My Strange and Terrible Malady [Paperback]

Catherine Bristow (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2008 | Age Level: 9 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up

Ronita Ronnie Baker, 11th-grade individualist, is not happy. School is a struggle, and now doctors just diagnosed her with Asperger Syndrome. It s hard enough being the misfit daughter of a perfect mother, let alone being diagnosed with a disorder no one understands. My Strange and Terrible Malady takes a look at Asperger Syndrome from Ronnie s point of view. While she is clearly not socially savvy, things begin to change when she meets Hannah, a fellow student who takes the time to explain the mysteries of social interaction and other conundrums of daily life to Ronnie. With the help of Hannah and her new life coach, Ronnie shows readers that successful social and emotional interaction can be learned.

Editorial Reviews

Review

My Strange and Terrible Malady allowed us to experience life as a teenager with Asperger Syndrome. Even though my teenage daughter with Asperger Syndrome and I live it day in and day out, Ronita's thoughts and words comforted both of us. Her character showed us that we are not the only mother and daughter in the world living the often tumultuous teenage years with AS. My Strange and Terrible Malady is a must-read not only for teens with AS and those who care for and love them but for all teenagers who cope with trying to fit in and find themselves. --Meredith Coates, Youth and Family Ministries coordinator; and Meghan Coates, 15-year-old diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome

My Strange and Terrible Malady is a delightful new addition to the growing collection of books aimed at helping teenagers understand the Asperger experience. Welcome to Ronita Baker's world where clothes are selected by whatever falls off the hanger in the morning. Recently diagnosed with 'ass burger' syndrome, Ronnie takes us along as she makes the journey from being an insecure and ashamed teen to an empowered and 'happy?' young woman by learning (with guidance from both a friend and a life coach) how to navigate the neurotypical world. This is a warm, funny tale of adolescent confusion, the importance of mentoring/coaching and the power of friendship and acceptance. Thanks, Catherine (and Ronnie too!). --Ellen Korin, author of Asperger Syndrome: An Owner's Manual and Asperger Syndrome: An Owner's Manual 2

My Strange and Terrible Malady is a welcome and needed look into the mind and life of a young woman with Asperger Syndrome. With economy of structure and authenticity of detail, Catherine Bristow's prose immerses the reader in the daily routines and thinking of Ronita, from whom we gradually learn about this little-understood disorder. This is a must-read for high school students, who will relate immediately to a teen who struggles to understand the world around her. For everyone, Ronita's struggle is at times sad and funny, but ultimately, inspiring and full of hope. --William H. Richards, M.Ed., teacher, writer and researcher

My Strange and Terrible Malady is a delightful new addition to the growing collection of books aimed at helping teenagers understand the Asperger experience. Welcome to Ronita Baker's world where clothes are selected by whatever falls off the hanger in the morning. Recently diagnosed with 'ass burger' syndrome, Ronnie takes us along as she makes the journey from being an insecure and ashamed teen to an empowered and 'happy?' young woman by learning (with guidance from both a friend and a life coach) how to navigate the neurotypical world. This is a warm, funny tale of adolescent confusion, the importance of mentoring/coaching and the power of friendship and acceptance. Thanks, Catherine (and Ronnie too!). --Ellen Korin, author of Asperger Syndrome: An Owner's Manual and Asperger Syndrome: An Owner's Manual 2

My Strange and Terrible Malady is a welcome and needed look into the mind and life of a young woman with Asperger Syndrome. With economy of structure and authenticity of detail, Catherine Bristow's prose immerses the reader in the daily routines and thinking of Ronita, from whom we gradually learn about this little-understood disorder. This is a must-read for high school students, who will relate immediately to a teen who struggles to understand the world around her. For everyone, Ronita's struggle is at times sad and funny, but ultimately, inspiring and full of hope. --William H. Richards, M.Ed., teacher, writer and researcher

About the Author

Catherine Bristow was born in Rochester, New York, but has lived in Philadelphia for most of her life. As a student at University of Pennsylvania, she became interested in writing fiction and has published short stories and several critical essays on Jane Austen. This is her first book-length project. Ms. Bristow became interested in Asperger Syndrome after several close friends and members of her family were diagnosed. Ms. Bristow has Tourettes Syndrome, which was successfully diagnosed and treated ten years ago.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Paperback: 143 pages
• Publisher: Autism Asperger Publishing Company (April 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1934575194
• ISBN-13: 978-1934575192
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.2 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,811,815 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Finally...One for the Girls on the Spectrum! Great novel for teens!, May 18, 2008

By 

Joanna Keating-Velasco "Joanna" (Orange County, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: My Strange and Terrible Malady (Paperback)

I just received this book and couldn't put it down. What a wonderful teen novel! The main character is Ronita Baker, a teen who just received her diagnosis of Asperger Syndrome. Hannah, the new girl in class meets her and slowly becomes a wonderful mentor and friend. A life coach also helps Ronita navigate through the tricky social world...one comment she makes is "you have to know the rules before you make the rules."

This book is a wonderful and entertaining tool for educating peers about Asperger Syndrome and opening their hearts and minds to those who might hear a different drummer. Also, it's a great book for those on the autism spectrum to have a character with whom they can identify.

Author, Catherine Bristow, helps us understand a unique perspective of the teen with Asperger Syndrome and shows us how one can grow by adapting to their environment and also having their environment adapt to them.

I highly recommend this to teachers of middle school and high school as well as for families of individuals with Asperger Syndrome. It's a fun story, with a good message and a variety of characters. Kudos to Catherine!

Joanna Keating-Velasco, AuthorA Is for Autism F Is for Friend: A Kid's Book for Making Friends with a Child Who Has Autism

5.0 out of 5 stars An amazing book, that you should read, July 10, 2010

By 

Catherine Contillo (NJ USA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: My Strange and Terrible Malady (Paperback)

I started reading this book about two weeks ago and I am so close to the end. The book is funny at parts which is great to read and giggle, but so true how she feels and how she thinks. I have Aspergers, and I didn't go through those exact situations but I relate to the main character, the story and the situations she's in. I think it's a great book that I would recommend to teens and young adults with Aspergers, parents, or whoever else is interested in Aspergers or even wanting to just read a great book. Definitely is in my top 5 favorite books.