Customer Reviews

A REGULAR GUY: GROWING UP WITH AUTISM

5 star:		(23)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Although the topic is autism, this book reads like a detective novel. The writing is so skillful, the narrative so well-composed that you'll find yourself captivated by the story line and fully immersed in the characters. Sentimental without being maudlin, Laura captures the heartache and challenges facing the family of an autistic child. And she does this with humor and psychological insight. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the family dynamics of autism and the stuggles of a young kid yearing to be a "regular guy". Beautiful.

I loved this book. The story of the Shumaker family's journey with Matthew, their autistic son, was so fascinating and well written that I felt as if I was part of the Shumaker family as I read. I couldn't put it down and ended up finishing it in one sitting. Life with Matthew is not always easy, but Ms. Shumaker's descriptions kept a smile on my face as I traveled the journey of adapting to a full and rich life with a son who is very special. I highly recommend it.

Well written, witty account of the experience of living with Autism. Her experience closely parallels my own. Recommended especially for everyone who thinks Autism is easy to deal with, but also for anyone who has any interest in Autism.

I am the parent of a 10 year old boy that has Aspergers. I thought this book was brilliant. From one Mom to another, I could totally relate to the author and her joys and trials and tribulations. It also gave me a glimpse into my sons upcoming teenage years and things to watch for-which I am always trying to learn more about. I think it is a must read for anyone who has someone with autism in their life.

I couldn't put down "A Regular Guy." I was very moved, I laughed, I cried, and I was educated. Having a disability or being with someone you love who has one is not easy to understand for those of us who aren't in that situation. I thought Laura's book brought that experience to light with all the joy and pain. While it's apparent that it has been a tremendous struggle for the family, it's obvious that the love the family shares has made them so much stronger and a tighter unit.

My son is on the autism spectrum and there were many time I almost stopped reading this book because of the mother's attitude towards her son. I understand she was being honest but it is possible to be TOO honest, especially when it's possible your son or other children may read the book. She, many times, laments about how she wishes her son was different and she spent much of his childhood trying to "fix" him. Autism is NOT a life sentence and does not mean your child isn't perfect. We want our children to be the best versions of themselves but it made me very upset how much she pushed her poor child to be someone he was never going to be.

I have a grandson with Autism and heard about this book on Facebook. I could NOT put this book down. It was an amazing peak into the life of this family and I absolutely appreciated her honesty and giving people the opportunity of sharing their trials and successes in their life.

I cannot recommend this book enough!

A very tender, honest, sensitive memoir. Shumaker tells sad, sweet, heartwarming stories about raising her autistic son in her loving family. A few have mentioned that this is a great book for those who have NO experience with autism, and I heartily agree! Reading about her struggles as a mother, but mostly reading about Matthew's struggles as a developmentally challenged young adult - and the reactions of the world around him - made me cry and laugh out loud and basically just feel like my heart split open for him and the whole Shumaker family. A very quick and engaging read.

I first read Ms. Shumaker's account of her son Matthew in the San Francisco Chronicle Magazine. It moved me to tears. Her writing is clear, accessible, and personal. This is no self-indulgent or sentimentalized memoir. Its characters are well-drawn, the family relationships realistic in both their closeness and their challenges. I read the book in one sitting, and enjoyed every page. You must meet Matthew, and the mother who helped him to be a regular guy.

I found this book very good for anyone involved in any way with autistic children or adults. My grandson has PDD which is a high function autistic but this book covered much of the behaviors and traits that he also has. It helped my "get inside the mind" of one such as he is and opened my eyes to certain behaviors etc and what we can expect in the future. Hopefully, Wyatt, my grandson will not require a facility like Matthew has had the priviledge of living in. We are holding out hopes that he'll be able to hold down a job and at least live at home or a group home if absolutely necessary.