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Atypical: Life with Asperger's in 20 1/3 Chapters Paperback – April 6, 2010

by Jesse A. Saperstein (Author)
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 126 ratings
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The poignant, funny, and truly unique observations of a young writer diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome.

"Please be forewarned that you are about to read the observations and life lessons of someone who entertains himself by farting in public and conversing in gibberish with his cats."

Thus begins the charming, insightful, and memorable story of Jesse Saperstein. Diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome, a mild form of autism, Jesse has struggled since childhood with many of the hallmark challenges of his condition-from social awkwardness and self-doubt to extreme difficulty with change and managing his emotions.

He has also worked hard to understand and make the most of his AS- developing his keen curiosity and sense of humor, closely observing the world around him, and most of all, helping others with AS to better cope and even thrive. Told with endearing and unflinching honesty, Jesse brings his unique perspective to the circumstances of his life and his condition.
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Previous page
  1. Print length
    240 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Penguin Publishing Group
  4. Publication date
    April 6, 2010
  5. Dimensions
    5.5 x 0.6 x 8.25 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    0399535721
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0399535727
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"Brilliant, creative writing. His next book should be a novel."
-Temple Grandin, Ph.D., author of Thinking in Pictures

"With a voice as keen and honest as any I've ever had the pleasure of reading, Jesse Saperstein cracks open the underbelly of life with Asperger's, mesmerizing readers with a tale that is as fabulously incorrigible as it is strikingly compelling. Jesse Saperstein is the son I always wanted!"
-Liane Holliday Willey, author of Pretending to be Normal: Living with Asperger's Syndrome

"This funny, poignant, and honest book provides further evidence that Asperger's Syndrome is no cookie-cutter diagnosis. Atypical also informs us that Jesse Saperstein is a wonderful addition to the world of Asperger literature."
-Michael John Carley, executive director of The Global and Regional Asperger Syndrome Partnership (GRASP) and author of Asperger's From the Inside Out

"Honest, funny, bristling with ideas and intelligence, Jesse A. Saperstein's Atypical marks the debut of a bright young voice from the Asperger's community."
-Tim Page, author of Parallel Play and professor at the University of Southern California

"Amusing, surprising, and informative. Just when I thought I had learned all I can from personal accounts, I had the chance to read this one!"
-Jerry Newport, author of Mozart and the Whale, with Mary Newport and Johnny Dodd

"Jesse Saperstein's wise and compelling memoir lets us know how frustrating and strange life can be for a bright, resourceful young man with Asperger's navigating the typical world. Funny, irreverent, and ultimately forgiving of all the damage we 'well-adjusted' typicals wreak on those who are a little different from us."
-Sigourney Weaver, actress

"By describing his experience with honesty, passion and deep clarity, Saperstein allows a so-called 'neurotypical' like myself to completely identify with his atypicality. A very powerful read."
-Bruce Altman, actor

"Jesse Saperstein is witty, insightful, and smart. He is also caring, social, emotional, empathetic, and able to learn from his mistakes and other people's rudeness-all traits we are often told that people with Asperger's don't have. I highly recommend this book to parents, educators, community members-frankly, to everyone. Jesse, I want to know what happens next; I hope you are working on a sequel!"
-Chantal Sicile-Kira, author of Autism Spectrum Disorders and Autism Life Skills

About the Author

An autism advocate and popular motivational speaker, Jesse A. Saperstein is considered one of the most respected leaders in the anti-bullying movement of his generation.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Penguin Publishing Group; 1st edition (April 6, 2010)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 240 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0399535721
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0399535727
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 0.6 x 8.25 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 126 ratings

About the author

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Jesse A. Saperstein

Jesse A. Saperstein

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Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
4.4 out of 5
126 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Lori Goodman
5.0 out of 5 stars What a great read!
Reviewed in the United States on March 22, 2011
Verified Purchase
This book caught my attention originally because of the title. After reading the first few pages, I found myself laughing hysterically, something I rarely do when reading anything, especially stuff that's supposed to be funny.

Jesse's story is honest, sometimes brutally (how refreshing!) and his talent as a writer shines through. I didn't want this book to end and am now following his blog - which is equally as funny and great.

This is not a "typical" self-help book for parents with kids on the spectrum (per se anyway), so don't expect to read a "how to cope" book by an "expert". It's more of an honest disclosure of what it's really like to live in a world that's not designed for people who are different. It's told by a most interesting and inspirational guy who happens to be "Atypical" in the best possible way.

I won't tell you what my favorite parts are because that would spoil a few surprises, let's just say I thoroughly enjoyed every word of it and am waiting anxiously for his next book!
9 people found this helpful
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Kindle Reader
5.0 out of 5 stars I could not put it down, went cover to cover in one night
Reviewed in the United States on December 11, 2010
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I LOVED this book. I tend to read a lot of books about AS as my son is AS (as well as ADHD, CAPD and Tourettes). He is much as Jesse describes himself, mild AS and more quirky than disabled. I hope he grows up to be like Jesse--funny, self-aware, compassionate, and dedicated to goals.

