and the drawings were great, the emotions and everything are so well captured. The translation does come bad once or twice, but for the rest of it I find it pretty good and coherent.

I previously read the third volume of this series, and it was good enough that I wanted to read the beginning of the story.

This is a fictional story, but it is based on research and interviews with actual parents of children with autism.

The story begins with the birth of Hikaru Azuma. Hikaru's name means "with the morning light" and his mother named him for the beautiful sunrise at the time of his birth. As Hikaru grows, his mother, Sachiko, notices that he seems detached and indifferent to her affection. Sachiko's mother-in-law blames Sachiko's parenting for the troubles that Hikaru seems to have. Then at a routine checkup, a doctor warns Sachiko that Hikaru may be deaf when he shows no reaction to sounds.

Eventually the real reason for Hikaru's difficulties become clear. Hikaru has autism. The difficulties that Sachiko encounters trying to get help and acceptance for her son strain her marriage to the breaking point.

But with the support she finds through programs for special-needs children, Sachiko begins to pull her life together, and is able to find a good daycare center and school for Hikaru. Along the way, there is plenty of drama including several situations in which Hikaru becomes lost, dealings with hostile parents of Hikaru's schoolmates, and the birth of Hikaru's younger sister during a typhoon.

This volume covers the Hikaru's life from birth to his early elementary school years. Tobe's writing is quick-paced, with a good understanding of autism, well-developed characters, and engaging dialogue. The action leans a bit toward soap-opera melodrama in a few moments, but generally the story is well thought-out and captivating. The depiction of autism is detailed and well researched, but in many ways this is really a great book about the joys and sorrows of parenting in general. The artwork is beautiful from start to finish.

I've posted reviews about Godchild, Return to Labyrinth, and the upcoming Kitchen Princess review. But this book takes the cake.
I can easily feel Sachiko's pain because I happen to have Aspergers Syndrome and her son has autism.
I can't wait for volumes 6 and 7.

"The day you were born . . . the morning sun was very beautiful." With the Light begins like a love letter from a mother to a child, and in a way, it is, although a fictional one. More than that, though, it's an in-depth analysis of a young mother discovering that her son, who came into the world at the first light of day, is different from the other children she knows. He doesn't talk. He cries often, and for hours on end. He doesn't like to be touched or held. He is difficult to understand or relate to.

Gently, and with the aching slowness of gradual realization, Sachiko comes to understand that her son, Hikaru, is autistic. With no understanding of the condition, she struggles to come to terms with what it means and what she can do about it, while her hard-working husband, Masato, pulls away and immerses himself in his career.

With the Light takes all of its principal characters on a long journey of self-discovery. Sachiko longs to understand the way her son's mind works. The innocence and the tenderness of the scene in which Hikaru finally acknowledges his mother and, in his own fashion, expresses his love, is heartbreaking. With the Light's ability to convey the complexities of human emotions without getting sentimental or overwrought might be its most admirable quality. Author and illustrator Keiko Tobe at first treats her story almost with the allure of a mystery--Sachiko is driven and determined to unlock the secret behind her son's aloofness, while her husband and his family separate themselves, and even blame Sachiko.

All of which is not to say that With the Light doesn't have its tender moments. It does, but it earns each one of them without toying with the reader's emotions. When Masato struggles with his anger and stress of his son's autism and lashes out at his wife, it's not the cloying stereotype of an uncaring man with no time for his children. Instead, it's all too apparent that this is a man too young to be both an effective father and the star employee his bosses--not to mention his family and society--want him to be.

With the Light's two volumes run an expansive tale totaling over 1,000 pages, including resource material to help the reader along. A convenient guide to manga helps those who aren't familiar with its style (the book is read right to left; it's surprising how easy it is to adapt to it once you get started), and the editors of this English translation include brief descriptions of elements of Japanese and manga culture to avoid confusion and enhance the reader's understanding. Also included are supplementary materials on autism and translation notes.

With the Light is fascinating to watch unfold. Its broad scope spans years in the lives of this couple and their son, covering not only his development but the relationship he has with his sister, who comes into the family years after her brother. Teachers, doctors, friends, and family all play a role, too--sometimes in a negative, judgmental way, and sometimes with a heartwarming spirit of compassion--as Sachiko and Masato learn to cope, live, and move on. That's the brightness of these two graphic novels and the triumphant nature of their storytelling.

-- John Hogan