tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5751271189667675662.post4037093872827300183..comments2024-03-28T09:19:51.567-04:00Comments on Look Me In The Eye: More changes to the Look Me in the Eye paperbackJohn Robisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07407165016025447113noreply@blogger.comBlogger54125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5751271189667675662.post-34267803458873203832008-08-25T00:26:00.000-04:002008-08-25T00:26:00.000-04:00I am listening to the book on tape, and vs. readin...I am listening to the book on tape, and vs. reading it... really enjoying it, but the f-word sure does stand out when it is read out loud! I'm hesitant to let my 16 year old (very conservative and naive) aspergian daughter listen to some of the chapters. I am thankful you are editing for language in the next paperback edition, so that more young aspergians may benefit from your stories.Kerri Goldsmithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12388640448266457367noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5751271189667675662.post-64801880402930925702008-08-21T00:03:00.000-04:002008-08-21T00:03:00.000-04:00This comment has been removed by the author.Melissahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16703783712063396047noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5751271189667675662.post-10438104965824545232008-08-21T00:02:00.002-04:002008-08-21T00:02:00.002-04:00This comment has been removed by the author.Melissahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16703783712063396047noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5751271189667675662.post-86421239000486997642008-08-21T00:02:00.001-04:002008-08-21T00:02:00.001-04:00This comment has been removed by the author.Melissahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16703783712063396047noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5751271189667675662.post-19642761738457659212008-08-21T00:02:00.000-04:002008-08-21T00:02:00.000-04:00Gah!That would be "Many THANKS"MellyGah!<BR/><BR/>That would be "Many THANKS"<BR/><BR/>MellyMelissahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16703783712063396047noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5751271189667675662.post-41771258482949007032008-08-20T23:59:00.000-04:002008-08-20T23:59:00.000-04:00Thank you for this book, John. I couldn't wait to ...Thank you for this book, John. I couldn't wait to read it, since Augusten is one of my favorite authors and I am a mother of a ten year-old son with Asperger's. He's one of triplet boys and he is even outcast by his brothers much of the time. He's a wonderful, brilliant boy and I can't wait for him to read your book to see that it is possible to "fit in" even with his difficulties.<BR/><BR/>As a potty-mouth myself (my family has elevated sarcasm and profanity to high arts at family gatherings while playing cards and joking around), my kids have heard the best and most creative use of "blue language" around. Even so, my boys still gasp at the use of "bloody hell" in Harry Potter books and movies. Sweet kids, still. So, now that I know there is an alternative that I can pass on to my son (and suggest to his teachers - I'll hand my hardcover on to our therapist - she'll appreciate it un-scrubbed), I will get the paperback as soon as possible. I've already read him most of the first two chapters and he giggled at recognizing himself in your descriptions. <BR/><BR/>Normally, the creative in me would say that you should never change your creation to please anyone, however, it is YOUR creation and you should change it anyway that makes you feel comfortable. That you thought about the young audience that will benefit from your story says so much about your character and that being Aspergian IS better than "normal".<BR/><BR/>Many thank,<BR/>MellyMelissahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16703783712063396047noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5751271189667675662.post-79560882534704562842008-08-20T02:00:00.000-04:002008-08-20T02:00:00.000-04:00Does this mean my profanity-containing hardcover w...Does this mean my profanity-containing hardcover will be worth more money? Kidding. I don't recall being offended by the swearing, but as I am another sailor-mouth, I wouldn't be. But, I suppose if my children wanted to read the book, before they were teens, I'd probably get them the paperback, or read it aloud, censoring as I go. Then again, they've heard worse from me on any drive in traffic...Laurahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15397166252681075107noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5751271189667675662.post-42913065778474250542008-08-18T20:49:00.000-04:002008-08-18T20:49:00.000-04:00I read your hardcover book and enjoyed it. The sw...I read your hardcover book and enjoyed it. The swear words don't bother me but I knew I couldn't have my 91 year old Methodist mother read it! I was glad to hear that you made some revisions to the paperback book. I will be buying it for her.