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Reviews tagging 'Toxic friendship'
Different, Not Less: A Neurodivergent's Guide to Embracing Your True Self and Finding Your Happily Ever After by Chloé Hayden
6 reviews
melsage1823's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
Disclaimer: This is an own voices review from an Autistic person. Please read reviews from other Neurodivergent folk as I don't represent the community as a whole.
An Emotional And Uplifting Memoir That Perfectly Balances It's Two Main Target Audiences Without Feeling Cluncky.
As an Autistic person this book absolutely warmed my heart and gave me alot of comfort. Its a book I wish I could have handed to Younger Mel to comfort them. This book is not only full of incredible tips and reassurances for newly diagnosed Neurodivergent folk but also an informative novel that can help Neurotypical people get inside the head of a Neurodivergent person and understand the struggles of living in a world that shuns difference. I'm impressed how Chloé manages to incoperate her own experiences whilst also giving important statistics and tips.
I really liked this novel and didn't find anything that put me off. The only thing I would criticise is the structure. I wish that instead of having the quotes in the middle of certain sections that they were put at the end. The quotes were very necessary but I think they were very off putting and distracting in the middle of a paragraph giving important tips. It also didn't help that the audiobook excluded reading the quotes. That's my only criticism. For a book about accepting everyone it should be more inclusive of dyslexic readers and not make things so confusing. Despite that it didn't take away from my enjoyment.
Now onto the strengths of this Self-Help Memoir. I really enjoyed the fact that the pages were spilled with Chloés personality and that the advice she has was given in a way meaningful to her. I've read many reviews criticising the Disney and Fairy Tale metaphors but without them I think the Memoir would be fairly average. As an Autistic person I love to give random metaphors especially metaphors linked through my special interests. I think Chloé using her special intrests of Disney and Fairytales too describe how Neurodivergent people can accept themselves, takes the reader on a journey in a way that's comfortable for Chloé. The best self-help novels and memoirs add personality to keep the reader engaged and its done perfectly here.
Secondly I have to praise the incredible balancing of its two target readers. This novel knows what it wants to be and what it's overall purpose is and I find that very good. It wants to show Neurodivergent readers that being different is nothing to be ashamed of and also show Neurotypical readers the harms of Shunning difference and how to be a better ally to Neurodivergent folks. Despite having two very clear audiences the novel doesn't feel overcrowded and jam-packed. I also thought whilst reading that both target readers can get something out of the novel and learn something new. Every chapter is structured in a way that makes sure both readers are included and it's very good. I'm generally glad there's a novel out there from an Autistic Person that can help Allistic folk understand one perspective on what it's like to be Autistic and outcasted because of it.
Finally I also have to praise the inclusivity. As mentioned in the previous paragraph Chloé is really good at reaching her target readers. Another way she does this well is by having trigger warnings. Most of the times people like to tell their story without considering what parts might be triggering for people and as a result it makes the book very overwhelming but Chloé makes sure to highlight all the sections that might be distressing and too stressful for people. It's also inclusive in the way that she breaks down the key parts of her story so that it's not too overwhelming for people and hard to read. Throughout every page of this novel you can tell she has her readers accessibly and comfortablity in mind.
Overall wether Neurodivergent or Neurotypical I would highly recommend picking up this novel. Through Chloés telling her own story and sharing important tips, you'll truly be able to understand that different does not indeed mean less.
An Emotional And Uplifting Memoir That Perfectly Balances It's Two Main Target Audiences Without Feeling Cluncky.
As an Autistic person this book absolutely warmed my heart and gave me alot of comfort. Its a book I wish I could have handed to Younger Mel to comfort them. This book is not only full of incredible tips and reassurances for newly diagnosed Neurodivergent folk but also an informative novel that can help Neurotypical people get inside the head of a Neurodivergent person and understand the struggles of living in a world that shuns difference. I'm impressed how Chloé manages to incoperate her own experiences whilst also giving important statistics and tips.
I really liked this novel and didn't find anything that put me off. The only thing I would criticise is the structure. I wish that instead of having the quotes in the middle of certain sections that they were put at the end. The quotes were very necessary but I think they were very off putting and distracting in the middle of a paragraph giving important tips. It also didn't help that the audiobook excluded reading the quotes. That's my only criticism. For a book about accepting everyone it should be more inclusive of dyslexic readers and not make things so confusing. Despite that it didn't take away from my enjoyment.
