Five ‘must read’ autism spectrum books and five ‘must read’ Aspie/Geek Chic books for the summer
Despite running the risk of turning this subject into an adaptation of the Boney M song, this focuses on essential reading material for the summer holidays. If you’ve not already booked your holidays, this little article is for you.
One major difference is no that BAA/Peel Holdings-tastic trashy airport book is covered. All books within this subject concern autism spectrum disorders and some Geek chic titles which I most enjoy. I do apologise for the non-inclusion of any Terry Pratchett Discworld novels or trivia guides on ‘Star Trek’ and its forerunners.
Five ‘must read’ autism spectrum books
1. Best Book for the Railway Station Waiting Room/Shelter
‘All Cats Have Asperger Syndrome’, Kathy Hoopman
I have mentioned this book elsewhere in a previous post for the best Christmas books. This is an uplifting book stating in simple terms what Asperger’s syndrome is like to anyone 7 – 14 years of age. For anyone else, it is also a good coffee table read, due to the amount of cat pictures. Dog lovers on the autism spectrum or caring for such persons may appreciate ‘All Dogs Have ADD’, also by the same author.
2. Best Book for lazing on the beach with
‘Urville’, Gilles Trehin and Uta Frith
This is one book you could lose yourself in literally. Gilles Trehin’s drawings of his imaginary metropolis are nothing short of unbelievable. Just make sure you don’t have to keep any eyes on any children – and leave the sun lounger when the tide is about to come in.
3. For long train journeys (UK only)
‘Freaks, Geeks and Asperger Syndrome: A User Guide to Adolescence’, Luke Jackson
Given that most UK train journeys tend to have more stops than their mainland European counterparts, a book which is less likely to throw you off course is worth reading. In this case, Luke Jackson’s take on adolescence is funny and easy to read on a long Inter-City service from, for example Birmingham New Street to Penzance.
4. For long haul flights/coach trips
‘Nobody Nowhere’, Donna Williams
Though I am in no capacity to recount any experience of long haul flights, I would say Donna Williams’ first book is most suitable enough to make the long flight (so to speak) fly past. It is a gripping title which refuses to let go. I can testify on this statement, as when I first read the book, I almost ran the risk of losing sleep. I would say every one of Donna’s four autobiographical works are worth reading, though I recommend starting with her first one so as to enjoy her next three books properly.
5. For bedside reading
‘Loving Mr Spock’, Barbara Jacobs
For bedside reading, Barbara Jacobs’ book on living with a husband with Asperger Syndrome is both funny and harrowing. It states in detail the difficulties of combining a job as a talk show host in the West Midlands and looking after her spouse.
Five ‘must read’ Aspie/Geek Chic books
Put on your 1337 t-shirt and head for the sun. It does exist in real life, not just in Second Life or in the local newsagent.
1. Best Book for the Railway Station Waiting Room/Shelter
‘The Rough Guide to Television’
The Rough Guides are pocket sized and pithy enough to pass the time with, in the same way the Observers’ Guides are with birds and other topics. Besides, mentioning the Platform 5 range of spotters guides would be too obvious.
2. Best Book for lazing on the beach with
‘CSS Zen Garden’, Dave Shea
Do we laze about on the beach, or look for a bar with the best free Wi-Fi access? In our case, it is usually a case of ‘all our sun loungers belong to us’. However, to allow for any exception, any decent computer magazine or XHTML/CSS coding book is a good read. In my honest opinion, Dave Shea’s classic work on CSS created websites is a must for the summer sun.
3. For long train journeys (UK only)
‘Don’t Make Me Think’, Steve Krug
This book is just the thing for reading about web accessibility and improving your website. Steve Krug’s book is a ‘must read’ for anybody wishing to make their website ideal for humans and search engines alike. The text is just as easy to follow for beginner/intermediate level. Best enjoyed on the Manchester Piccadilly – London Euston route.
4. For long haul flights/coach trips
‘Metro Maps of the World’, David Ovenden
This book may not only be ideal for reading on the long haul flight, but also useful if you are visiting any location detailed within. David Ovenden’s hardback book includes a brief history of each light rail/heavy rail system from London to Lisbon. Entries include the Melbourne tram network, Manchester’s Metrolink, and up and coming systems.
5. For bedside reading
‘Greater Manchester Buses’, Stewart J. Brown
Behind the excellent ‘Nobody Nowhere’ and ‘Everyday Heaven’ by the one and only Donna Williams, Stewart J. Brown’s treatise on Greater Manchester’s buses from SELNEC up to the split of GM Buses is my all time favourite. Packed with pictures of orange and white Greater Manchester Transport Leyland Atlanteans and several others, this is the most comprehensive history of its ilk. There is reference to Clippercards, SaverSevens and the 400 Trans-Lancs Express as well as the buses themselves. Unmissable!
S.V., 21 August 2009