<BR/><BR/>Dr. Stan - the man you encountered in the hall at APA, resulting in purchasing your book.Dr. Stanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02399300016294688639noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5751271189667675662.post-22680523156780721812008-08-11T18:01:00.000-04:002008-08-11T18:01:00.000-04:00Glad you made the decision you did and stuck to wh...Glad you made the decision you did and stuck to what you feel is right. Me personally, I would still give this my hardcover version to my son to read, the details and language would keep his attention - lol. but, It will be read by more people because of your changes to the paperback. Thank you....now maybe more people will understand and accept those with Asperger's and those affected by it will understand they are not alone - and their feeling and fears are understood!Lorahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10040339365525679598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5751271189667675662.post-66121731682923260122008-08-11T09:28:00.000-04:002008-08-11T09:28:00.000-04:00As an artist, mother, and a person who grew up in ...As an artist, mother, and a person who grew up in a very tough neighborhood and worked it the criminal justice system for a decade, I feel profanity is overused and has become trite for those who lack the ability to commuicate deep level emotions in a more effective way.<BR/> <BR/> Just because someone does not use profanity doesn't mean it becomes a Jane Austen book. Its good to give an example to children that communication does not need the "F" word or other profanity. Its not a requirement to make a book interesting or a movie, to have profanity, to be interesting.<BR/> <BR/>As a former college prof, art students who were not quite skilled often resort to shock tactics ,which 90% of the time, made their work weak and trite. Believe me, I have heard and seen it all and I am shock proof.<BR/> <BR/> When we are feeling emotion, we really do not feel the "F' word.. Profanity is only one verbal outcry not what we feel. There are many other choices of words which are equal if not more appropo, to express a feeling, or thought. It takes a good artist whether by pen or paint brush to have such a mastery of their craft.<BR/> <BR/><BR/>Profanity,itself, is NOT an emotion. I feel there are better and more interesting ways to describe our feelings , even bikers.. There is too much profanity in the movies as it is. It cheap and easy..that is why its used. <BR/> <BR/>Children need a comfort zone to use their minds not knee jerk reactions involving profanity, which is violence. Profanity is way over used where one can use their intellect to describe any emotion. <BR/>Being a painter we don't use profanity as a matter of course to communicate emotion.<BR/> <BR/>As an artist, I feel profanity is a simple way out of someone who lacks more creative abilities to reach communication of emotion.<BR/> <BR/>And I am NOT a Polly Anna myself.. I worked in the criminal justice system for years and it two years to get profanity out of my vocabulary...and I was a better and more intelligent and talented person for getting rid of profanity out of my vocabulary. <BR/><BR/>Tough and bravery does not mean violent or violence in words like profanity. Brave does not mean potty mouth, more often it means lack of intelligence and bikers are not stupid .<BR/><BR/>By the same token there is a balance...reality versus promoting an ideology of language. Children love Harry Potter as well as Lemony Snickett.. I love it.... how much profanity are in those films and it had violence and villians. <BR/><BR/> Just some thoughts.Yvonnehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17857728693926583483noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5751271189667675662.post-13940612349074397222008-08-11T01:38:00.000-04:002008-08-11T01:38:00.000-04:00Well I wasn't shocked by the use of strong languag...Well I wasn't shocked by the use of strong language (or which you get far more on TV or any action movie these days), in particular because it fitted perfectly the context. But I am a parentless adult (and French - we do like our swearing) so, of course, my perspective isn't all that typical.<BR/><BR/>Don't soften it all too much. You can't have bikers and whatnot speak like they are coming straight out of a Jane Austen book.spacedlawhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12462723005560128474noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5751271189667675662.post-56979475134815894832008-08-10T23:53:00.000-04:002008-08-10T23:53:00.000-04:00I think you did the right thing, either way.The ve...I think you did the right thing, either way.