{Synopsis} – Being a teen is hard enough. But when you have autism–or when your sibling is struggling with the condition–life can be a topsy-turvy ride. What happens when you come face-to-face with dating, parties, sports, body changes, school, and kids who just don’t get you? Where do you turn when your sibling with autism is the butt of jokes, the victim of misunderstood social cues, and the one everyone thinks is weird? Through alternating narratives based on their own lives, Ryan Elizabeth Peete and her twin brother, RJ, who has autism, bravely and honestly reveal what it means to be a teen living with the disorder. With insight and humor, Same But Different explores the many aspects of teen autism, while daring to address issues and feelings nobody talks about. This powerfully rendered, timely book is the only one of its kind. It paints an important story of hope for teens and families living with autism—and lets us see that everybody’s unique rhythm is worth dancing to.
{My thoughts} – It is my understanding that this book is considered fiction while in a sense being non-fiction. It is the story of a set of twins Charlie and Callie. Charlie has autism and Callie does not. Callie seems to think she is duty bound to defend and protect Charlie from all things that will end in the direct result of him being hurt, used, or misunderstood.
It is written in both the perspective of Callie and of Charlie. It is my understanding that Callie’s chapters are written by Ryan Elizabeth and Charlie’s chapters are written by RJ.
Throughout this book it talks about how Charlie had issues understanding the world around him, because of his autism. However, the chapters that are written by him show that he has a more clearer understanding of the world around him then the book originally wants the readers to see. I’m not sure if this is a downside or not for this particular book.
I was really interested in reading this book, because I am always looking for books that tell a story. That are true to themselves and can help children to better understand the world in which they live. I think that this is a well written book and that it has the potential to raise autism awareness for many children. I also think that it is a book that will help to show families and children with autism that they are not alone and that though they many have struggles in the end things have to potential to work out, eventually.
{Quotes I Enjoyed} –
{01} – Why don’t they get me? Is that a real question? – Charlie
{02} – Mom says autism is like labeling and defining Charlie before you even get to know him. She says that calling Charlie autistic implies that Charlie is autism,, rather than that he has autism. – Callie
{03} – Sometimes I feel like Charlie’s mother. But it’s more than that. I’m his twin. We were both inside our mom sharing her. It’s always been that way, and still is.
{04} – What Charlie has is rough. And I would never admit it to him, but he’s braver than I am, or will ever be. Charlie has to live inside his own scrambled and knotted body, with his own demons. I can’t imagine having that. – Callie
{05} – As a mom of a black son, the anxieties are compounded. In a societal climate where young men of color are perceived as threatening, I often worry that my hoodie-loving son (he has them folded and color coded in his closet) will find himself in a dangerous scenario that he can’t correctly process and will end up physically hurt, or worse. And I often fear that his intentions will be misunderstood and that he’ll pay an ugly price for that. – Holly
Final Conclusion: 5 Star Rating.
