Readings of 2019
2019 was a year of lows – highs – back to lows – highs (again) at the very last minute before the year ended. Towards the end, I played out cards I was dealt graceful-ish thanks to the comfort of these authors.
As you may (or may not) know, autism was a big theme for me in 2019, so it may be no surprise that most of these readings have to do with that. I firmly believe that you do not need to identify with mental conditions to be entertained.
Salt Fat Acid Heat by Samin Nosrat
I love cooking, but most of all, I love eating delicious food. With this cookbook, I can have both. Illustrative explanations help me understand the logic of cooking methods without being pretentious or boring. This book encourages abstract learning and experimenting with what’s on hand, I now feel comfortable cooking without following recipes to a tee.
The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom (A Toltec Wisdom Book) by Don Miguel Ruiz
Back in college, I read this book, but I did not think much of it at the time. Then, a friend recommended it to me in December, and my perspective is much more different.
Living life without the fear of other people’s thoughts isn’t easy, nor is it innate, but reading this in vulnerable times reminds me to be enlightened.
Key points:
Act and say things with integrity, intention, and helpfulness towards yourself, then others
People’s actions have nothing to do with you; don’t trust what people do or say, just trust yourself to make good choices
Someone can send emotional poison; once you realize they are imposing their worldviews onto you, you protect your self worth
It’s always better to ask questions and clarify than make assumptions, preventing false expectations
Be upfront about what you want; people may say yes or no, but you always have the right to ask
Do your best by taking action on things you care about and accountability without expecting rewards
Look Me in the Eye: My Life with Asperger's by John Elder Robison
Contrary to the title, the story doesn’t focus on autism. It’s a coming of age story about a guy who comes from a crazy family, experiments with explosive inventions, becomes a set designer for KISS, then changes gears in unpredictable ways. His narrative is blunt and hilarious, plus his brother wrote Running with Scissors a completely different perception of the same childhood.
Odd Girl Out by Laura James
The author was diagnosed at age 45 because a nurse recognized the signs then informed her. I identify because if a therapist didn’t point out my traits, I would still go throughout life, not knowing. A chapter of autism portrayed in media made me question and analyze the characteristics of fictional characters that are either depicted as autistic or seem autistic to me.
The Autistic Brain by Temple Grandin
Highly informative insights played a significant factor in my mental health, educating me about how medication acts differently for autistics vs. neurotypicals. As someone who needs medication for depression and inattentive ADHD, I also struggled with side effects from the drug(s) as my lesser evil. Thanks to this book, I sought out a psychiatrist specializing in autism who customized a road map for my health.
Nerdy, Shy, and Socially Inappropriate: A User Guide to an Asperger Life by Cynthia Kim
The author struggles with social misfires, nonverbal cues, predefined goals, insecurities of liking being alone, yet fearing abandonment: I have been there. As someone who works hard to grasp what comes naturally to people, I appreciate the advice about eye contact, routines, asking for clarification, putting down my neurotypical “mask.” I now am more mindful of ways to be more aware of communicating my needs and standards to friends unapologetically.
