tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5751271189667675662.post7478422340435576805..comments2024-03-28T09:19:51.567-04:00Comments on Look Me In The Eye: My next book, and Making Records from Phil Ramone, and a TV interviewJohn Robisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07407165016025447113noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5751271189667675662.post-39166381909439133612007-11-19T17:41:00.000-05:002007-11-19T17:41:00.000-05:00Since I met you and bought a car fromyou I have be...Since I met you and bought a car from<BR/>you I have been fascinated from our<BR/>early meeting (not many would trust a<BR/>stranger with a $50,000 car to test <BR/>drive for an entire weekend before a<BR/>purchase)and more so today. You have a great gift of communication that is<BR/>a blessing to many with Aspergers. A<BR/>close friend of mine has quad boys and one of the 8 yr olds has autism.<BR/>I can't wait to give them a copy of<BR/>your book, just in case it will help them with the challenges ahead. I'm still looking for that<BR/>'78 Bentley that slipped through<BR/>my fingers. Look forward to your<BR/>next book. Don't forget all your car friends.Augusta Dawghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17525390650511890099noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5751271189667675662.post-12153748552873162392007-11-19T17:03:00.000-05:002007-11-19T17:03:00.000-05:00I finished reading your book this weekend and I ju...I finished reading your book this weekend and I just wish it had been on the shelves four years ago when our son was diagnosed. His 2nd grade teacher insisted that since he was so gifted that he could not possibly have Aspergers. He was just tricking us all. She also insisted our son be removed from her classroom and have a full psych evaluation when his reaction to a classmate falling was to smile. This is something that our son often does when bad things happen. <BR/>Page 30 explained so much.<BR/><BR/>As for an encore -- advice on how to support an Aspergian child, how to keep them interested in school and tips for being a supportive parent. Our son tells us he just sees the schematics in his mind. I just wish his father and I could see those pictures as vividly as he does and understand him better. Your book has helped us immensely.Kimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09685575380266351789noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5751271189667675662.post-74558817943936360392007-11-19T07:37:00.000-05:002007-11-19T07:37:00.000-05:00I appreciate adult perspectives since there is lim...I appreciate adult perspectives since there is limited resources for this group of Aspergians. I personally would like some insight on strategies as a family member, particularly a wife. As well as what the Adult Aspergian might want to be aware of to help his partners in parenting and business.Jen Phttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06983275002944009749noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5751271189667675662.post-17134931072948634642007-11-10T00:23:00.000-05:002007-11-10T00:23:00.000-05:00i have no idea on how to respond about what i'd li...i have no idea on how to respond about what i'd like your next book to be about.<BR/><BR/>i do know that i'll buy it, b/c you are a sure bet.piglethttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08597736641562363739noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5751271189667675662.post-35926772834983921522007-11-09T11:16:00.000-05:002007-11-09T11:16:00.000-05:00Funny you should write this today because I was th...Funny you should write this today because I was thinking about sending you an email about how the book helped me. I probably will still do that as it is very personal. <BR/><BR/>My 6 year old son has a diagnosis of high functioning autism. He has limited expressive language but *I* know he hears and understands much more than he can express. I am fighting to get others to recognize this. He is delayed in his social interaction with others. By that I mean that at 6, he relates to others like a 3yr old. <BR/><BR/>I would like to hear more about how you learned to have conversations and social interactions. <BR/><BR/>I really enjoyed the book and would love to hear more about the stories you started. Also, more about when you were a child relating to other children. <BR/><BR/>I read fiction, true crime, biography and autobiography. I hope you know I am complimenting you when I tell your that your autobiography reads like fiction. Write like that again.Gina Pintarhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15089007650772242209noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5751271189667675662.post-63309868944180117832007-11-08T20:17:00.000-05:002007-11-08T20:17:00.000-05:00As a parent, I would love for your book to address...As a parent, I would love for your book to address some "do's and don'ts." I often want to protect my child, but the fact that you weren't sheltered seems to have given you so many opportunities to grow. <BR/><BR/>Would love some suggestions on how to teach a child with Asperger's how to advocate for themselves. <BR/><BR/>I also LOVED the scenes in your book that revolved around your family. They were touching and funny and did reveal the way your mind works (did I get the best sister?) which was delightful to take in.Michelle O'Neilhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03221354521123541601noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5751271189667675662.post-69965498869931087852007-11-08T12:53:00.000-05:002007-11-08T12:53:00.000-05:00I recently finished your book and really enjoyed i...I recently finished your book and really enjoyed it. I am a pediatric speech therapist and occasionally work with kids with Asperger's (as well as kids on the autism spectrum). I'd like to know more about how to help these kids & understand them better. What can teachers, parents, therapists, and even peers do to help Aspergians? Thanks for writing the book--I'm looking forward to more!Maureenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03323795109980631906noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5751271189667675662.post-83601723095799652662007-11-08T06:24:00.000-05:002007-11-08T06:24:00.000-05:00I'd like to hear more about the relationship betwe...I'd like to hear more about the relationship between you and your brother. You guys have a really interesting dynamic, judging from the clips, photos, and Look Me in the Eye.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5751271189667675662.post-44632648603708420762007-11-07T23:38:00.000-05:002007-11-07T23:38:00.000-05:00John.Whatever you do, do it honestly. People have ...John.<BR/>Whatever you do, do it honestly. People have inbuilt BS meters and they generally don't like being preached at. If there are parts of "Look Me in The Eye" that you want to expand, then expand them. You write in a manner which in my limited experience of teenagers is accessible to them....so need for a book addressed at them. I guess the best advice is: "Write and see where the story takes you". Let the story of John Elder Robison do the writing....something will present itself.Odin Tantrahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02797371576247726813noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5751271189667675662.post-34638624046348039732007-11-07T22:20:00.000-05:002007-11-07T22:20:00.000-05:00Sex Scenes, I do continue to think about a book fo...Sex Scenes, I do continue to think about a book for teens. I've thought of fictionalizing my story and setting it in today's world, with today's schools, kids, music, etc.<BR/><BR/>That's not going to be my next book, but very possibly a little later . . . <BR/><BR/>And Chumplet, I do have guitar stories in the book. To my surprise, they have gotten a bit of a mixed review from readers. Some people say, they are too much! Other readers say, Give us more!<BR/><BR/>It's almost like I should do a rock'n'roll book all on its own, and I don't know if I have a whole music book in me just yet.<BR/><BR/>Thanks for your thoughts on this.John Robisonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07407165016025447113noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5751271189667675662.post-81980609468149825352007-11-07T22:14:00.000-05:002007-11-07T22:14:00.000-05:00First, I have to apologize because I haven't been ...First, I have to apologize because I haven't been able to afford your book just yet, so I didn't get an extensive look inside. If there's anything left over from our celebratory dinner at Burger King, your book is the first thing on my shopping list.<BR/><BR/>If you haven't already touched on your exploits with touring rock bands in the 70's, I think this would make a great subject for your next book. There must be a zillion stories about exploding robotic guitars - but you would never have an exploding guitar mishap, would you?<BR/><BR/>Yes... a different take on the heyday of ROCK AND ROLL!Sandra Cormierhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00231342310371529022noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5751271189667675662.post-76897058505089728472007-11-07T22:04:00.000-05:002007-11-07T22:04:00.000-05:00This comment has been removed by the author.Sandra Cormierhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00231342310371529022noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5751271189667675662.post-56717674428442876302007-11-07T13:05:00.000-05:002007-11-07T13:05:00.000-05:00Any interest in fiction, John? What about a YA wit...Any interest in fiction, John? What about a YA with an Aspergerian as the protag?ssashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15527483283426518167noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5751271189667675662.post-40244119326338778562007-11-07T13:03:00.000-05:002007-11-07T13:03:00.000-05:00This comment has been removed by the author.ssashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15527483283426518167noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5751271189667675662.post-73691677745330180832007-11-07T12:09:00.000-05:002007-11-07T12:09:00.000-05:00I finished Look Me In The Eye a couple weeks ago. ...I finished Look Me In The Eye a couple weeks ago. I absolutely loved it. It's rare that I finish a book in two days during the work week (since that involves putting aside all the things I'm supposed to be doing after work) but I stayed up entirely too late for a couple of nights with your book. Like many others, I found it hilarious, laughing out loud at many points. I have to say my favorite part involved the ferry to Detroit.<BR/><BR/>I guess what I would have wanted "more of" is stories about your adult life. There was a lot about your childhood, adolescence, and early adulthood, but not much after your mid-twenties.Stacyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04651755306664865579noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5751271189667675662.post-77830281670179434612007-11-07T09:47:00.000-05:002007-11-07T09:47:00.000-05:00"Don't eat cat."Seems to me you have a book of pra..."Don't eat cat."<BR/><BR/>Seems to me you have a book of practical self-help advice in you :)<BR/><BR/>On a more serious note, I'd be interested to read about how adulthood has gone for you and your brother as you've coexisted in the midst of your differences. I love the description in the book about how your house is practical and your brother's is frilly. That strikes me as a starting point for some fun & poignant essays on family life.Trish Ryanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18038324441006141430noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5751271189667675662.post-15597479429483186382007-11-07T09:42:00.000-05:002007-11-07T09:42:00.000-05:00I kind of agree that most of your stories are not ...I kind of agree that most of your stories are not meant to be humorous and I am also somewhat surprised when people point out how much a particular part made them laugh. Although, I can relate to the joy that you feel with a properly executed prank…<BR/><BR/>As for myself, I enjoy humor, but what makes me laugh is can often be twisted or strange on some level. I think that I am able to make others laugh by pointing out ironies, being sarcastic and using my random thought process to pop out semi-appropriate non-sequiturs from time to time. Many times, things that I find completely logical or even somewhat tragic (in my own head) make people laugh, so I've learned to use what I can.