A Regular Guy: Growing up with Autism [Paperback]

Laura Shumaker (Author), Terri Hinte (Editor), Linda Kalin (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 7, 2008

A Regular Guy: Growing Up With Autism is a memoir about life with an autistic son, Matthew, written from his mother s perspective. It answers the many questions that people have about autism through the story of Matthew s life spanning from babyhood to young adulthood. A Regular Guy illustrates the many ways in which family, friends and strangers are touched by Matthew s desperate desire to be a regular guy, and how his brutal honesty and social awkwardness bring out the best and worst in people in touching and humorous ways. In turn, A Regular Guy leads readers to love and accept Matthew, quirks and all, and inspires them to understand and tolerate the differences in others.

Editorial Reviews

Review

In Laura Shumaker's thoughtful portrait of her families struggle with autism, we explore the journey that anyone touched by disability must navigate. Her writing is elegant. Her lessons are invaluable --Mark Trautwein, NPR Perspectives, KQED San Francisco

A must read for all families affected by autism, professionals who care for children and adults on the autism spectrum, and for those who wish to get a better understanding of what it is like to wear the shoes of a mother striving to do the best for her special needs son. --Ricki G. Robinson, M.D., M.P.H.Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Southern California School of Medicine; Scientific Advisory Board Member, Autism Speaks.

Laura Shumaker has written a book with sensitivity, warmth, and intelligence. On one level its theme is autism; on another it is about tragedy, hope, resilience, and above all, loving. --Clinical Professor of Medicine; Chair, Editorial Board, UC Berkeley Wellness Letter

About the Author

Laura Shumaker is a regular contributor to NPR Perspectives. Her essays have appeared in the San Francisco Chronicle, the Contra Costa Times, the East Bay Monthly, Hallmark Magazine, Exceptional Parent Magazine and in several anthologies, including Voices of Autism (LaChance 2008). She lives in northern California with her husband and three sons.

Product Details

• Paperback: 241 pages
• Publisher: Landscape Press; 1st edition (July 7, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 098018360X
• ISBN-13: 978-0980183603
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (26 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #367,081 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars great writing, December 11, 2008

By 

tom clements - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Regular Guy: Growing up with Autism (Paperback)

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.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A fascinating page-turner filled with humor and compassion, July 13, 2008

By 

Linda Goldfarb "Avid reader in N. California" (Napa Valley, California United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Regular Guy: Growing up with Autism (Paperback)

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.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book, September 17, 2009

By 

Deborah Thompson (Pittsburgh, PA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Regular Guy: Growing up with Autism (Paperback)

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.