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Summary: Props to the book!
Review: I first picked up the book mainly -- I have to be honest -- because the photo of the author was so intriguing. How could such an attractive young lady be afflicted with such a horrifying and debilitating disease. After I read only one page, though, I realized that all of the makeup and good lighting in the world won't conceal the hard facts of growing up, which are wonderfully elaborated by this fine new voice. This is no cover up-- it is the unadulterated truth , and Ms. Wilensky tells it like it is. Bravo!
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Summary: Really cool -- I have a friend with TS and OCD.
Review: I have a friend with TS and OCd, and he told me about this new book. To be honest, I wasn't expecting much because most of what's been written on the subject is so bad, so I was especially pleased by Wilensky's take. Like my friend, she views TS and OCD as obstacles to be tackled and lived with, not as excuses. Plus, she's funny and smart. If you know someone with Tourette's or obsessive-compulsive disorder this book will really help you know what it's like to live with tics and compulsions. I really think this book will help a lot of people -- it sure helped me.
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Summary: A fascinating, captivating read.
Review: I read about this book in a number of magazines and finally went out and bought it. I was amazed by how well it was written -- honest, open, funny and smart -- and by what a great perspective the writer had, not only on her own experiences with Tourette syndrome and OCD but on life in general. I'd highly recommend this book to anyone who likes quality nonfiction about fascinating subject matter -- and I really look forward to this writer's next output. This is a keeper, and a book to share with all of your discriminating reader friends and family.
Rating:
Summary: great book
Review: I really enjoyed reading this book. I finished it in only three days (and I'm a slow reader). I couldn't set it down. I feel like somebody else really does understand what I have been through. I would suggest anyone to read this book.
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Summary: I liked it. I have an autism spectrum disorder.
Review: I thought it was a really good book.I think that overall my experience with Asperger's syndrome (AS)has been more traumatic than hers has been with Tourette's, still, I think it's an important book. "Passing for normal" is something I'm trying to do all the time when I am with people. My only criticism is that she uses "like autistic" as a description of some of her behaviors and implies that it's a BAD thing to act autistic. It sort of feels like a put-down to me, but I don't think she intended autistic people to read her book and feel that way. It's amazing at the overlapping issues that Tourette's has with AS (some people have both), but they don't have any intrisic problem with making friends or understand typical motivations, as she shows. I thought her description of her relationship with her father was really interesting.
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Summary: Too Self-Important?
Review: In some ways I admired this book, especially the author's thoughtful, facile writing style-- but I had a bit of trouble with the overall premise. Quite frankly, I never got a real sense that Ms. Wilensky suffered greatly as a result of her Tourette's syndrome and OCD. Most of the stories she shares about adolescent and parental alienation are typical of any young girl; they are not unique to her afflictions, which reduces the impact and credibility of the book as a "memoir of compulsion." Although it sounds almost heartless to ask of the author, "What are you complaining about?", that was the question that perpetually ran through my mind as I read this book. I experienced far more grievous psychological troubles in my youth and adulthood, yet I don't feel that I'm special or "deserve" to have my memoir read on account of what I've endured; I wonder why Ms. Wilensky felt her story needed to be told. I do, however, want to credit Ms. Wilensky for her honesty-- I believe she was honest throughout the book, sometimes painfully so-- and for her obvious writing talent.
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Summary: I found a lot in common here
Review: Like Amy, I have Tourette's and OCD. I first saw her on Maury Povich a few months ago, and, after much searching, finally found this wonderful book. It is a well-written, passionate memoir of a woman who has overcome tough odds to succeed where many others have failed, both professionally and as a person. An excellent book for those with Tourette's and OCD, or family and friends of those looking for a way to understand their loved ones who are struggling with a disorder beyond their control.
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Summary: What A Wonderful Book!
Review: Ms. Wilensky has written a touching, sensitive and witty account of her life, dealing with Tourrette's and O.C.D. It certainly enlightened me as to the complexities of both conditions, and was well observed.I salute you, Amy,and wish you all good things.
Rating:
Summary: What A Wonderful Book!
Review: Ms. Wilensky has written a touching, sensitive and witty account of her life, dealing with Tourrette's and O.C.D. It certainly enlightened me as to the complexities of both conditions, and was well observed.I salute you, Amy,and wish you all good things.
Rating:
Summary: Really great book!
Review: My friend who knows the author lent me this book, and I actually went out and bought it for myself after I'd had a chance to read it.I'm in medical school so the subject matter was inherently interesting, but I was surprised by what a good read it was in a general way--she's a really talented writer, and the pace is perfect. This is definitely a keeper.
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