There were too many moments when the main character Caitlin’s behavior was too textbook, and the writing clearly reflected a preference for a clinical view of Autism spectrum conditions. But it had some really significant problems, which made it clear to me that it was written by someone with only a cursory understanding of the Autism spectrum. Initially, it was definitely an enjoyable read, and I connected with it in some unexpected ways. I hadn’t read any descriptions of it before selecting it as my first book review–I just really like birds, and I suppose the idea of a book named after an animal that mimics the sounds of other creatures was just inherently appealing to me. Initially, I didn’t really know what to expect from Mockingbird. Some were helpful, some were horrifying, and some absolutely saved my life because finally, finally my reality was being reflected in the written word. In an effort to better understand myself as an adult, I have read countless nonfiction books on Asperger’s and Autism–memoirs, handbooks, workbooks, clinical papers, nearly anything I could get my hands on.

Andrews, as well as any and every historical fiction book I could get my hands on, particularly ones set in Tudor England.

My foray into YA as an adult has been an interesting one–as a youngster I had not the slightest interest in books that were “age appropriate” for me, and instead opted for horror novels by Stephen King and V.

Mockingbird by kathryn erskine