Why Can't I Just Enjoy Things? cover art

Why Can't I Just Enjoy Things?

A Comedian's Guide to Autism

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Why Can't I Just Enjoy Things?

By: Pierre Novellie
Narrated by: Pierre Novellie
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About this listen

 *Nominated for Best Book at the 2025 Chortle Awards*

'Outstanding, I want to press it into the hands of every newly diagnosed person' Fern Brady

'Like a Martian's guide to living on Earth. Funny, enlightening and gobsmacking' Frank Skinner

'A hilarious, crystal-clear guide to autism' Phil Wang

'An illuminating and joyously entertaining book' Daily Express


Why were the other kids at school obsessed with Britney Spears instead of The Goon Show?
Why don't people ever say what they mean?
And... Why is everyone chewing so loudly?

Comedian Pierre Novellie was on stage when a heckler suggested he was autistic. Usually, this disruption would be water off a duck's back but two things made this heckler different: first, he was himself autistic. Second, he turned out to be absolutely right.

This random encounter led to a diagnosis of autism at the age of 31 that unravelled his world, explained his struggles and answered questions that had bothered him for his entire life.

At once a hilarious and insightful journey through autism and neurodivergence, an entertaining explainer for the uninitiated and observational comedy for the neurodiverse, this is the perfect read for anyone who has ever asked themselves: why can't I just enjoy things?

The audiobook includes an exclusive Q&A with comedian and BudPod co-host, Phil Wang.©2024 Pierre Novellie (P)2024 Bonnier Books UK Mental Health Neurodiversity Performing Arts Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Autism Funny Comedy Witty Thought-Provoking Inspiring Celebrity

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All stars
Most relevant
Beautifully written and narrated by Pierre. I hope he's immensely proud of what he's achieved by sharing his research and diagnosis in this very accessible book. Highly informative, funny, insightful with his personal reflections. For the neurodiverse, neurotypical and those who don't know where they fit yet. I can't recommend this book enough. KOJI P&P

Outstanding!!

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Highly recommend to everyone! A great read/ listen. Enlightening, thought provoking and funny. I had no idea how little I knew! Neuro-typical people like me can learn a lot about all human nature through this open and frank insight into someone’s life experience. I relate with so much- noticing the difference of degree eg getting tired by socialising. Realised things I’ve been doing wrong / missing and how to make good change.
All therapists should read this book. Actually everyone could learn and enjoy so much. Thank you! Great fun learning so much. Xx

Humorous clarity- a fun and meaningful journey of discovery.

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A great insight into some of the many aspects of autism and other neuro diversity mixing anecdotal experience and research/helpful definitions, history of autism/Asperger's and social commentary/calls to activation. I found it at times funny, often surprisingly relatable and most of all informative about a subject I knew little about. I'd read Fern Brady's book before (which I absolutely loved) and had this recommended by my husband, recently diagnosed with autism.plus we've had the pleasure of watching Pierre 's stand-up and generally felt a good choice. can recommend.

Honest and insightful

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I read this off the strength of Pierre's musings on Budpod, and found it similarly entertaining and absurd. Eye opening stuff about a life and (current) culture dealing with autism, delivered with the forensic panache of a very silly Sherlock Holmes, I loved it.

Autistic expression

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Big fan of Pierre and his work and this is no exception. Super interesting and entertaining.

Brilliant

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