Why Can’t I Just Enjoy Things?: A Comedian’s Guide to Autism
Hardcover – 18 July 2024
by Pierre Novellie
Comedian Pierre Novellie was on stage when a heckler suggested he was autistic. Usually, this disruption would be water off a duck’s back but two things made this heckler different: first, he was himself autistic. Second, he turned out to be absolutely right.
This random encounter led to a diagnosis of autism at the age of 31 that unravelled his world, explained his struggles and answered questions that had bothered him for his entire life.
At once a hilarious and insightful journey through autism and neurodivergence, an entertaining explainer for the uninitiated and observational comedy for the neurodiverse, this is the perfect read for anyone who has ever asked themselves: why can’t I just enjoy things?
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Imagine trying to be a stand-up in his position! Hopefully, he has long had some degree of acceptance from his family and
acquaintances. I have occasionally and very briefly entertained the idea of doing comedy. But for most of the last 7 years, l have actively been considering whether there is any worth at all in telling anyone else at all about either my self-identification or assessment. I naturally respect the assessment of others, but generally find that no one else wants to even begin to consider my own verdict. And numerous times, I have even wondered whether I should just relabel my issues as something a bit more palatable to the general public; something really basic and fairly uncontroversial such as ‘contrarian’ or ‘annoying’. But guaranteed many people
would even contest those labels. Indeed, I have even known people to make such disclaimers; even after they have applied their own misinformed labels. Could it be that my real problem with most people is that I am not overtly ‘divergent’ enough to be of any real interest to them. Perhaps I really need to showcase the humor I have been keeping to myself for years. 😉 Perhaps I should review this book in a fairly light-hearted manner. I certainly remember Pierre’s PDSG appearance, with some affection. I look forward to the next PDSG! 🙂
Hope you enjoy mine and Jacqui’s
Looking forward to it, as it still seems to me to be personally relevant! Thanks again, Linda!