July Reading Wrap Up
Self-discovery never ceases, and the joy of having multiple parts to your identity is discovering fictional representation for them one by one; getting that “A-ha!” moment over and over again.
I first came across asexuality in Loveless by Alice Oseman, which still to this day is the closest bit of representation to my own life that I’ve yet to read. A few years later, as I was exploring my romantic orientation, I read Imogen, Obviously which I describe as “the Loveless for my lesbian side!” Now, with neurodiversity on my mind, I’ve been seeking out books with autistic characters in the hope of having my experiences reflected there, too.
I’ve thought I am some flavour of neurodivergent for multiple years. I have this red folder still on my bookshelf of all the initial research and self-examination I did when I was beginning to question this. Watching YouTube videos of neurodivergent individuals and reading memoirs of autistic people helped me to understand my brain at a time when that was vital. It allowed me to be kinder on myself and gain strategies for making my life suit my needs. But nothing ever stays the same, and recently I’ve been struggling with a few things – including ‘episodes’ closely relating to autistic meltdowns and shutdowns – and this has led me to look for autistic representation in fiction.
The first book I read this month was Key Lime Sky by Al Hess. This book was given to me by a friend for the autistic representation - in particular, sensory overload and ‘restrictive’ eating habits.
One of my most noticeable neurodivergent traits is my unique food habits. I was a “fussy” eater growing up. I now live on my own and I’m able to make myself meals that I like, but even now I still have distinct patterns. I have had the same comfort food for a decade, and I go through phases of making the same meal(s) for myself over and over for weeks or months. Hearing about others who have similar habits helps me to feel less shame about these things.
The Many Half-Lived Lives of Sam Sylvester by Maya MacGregor is my favourite of the books I read this last month. And it’s another story with depictions of overwhelm, as well as stimming.
I know I don’t like loud, unexpected noises. The sirens on emergency vehicles, screeching on the tube, and the clang of dropping something, just to name a few. When these things, I can no longer concentrate on what I was saying or where I was going. I need to stop and cover my ears and, wonderfully, my partner knows that and helps me out in these scenarios. This is similar to Sam’s dad who prepares Sam practically and emotionally for upcoming periods of overwhelm.
The third book I read specifically for autistic representation was Something Wild and Wonderful by Anita Kelly. I read this on the trip away I planned for my partner’s birthday, and it was a great holiday read as the characters are off on an adventure of their own. Our holiday was wonderful too - a great balance of exploring the area around our Airbnb, finding other things to do that we both enjoy, and having down time back at the house.
July has been a month of reflection and learning. I can’t overstate the importance of representation in fiction. These books have not only been enjoyable reads, but they have been exactly what I needed at this time.
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Key Lime Sky by Al Hess ⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is a hidden gem from Gay’s The Word. Not the most amazing writing - the opening is quite messy and it took me a minute to get into it - but it's a fun book and one that made me feel seen.
The mc, Denver, is autistic. Xe has meltdowns and sensory overloads, something I've never read in fiction before. It is also lovely that there is a romantic interest for xem, and Denver is a full person with interests and personality and is someone who is desirable.
Denver is a pie critic posting reviews of pies on their blog. But the small town xe calls home begins to change. Mysterious things happen - shells fall from the sky, neighbours start attacking xem, walls begin to move - and soon they're investigating a possible alien invasion with their crush, Ezra.
It's mad and sweet and I loved it for the representation it gave me
Something Wild and Wonderful by Anita Kelly ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Another romance by Antia Kelly set in the same universe and friendship group as How You Get the Girl (Although Something Wild and Wonderful is a previous one in that particular trilogy).
I was drawn to this one for its autistic representation - my own neurodiversity being something that's been on my mind again recently.
Alexei and Ben meet while hiking the Pacific Crest Trail. Alexei - Lex - is autistic, but is unaware and undiagnosed until the end of the book. I appreciate the description of Alexei being kinder to himself after he understands his brain better. I also love how many of Lex's autistic traits are the ones Ben falls in love with.
I enjoyed this book and it made for a good holiday read on my recent trip away
The Many Half-Lived Lives of Sam Sylvester by Maya MacGregor ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I really enjoyed this YA murder mystery story about a teenager - Sam - moving to a new town, starting at a new school, and investing the truth about the "tragic accident" that took place in their new home.
I picked this up for the autism representation, which was brilliant. So much of Sam's autistic experience is described on the page - special interests, excited stimming, sensory overload, meltdowns, the double empathy problem - and this is throughout the book too! There were so many moments that made me feel so seen.
"My hands wave at hip level for a moment of pure, fluttering excitement"
"Some people think autistic people don't show emotion well, but that's horse hooey [...] My heart's not written on my sleeve. It's on my forehead. It's just written a little differently than the other hearts people can read"
Sam's adopted single dad is also aroace (but this is only briefly mentioned on page 168)
The Wildest Dreams Bookshop by Gracie Page ⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is a fun YA summer read centred around a "quaint" Cornish seaside town.
After a rough start to her post-sixth form summer, Anna takes up her aunt Josie's offer to spend the summer months in Fox Bay, Cornwall, helping out at her independent bookshop. But the summer gets busier than expected, and Anna feels herself changing - is Fox Bay growing on her?
I love the identity of Fox Bay. Every character has a story to tell, every shop name is a pun(!), and there's a real community vibe.
I also enjoyed the bookshop's Storytime scenes which is very much my scene as a library assistant :D