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Being Wrong
When Charlie gets away from his drug dealing father and is sent to live with his grandparents, things aren't suddenly okay. Charlie's broken. He's not sure he ever wasn't broken. When things get unbearable, the only thing that helps Charlie feel grounded is music. What can he do when he runs out of batteries for his old Walkman?
At school crowds of people gather to watch Travis perform, but when he goes home his only company is his cat. He escaped his abusive parents, but now he lives with his older brother who is usually away working. Will the strange, quiet boy he finds sitting on his porch trying to listen in on his music put an end to his loneliness?
At school crowds of people gather to watch Travis perform, but when he goes home his only company is his cat. He escaped his abusive parents, but now he lives with his older brother who is usually away working. Will the strange, quiet boy he finds sitting on his porch trying to listen in on his music put an end to his loneliness?
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Published May 7, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
October 12, 2021
Wow!
I am a parent to an Autistic daughter, and this is one of the most well written (fictionalized) character versions I've read, and I have read quite a few!! This was a very sensitive book, and I liked how it incorporated several POVs, but the reader was not ever lost or eager for the book to end. I think the epilogue was great and just the proper length. A lovely read!
I am a parent to an Autistic daughter, and this is one of the most well written (fictionalized) character versions I've read, and I have read quite a few!! This was a very sensitive book, and I liked how it incorporated several POVs, but the reader was not ever lost or eager for the book to end. I think the epilogue was great and just the proper length. A lovely read!
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October 9, 2023Para mi otro claro ejemplo de a mayor desgracias más estrellas.
A mi la historia no consigue engancharme, me parece todo muy forzado y demasiado centrada en dar pena....
Abandono al 50%, lo cual ya es todo un logro!
A mi la historia no consigue engancharme, me parece todo muy forzado y demasiado centrada en dar pena....
Abandono al 50%, lo cual ya es todo un logro!
December 21, 2024
This is one of those books that as you are part way into it, you want it to last forever, and why oh why are you limited to giving only 5 stars. This was a feel good book. The author's insight into mild autism is spot on and it blended in so well with the story line about a boy with undiagnosed autism going to live with his grandparents and finding peace in music and coincidentally, the boy next door just happens to have a guitar. and who happens to be gay and takes a liking to the boy with autism.
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June 30, 2025Not sure how to rate this, I do feel generally favorable to it. And I'm a sucker for this type of character. I've got no problem dnf'ing; I obviously enjoyed it enough to finish it.
But there's this feeling I have when I start reading a book but haven't quite committed, where I'm still in the process of deciding if this is what I'm reading next or not, and I pretty much had that the whole way through this book.
I'd say it's weakness is that it felt like the author was more focused on conveying an autistic experience than anything else, and consequently the pacing feels a bit sluggish and the plot thin. Some of the insights and improvements in the character's life felt a little too pat, too easy when they came, though his life prior was anything but. I'd have liked more introspection and emotional depth as well as more complex plotting, but I don't regret the time spent reading it.
But there's this feeling I have when I start reading a book but haven't quite committed, where I'm still in the process of deciding if this is what I'm reading next or not, and I pretty much had that the whole way through this book.
I'd say it's weakness is that it felt like the author was more focused on conveying an autistic experience than anything else, and consequently the pacing feels a bit sluggish and the plot thin. Some of the insights and improvements in the character's life felt a little too pat, too easy when they came, though his life prior was anything but. I'd have liked more introspection and emotional depth as well as more complex plotting, but I don't regret the time spent reading it.
January 18, 2022
i loved this book on wattpad and i was thrilled to hold it in my hands. it’s so refreshing to see such a raw, candid depiction of a person with autism - especially in a romance capacity. being wrong is sweet, real, and definitely worth a read.
December 16, 2024
4.5. i started reading this at 12am and then it was suddenly 5am. i started reading it and was like, “wow this kid is mad relatable,” then i read the synopsis and saw he had autism and was i like ope ok tea . . . LMFAOOOO
i really liked how realistic and nuanced charlie’s character was portrayed. there were parts that felt familiar to me, like being overwhelmed, shutting down, struggling with social interaction and sensory overload. but then there were things i couldn’t relate to—like physical meltdowns or lashing out— and the way the author wrote those moments from his perspective really helped me understand where he was coming from.
i also appreciated how the story didn’t romanticize or sugarcoat anything. it shows both the highs and lows, the progress and setbacks. the characters are so patient and persistent—they don’t give up on him, even when things don’t work the first time (or at all).
also travis was so fuckin cute, supportive, and understanding bye i love him😭✋ his character makes me hope that when i feel like i’m too much of a burden or more trouble than i’m worth, there’ll be people out there who accept me for who i am
i really liked how realistic and nuanced charlie’s character was portrayed. there were parts that felt familiar to me, like being overwhelmed, shutting down, struggling with social interaction and sensory overload. but then there were things i couldn’t relate to—like physical meltdowns or lashing out— and the way the author wrote those moments from his perspective really helped me understand where he was coming from.
i also appreciated how the story didn’t romanticize or sugarcoat anything. it shows both the highs and lows, the progress and setbacks. the characters are so patient and persistent—they don’t give up on him, even when things don’t work the first time (or at all).
also travis was so fuckin cute, supportive, and understanding bye i love him😭✋ his character makes me hope that when i feel like i’m too much of a burden or more trouble than i’m worth, there’ll be people out there who accept me for who i am
June 10, 2021
One of my favorites.
