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Strong Female Character

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About this listen

BRITISH BOOK OF THE YEAR: AUDIOBOOK WINNER 2024

Fern Brady was told she couldn't be autistic because she's had loads of boyfriends and is good at eye contact. This is a story of how being female can get in the way of being autistic and how being autistic gets in the way of being the 'right kind' of woman.

©2023 Fern Brady (P)2023 Octopus Publishing Group Gender Studies Mental Health Neurodiversity Performing Arts Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Social Sciences Funny Inspiring Thought-Provoking Witty Health Comedy

Critic reviews

Of course it's funny - it's Fern Brady - but this book is also deeply moving and eye-opening (ADAM KAY)
It made me laugh out loud and broke my heart and made me weep...I hope absolutely everyone reads this, and it makes them kinder and more curious about the way we all live (DAISY BUCHANAN)
Glorious. Frank but nuanced, a memoir that doesn't sacrifice voice or self-awareness. And it has brilliant things to say about being autistic and being funny (ELLE MCNICOLL)
Fern is a brilliant, beautiful writer with a unique voice and even more unique story. Astute, honest and very, very funny. (LOU SANDERS)
So funny and brilliant (HOLLY SMALE)
An absolute riot. I'm literally going to read it again once I've finished, and I'm a miserable bastard...it's a belter (FRANKIE BOYLE)
All stars
Most relevant
I don’t normally leave reviews but for this book I just had to. I read this in one sitting. It’s rare to find such an honest and open account of an adult woman’s autistic experience, and as an autistic woman myself it’s a life-changing read. Thank you, Fern, from the bottom of my heart for writing this. To anyone reading this review- please read the book. It’s worth it.

Absolutely, unabashedly fantastic. 500/5 stars.

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Just amazing. Fern writes openly and honestly about her life, the good, the bad and the heartbreaking reality of growing up and living with autism.

Open, honest, heartbreaking at times

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A great listen. It’s brilliant to hear such an open account of Fern’s experience with autism, and her skill in translating her life in to such a rich narrative is the cherry on top.

Brilliant

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Devoured in 2 days. Recommending to family and friends. Also, reads as relatable even though parts are mad, credit to her writing.

intelligent, insightful, funny.

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Enjoyable listen, so relatable in many parts as an AuDHD late identified woman. Many books of similar content do not have the authenticity of Fern and her story.

Appreciate the honesty of this and staying true to self

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