How to Be a Sister: A Love Story with a Twist of Autism
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Book Overview
Eileen Garvin's older sister, Margaret, was diagnosed with severe autism at age three. Growing up alongside Margaret wasn't easy: Eileen often found herself in situations that were simultaneously awkward, hilarious, and heartbreaking. For example, losing a blue plastic hairbrush could leave Margaret inconsolable for hours, and a quiet Sunday Mass might provoke an outburst of laughter, swearing, or dancing.
How to Be a Sister begins when Eileen, after several years in New Mexico, has just moved back to the Pacific Northwest, where she grew up. Being 1,600 miles away had allowed Eileen to avoid the question that has dogged her since birth: What is she going to do about Margaret? Now, Eileen must grapple with this question once again as she tentatively tries to reconnect with Margaret. How can she have a relationship with someone who can't drive, send email, or telephone? What role will Eileen play in Margaret's life as their parents age, and after they die? Will she remain in Margaret's life, or walk away?
A deeply felt, impeccably written memoir, How to Be a Sister will speak to siblings, parents, friends, and teachers of people with autism--and to anyone who sometimes struggles to connect with someone difficult or different.
How to Be a Sister begins when Eileen, after several years in New Mexico, has just moved back to the Pacific Northwest, where she grew up. Being 1,600 miles away had allowed Eileen to avoid the question that has dogged her since birth: What is she going to do about Margaret? Now, Eileen must grapple with this question once again as she tentatively tries to reconnect with Margaret. How can she have a relationship with someone who can't drive, send email, or telephone? What role will Eileen play in Margaret's life as their parents age, and after they die? Will she remain in Margaret's life, or walk away?
A deeply felt, impeccably written memoir, How to Be a Sister will speak to siblings, parents, friends, and teachers of people with autism--and to anyone who sometimes struggles to connect with someone difficult or different.
Format:Paperback
Language:English
ISBN:1615190163
ISBN13:9781615190164
Release Date:April 2010
Publisher:Experiment
Length:272 Pages
Weight:0.63 lbs.
Dimensions:0.7" x 5.3" x 8.3"
Customer Reviews
5 ratings
A solid addition to any memoir collection focused on autism
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 14 years ago
Autism does more than affect the individual. It affects a family. "How to Be a Sister: A Love Story with a Twist of Autism" is the reflections of one girl growing up with a sister with severe autism. She shares her stories and what Margaret, her sister, has taught her over the years through her disorder. Poignant, thoughtful, and sure to give many family members of autistic children something to relate to, "How to Be a Sister" is a solid addition to any memoir collection focused on autism.
Great!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 14 years ago
I met the author at a conference and found her to be as real and wry as her writing. Her book is just the shot in the arm that I needed. Can't wait to read more.
The Complexity and Simplicity of Real Life
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 14 years ago
With authenticity and clarity, Eileen Garvin weaves her rich story telling with deep insights into the human condition. This is a memoire about the impact autistic siblings have on their family's lives. What defines a mutually satisfying and wholesome relationship with an autistic family member? Eileen finds her way to answer this and other questions relevant to all of us. The deeper meaning to be found in human relationships is revealed through the messiness of growing up with autism in the family.
Real!!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 14 years ago
Eileen Garvin is an amazing writer. Once I started this book I could not put it down. Thank you for writing this book.
It made me cry, it made me laugh ...out loud on the plane.
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 14 years ago
AMAZING - what a beautiful love story that is so special, and so sweet. Thank you for writing this.
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