July 6, 2021
Everyone read this one such a beautiful story
October 3, 2024
I don't often read YA, but this was absolutely lovely 🥰
July 12, 2021
This is a very sweet book about 2 high school boys that has some deep subject matter (child abuse, drug use, autism spectrum disorder). Even though it gets quite emotional at times, I really enjoyed it and it was a completely different tone and pace from the typical M/M romance that I usually read.
I will definitely read more from this author if they write again.
I will definitely read more from this author if they write again.
November 8, 2022
I simply love this book. I've read it too many times to count and it never gets old. It's an unusual pair but the author manages to depict Charlie's autism perfectly. Hope to read many more like this from the author :)
October 10, 2023
What a captivating story. Every moment was so good.
This was the book I was looking for last week. It was perfect in every way. The characters were well written, and the plot was well executed. It was really satisfying. Charlie reminded me of Emett from Carry the Ocean by Heidi Cullinan, which is also a great book. I absolutely recommend it. If you enjoy this one, you'll enjoy that too.
Charlie captured my heart. I couldn't imagine what he'd been through. The poor boy needed a lot of supportive people, and I was happy he has Travis. Charlie was a natural flirt. He hit spots without intending it. Even I couldn't help but smile. Travis was just perfect for Charlie. I think he fit the criteria for someone whose existence was a blessing, and I was glad that even he had his own closure.
I also liked Ronny, surprisingly. I loved how, at the end, he became like a big brother to Charlie as well. The only thing that I felt lacking was that it ended too fast. I wanted to see the changes, the progress, and their growth. I think there should be a second book for this. It just doesn't make sense. I need more.
Overall, this was a great book to read.
This was the book I was looking for last week. It was perfect in every way. The characters were well written, and the plot was well executed. It was really satisfying. Charlie reminded me of Emett from Carry the Ocean by Heidi Cullinan, which is also a great book. I absolutely recommend it. If you enjoy this one, you'll enjoy that too.
Charlie captured my heart. I couldn't imagine what he'd been through. The poor boy needed a lot of supportive people, and I was happy he has Travis. Charlie was a natural flirt. He hit spots without intending it. Even I couldn't help but smile. Travis was just perfect for Charlie. I think he fit the criteria for someone whose existence was a blessing, and I was glad that even he had his own closure.
I also liked Ronny, surprisingly. I loved how, at the end, he became like a big brother to Charlie as well. The only thing that I felt lacking was that it ended too fast. I wanted to see the changes, the progress, and their growth. I think there should be a second book for this. It just doesn't make sense. I need more.
Overall, this was a great book to read.
October 24, 2024
Sobbing like a child during the whole book.
As an autistic person, relationships (with friends or family members) are so difficult. When I read how things were between Charlie and his grandparents, I immediately saw me and mine. When I was diagnosed autistic, my grandma was always repeating that I couldn't be autistic because I was intelligent (her vision of autism was very pejorative). Then, she started to feel confident to tell people I was autistic only if she added that I was intelligent after. Now she makes many efforts to make me feel safe and comfortable around her, and shows me that she accepts me however I am. We still argue a lot, but we know how the other is, and we accept each other's oddities.
I also have to say that I need a Travis in my life. When you are autistic, you tell yourself from a young age that you will never find someone who will accept you as you are and pay attention to your needs. People usually leave you because you're a weight for them and they want a peaceful life without having to care for someone who can't socialize normally and is socially awkward, or a person unable to do something because in their mind there is a "law" that prohibits doing this something. So reading about how Travis cares and loves Charlie makes my heart melt and gives me hope.
As an autistic person, relationships (with friends or family members) are so difficult. When I read how things were between Charlie and his grandparents, I immediately saw me and mine. When I was diagnosed autistic, my grandma was always repeating that I couldn't be autistic because I was intelligent (her vision of autism was very pejorative). Then, she started to feel confident to tell people I was autistic only if she added that I was intelligent after. Now she makes many efforts to make me feel safe and comfortable around her, and shows me that she accepts me however I am. We still argue a lot, but we know how the other is, and we accept each other's oddities.
I also have to say that I need a Travis in my life. When you are autistic, you tell yourself from a young age that you will never find someone who will accept you as you are and pay attention to your needs. People usually leave you because you're a weight for them and they want a peaceful life without having to care for someone who can't socialize normally and is socially awkward, or a person unable to do something because in their mind there is a "law" that prohibits doing this something. So reading about how Travis cares and loves Charlie makes my heart melt and gives me hope.
September 30, 2025
4.25 - maybe even 4.5
What a tender, cute and heartfelt story ❤️
With a wonderful delevery of a realistic autistic individual, while also being a teenager.