<BR/><BR/>The version with all its profane glory added a layer/dimension to your personality. We were given a more dynamic and organic character to form with in our (your readers') minds. <BR/><BR/>In other words, you were colourful.<BR/><BR/>On the other end of the spectrum, you did the right thing as you recognised that your book was being picked up by young teens/children, and with or without the profanities, they probably would not pick up on the subtleties; that is, I don't think it made a difference as to what dimension it may have added to your personality.<BR/><BR/>Besides, I guess, children should not be swearing, and I can see where you are coming from by making a decision to omit them.<BR/><BR/>Not to sound patronising, but you did the right thing, the first time and the second time, so don't worry too much!<BR/><BR/>P/S: I am 22 and I swear a lot; started a long time ago, but it shouldn't define who I am. <BR/><BR/>Thank you John.<BR/><BR/>Best wishes,<BR/>JoleneUnitedhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06256603575351266513noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5751271189667675662.post-77982936524812478112008-08-07T09:54:00.000-04:002008-08-07T09:54:00.000-04:00John, I totally agree with your decision. Yvonne,...John, I totally agree with your decision. Yvonne, Editor, Asperger Women Association Magazine<BR/><BR/><BR/>http://www.aspergerwomenassociation.comYvonnehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17857728693926583483noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5751271189667675662.post-54727858825189697362008-08-04T09:21:00.000-04:002008-08-04T09:21:00.000-04:00Son of a bitch, I love it when you swear!There. Th...Son of a bitch, I love it when you swear!<BR/><BR/>There. That's my .0000001%.<BR/><BR/>I strongly suggest the lurking, too. Perhaps an interview questionnaire prior to the selling of the book? An application to send in?Nope.https://www.blogger.com/profile/00365379438811971453noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5751271189667675662.post-75096382541011232932008-08-02T23:02:00.000-04:002008-08-02T23:02:00.000-04:00030808. Dear John, my daughter gave me a copy of y...030808. Dear John, my daughter gave me a copy of your book two days ago. My 18-year-old g/daughter is an asperger. I write to say a big 'thank you' for the insight's you have given me in trying to understand and relate to her, and the literary skill, honesty and humour with which you have done it.David Houghhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15935676227825975340noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5751271189667675662.post-7845805600636111302008-08-02T06:15:00.000-04:002008-08-02T06:15:00.000-04:00When I was a kid, I thought damn and hell were as ...When I was a kid, I thought damn and hell were as bad as it got. I remember thinking my father was a right old swearer for sparingly using those words. Things are different in my family. My kids know plenty worse, and they are inclined to use these words now that they're teenagers. I've never washed their mouths out with soap, but my feeling is that it's better to keep the F word for a real emergency. What will kids say when they drop a hammer on their toes? <BR/><BR/>Now I'm pissed off that I didn't buy your revised book for my kids. <BR/><BR/>And I loved your response to Anti-wife's most recent post.Mary Witzlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06458299046574564155noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5751271189667675662.post-23210517355919705392008-08-01T00:06:00.000-04:002008-08-01T00:06:00.000-04:00I think you are a Sweetie. Another fine example th...I think you are a Sweetie. Another fine example that Aspergians do indeed have empathy.<BR/><BR/>BTW....it's been a while since I read it, but I don't even recall the swearing in LMITE.Michelle O'Neilhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03221354521123541601noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5751271189667675662.post-81894615552450982112008-07-31T10:53:00.000-04:002008-07-31T10:53:00.000-04:00John, I just finished your book, and I, personally...John, I just finished your book, and I, personally, wouldn't change a thing, however, I love that you put that amount of thought and consideration into your decision, and support you 100% for having made it! I wish all authors took their responsibilities so seriously!Carrie Wilson Linkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01586157395539583862noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5751271189667675662.post-81435644243662527772008-07-30T23:26:00.000-04:002008-07-30T23:26:00.000-04:00John,I love this idea. As a mental health therapi...John,<BR/>I love this idea. As a mental health therapist and supervisor, I have shared your book with my staff and others. What I appreciate most about your story (I think) is that you begin sharing your feelings at such a young age--I LOVE the story about petting the girl in kindergarten with the truck. I can't TELL you how many people I've told that to!! It's such a sweet, painful glimpse of your life. (it just makes me want to PET you!!)