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Dummy: A Memoir
DUMMY From his birth in 1954, David Patten was unbearably sensitive to the world around him. Overwhelmed with confusing and disorienting stimuli, he withdrew into an inner world. Unable to concentrate or learn the basics of reading and writing, he was punished and pathologized, labeled lazy, stupid, and a troublemaker. David was finally diagnosed with dyslexia, among other elements in the Autism Spectrum. But at a time when these disorders were little understood, David was unable to get the help he needed, and he gradually fell into the dark underbelly of American life. David's struggle to survive and find a life worth living included time in a mental institution for attempted suicide at fourteen; two years in one of America's most dangerous inner city schools for troubled youth; life as a drug dealer in Chicago's criminal underworld; nine months as a virtual prisoner in an abusive experimental psychiatric home; and fifteen years in a spiritual community where he practiced meditation and inquired into the very nature and inherent limitations of identity itself. Eventually, David's exceptional abilities in abstract and analytical thinking, and his acute observational skills, led him into the technology field, and a lucrative six-figure career as a crisis manager and trouble shooter. For years he traveled around the country debugging computer systems for major corporations and even U.S. military installations. Told with the gripping power of a novel, Dummy offers a unique window on a troubled young man's search for self-respect, independence, and love at all costs. David's inspiring escape from the prison of cognitive disabilities offers unparalleled insight into the inner experiences of dyslexia and autism-spectrum disorder. His story of gradually transforming disabilities into skills, hopelessness into freedom, and finally finding a grace that lit the darkened room of his existence, is a testament to the power of the human spirit.
- GenresNonfiction
313 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
2 people are currently reading
108 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
March 11, 2013
I wasn’t prepared for Dummy, A Memoir, at all. In all honesty, it reads more like a movie novel than a memoir. The experiences that Patten lived through, were shocking and amazing. Knowing, as I was reading, that these actions and events actually took place gave everything an edge that I don’t believe it would have had if it were a work of fiction.
The honest, frank, and often no nonsense tone which Patten uses to tell about his life experiences, which would terrify most adults - let alone children and young adults - just shows how remarkable it truly is that not only did he manage to come out on the other side but he did so with minimal scaring and lasting damage. Instead opting to take what could be learned, however big or small the lesson may be, and filing it away to build on it later.
As someone on the Autism Spectrum, this is the first time I’ve ever knowingly read a novel, of any genre, by someone else on the Spectrum. It was reassuring to me, even as an adult, to know that I wasn’t alone. It also gave me hope that if Patten could overcome everything he'd been faced with and had thrown in his path, then maybe there's still hope for me to find my way as well.
I would absolutely recommend Dummy to anyone. While it would definitely help those who are not on the Autism Spectrum to gain a greater understanding of what life can be like for those who are, I wouldn’t just recommend it for them. Anyone can and will enjoy Dummy.
I received a free copy of Dummy, A Memoir, written by David Patten, to read and review. I am in no way committed to writing a positive review; all reviews are my own thoughts and opinions. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
The honest, frank, and often no nonsense tone which Patten uses to tell about his life experiences, which would terrify most adults - let alone children and young adults - just shows how remarkable it truly is that not only did he manage to come out on the other side but he did so with minimal scaring and lasting damage. Instead opting to take what could be learned, however big or small the lesson may be, and filing it away to build on it later.
As someone on the Autism Spectrum, this is the first time I’ve ever knowingly read a novel, of any genre, by someone else on the Spectrum. It was reassuring to me, even as an adult, to know that I wasn’t alone. It also gave me hope that if Patten could overcome everything he'd been faced with and had thrown in his path, then maybe there's still hope for me to find my way as well.
I would absolutely recommend Dummy to anyone. While it would definitely help those who are not on the Autism Spectrum to gain a greater understanding of what life can be like for those who are, I wouldn’t just recommend it for them. Anyone can and will enjoy Dummy.
I received a free copy of Dummy, A Memoir, written by David Patten, to read and review. I am in no way committed to writing a positive review; all reviews are my own thoughts and opinions. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
August 2, 2013
From my book review blog at:
http://kickinbooks.wordpress.com/2013...
