Is He Disabled? Or Are We?

This captivating narrative by John Elder Robison ("John Elder", to his family) surprised me. I was expecting a somewhat dry but informative recounting of the author's experiences with "the system", and frustration with society's collective ignorance regarding the autism spectrum. While he did detail his life, some systemic assumptions, etc., it was a rollicking good read, filled with his quirky take on life and the adventures he's had along the way. I loved every page, and laughed a lot. Enjoyable, entertaining, and really educational. Makes one feel a bit of a clod to realize the trade-off our brains make when we're not on the spectrum.

Talk About Mixed Feelings

Did you like the miniseries, Roots? If so, you'll also love this book by Bettye Kearse about her own family tree. This woman who leaves no challenge unmet (got a PhD and then, meh, why not--became a pediatrician) guides us through the task of becoming her family's griotte (keeper of stories). This is a responsibility handed down from generation to generation, and it is serious business. Well, her mom chose well. I enjoyed every page of this family history, although I'm sure pulling back the curtain into the past was painful for the author. She does a great job of making you feel that you were there in some small way, and sheds light on an accepted, but deplorable part of our nation's story. Dive in and learn how James Madison's family partook in this practice, and meet the scions that resulted. Proud to be Madisons? Maybe. But proud to have come from such strong African roots, for sure.

Skaabala Danmark (or However It's Spelled)

During our brief sojourn in Denmark about 30 years ago, we learned these things:

1. Danes love a party

2. Danes drink a LOT, and can really hold their liquor

3. Danes smoke a lot too

4. Danes leave their babies outside in the stroller when they shop

5. Visit Denmark and you'll be hungry--Danes love herring and red cabbage-- oh yeah, and eels

6. "Best thing since sliced bread" has real meaning

7. Denmark is cold

8. Danes are very eco-conscious

9. Danes don't love tourists

10. Danes love a drinking slogan (or two)

According to Helen, Denmark hasn't changed a whole lot in the last few decades. Charming, quirky, somewhat rigid, the Danes are proud of their country and their traditions. This book is charming, too, and lightly outlines the peculiarities that make this a great country, and the home of the happiest people. She gives lots of reasons this may be so, and plausible though they are, she leaves out the one that she glosses over pretty quickly--Danes take more antidepressants. Interesting. But her writing style is light, the anecdotes entertaining, and you may find yourself wanting to visit this country way up north. Just maybe pack a box of cookies for emergencies.