Becoming Unique Paperback – Illustrated, 2 April 2015

As the author I did not want to review this book, but having the recent time to read the book as a reader it has encouraged me to work on my next book. While the book may be divided into chapters, it's best to read the book from beginning to end in order to understand the person it's written about as well as understanding something about autism.

An honest, warts and all insight in to the turbulent youth and adulthood of the author who was only correctly diagnosed with autism in his 40's. How he remarkably coped with life up to an after this point is an inspiration to the rest of us and reveals the many shortcomings of the mental health system both in the U.K and Ireland. Overcoming the odds best describes how James has lived through his life and is a must read for anyone who knows of or suffers from autism.

What I respect most about this honest viewpoint from someone on the Autism Spectrum is simple, after his diagnosis & subsequent feelings and emotions - James clearly did not let his condition define him instead He stood up and took swift and positive action! He wrote a book! After 40 years and 20 of those spent as a mental health nurse assisting others, always sure that something wasn't completely normal about himself. He persevered he overcame and he challenged his condition. A fantastic role model for many and not just those on the spectrum. This is a great short book and I hope the first of many, I urge you to support James and learn from him what you can. Buy this book. Well done James. Cam Ham

As the blurb suggests the book plot follows the life of someone coming to terms with their autism; namely the wonderful James. Throughout we learn about James and his autism and the struggles that he deals with throughout his life alongside the people that he comes into contact with. We learn that certain aspects of autism cause different emotions that during his school years were heavily misinterpreted and the incidents lead to caning and upset. Following this we see James grow and strive to make a place for himself; the book documents how he does this and the ways he finds to cope in the world. Throughout the book we learn more about James and the struggles that for many of us wouldn’t come to mind. We follow him from school through his life, his love of football and his adoration of writing.Being someone who knows very little about autism and the traits and characteristics that are associated, I found I learnt so much and really got an insight into the struggles. From the first few chapters I was really hoping that James would succeed in finding his way with words and it is really lovely to say that I hugely enjoyed the book. The book is very thoughtful in the way that the author explains different parts of his life, finding his identity, university, and marrying Helen but throughout it feels very positive and very self-contained. It’s not angry but it’s informative and for someone that knew very little before reading this book I feel I have learnt so much about the lack of understanding as to autism and how we can change that whilst also offering support to those that have autism.In terms of writing style it does follow chronologically to a point but does whizz in and out with other stories, tit-bits and added comments. However throughout there is a definite feeling of structure and order which I thought really helped to cement the reader into the book in terms of staying engaged. It is very factually based, the writing is what I would describe as tightly written – there are next to no descriptions but this is something that makes the book even more special. It is James, and James’s way of communicating and it allows us to really experience the traits that are communicated through words and then shown through the writing style. It’s not one I experience too often but I thought it worked here perfectly. It feels at times that the author is getting things out, much like a healing process and it is wonderful to be allowed to share that journey.This isn’t a book I would normally read but I found it very enjoyable; I will say it’s not for everyone and I think you definitely have to be in the mood for a book like this. I did find it took me a little while to read because there is a lot of information conveyed; a lot of dates and information so it’s not a lazy read, it’s something you have to concentrate with. However I thought the message was beautiful, the idea behind it even more so and I’m very happy to have the chance to read it.*I received a copy from this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*