This book was provided to me via NetGalley by Joslyn Press for the purposes of reading and reviewing it. Even though it was provided at no cost, I am under no obligation to give the book a positive review.
Since I finished this book, I’ve been stewing on what to write about, how to approach this review. I’m not sure where to start or what to say, and that’s a good thing.
Let’s start with why I read this book. As the parent of a special needs adult, I was very interested in a memoir written by a special needs adult, hoping to get a sense of how they struggled, thrived and even failed. I also have friends and martial arts students in the autism spectrum, so I was hoping I would be able to get something out of it for their benefit.
What I got from this book was so much more. First, let me question those reviewers who’ve bashed the book for being poorly written or not really telling much until the end about how he survived and what he learned. Let’s not forget the book was written by an adult who is unable to read and write beyond a very remedial level. This is not a well-written literary biographical tome. This is a memoir, and the easy language and tone is reflected throughout, as if David is simply telling us his story in his own words. As for the lessons, if you pay attention, you learn them as he progresses through his life. He doesn’t have to tell you explicitly; it’s right there in front of you.
That said, I loved loved loved this book. I regret that I have but five stars to give for this book.
David Patten was born with autism, likely Asperger’s Syndrome due to his high functioning ability, and dyslexia. Early in his infancy and into his childhood, sensory input and processing is very painful for him. His mother tries to prevent him from withdrawing into himself and tuning out the world by forcing him to engage and deal with everything around him, literally becoming his round-the-clock provider in the process. Along the way, David learns to disassociate the feelings and input from what’s going on around him.
David’s older brother Emerson despises him for taking away his mother, as Emerson was left with a part-time caregiver to help him out. This leads to years of conflict where each of them tries to literally kill each other (Emerson by smothering, David with a screwdriver thrown at Emerson’s head).
Not surprisingly, David struggles in school. Since he was born in 1954, the educational system at the time had no idea what to do with him. They knew very little of autism or learning disabilities, so they categorized him as slow, difficult, absent-minded, and all other labels. As he struggles in school, he drifts away from the mainstream students, eventually finding his way as a drug user. Later he finds success as a dealer, which serves as a source of both income and conflict for several years.
Along the way, he finds Donna, strung out on speed and protecting a water fountain, the victim of a practical joke. As David always found himself protecting those who couldn’t protect themselves, he stands up for her, and thus begins an on-and-off relationship that lasts for years. They are symbiotically tied together, each needing the other in what were ultimately unhealthy ways, but they still held together.
A suicide attempt gone wrong, using Valium and liquid mercury as the vehicle, eventually causes David’s mother to begin pushing him away. While loving her son, she can only handle so much pain and suffering. The sudden death of David’s father and the strain it puts on the family only serves to heighten the stress and pressures of day-to-day life for David, his remaining sibling at home, and his mother.
Throw in some time in the group home of Jacqui Schiff, famous and infamous for her reparenting work, being responsible for the care of and authority over a bunch of schizophrenic residents. This goes bad in horrible ways, and once again, David is on the go, Donna at his side.
And so goes the book, David and Donna on again, off again. David struggles with his own spirituality and existence throughout the book, always seeking understanding for who he is and why he’s in existence.
Technological advances lead to a great career for David, even with his inability to read and write, but even those advances eventually become a double-edged sword.
How does David survive day-to-day without being able to read and write? Does he maintain a career? Does he ever find love and happiness? Does he ever reconcile with his mom and older brother?
I saw a review saying this book read more like a movie script. In many ways, it’s true. Just when you think the story will settle into a routine, here comes another plot twist. When you consider it’s all true, and not a fictional action-adventure flick, it’s all the more amazing.
What I took most from this book was that over and over and over again, David simply did what he needed to do to survive. He learned to fight and protect himself. He learned to read the slightest alterations in body language, tone, etc., to know when someone was going to go over the edge. That combination even serves him well when some drug users try to throw him over the railing of a tenth story landing at school. David tries to find love and what it means, but ultimately ends up taking care of himself first. No matter what struggle he encounters, he finds a way to overcome it. Even the suicide attempt led to a better understanding of what it took to survive and how the attempt affected those around him.
