Delightfully Different [Hardcover]

I read this book in one night! I couldn't put it down. I highly recommend it for: young people, especially those on the autism spectrum, those who know someone on the autism spectrum, those who are bullied (for any reason), bullies, recovering bullies, teachers, parents....okay, pretty much everybody.

Delightfully Different is a great example of using fiction to tell the truth. In the same way that historical fiction can be effectively used to teach history, I would use this work of fiction to teach young people about Asperger's Syndrome, and the autism spectrum in general. I would put it alongside The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (by Mark Haddon) and House Rules (by Jodi Picoult) as a starter kit for those who are trying to understand a loved one or student who is on the autism spectrum. It's also a well-told story that's enjoyable to read.

I particularly appreciated the story of the well-meaning guidance counselor who told Mia (the main character with Asperger's Syndrome, who was the target of bullies) that she should just try harder to fit in, to dress differently, to be more pleasing. It's like telling someone if they could just be taller, or become fluent in a foreign language overnight, that life would go so much better. While that may be technically true, it's not helpful and utterly misses the point.

I really connected with Mia, the main character. I know that girl. I WAS that girl. While reading this book, I realized why I used to line up all of my stuffed animals Just So, and why a couple of my kids do that now.

I didn't totally connect with the plot device of having the protagonist (Mia) speaking from heaven before her birth about how she chose her mom, and her perfect recall of her infancy and toddlerhood, but then again, a photographic memory isn't uncommon for people on the autism spectrum. In any event, it didn't detract from my overall appreciation for this book, and others may like it very much. Author D.S. Walker should be thanked for sharing two great perspectives on Asperger's Syndrome: that of a mother and that of her very brave daughter.

I also appreciated the author's fearless and honest treatment of the family problems that can be caused by geographic, generational and cultural differences, and special needs, and how love shines through all of it. She also touched on the strain that can be put on a marriage when the parents have widely differing perspectives a child's challenges.

In the Epilogue, the author hints at a sequel; I look forward to seeing it.

I give Delightfully Different five stars because it's a lovely story, well told, and a book that everyone would benefit from reading.

Delightfully Different by D. S. Walker is just that, a delightful look into a world that is somewhat different from what most people know as typical.

Although this novel is listed as being for appropriate for a reading age of 9-12, I think it will appeal to a much broader audience. It is as much the story of the mother who is trying to figure out how to understand and help her daughter as it is the story of the young girl who sees the world in her own unique way.

The book also delves into the complexities that arise when two people from different family backgrounds and cultures marry. Along the way, we encounter some of the fascinating aspects of life in Hawaii, including a competitive private school system that seems to rival that of New York!

There were several things I really appreciated about this book. One is how the story goes back and forth between Mia (the daughter) telling of her experiences growing up and Francesca (the mother) recalling what she thought and felt about what was happening. Another is how they each reflect on certain things that they later learned were specifically related to the way Mia's sensory processing difference and Asperger's Syndrome affect her perception of the world.

The topic of bullying is also addressed in this novel, and I found it to be from a very positive viewpoint. The mother is strong in her response to what is happening at her daughter's school and the school does respond with increasing seriousness as she continues to advocate for the situation.

One other strength of this book is its contribution to the topic of Asperger's in girls. There is a lot of attention given to how this disorder appears in boys, but not as much on how it can present differently with a girl. This novel is a solid contribution to the effort to raise awareness and understanding of this less-understood area.

All in all, Delightfully Different is a wonderful book that I highly recommend.

D.S.Walker's first book, "Delightfully Different" shares with readers of any age a clear and insightful wisdom into the world of Asperger's, a girl, a school system and the darkness created by bullying. Parents who have children who are perceived to be different; children whose differences are a target for the bully looking for power and domination will all benefit from this riveting work. Little is simple: understanding a diagnosis, living with a diagnosis, accepting self and hoping that others accept that self. It is a look into a world of difference, joyfulness and sadness and while a piece of fiction, the narrative mimics the reality of life. Little is written about girls and Asperger's; this story leads the pack of available literature for all audiences.