Music of the Week

Books of the Week

The books I’ve read since January 1. I was going to read more nonfiction this year, but it’s so much easier to find “free” fiction I can tolerate.

• Dark Secret: The Complete Story: The True Account of What Happened to Little Alex Suleski by Nyssa Corbin – Nonfiction. My rating: ★★★★
• Nestlings by Nate Cassidy – Fiction. My rating: ★★★ (really 3.5 stars). Favorite quote from the book: “Rich people shit!” – Reid. Issues with the book: A lot, I guess, but I finished it. But the antisemitism at the end of the book was too much. I skipped a lot of that part at the end because it never ended. And it was cruel, of course.
• Not Quite Dead Yet by Holly Jackson – Fiction. My rating: ★★★ From my notes: Too many people. Who is Emily? Why is this book so long? Unnecessary.
• The Business Trip by Jessie Garcia – Fiction. My rating: From my notes: ★★★★ Surprising thriller. Good premise.

Why I’m So Quiet (Uncomfortable Quote of the Week)

Read Dr. Hoerricks’ blog here.

And the way people smile when they ask. It’s so insulting, but really, it’s cruel. Asking as if people want to listen. The question is just another lie. Anyway, I wish all clinicians and anyone in a “helper role” would not think that pushing autistic people toward any group of people is fine. Who has harmed them in the past? Why push them toward those people? Is it not obvious that this could cause harm?

Don’t push people (any group) toward those who have harmed them. EVER. Would you tell a Black person to hang out with a Nazi group…just so they have a social connection? How would this be helpful to hang out with people who don’t see them as human and despise them????? Yet, you do this to autistic people. Do better.

(Not implying that all Black people are safe – not true – in this example. Just like not all autistic people are safe for autistic people. Telling autistic people to find other autistic people is slightly better, but it still does not solve the problem. Just go uh, find people, and you’ll be fine. DO IT!)

I still don’t understand why basic human stuff has to be explained to people who are supposed to have empathy. I don’t argue anymore. I don’t explain anymore.

I just “okay” people at this point.

Oh. This took a turn. But I saw this quote and felt so seen.