Bottom line is, this is a tremendous story about the human will to survive. Time and time again, David Patten is given every reason to give up, to disappear into the shadows and become another statistic. And yet time and again he finds a way to continue on.
I strongly recommend this book for anyone who wants to read a powerful story of love and survival at all costs. You won’t regret it.
Rating: 5 stars (out of 5) … Only because I can’t give it more
http://kickinbooks.wordpress.com/2013...
This book was provided to me via NetGalley by Joslyn Press for the purposes of reading and reviewing it. Even though it was provided at no cost, I am under no obligation to give the book a positive review.
Since I finished this book, I’ve been stewing on what to write about, how to approach this review. I’m not sure where to start or what to say, and that’s a good thing.
Let’s start with why I read this book. As the parent of a special needs adult, I was very interested in a memoir written by a special needs adult, hoping to get a sense of how they struggled, thrived and even failed. I also have friends and martial arts students in the autism spectrum, so I was hoping I would be able to get something out of it for their benefit.
What I got from this book was so much more. First, let me question those reviewers who’ve bashed the book for being poorly written or not really telling much until the end about how he survived and what he learned. Let’s not forget the book was written by an adult who is unable to read and write beyond a very remedial level. This is not a well-written literary biographical tome. This is a memoir, and the easy language and tone is reflected throughout, as if David is simply telling us his story in his own words. As for the lessons, if you pay attention, you learn them as he progresses through his life. He doesn’t have to tell you explicitly; it’s right there in front of you.
That said, I loved loved loved this book. I regret that I have but five stars to give for this book.
David Patten was born with autism, likely Asperger’s Syndrome due to his high functioning ability, and dyslexia. Early in his infancy and into his childhood, sensory input and processing is very painful for him. His mother tries to prevent him from withdrawing into himself and tuning out the world by forcing him to engage and deal with everything around him, literally becoming his round-the-clock provider in the process. Along the way, David learns to disassociate the feelings and input from what’s going on around him.
David’s older brother Emerson despises him for taking away his mother, as Emerson was left with a part-time caregiver to help him out. This leads to years of conflict where each of them tries to literally kill each other (Emerson by smothering, David with a screwdriver thrown at Emerson’s head).
Not surprisingly, David struggles in school. Since he was born in 1954, the educational system at the time had no idea what to do with him. They knew very little of autism or learning disabilities, so they categorized him as slow, difficult, absent-minded, and all other labels. As he struggles in school, he drifts away from the mainstream students, eventually finding his way as a drug user. Later he finds success as a dealer, which serves as a source of both income and conflict for several years.
Along the way, he finds Donna, strung out on speed and protecting a water fountain, the victim of a practical joke. As David always found himself protecting those who couldn’t protect themselves, he stands up for her, and thus begins an on-and-off relationship that lasts for years. They are symbiotically tied together, each needing the other in what were ultimately unhealthy ways, but they still held together.
A suicide attempt gone wrong, using Valium and liquid mercury as the vehicle, eventually causes David’s mother to begin pushing him away. While loving her son, she can only handle so much pain and suffering. The sudden death of David’s father and the strain it puts on the family only serves to heighten the stress and pressures of day-to-day life for David, his remaining sibling at home, and his mother.
Throw in some time in the group home of Jacqui Schiff, famous and infamous for her reparenting work, being responsible for the care of and authority over a bunch of schizophrenic residents. This goes bad in horrible ways, and once again, David is on the go, Donna at his side.
And so goes the book, David and Donna on again, off again. David struggles with his own spirituality and existence throughout the book, always seeking understanding for who he is and why he’s in existence.
Technological advances lead to a great career for David, even with his inability to read and write, but even those advances eventually become a double-edged sword.
How does David survive day-to-day without being able to read and write? Does he maintain a career? Does he ever find love and happiness? Does he ever reconcile with his mom and older brother?
