It is the anniversary of the publication of my greatest achievement, my novel, In Two Worlds. Why do I say my greatest achievement? After all, my first book, Ido in Autismland, is better known. The answer covers many things.
I know many typers with autism who have written books. They are all nonfiction memoirs or essays, as is Ido in Autismland. To my knowledge, In Two Worlds is the first, and only, novel of fiction, narrative and dialogue ever written by a nonspeaking autistic person about the autistic experience.
It is for this reason that I brag a bit. I understand autism. I understand my inner world and I understand the inner experience of In Two Worlds’ wonderful hero, Anthony. You, the reader, experience autism through his eyes. You experience the visual sensory kaleidoscope that overwhelms him time and again. You experience his anguish at being motor trapped in his body unable to show anyone he understands.
That is, anyone except you, the reader, because you hear his thoughts. Only Anthony and the reader are privy to his mind. Everyone else in his life misses his interior because his exterior is so compromised.
In Two Worlds, a BookLife Prize quarterfinalist in fiction, has been compared by readers to important past works of fiction that shed light on other mistreated or misunderstood peoples, and whose plight once depicted in these novels inspired societal change for the better.
And who is more misunderstood by others than a person who can’t speak or communicate thoughts? Who is more misunderstood than a person who cannot show he is intelligent and is physically controlled by motor compulsions that appear nonsensical?
The first part of the novel is devoted to Anthony’s life before he can communicate. He is frustrated, lonely, and underestimated by everybody, family and professionals, and bored of baby talk and baby lessons. He lives his life waiting, hoping, stimming, and finally he gives up because year after year nothing changes for him. Until one day he finally meets his liberator, Marina, who teaches him at 16 how to type to communicate and from this his entire life changes.
The world of autism, as anyone familiar with my blog knows, is filled with powerful opinionated educators, specialists and dolts. They do not take challenges to their theories lightly. Anthony is liberated by being able to communicate, but many new struggles are just beginning for him as he now must fight for his right to an education and to be recognized as a sentient being. It is not an easy journey.
I invite you to read In Two Worlds if you haven’t already. I invite you to review In Two Worlds and would be grateful if you did. It is a book for everyone. Not just for those of us inundated by Autismland. I did not write the book for us. I wrote it for the world to understand us. I wrote it for book clubs, libraries, and teenagers, to give to friends, to open eyes, to open minds, and to open hearts.
I remember reading this last summer at the beach and I felt proud of this novel format that you had undertaken. I was delighted with the dialogue, the crisp insights that emerged, and the sarcastic edge at times that helped to illuminate the situations within autism that have been wrongly judged, labeled, or dismissed. So well done…. I loved how old-fashioneded common sense, as in several of the grandmother’s comments won the day! Congratulations, Ido. I was just speaking to a social worker and recommended both of these books! Cheryl
Thank you! I have shared this post on http://www.nicolecorradoart.wordpress.com
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I am a mother to a ten year unreliable non verbal kid who is learning rapid prompting with Sabrina at We Rock in Whittier. I just finished reading your book “In two worlds” OMG – amazing book. I laughed so much with your comments re: ABA. So let me make you laugh. I had an ABA coordinator who asked me “Who is Temple Grandin” ? I dropped ABA and went plan B. I am on linkedin and am asking you permission if i can post about your book. My kid is at Westmoreland NPS in Pasadena. I recommend your first book to all who work with my son. Have you ever considered a screen play? – Your wit is hilarious and brilliant . your work, Tracy & Soma have opened so many doors for mothers to help their kids. From my heart – thank you .
I’d love a screenplay.
You are welcome to post about my book. Thank you!
Would you consider writing a review on Amazon and?or Goodreads? Thanks
Absolutely, but wanted to get your okay. I think there are many ASD characters in literature from Sherlock Holmes to every Marvel Super Hero. Heightened visual, sensory, and great attention to detail attributes. Time for Television to start creating shows written by people who understand these wonderful abilities. Keep on writing Ido. I was scheduled to go to last weeks Cal lutheran event but had a bathroom flood. Never ending fun, I was bummed. i so wanted to say hi! I will review everywhere; it will be my pleasure.
Absolutely, but wanted to get your okay. RE: Screenplay. I think there are many ASD characters in literature from Sherlock Holmes to every Marvel Super Hero. Heightened visual, sensory, and great attention to detail attributes. Time for Television to start creating shows written by people who understand these wonderful abilities. Keep on writing Ido. I was scheduled to go to last weeks Cal lutheran event but had a bathroom flood. Never ending fun, I was bummed. i so wanted to say hi!. I will review everywhere; it will be my pleasure.