Laura James > Quotes

“In the end, only three things matter: How much you loved, How gently you lived, And how gracefully you let go of things not meant for you.”
― Laura James, Odd Girl Out: An Autistic Woman in a Neurotypical World

“Even today I enjoy reading a book much more second time around. A first read can be filled with apprehension. What if I don’t like the way the story goes? What if something awful happens to a favourite character? What if I get bored halfway through after I’ve invested something of myself in the story? A second read is a joy. I know exactly what is going to happen, so can immerse myself in the words and the subtleties in a way that would have been too stressful the first time.”
― Laura James, Odd Girl Out: An Autistic Woman in a Neurotypical World

“I still feel stuck in my late teens – always a girl, never a woman – but I have learned to deal with the world more effectively.”
― Laura James, Odd Girl Out: An Autistic Woman in a Neurotypical World

“Everyone would wear the same clothes every day and they would be made from soft grey fabric that felt good against the skin, not itchy, scratchy or harsh. At school, you could choose what to do. If you didn’t like art or PE, you could read instead. Every day the library was stocked with new books. No one shouted or raised their voices. If you ever broke a rule a proper grown-up explained why it was a rule and why it mattered and then you were simply told – kindly – not to do it again.”
― Laura James, Odd Girl Out: An Autistic Woman in a Neurotypical World

“They touched each other easily, too, applying mascara to each other’s lashes, creating intricate French plaits, linking arms as they walked across the playground, and hugging when someone was in tears over a failed romance or an impossible exam question.”
― Laura James, Odd Girl Out: An Autistic Woman in a Neurotypical World

“a cross between embarrassment and melancholy. Within it there is a hunger too. As if I want to be able to take something from the scene and make it my own. I guess it is my long-held desire to know what it is like to feel normal, to experience life in the way other people do. Proper people.”
― Laura James, Odd Girl Out: An Autistic Woman in a Neurotypical World

“Time has taken them from me and my heart is breaking. When I feel bad about something, I mainly shut down. I need to be alone, somewhere cool and preferably dark. Ideally I will go to sleep. I can’t process an event if I am talking about it or if someone is trying to help.”
― Laura James, Odd Girl Out: An Autistic Woman in a Neurotypical World

“Their words of hate and bigotry are abhorrent, their spelling and grammar those of a five-year-old. Many are old ladies. It shocks me. Rocks my belief that ultimately we are all good people, just doing our best to get by. I feel obliged to step in, to post comments whenever I see vile racism and ignorant untruths.”
― Laura James, Odd Girl Out: An Autistic Woman in a Neurotypical World