I saw a review saying this book read more like a movie script. In many ways, it’s true. Just when you think the story will settle into a routine, here comes another plot twist. When you consider it’s all true, and not a fictional action-adventure flick, it’s all the more amazing.
What I took most from this book was that over and over and over again, David simply did what he needed to do to survive. He learned to fight and protect himself. He learned to read the slightest alterations in body language, tone, etc., to know when someone was going to go over the edge. That combination even serves him well when some drug users try to throw him over the railing of a tenth story landing at school. David tries to find love and what it means, but ultimately ends up taking care of himself first. No matter what struggle he encounters, he finds a way to overcome it. Even the suicide attempt led to a better understanding of what it took to survive and how the attempt affected those around him.
Bottom line is, this is a tremendous story about the human will to survive. Time and time again, David Patten is given every reason to give up, to disappear into the shadows and become another statistic. And yet time and again he finds a way to continue on.
I strongly recommend this book for anyone who wants to read a powerful story of love and survival at all costs. You won’t regret it.
Rating: 5 stars (out of 5) … Only because I can’t give it more
June 10, 2013
"From his birth in 1954, David Patten was unbearably sensitive to the world around him. Unable to concentrate or learn the basics of reading and writing, he was punished and pathologized, labeled lazy, stupid, and a troublemaker. David was finally diagnosed with dyslexia, among other elements in the autism spectrum. But at a time when these disorders were little understood, David was unable to get the help he needed, and he gradually fell into the dark underbelly of American life. David's struggle to survive and find a life worth living included time in a mental institution for attempted suicide at fourteen, and life as a drug dealer in Chicago's criminal underworld. Eventually, David's exceptional abilities in abstract and analytical thinking led him into the technology field, and a lucrative six-figure career as a crisis manager and trouble shooter. His story of gradually transforming disabilities into skills, hopelessness into freedom is a testament to the power of the human spirit." (www.amazon.com)
This book is not your typical autism story. Honestly I think the author mentioned autism maybe twice in the whole book. This was the story of his life and what he did many times to survive. The book starts off with David being fired from a job he has held for many years. The bosses pretty much backdoor him out by refusing to allow him to do his job the way he has for twenty plus years.
Then he starts to talk about his life. His early childhood, his parents, and his brothers. His mother took him to doctor after doctor trying to find out how to help him. He eventually left regular school after a suicide attempt and a brief stay in mental hospital, only to end up at one of the worst alternative schools in Chicago. He did some time as a drug dealer.
At one point he was so determined to get a high school diploma that he ended up living in an abusive situation in California separated from his mother. Eventually he escaped the situation. With some help from state offices he was able to graduate college.
It was a good story and the author has obviously been through alot but he doesn't look back on his experiences as bad. He looks at them as what made him who he is today.
*I received a copy of this book through netgally. All opinions are my own and I have not been compensated for them*
This book is not your typical autism story. Honestly I think the author mentioned autism maybe twice in the whole book. This was the story of his life and what he did many times to survive. The book starts off with David being fired from a job he has held for many years. The bosses pretty much backdoor him out by refusing to allow him to do his job the way he has for twenty plus years.
Then he starts to talk about his life. His early childhood, his parents, and his brothers. His mother took him to doctor after doctor trying to find out how to help him. He eventually left regular school after a suicide attempt and a brief stay in mental hospital, only to end up at one of the worst alternative schools in Chicago. He did some time as a drug dealer.
At one point he was so determined to get a high school diploma that he ended up living in an abusive situation in California separated from his mother. Eventually he escaped the situation. With some help from state offices he was able to graduate college.
It was a good story and the author has obviously been through alot but he doesn't look back on his experiences as bad. He looks at them as what made him who he is today.