<BR/><BR/>Maybe your stories are comparable to some of Wes Anderson’s movies (Royal Tenenbaums, Rushmore, etc.). They deal with deeply tragic, painful issues, but if the viewer is in the right mood, you can see the greater humorous context of the whole situations. Just a thought.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14873313644233297876noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5751271189667675662.post-18806518578511368242007-11-07T09:30:00.000-05:002007-11-07T09:30:00.000-05:00Hi John, Another thought about humor:I'm not sugge...Hi John, <BR/><BR/>Another thought about humor:<BR/><BR/>I'm not suggesting that a writer should attempt to be funny. That's self-conscious and tries too hard. Rather, if your natural inclination is to be sly or ironic, or if you are skillful at using the literary equivalant of a double-take, go for it. That's who you are.Tena Russhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08630397939303203418noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5751271189667675662.post-21528802616274566302007-11-07T09:12:00.000-05:002007-11-07T09:12:00.000-05:00Thanks for the comments and suggestions. The resp...Thanks for the comments and suggestions. The responses to the word "humor" surprised me. I wrote Look Me in the Eye as a serious story, and so many people wrote me to say, among other things, that parts were very funny.<BR/><BR/>Now, I had not intended or known that, but I recognize that people reacted that way. So I suggested that I write the next book in the same way, and you write back, "don't use humor!"<BR/><BR/>So I'm not sure what to make of it.John Robisonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07407165016025447113noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5751271189667675662.post-47135200858385373462007-11-07T08:56:00.000-05:002007-11-07T08:56:00.000-05:00Humour...it's subjective. It also either works or ...<I>Humour...it's subjective. It also either works or it dies. What will have you chuckling all day may well leave me wondering what the point was. So my advice would be don't do humour.</I><BR/><BR/>I agree that humor is subjective. But if you've got it in your bone marrow, you simply can't avoid using it. You might as well let someone else write your book. Humor is a gift, so use it.Tena Russhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08630397939303203418noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5751271189667675662.post-35493200701433907432007-11-06T23:00:00.000-05:002007-11-06T23:00:00.000-05:00Hmmm....Perhaps you can co-write your next book wi...Hmmm....<BR/><BR/>Perhaps you can co-write your next book with your wife or a series of close friends. That way you can explore the differences between the way you perceive/react to things and they way a non-aspie sees the same situations. You could also discuss the way others (preferably ones who care about you) would describe you and your condition verses the way you see yourself and your use of coping skills.<BR/><BR/>I am also curious about how you reacted when you first found out about aspergers. Were you happy, insulted, relieved, angry, curious? At any point did you believe that, instead of just being odd or different, you were now being classified as clinically defective on some level? Do you interact socially with any other people with aspergers?<BR/><BR/>I enjoyed your book and I really connected with some parts of your book and your life. I am a fellow aspie and I look forward to reading more of your work.<BR/><BR/>Thanks, BrianUnknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14873313644233297876noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5751271189667675662.post-70584191706368242772007-11-06T22:58:00.000-05:002007-11-06T22:58:00.000-05:00Humour...it's subjective. It also either works or...Humour...it's subjective. It also either works or it dies. What will have you chuckling all day may well leave me wondering what the point was. So my advice would be don't do humour.<BR/>I agree with Megan...like it or not you're now a role model/inspiration. <BR/>I would have liked it more if you had explained more of how the Aspergian mind works. Does your experience cross into other forms of Autism? Have you taken someone who is non-communicative and been able to get them communicating? Your insights are invaluable, why lessen their impact with a sequel of funny stories. Actually there is a way that you could do that: there is a book "Who ordered this truck load of dung " by my Teacher Ajahn Brahm, (Amazon.com stocks it)which is silly stories...but the stories have a point. Look at that book and see if that format would work for you.<BR/>Either way keep up the good work and I hope to see you in Oz soon.Odin Tantrahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02797371576247726813noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5751271189667675662.post-71547510667541200422007-11-06T16:05:00.000-05:002007-11-06T16:05:00.000-05:00Hello!!I want to tell you that I LOVED your book! ...Hello!!<BR/>I want to tell you that I LOVED your book! ( Loved your brothers books as well ). I am the a proud mother to a 7 year old boy with Asperger's. Reading your book was so amazing because you both are so similiar. I found your book to be a great help to me because it gave me insight into a world that is very hard for me to understand.<BR/>So..for your next book, maybe you could write about your new role as an author doing signings, publicity, etc, and how you, as an person on the spectrum, deal with the social pressures.<BR/>I do appreciate all that you do to make others aware of Asperger's!!Maerose's Momhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12912867687446756584noreply@blogger.com