Now onto the strengths of this Self-Help Memoir. I really enjoyed the fact that the pages were spilled with Chloés personality and that the advice she has was given in a way meaningful to her. I've read many reviews criticising the Disney and Fairy Tale metaphors but without them I think the Memoir would be fairly average. As an Autistic person I love to give random metaphors especially metaphors linked through my special interests. I think Chloé using her special intrests of Disney and Fairytales too describe how Neurodivergent people can accept themselves, takes the reader on a journey in a way that's comfortable for Chloé. The best self-help novels and memoirs add personality to keep the reader engaged and its done perfectly here.
Secondly I have to praise the incredible balancing of its two target readers. This novel knows what it wants to be and what it's overall purpose is and I find that very good. It wants to show Neurodivergent readers that being different is nothing to be ashamed of and also show Neurotypical readers the harms of Shunning difference and how to be a better ally to Neurodivergent folks. Despite having two very clear audiences the novel doesn't feel overcrowded and jam-packed. I also thought whilst reading that both target readers can get something out of the novel and learn something new. Every chapter is structured in a way that makes sure both readers are included and it's very good. I'm generally glad there's a novel out there from an Autistic Person that can help Allistic folk understand one perspective on what it's like to be Autistic and outcasted because of it.
Finally I also have to praise the inclusivity. As mentioned in the previous paragraph Chloé is really good at reaching her target readers. Another way she does this well is by having trigger warnings. Most of the times people like to tell their story without considering what parts might be triggering for people and as a result it makes the book very overwhelming but Chloé makes sure to highlight all the sections that might be distressing and too stressful for people. It's also inclusive in the way that she breaks down the key parts of her story so that it's not too overwhelming for people and hard to read. Throughout every page of this novel you can tell she has her readers accessibly and comfortablity in mind.
Overall wether Neurodivergent or Neurotypical I would highly recommend picking up this novel. Through Chloés telling her own story and sharing important tips, you'll truly be able to understand that different does not indeed mean less.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Ableism and Toxic friendship
Minor: Eating disorder, Sexual assault, Medical content, and Medical trauma
There's alot of ableist discrimination that Chloé recounts which might be triggering and upsetting for you if you as an Autistic person have experienced discrimination too. Look after yourself and be aware.em_of_swags's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
inspiring
4.75
informative, yet empowering
Content Warnings
Moderate: Ableism, Body shaming, Bullying, Eating disorder, Mental illness, and Sexual assault
Minor: Body shaming, Medical content, Religious bigotry, and Toxic friendship
sophielrobinsonauthor's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
This book is amazing. It is honest, it is completely authentic and inspiring and super informative with anecdotes, facts and well presented and embedded statistics. It is everything any Autistic person, especially female and FAB person needs to read/hear. I have found that it has inspired, encouraged and helped me find the confidence to embrace who I am more and be radical, be different, just be me and I've already started to dress more aligned to how I really want to, what brings me joy and is genuinely an expression of me, rather than to appear *put together* or "mature" (I'm just 32 by a few days). I can't thank Chloe enough for her book, it's amazing and I'm trying to convince my husband to read it ☺️
Content Warnings
Minor: Bullying, Child abuse, Eating disorder, Pedophilia, Rape, Sexual assault, and Toxic friendship
The author adds content and trigger warnings and helps you skip to avoid certain topics, should you wish torain08's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
this was the best thing i’ve ever read, i was covered in goosebumps
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Eating disorder, Mental illness, and Medical trauma
Moderate: Ableism, Body shaming, Chronic illness, Sexual assault, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, and Forced institutionalization
sheryl_macca's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
4.0
This book is aimed at young AFAB adults but as a 39 year old late diagnosed autistic woman I found it to be extremely validating. Chloe's writing style exudes natural ease and positivity which made the serious, challenging and important information accessible to all. Her choice to refer to Disney and fairytale metaphors throughout made everything easily digestible and memorable. Both of these things also gave us a lot of Chloe. Unapologetic, eye sparkling, infectious Chloe.
I found the sections about how rigid education and employment systems fail us, how incorrect language and labelling is ableist and about menstruation particularly interesting. I also thank Chloe for discussing autistic women and sexual assault, including her own experiences.
I'd definitely recommend this book to newly diagnosed autistic females of any age and their parents/significant others.
I found the sections about how rigid education and employment systems fail us, how incorrect language and labelling is ableist and about menstruation particularly interesting. I also thank Chloe for discussing autistic women and sexual assault, including her own experiences.
I'd definitely recommend this book to newly diagnosed autistic females of any age and their parents/significant others.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Bullying, Eating disorder, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual assault, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Child abuse, Pedophilia, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Medical content, and Toxic friendship
lara_r's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Body shaming, and Bullying
Moderate: Eating disorder, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Medical content, Grief, Medical trauma, and Toxic friendship