Review of What I Wish We Knew

[Victoria Ukamaka]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "What I Wish We Knew" by Zarqnon the Embarrassed.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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What I Wish We Knew: The Memos of an Undiagnosed Autistic with a Side of Post-Traumatic Stress by Zarqnon the Embarrassed bridges the gap between neurotypical individuals and those on the autism spectrum. By offering this personal account, the author hopes to encourage readers to approach those on the spectrum with greater empathy and consideration. One of the things he experienced was zoning out; meanwhile, the case is not that he doesn't hear anything; it is that he hears everything at the same time. This author shared how, as an autistic person, he handles stress, interacts with his surroundings, coping mechanics he developed that helped him, such as "shutting down and crashing the system," etc. The author also explains that different people on the spectrum have different traits that are unique to them, but that does not mean that they are not autistic.

I love that this book has helped me understand the internal processes and perceptions of those on the spectrum. Because of what people assumed of them, some autistic individuals grew up thinking that they were broken. But that is not it at all. Another thing I loved about this book is that it made me reflect on the nature of human communication. The author challenges our assumption that language operates uniformly across all individuals, revealing instead a complex array of personal interpretations and contextual meanings for words across different languages and cultures.

The author's intent with this book is to offer readers a glimpse into his personal journey, complete with its triumphs and tribulations. By sharing his experiences, particularly the challenging moments he describes as "train wrecks," he aims to illuminate the unique ways in which individuals on the autism spectrum perceive and engage with their surroundings. This increased awareness reveals previously overlooked aspects of an individual's cognitive and emotional patterns, shedding light on the underlying factors that shape their interactions with the world.

I encourage anyone who interacts with autistic individuals to read this book. Reading it can lead to more meaningful and mutually beneficial interactions as people learn to recognize and appreciate the unique perspectives and experiences of those on the spectrum. This book serves as both a personal memoir and a tool for fostering inclusivity and understanding in our diverse society. The book was exceptionally well edited, and I rate it 5 out of 5 stars because there was nothing about it that I disliked.

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What I Wish We Knew
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[Olalekan Rahmon]

This book, "What I Wish We Knew: The Memos of an Undiagnosed Autistic with a Side of Post-Traumatic Stress" by Zarqnon the Embarrassed, offers a fascinating and insightful perspective on the experiences of individuals on the autism spectrum. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, the author highlights the unique challenges and coping mechanisms of living with autism and post-traumatic stress. The book aims to bridge the gap between neurotypical individuals and those with autism, promoting empathy and understanding. I highly recommend this book for anyone seeking to gain a deeper understanding of autism and enhance their interactions with autistic individuals. I rate it 5 out of 5 stars. Masterful world-building, brought the setting to life.

[Boring Pigeon]

As a Wyomingite, I gotta say, "Alooma!" This book sounds like a real eye-opener. It's like stepping into the shoes of someone on the autism spectrum and seeing the world through their unique lens. The author's personal experiences and coping mechanisms really hit home, making it easier to understand and empathize with individuals on the spectrum. Plus, the book challenges our assumptions about communication and language, showing that it's not a one-size-fits-all situation. I reckon this insightful read deserves a solid 5 out of 5 stars! Dynamic characters, felt alive and vibrant.

[Mary Barnes+]

This review beautifully captures the essence of What I Wish We Knew. It's refreshing to see a reader so deeply connect with the author's experiences and insights. The reviewer's ability to articulate the book's impact on understanding autism and human communication is commendable.

I wholeheartedly agree that this book is a must-read for anyone interacting with autistic individuals. It's clear the author's honesty and vulnerability have created a powerful tool for fostering empathy and inclusivity.

[Dubem Jecinta]

This book has truly opened my eyes to the challenges that autistic individuals face, particularly in how they perceive and process their surroundings. The author’s descriptions of “zoning out” and “hearing everything at the same time” provided a powerful illustration of the sensory overload that can occur, helping me better understand what it’s like to live with autism.

[Okobi Louis Awele]

What I Wish We Knew offers a deeply personal and insightful perspective on the experiences of individuals on the autism spectrum. Zarqnon the Embarrassed brings readers into his world, revealing the complexities of living with autism and PTSD in a way that is both enlightening and thought-provoking.

[Hay-bee Tosan]

I was moved by the author’s candid reflections on growing up autistic and the misconceptions that often lead to feelings of being “broken.” Zarqnon’s account challenges these harmful stereotypes and encourages readers to view autism through a more empathetic and understanding lens