Rating: 
Summary: wonderfully accurate
Review: Amy Wilensky has written a candid, funny and touching memoir. As a fellow OCD sufferer, I totally understand that bizarre feeling of noticing that a new "ritual" has arisen, seemingly out of nowhere and getting inadvertently "caught" by other people while you're doing something that seems odd to the outside world. Reading this book might make you think twice before you judge someone who does strange things. Unlike most of the self-pitying memoirs which abound on today's bookshelves, "Passing for Normal" honestly describes the struggles of living with OCD and Tourette's in a world not very willing to accept differences.This book has a fascinating footnote which I've never seen before in books on Tourette's/OCD. Apparently, children who develop Tourette's (which is often accompanied by OCD) have had a higher-than-normal incidence of strep throat and penicillin allergy. Since this is true for me---I can't wait to hear about more medical research on this particular issue!
Rating:
Summary: wonderfully accurate
Review: Amy Wilensky has written a candid, funny and touching memoir. As a fellow OCD sufferer, I totally understand that bizarre feeling of noticing that a new "ritual" has arisen, seemingly out of nowhere and getting inadvertently "caught" by other people while you're doing something that seems odd to the outside world. Reading this book might make you think twice before you judge someone who does strange things. Unlike most of the self-pitying memoirs which abound on today's bookshelves, "Passing for Normal" honestly describes the struggles of living with OCD and Tourette's in a world not very willing to accept differences. This book has a fascinating footnote which I've never seen before in books on Tourette's/OCD. Apparently, children who develop Tourette's (which is often accompanied by OCD) have had a higher-than-normal incidence of strep throat and penicillin allergy. Since this is true for me---I can't wait to hear about more medical research on this particular issue!
Rating:
Summary: Very Brave
Review: Amy Wilensky tells a powerful first-hand account of living with Tourette syndrome and obsessive compulsive disorder. Amy Wilensky, at the age of 8 years old, began to have symptoms, first there was a tick; her head and neck would jerk. At first it was every once in a while, so Amy could conceal it sometimes. Then it started getting more intense, causing Amy pain in the form of headaches and a permanently stiff neck, and it became increasingly difficult to hide from anyone. When her father noticed the tics, he was angry. The worst was at mealtime. He would watch her like a sniper and would explode when there was even the slightest movement of her head or neck. He would say "you're head's going to fall off if you don't cut that out!" Things got worse for Amy. Her mind lurched and veered in ways she didn't understand; Amy felt that she must touch wood at all times to ward off harm, and that chewing a wad of stale gum would prevent a plane crash. She would save meaningless scraps of paper, and there were many other occurrences that made Amy feel that she was crazy. I believe that anyone can understand Amy's feelings at having a disease that was undiagnosed for years and what it makes you think of yourself and how it effects your whole life. I was so inspired by the amazing account of Amy's difficult life, and how she was able to make it to where she is today. A very courageous story.
Rating:
Summary: Really helpful and informative
Review: AS a fellow suffer of OCD I found Amy's book top be an informative and affirmative tale of growing up with this disorder. She has put into words many of the things I have though about my problem & recovery. An excellent book to give to a loved one or partner of someone with either Tourettes , OCD or both. This book may serve as an important bridge between those who suffer & their loved ones & friends, who want to know why? & how to help. I applaud Amy's courage and unflinching honesty. Like her, I first encountered OCD in the book "THE BOY WHO COULND'T STOP WASHING" I think her book will serve the same function as this one; by giving a personalized view of how a problem like this feels "from the inside". It will provide help & Hope to many , many people.
Rating:
Summary: a book every educator should read
Review: As a middle school teacher I've realized through reading this book how important it is to recognize and help the so many young people out there with Tourette's Syndrome and OCD. And learning that these disorders often go undiagnosed for so long has made me start encouraging all my colleagues to go out and get this book, as well. "Passing for Normal" is an essential and moving book, and it has helped me become a better teacher.
Rating:
Summary: A compelling memoir of a teen with OCD
Review: As a sufferer of OCD, I can say that this book was written accurately and I could, many times, relate to it. I think it would be useful for anyone, not only those with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder like myself. I encourage you to read it if you haven't.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent reading for college students
Review: I am a college freshman who found this book when I was browsing in our bookstore. I actually have a relative who has OCD, so the book caught my eye, but I think I would have wanted to read ot anyway, once I looked at the first page. The author has a really original style and the subject matter is easy to relate to, even if you've never had exactly the same experiences. Please go buy this book!
Rating: 
Summary: there are much better books on this topic
Review: I am engaged to a man with TS/OCD and, as our wedding nears, I have become an avid reader on the subject. I have read just about every book written on the subject and Amy Wilensky's Passing for Normal is in a class by itself. Since first reading it a few months ago, I have purchase 3 copies as gifts! Amy Wilensky is the first author I've encountered who has successfully articulated what it "feels like" to live with these disorders. For the first time, I have a much better understanding of what it would be like to have TS/OCD. For me, this understanding has been absolutely invaluable. Thank you Amy.
Rating:
Summary: Absolutely THE BEST book out there on TS and OCD.
Review: I am engaged to a man with TS/OCD and, as our wedding nears, I have become an avid reader on the subject. I have read just about every book written on the subject and Amy Wilensky's Passing for Normal is in a class by itself. Since first reading it a few months ago, I have purchase 3 copies as gifts! Amy Wilensky is the first author I've encountered who has successfully articulated what it "feels like" to live with these disorders. For the first time, I have a much better understanding of what it would be like to have TS/OCD. For me, this understanding has been absolutely invaluable. Thank you Amy.
Rating:
Summary: Compelling, fascinating. My husband has OCD.
Review: I couldn't put this book down. I read it from cover to cover in one sitting! Having someone close to me who has OCD made it all the more compelling. I recognized many of the symptoms of OCD, but the Tourette's was all new to me. I admired Amy's honesty through her writng, and really felt for her. I think this book will open a lot of "normal" people's eyes, and will certainly help fellow sufferers of OCD and Tourette's.
| 