<BR/><BR/>So the fact that you were willing to change your original manuscript to make it available to reach a younger and younger audience really touches me. Not everyone would be willing to do that. If you weren't willing to do that, I couldn't say it was the wrong decision, but the fact that you ARE willing...........well........ it just says a lot. (Gee, I'm really a WHIZ with words, aren't I?) <BR/><BR/>Thanks for making a difference, not just in the lives of Aspergians (love that term), but in the lives/experiences of those that attempt to treat them.<BR/><BR/>Linda in Okawville, IllinoisLinda Moffatthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00301532423800386063noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5751271189667675662.post-48066435264105589442008-07-30T08:42:00.000-04:002008-07-30T08:42:00.000-04:00I am very pleased with this turn of events! I have...I am very pleased with this turn of events! I have been having an especially hard time with my Aspergian pre-teen. I feel like I am going to lose my mind. I feel very ill-equipped. <BR/><BR/>He is a good kid, but it is very difficult. <BR/><BR/>I will be buying a copy of your revised book.Rhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04278853060753601322noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5751271189667675662.post-21529338865320208472008-07-30T02:23:00.000-04:002008-07-30T02:23:00.000-04:00Thanks for visiting my blog..simple pleasures...yo...Thanks for visiting my blog..simple pleasures...you made my day :)<BR/><BR/>As far as the cursing that goes on in your book...it didn't phase me at all. I am a teacher and..let me tell you, many of us curse like sailors.<BR/><BR/>However as far changing your book to make it socially appropriate for young readers...I can see where you are coming from. I would love for my older son to read this book, so that he could gain some perspective and understand his younger brother a bit more.<BR/><BR/>Hope to see you in Sept. in LA !scrappygalhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13222905925714884072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5751271189667675662.post-11516529574283428322008-07-29T22:35:00.000-04:002008-07-29T22:35:00.000-04:00John,The profanity did not bother me, but I am gla...John,<BR/>The profanity did not bother me, but I am glad to have a version that I feel more comfortable allowing my son to read. I know he will not read anything he hasn't heard before, but I believe you will become somewhat of a hero to him. He will identify with so many of your thoughts and feelings, and leaving the profanity out will help him focus on the story. Being an adolescent, he is intrigued by "Cuss words"!haha<BR/>Thank you for sharing your life with others...kbasingerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14627261612175586051noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5751271189667675662.post-71802089268515629652008-07-29T12:43:00.000-04:002008-07-29T12:43:00.000-04:00John, I just completed your book. I absolutely lov...John, I just completed your book. I absolutely loved it. I have had a picture of you in my mind (like a Montagoonian!) from your brother's books for a long time now. It was neat to really gain an understanding of who you are. Your experiences are amazing! Without the profanity, I am able to pass your book onto my son. I think your will to succeed is an awesome message for any teen boy. My favorite trait you share throughout the book is how you name things. So funny!!! Thanks for the great clean read!Cheryl in Tampahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10233547671580846130noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5751271189667675662.post-77255993726288063882008-07-29T09:45:00.000-04:002008-07-29T09:45:00.000-04:00sounds like you made the right decision for you an...sounds like you made the right decision for you and your audience. Wouldn't work for me, however----I'm a pottymouth who writes X-rated filth, and if I take the swear words out of my writing, I won't have anything left to publish. :)<BR/><BR/>I'm glad I have the hardcover first edition to preserve your swears for my own pottymouth mind.Jill Elaine Hugheshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03229618587869637644noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5751271189667675662.post-19742449443484769032008-07-29T00:19:00.000-04:002008-07-29T00:19:00.000-04:00I love that you give the option. I loved your orig...I love that you give the option. I loved your original, but yeah, would feel uncomfortable with youngsters reading it!Dalyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10942808197697531039noreply@blogger.com