Anything But Typical

Reading a book about personal challenges gives a good perspective about what we face when we are in a human relations type of position.  Anything But Typical by Nora Raleigh Baskin is the story of a young boy with autism who finds he is on the precipice of learning a lesson that may help him move forward in his journey by finding a real friend.  Jason Blake is a twelve year old boy growing up in the suburbs of Connecticut and inundated by insults and being made fun of by his peers in school, on the playground, and in all social outings.  Jason’s journey begins when he reflects on growing up the older of two boys. He shares how he begun understanding the differences of having autism and how he started to be shunned by all his classmates.  As a reader, you really get an insight to the way an autistic child is treated and experiences life.   Jason’s struggles are suddenly changing as he finds an on-line writing group that he is introduced to through his middle school.   Jason’s parallel story (of misfit characters he creates) is posted on-line and receives rave reviews from Rebecca, whom he later learns will also be attending a writing conference that he has been invited to in Texas.  The challenges Jason experiences debating in his own mind to meet Rebecca or not, coupled with his overly conscious-minded movements have him doubting and living in his own mind.  One learns a great deal about the challenges that society places on someone “different” and not following the rules of life, or at least those that we expect of others.  Jason’s story is one of fight and determination, attempting to find his way and when you think he gives up, think again.  This is a feel good story, though it doesn’t always seem that way.  Not having had to deal with autism directly in my life, I had a stronger perspective on how hard it is to be in a world where others “just don’t understand.”  This is a great, quick read for younger children trying to learn about how to support the “other.”  A good lesson for all who read it.