Jesse's writing is laugh-out-loud funny (I had to keep biting the pillow, I was reading in bed with hubby asleep next to me). It also can bring a tear. It's painfully honest, poignant and moving. I recommend this book to anyone, whether they have a loved one on the spectrum or not. It will help open your eyes to AS and what it means to live with it. Five stars, Jesse, and I can't wait for your next book!
7 people found this helpful
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars An Informative, Engaging, and Enjoyable Read
Reviewed in the United States on April 13, 2010
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From the moment I began to read Atypical: Life with Asperger's in 20 1/3 Chapters, I was pulled in by the imagery of Jesse A. Saperstein. His descriptions of his thoughts as well as his actions seen through the Asperger's "atypical lense" brought me much insight into the life of a very colorful, vibrant, and talented young man. I have a relative with a very serious form of Asperger's, and now I can understand some of the things that happened when we were younger. I'm going to share this book with as many people as possible. One of the best biographies I have read in my life, and certainly the most memorable.
12 people found this helpful
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Frank Villasenor
4.0 out of 5 stars Very honest, I liked it and recommend it
Reviewed in the United States on July 20, 2010
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I've been grabbing and reading books on AS. I enjoy books on or related abnormal psych and AS obviously qualifies. A family member also has it which drives a particular interest... Jesse's writings is so honest and almost "pure". This is a good book, different from other AS memoirs I've read. If you enjoy memoirs or books on psych or such, get this. The book also touches on Jesse's work in the AIDs community which I found added charm to the life story.
4 people found this helpful
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Diana Carroll
3.0 out of 5 stars disappointing
Reviewed in the United States on August 31, 2010
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I have a loved one with Asperger's, so I've been reading everything I can get my hands on about the subject. I was looking forward to this book based on other reviews here, but I was disappointed. The book loses 1 star for bad editing...Jesse's prose could definitely have used some professional clean-up, at very least copy editing. The book also loses 1 star for not having any sort of narrative arc at all. It jumps around between times, between subjects, between moods. Perhaps both these flaws are supposed to capture part of the Aspie experience, but I felt they detracted from the book.

On the plus side, this was an interesting counterpoint to Parallel Play and Look Me In the Eye, being written by a younger person who actually was diagnosed during his childhood, as opposed to only discovering there was a reason for the differences late in life.

On a purely personal note (and not losing any stars for it), I found this book uncomfortable to read because the "protagonist" is not particularly likable. Given my own situation, I like to read stories of people who have moved through and past some of the difficulties a young Aspie faces, whereas Jesse appears to be held prisoner by the syndrome, compelled to act in ways he now knows and understands to be socially unacceptable (stalking women who "ignore" him, sending long letters to distant acquaintances, etc.) This is NOT a "feel good" book about Asperger's!
14 people found this helpful
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L. Lang
5.0 out of 5 stars What a Wonderful Book!
Reviewed in the United States on May 25, 2010
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I bought this book because I know the Saperstein family. I knew both of Jesse's grandparents as I frequently shopped in the store they owned in Millerton, NY. Reading this book brought back great memories I have of both Irving and Shirley Saperstein. I've also met Jesse's parents, Janis and Lewis. It was great reading about them through Jesse's eyes. I had met Jesse on several occasions as he went to school with my daughter in Arlington. It was wonderful reading about the experiences he's had, and his thoughts and feelings on Asperger's. This book was quite humorous, heartwarming, and just a great book to read!
8 people found this helpful
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kerri
5.0 out of 5 stars Great read!
Reviewed in the United States on June 21, 2022
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I got this book for a college class but I found it to be a great read! Highly recommend it!
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Dialise M. Marquez
5.0 out of 5 stars A literary neverland
Reviewed in the United States on April 29, 2010
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While reading I was taken on an adventure throughout Jesse's life with Asperger's. Although he might describe the people he has come in contact with over the years to be ignorant of his condition I feel I would of enjoyed his outburst. Sometimes saying exactly what's on your mind is what society needs nowadays. All I know is that I would love to recieve a three-page birthday card from him or dressing up in excitement to Trick or Treat at his door. Getting to know Jesse overcame me with his words of wisdom. It is an easy read full of laughs and tears of joy as well as sorrow. I LOVED IT!!!!
9 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

Phi Pham
5.0 out of 5 stars good book
Reviewed in Germany on September 18, 2021
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nice Book to read
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Mrs Sara J Musiker
5.0 out of 5 stars Aspergers book
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 7, 2018
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Very good book
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Shirin Eldris
4.0 out of 5 stars Good book to read whether you want to know more about Asperger's or just read a good book
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 24, 2014
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Witty, funny, insightful. My son also has Asperger's, and it is refreshing to see what an interesting character Jesse is and how he coped with life's social challenges.
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