*I received a copy of this book through netgally. All opinions are my own and I have not been compensated for them*
July 6, 2013
While working through some of my son's quirks, I did a lot of research on ASD, auditory processing disorders, and ADD/ADHD, so this book instantly stood out and I couldn't wait to read it. David Patten is a very smart man, but because of the time period (1960s) and lack of understanding of learning disabilities, he was treated poorly and didn't have access to support. He was constantly punished and failed out of public school only to spend time in a violent inner-city alternative high school, a mental institution, and an experimental home for schizophrenics. Since he was unable to keep a job, he ended up selling drugs and getting involved with the wrong kind of people. But because of his abilities in abstract and analytic thinking, he was able to break out of this spiral and land a high paying job in technology. Though he still can't read or write, he has now published his story, which is truly heartbreaking (especially the abusive experiences he witness and endured in the experimental home) but also very inspiring. I was shocked, heartbroken, hopeful, and uplifted while reading about his life and shed tears of anger, sadness, and happiness. I think everyone should read this book to better understand those with disabilities. I just want to meet David and give him a big hug!
I received this book from NetGalley for review purposes.
I received this book from NetGalley for review purposes.
September 10, 2012
I am torn apart by the journey of Mr. Patten...struggling to survive in a culture that almost demands that to be an adult human means to be able to read. Patten is the same age as my husband, in fact, they lived in the same community co-op as youngsters, and they have the same first name. Then there is the California connection...Patten came here first in the 70s to live in an experimental home for schizophrenics...oooh, tough love, bad news, but he gets clear on how easy it is to let fear rule his life. Later he comes back to California and gets involved with a teacher named Bubba and the Way of Radical Understanding while gradually finding ways to work and make a living with technology.
"People who'd known me from the past told me how much I'd changed, and how I had accomplished so much now that I had finally 'buckled down,' and I'd think, 'Screw you! I was working harder when I was failing.' From my point of view, it was the world that had changed and given me a chance." (p. 373)
A wonderful thing is that I will get to meet this author in just a few days when I go with my husband to Hawaii. I'm assembling some questions, and maybe I could write some follow up notes.
"People who'd known me from the past told me how much I'd changed, and how I had accomplished so much now that I had finally 'buckled down,' and I'd think, 'Screw you! I was working harder when I was failing.' From my point of view, it was the world that had changed and given me a chance." (p. 373)
A wonderful thing is that I will get to meet this author in just a few days when I go with my husband to Hawaii. I'm assembling some questions, and maybe I could write some follow up notes.
June 3, 2013
This is a look at the life of a man who has suffered, persevered and lived to tell his story for all of us to learn from and appreciate.
I was not completely sure what to expect when I began reading this, and at first was uncertain how much of the book was told from the actual person who lived it. After reading this, my eyes have been opened to a lot of things I had not realised before.
This memoir is moving, touching, painfully sad and inspiring all at the same time. If you have ever known someone who has been judged unfairly for a mental condition, read this book. You will be glad you did.
This review is based off a digital ARC.
I was not completely sure what to expect when I began reading this, and at first was uncertain how much of the book was told from the actual person who lived it. After reading this, my eyes have been opened to a lot of things I had not realised before.
This memoir is moving, touching, painfully sad and inspiring all at the same time. If you have ever known someone who has been judged unfairly for a mental condition, read this book. You will be glad you did.
This review is based off a digital ARC.
May 1, 2013
I chose to read this book to gain an understanding of the mindset of a high functioning person on the autism spectrum. I received so much more than I expected. "Dummy: A Memoir" is a wonderfully honest and unique account of a truly one of a kind life. I was completely blown away by David's descriptions of his academic, social, and sensory challenges growing up. I was captured by his spiritual journey, and his constant struggle to persevere in a world in which he didn't feel connected. What an amazing life. I am thankful he chose to share it.
January 2, 2016
Inspiring story. The amount of struggle and hardships David faced over his lifetime would have been enough to break down any person. But being severely handicapped by his learning disabilities would have made it that much worse. Instead, he is a shining example of what is possible if you put all your energy toward a goal. I recommend this book to anyone.
July 12, 2013
I was deeply disappointed in this book. The "harrowing childhood & sucessful drug-dealing" part was the bulk of the book. but the "how I overcame my difficulties/what I learned that I can pass on" part was a scant few pages toward the end. It read like a supermarket tabloid.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews