It's the autobiographical account of a man who lived his entire life on the margins before finally receiving a diagnosis of Asperger's Syndrome (a very high functioning form of autism) in his mid 40's. He never understood why he didn't fit in - at school or with friends - and the book is a very honest and funny account of his struggles. He takes you inside his head where he very easily describes what it feels like to see yourself as defective.
Robison writes in the same manner in which people with Asperger's speak - clipped, to the point and without drama. Some of the most moving parts of this book were his attempts to describe emotions which he deeply felt, but didn't have the ability to communicate.
This book also introduces us to Robison's younger brother Chris, whom he left to the mercy of their crazy parents. Chris Robison would later change his name to Augusten Burroughs and write the bestselling memoir "Running with Scissors."
I really enjoyed this book. It was like peeking behind a curtain and beginning to understand the gracefulness and amazing complexity of the human mind.
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