The Anti-Romantic Child: A Story of Unexpected Joy Audiobook

" Compelling story of a parent's struggle with her special needs child, framed around the poetry of Wordsworth. Beautiful use of language. "

" I am actually not sure who I would recommend this book to. I think people who would be interested in a memoir about raising a special-needs child, especially in a milieu of super-high-intellectual-achieving individuals, would be rather put off by Gilman's unique take and tone. On one hand I totally "get" where she's going by weaving her own private passion for Wordsworth and Romantic poetry and ideals into her decidedly unromantic "real" life full of struggle and frustration and misery and shame. I get it. I just don't think it's necessarily fully successful. I understand that Gilman was raised in a real bubble of East Coast/New England/boarding school/prep school/Yale/graduate school/academic life, and I think she sort of makes a big deal out of "leaving" that life behind, but that life really bleeds into her sometimes arch, sometimes willfully naive writing style, and it grates. I think she has something interesting to say about living in a certain kind of world, and being the first person in her family to have a child of her own, both of which contribute to the "slowness" of Gilman and then the rest of her family to even realize something is truly wrong with her son. Some quibbles--being on the "other side of the table", so to speak, in having worked many years in special education with younger children, her attitude toward educational institutions that are actually trying to help her son is sometimes very frustrating. It's interesting to think that on one hand Gilman had lived her whole life in this precious bubble, and explores her struggle to burst that bubble (and the pain in doing so), yet she actually tries hard to wrap her own child in a similar bubble where the entire world is supposed to magically rework itself all to the needs and comfort of her child. Also, it must be said, sometimes what's fascinating and adorable to parents appears rather unpleasant and spoiled to "outsiders". Ahem. Anyway--it's a lyrically written book, covering a very difficult subject from a unique point of view, but doesn't quite completely jell together as a whole. "

" This book struck close. In many ways a mirror account of my wife's and my experience in raising our Asperger's son. It's made me crack my Wordsworth anthology again, rereading his poetry with a whole new perspective. A beautiful, eloquent, POETIC exploration on love, loss and acceptance. "

" Would give it 3 1/2 stars if I could. It was ok. Some parts better than others. Saw many similarities with my son who is now 22. "

" This is a wonderfully written story about a mother's dreams for her child, that are changed when the boy has a very difficult time with social interaction. The book consists of telling how his first few years were filled with therapy and a diagnosis that puts him in the autistic spectrum. "

" A wonderful read for any parent who has needed to love a child who didn't match their fantasy--in other words, all parents! "

" Every parent and educator must read this book. "

" I won this book in a good reads giveaway and i loved loved loved its honesty and tenderness. It referenced Wordsworth's literature. This book has substance and is a TRUE love story,, if you're looking for something inspiring this is the book for you!! "

" In depth and complete description of raising a child with hyperlexia - a rare disorder found on the austism spectrum. I really thought her telling of the story was spot on - I could really empathize with her emotions, reactions and decisions. "

" Read in a day, I loved the narrative but got annoyed by the Wordsworth by the end. Still, the storytelling is beautiful. "

" Went to hear Ms. Gilman speak at Keene State. She is a delight, as is her honest and ultimately joyous memoir! "

" This tender and kind memoir, full of meaningful poetry, resonates with me. Ms. Gilman's love for her son was palatable. I think every mother should read this book. "

" This is a beautifully written account of the love a parent feels for their child- special needs or not. "

" I would like to thank the team at Goodreads for giving this book to me. I was very excited when i received it and it has met my expectations. Great Book. Thanks!!! "

" This is a wonderfully written story about a mother's dreams for her child, that are changed when the boy has a very difficult time with social interaction. The book consists of telling how his first few years were filled with therapy and a diagnosis that puts him in the autistic spectrum. "