A Real Boy A True Story of Autism Early Intervention, and Recovery by Christina Adams

   I have to admit that I was incredibly hesitant to read this book. You know the "must see" movie that everyone is talking about, the one you kind of want to see, but you're not sure if you can handle the heavy theme. That's what I was feeling about A Real Boy. I was wrong.
   The theme is tough. Mrs. Adams and her husband ask themselves and each other unanswerable questions about what caused this to happen. Mr. Adams blames his wife for her use of pitocin during labor, knowing it is unreasonable. Mrs. Adams blames herself, while thinking she would never accuse her husband if the shoe were on the other foot while remembering days that she blamed her husband for things that happened to Jonah, knowing that her blame was equally unreasonable. Their days seem exhausting, draining and confusing. And yet, the story that is woven transcends all of that. Over the cacophony of hurt, anger, confusion, fear, you hear the siren song of their love, determination and hope overwhelm the noise.
   A Real Boy tells the story of the Adam's family discovery that their almost three year old son Jonah is autistic and what they do to help him recover. Jonah's story is beautifully, though a little confusingly told. It is filled with milestones and seemingly blinding quick accomplishments, followed by flashes of setbacks and periods of difficult days that feel more like afterthought inserts. It is sometimes difficult to grasp because you hear good things, good things, good things and then, out of the blue, it has been a bad week all along for Jonah, and by extension his family.
   The overall story is a snapshot of a family smacked between the eyes and hanging on, by hook or by crook, to their love for each other and their son; determined to make the best possible future they can. Yes, the theme is heavy, but A Real Boy is, in the end, a love story.

Favorite Quotes:

"...I kept the milk-based formula and added cheese and ice cream to his diet, in love with watching him eat foods that would strengthen his bones and fill his mouth with pleasure."

"From the kitchen, I can hear Ross's low voice and Jack's softer one as Ross tries to explain Jane's techniques. I've read some autism therapy books, and I am prepared, even hopeful, for a fight, since they say recovered kids often fight in the beginning. So I stay in the kitchen and make row after row of cookies, grim and hopeful, as the cries come from the living room."

Overall Opinion:

I am glad I read this book. Had I not decided to read through the library I most likely would never have picked it up; it would have been my loss.

Rating:

A Good Read