The stories carries dark themes of abuse and neglect, but meets them with beautiful connection, acceptance, leaning and understanding.
The relationship between Charlie and Travis was everything! Everybody needs a Travis in their life, whether romantic, a friend, coworker or family.
It all started with a curiosity and a crush - and it developed wonderfully (though perhaps a bit fast, but I'll look past that - but otherwise a very nice pace) and it was filled to the brim with care, softness and love.
Those boys and all their struggles, pain, happiness and love felt so real and I simply wish them all the fictional best ❤️
What a tender, cute and heartfelt story ❤️
With a wonderful delevery of a realistic autistic individual, while also being a teenager.
The stories carries dark themes of abuse and neglect, but meets them with beautiful connection, acceptance, leaning and understanding.
The relationship between Charlie and Travis was everything! Everybody needs a Travis in their life, whether romantic, a friend, coworker or family.
It all started with a curiosity and a crush - and it developed wonderfully (though perhaps a bit fast, but I'll look past that - but otherwise a very nice pace) and it was filled to the brim with care, softness and love.
Those boys and all their struggles, pain, happiness and love felt so real and I simply wish them all the fictional best ❤️
September 21, 2022
love is love
This was an interesting book about a young autistic teenager who had always been different but and struggled but no one realised that he was slightly autistic. He grew up with a drug addict mum and an abusive dad and people who just didn’t understand him and thought he was being difficult. It is when he Is reunited with his grandparents that things start to change. He also meets Travis his gay neighbour who also has suffered from abuse in his young life but lives on his own and is a musician. It’s lovely watching the friendship form between them and how Travis helps Charlie get the help and support he needs. I could have kept reading this for days.
This was an interesting book about a young autistic teenager who had always been different but and struggled but no one realised that he was slightly autistic. He grew up with a drug addict mum and an abusive dad and people who just didn’t understand him and thought he was being difficult. It is when he Is reunited with his grandparents that things start to change. He also meets Travis his gay neighbour who also has suffered from abuse in his young life but lives on his own and is a musician. It’s lovely watching the friendship form between them and how Travis helps Charlie get the help and support he needs. I could have kept reading this for days.
October 21, 2023
4 1/2 stars
I’ve read all this author’s online books and I adore their writing.
Charlie’s story resonates with me in many ways. As someone who grew up with undiagnosed autism I also often felt like there was just something wrong with me. A confusing part of me that I couldn’t understand and didn’t know how to explain.
Reading books with autistic queer characters reminds me I’m not alone. There are other people out there just like me.
I’ve read all this author’s online books and I adore their writing.
Charlie’s story resonates with me in many ways. As someone who grew up with undiagnosed autism I also often felt like there was just something wrong with me. A confusing part of me that I couldn’t understand and didn’t know how to explain.
Reading books with autistic queer characters reminds me I’m not alone. There are other people out there just like me.
August 4, 2021
2.5 stars. I liked Charlie and Travis both. I also liked the development towards the end. But this book had too many things I don’t like to read, so I can’t rate it higher. I do read for pleasure and this mostly made me feel upset in a bad way. It wasn’t badly written or anything, just not for me. So it’s me, not the book.
December 30, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. The acceptance. The character growth. It was a well written, beautiful story. The only thing that kept this book from being a 5 ⭐️ read was the pacing. The beginning was so drama heavy that the second half felt anticlimactic. A bit of rearranging and this book would be perfect
January 30, 2022
A very different read with topics I usually wouldn't leap on and read, but it was a moving and lovely story.
I also enjoyed reading a story set in Australia, which even with Aussie author's doesn't happen all too often.
I also enjoyed reading a story set in Australia, which even with Aussie author's doesn't happen all too often.
January 14, 2023
I will say, I’m not sure why I give it 5 stars. Well I am, it touches that neurodivergent queer kid inside of me. I don’t usually read YA but this was calming and beautiful. I liked the development and the whole premise was just so cute.
July 10, 2021
4.5 stars
September 6, 2021
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 stars!!!
As if there was any other option for this masterpiece 😊
As if there was any other option for this masterpiece 😊
January 22, 2025
What a completely lovely and sweet book. I never wanted it to end. Also a positive and realistic representation of someone with ASD. Plus, Travis and Charlie are adorable!
May 19, 2025
This book was very hard to get into. Not sure if it was the writing or just the story itself, but I could not connect with it much.
September 4, 2025
A comforting read
The author does such a good job writing complex and yet simple characters into their stories. This is a sweet love story and also a story about someone who has spent their whole life being told they're wrong for simply being who they are. Can relate. This is a book that makes me feel seen. Its also a book about accepting people for who they are. So, you know, its very comforting
The author does such a good job writing complex and yet simple characters into their stories. This is a sweet love story and also a story about someone who has spent their whole life being told they're wrong for simply being who they are. Can relate. This is a book that makes me feel seen. Its also a book about accepting people for who they are. So, you know, its very comforting
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews