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Another Us
What if Emma isn’t the person she thought she was?
Her younger son has just been diagnosed with autism.
She’s accidentally quit her job.
The marriage she was dedicated to suddenly seems like a sham.
She’s pretty sure that she is going to have an affair with a hot new dad at the school.
The only thing that stays the same is everyone else. Emma realises it’s not them – it’s her. But if she’s not who she thought she was, can her old life fit in with the new Emma?
Compassionate, funny and poignant, Another Us is perfect for fans of Marian Keyes and Fiona Gibson.
Her younger son has just been diagnosed with autism.
She’s accidentally quit her job.
The marriage she was dedicated to suddenly seems like a sham.
She’s pretty sure that she is going to have an affair with a hot new dad at the school.
The only thing that stays the same is everyone else. Emma realises it’s not them – it’s her. But if she’s not who she thought she was, can her old life fit in with the new Emma?
Compassionate, funny and poignant, Another Us is perfect for fans of Marian Keyes and Fiona Gibson.
359 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 14, 2020
52 people are currently reading
298 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
May 23, 2020
5☆ A Heart Warming, Uplifting, Witty, Must Read!
When I read the blurb to Another Us I couldn't wait to read it. I have worked with children with Autism and Asperger's and it's really close to my heart.
I absolutely adored the witty yet poignant writing style of Hesketh, she captured the highs and lows, the prejudice disabled people and their families face, it was beautifully written and heart warming.
Emma and Daniel want the absolute best for ten year old Jack. Jack has Asperger's and he views the world around him differently. Which others don't always want to appreciate or understand!
When Emma gets invited to a school meeting for Parents of Children with needs, she never imagined meeting other parents who face the same hurdles she does.
Leading the group is Queen Bea Virginia
who personally I didn't particularly like very much. But I did really like Mandy she was way more supportive and understanding with Emma and Paul!
Then there is Paul who also has just joined the group, he's Son Gabe is yet to be diagnosed but is sure he has Asperger's too. His Partner Hanna refuses to accept that Gabe has different needs.
Paul and Emma hit it off straight away.
With Daniel becoming more and more distant, Paul is there with a supportive ear... or maybe more!
I loved the characters so much, they were wonderfully developed, relatable, endearing, realistic, and relevant.
Hesketh opened up and gave the reader a glimmer of what it was like for a young family of five living with Jack's Asperger's, their every day life not just as a family unit but as individuals and the pressures and strains.
Another Us is such a heart warming, uplifting, witty, poignant story that melted my heart, had me giggling out loud at some of the Antics ( the Fondue Fire 🙈) and left me smiling.
Would I recommend reading Another Us?......Without A Doubt.....100% Yes!!
Thank you to Kelly at Love Book Group Tours and Canelo for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
You can Find this Review and all my Other Reviews on My Blog :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2020/0...
When I read the blurb to Another Us I couldn't wait to read it. I have worked with children with Autism and Asperger's and it's really close to my heart.
I absolutely adored the witty yet poignant writing style of Hesketh, she captured the highs and lows, the prejudice disabled people and their families face, it was beautifully written and heart warming.
Emma and Daniel want the absolute best for ten year old Jack. Jack has Asperger's and he views the world around him differently. Which others don't always want to appreciate or understand!
When Emma gets invited to a school meeting for Parents of Children with needs, she never imagined meeting other parents who face the same hurdles she does.
Leading the group is Queen Bea Virginia
who personally I didn't particularly like very much. But I did really like Mandy she was way more supportive and understanding with Emma and Paul!
Then there is Paul who also has just joined the group, he's Son Gabe is yet to be diagnosed but is sure he has Asperger's too. His Partner Hanna refuses to accept that Gabe has different needs.
Paul and Emma hit it off straight away.
With Daniel becoming more and more distant, Paul is there with a supportive ear... or maybe more!
I loved the characters so much, they were wonderfully developed, relatable, endearing, realistic, and relevant.
Hesketh opened up and gave the reader a glimmer of what it was like for a young family of five living with Jack's Asperger's, their every day life not just as a family unit but as individuals and the pressures and strains.
Another Us is such a heart warming, uplifting, witty, poignant story that melted my heart, had me giggling out loud at some of the Antics ( the Fondue Fire 🙈) and left me smiling.
Would I recommend reading Another Us?......Without A Doubt.....100% Yes!!
Thank you to Kelly at Love Book Group Tours and Canelo for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
You can Find this Review and all my Other Reviews on My Blog :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2020/0...
December 1, 2024
I picked this up as it had an interesting premise of a family's, especially a mother's, experience raising a neurodivergent child, with two other siblings often being left to their own devices. It reminded me of Tell Me I'm Here by Anne Deveson, where her true life experience of having a son with schizophrenia, while her two other children often felt ignored. Ironically one of those children went on to be the excellent and accomplished writer Georgia Blain.
The strong themes in the book were often painfully handled though, I found the narrator/mum to be insufferable at times, with the situations she got herself into often uncomfortable. In the end it all washes out, but the journey is painful. But then raising a neurodivergent child when you could be on the spectrum yourself, cannot be easy at all. Keeping it together for her son and her family, is more than difficult and painful to watch. 3.5 stars
‘Nothing to do with your long legs and your stonking boobs and your little-girl-lost look then?’ (p. 74). I learned a new word today, stonking means impressive, exciting or very large. My wife knew, but then she had English parents and lived there.
The strong themes in the book were often painfully handled though, I found the narrator/mum to be insufferable at times, with the situations she got herself into often uncomfortable. In the end it all washes out, but the journey is painful. But then raising a neurodivergent child when you could be on the spectrum yourself, cannot be easy at all. Keeping it together for her son and her family, is more than difficult and painful to watch. 3.5 stars
‘Nothing to do with your long legs and your stonking boobs and your little-girl-lost look then?’ (p. 74). I learned a new word today, stonking means impressive, exciting or very large. My wife knew, but then she had English parents and lived there.
May 12, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed this debut book, in fact if I hadn't read somewhere that it was a debut, I wouldn't have known.
A family waiting for an Aspergers diagnosis and what happened to them all afterwards.
I laughed out loud several times whilst reading and found myself with a lump in my throat and a couple of head shake too.
The writing just flowed really well and it's a very easy book to read, considering how busy I am I just wanted to see how the family fared.
Highly recommended.
A family waiting for an Aspergers diagnosis and what happened to them all afterwards.
I laughed out loud several times whilst reading and found myself with a lump in my throat and a couple of head shake too.
The writing just flowed really well and it's a very easy book to read, considering how busy I am I just wanted to see how the family fared.
Highly recommended.
August 13, 2021
I find myself truly astonished that anyone could possibly think this is a 5 star book. I really don’t know how this even got published. I normally don’t bother carrying on with books after the free sample if it seems like garbage and the sample here really was, but I felt I wanted to see what the author did with Autism theme in the story.
Firstly the characters in this book are paper thin. The author spends countless paragraphs on completely pointless details about clothes, food and unfunny quips at the expensive of giving the main characters any substance at all. It took 6 chapters just to tell us how old Jack is and he is meant to be fairly central to the so-called “plot”. I use the term loosely here as there’s not much creativity in it. There is just so much banal drivel in every scene.
I find it insulting to be offered a protagonist who’s nothing more than an archetypal wine obsessed mum who moans about her weight, bitches in the playground about fellow parents and wallows in self pity. Oh please? Hasn’t this been done before? A thousand times over.
But as a reader who has close connections personally and professionally with the Autistic community I felt somewhat obligated to finish it to see what type of narrative this author attempted to create here.
I felt as though the author had a list of “facts about autism” she needed to shoehorn into the book and they read throughout the first half like post-it notes in the text. There’s nothing about Jack as an individual, no attempt to flesh out his relationships or character, just his autistic traits and the embarrassment they seemingly cause his mum. It would have been so much better to show us Jack as a whole person, not list how he’s autistic and nothing else. But that would need a talented writer.
The language used is inconsistent throughout the book and would cause the majority of the autistic community to cringe.
“A bit autistic-y” “Mild Autism” “Aspie” “on the spectrum” these terms made my skin crawl and throughout the entire book there is a tone of this being like a disease that our protagonist is trying to minimise and oh the relief when it’s validated by a therapist as being “only mild”.
I could go on but it’s clear how much I hated it.
The writing is terrible from start to finish and sadly this will only serve to further reinforce the ignorance and stereotypes that exist for the Autistic community. £1.99 wasted.
Firstly the characters in this book are paper thin. The author spends countless paragraphs on completely pointless details about clothes, food and unfunny quips at the expensive of giving the main characters any substance at all. It took 6 chapters just to tell us how old Jack is and he is meant to be fairly central to the so-called “plot”. I use the term loosely here as there’s not much creativity in it. There is just so much banal drivel in every scene.
I find it insulting to be offered a protagonist who’s nothing more than an archetypal wine obsessed mum who moans about her weight, bitches in the playground about fellow parents and wallows in self pity. Oh please? Hasn’t this been done before? A thousand times over.
But as a reader who has close connections personally and professionally with the Autistic community I felt somewhat obligated to finish it to see what type of narrative this author attempted to create here.
I felt as though the author had a list of “facts about autism” she needed to shoehorn into the book and they read throughout the first half like post-it notes in the text. There’s nothing about Jack as an individual, no attempt to flesh out his relationships or character, just his autistic traits and the embarrassment they seemingly cause his mum. It would have been so much better to show us Jack as a whole person, not list how he’s autistic and nothing else. But that would need a talented writer.
The language used is inconsistent throughout the book and would cause the majority of the autistic community to cringe.
“A bit autistic-y” “Mild Autism” “Aspie” “on the spectrum” these terms made my skin crawl and throughout the entire book there is a tone of this being like a disease that our protagonist is trying to minimise and oh the relief when it’s validated by a therapist as being “only mild”.
I could go on but it’s clear how much I hated it.
The writing is terrible from start to finish and sadly this will only serve to further reinforce the ignorance and stereotypes that exist for the Autistic community. £1.99 wasted.
May 28, 2020
This is an easy to read and cheerful novel although it touches serious issues like autism, parenting, relationships. I can relate to most of the story, as I have a son who might have high functioning autism and it was refreshing to read a story so close to home, but less stressful than reality. and overall positive What changes if you have or not have a diagnosis, a label? How does that affect the way you interact with other people, the way they see you? Should you work full time if you have a child with special needs? There are no deep answers here, but the book raises some good questions. The writing style and the pace are good, I recommend it to those who want a light read with some interesting topics.
PS. I received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review - thank you.
PS. I received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review - thank you.
April 28, 2020
When Emma discovers that her son has Asperger’s her life begins to fall apart. Statistics say that 80 per cent of marriages fail in families with Aspergers. With that in mind she responds to the sexy new dad in the playground. All of Emma’s attention is lavished on her middle diagnosed child whilst her other two children and husband are left with mood swings. Another Us takes us on Emma’s journey to discovering that a person with Asperger’s perceives the world differently but that different isn’t bad, in different can be good. Kirsten Hesketh may be a debut author but she writes fluidly and wittily, there were moments that had me howling with laughter.
Thank you to NetGalley and Canelo for an ARC in return for an honest review
Thank you to NetGalley and Canelo for an ARC in return for an honest review
July 26, 2020
I loved this debut novel: it grapples with some hard themes which I don't think I have ever seen handled so touchingly in fiction, in a light and entertaining way. I literally laughed and cried at different parts of the book and raced through the second half, desperate to see how things all turned out. I wasn't disappointed. I enjoyed it and learnt a lot too.
April 17, 2020
Another Us is the story of Emma, a mom of three. When her younger son is diagnosed with autism, Emma's grip on her world starts to falter and she faces many (sometimes silly) challenges. She struggles at work, in her marriage, in her home and at her kids’ schools. The book follows her as she attempts to find her bearings after his diagnosis and to deal with her life as it changes.
This book was quite up and down for me! For the first quarter I was really drawn into the story but not into Emma the main character and narrator, to the point where I thought I may not like the book at all. As it progressed though and more of Emma’s character was developed, I started to really enjoy it - by the end I was sold :) This book is definitely funny and the only thing keeping me from four stars is that some of the moments were so cringe-inducing. There were many times I found myself thinking "Oh no Emma stop being so obtuse/silly/confused/unreliable" and therefore it took me a long time before I started really rooting for Emma to succeed. I do have to say though that the character is really well built and the personality develops much the same way as it would if you were getting to know someone slowly over time. It was well written and easy to read. Overall I’m glad I read it!
This book was quite up and down for me! For the first quarter I was really drawn into the story but not into Emma the main character and narrator, to the point where I thought I may not like the book at all. As it progressed though and more of Emma’s character was developed, I started to really enjoy it - by the end I was sold :) This book is definitely funny and the only thing keeping me from four stars is that some of the moments were so cringe-inducing. There were many times I found myself thinking "Oh no Emma stop being so obtuse/silly/confused/unreliable" and therefore it took me a long time before I started really rooting for Emma to succeed. I do have to say though that the character is really well built and the personality develops much the same way as it would if you were getting to know someone slowly over time. It was well written and easy to read. Overall I’m glad I read it!
November 22, 2020
I loved the equal doses of humour and emotion that are conveyed in this book – it’s needed with the topics that Kirsten deals with. However it never loses that sense of serious-ness at the right points which is so important.
Finding a book full of compassion, ordinary people, ordinary lives, and trials and tribulations, is refreshing. This isn’t predictable and I like that – it’s refreshing to find something that doesn’t go the way you think it will (bit like life!).
This book also has the added bonus of being educational without being dry or prescriptive. Emma, the main character, is learning and sharing – the book focuses on diagnosis of Asperger’s as well as all sorts of other happenings in life. Kirsten has a great talent with words and characterisation. When you meet a person with Autism… you have met just one person with Autism. Everyone is different, and that’s captured very well within this book. Equally it’s great to see a book featuring such a diverse set of characters rather than the usual.
Finding a book full of compassion, ordinary people, ordinary lives, and trials and tribulations, is refreshing. This isn’t predictable and I like that – it’s refreshing to find something that doesn’t go the way you think it will (bit like life!).
This book also has the added bonus of being educational without being dry or prescriptive. Emma, the main character, is learning and sharing – the book focuses on diagnosis of Asperger’s as well as all sorts of other happenings in life. Kirsten has a great talent with words and characterisation. When you meet a person with Autism… you have met just one person with Autism. Everyone is different, and that’s captured very well within this book. Equally it’s great to see a book featuring such a diverse set of characters rather than the usual.
May 10, 2020
As a debut novel, I was looking forward to reading this title.
While I did enjoy reading it overall, I would rate it 3.5 stars - It felt choppy and a bit drawn out to me, but I think most of it came from not relating to Emma the main character very well. I constantly felt like as a character she was very negative to herself and those around her, and I didn't particularly enjoy reading about it - especially when she kept doing the wrong things or adding more confusion.
The family dynamic, as a family with a child with Aspergers kept me wanting to finish the story. How Emma as a mother divided her time between each child, her husband, work and those around her was the most interesting part of the story. Some funny bits, and a great way of incorporating what I'm sure is true for families dealing with everyday trauma and the hardships a diagnosis may be.
Thank you to Netgalley, Kirsten Hesketh and Canelo for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
While I did enjoy reading it overall, I would rate it 3.5 stars - It felt choppy and a bit drawn out to me, but I think most of it came from not relating to Emma the main character very well. I constantly felt like as a character she was very negative to herself and those around her, and I didn't particularly enjoy reading about it - especially when she kept doing the wrong things or adding more confusion.
The family dynamic, as a family with a child with Aspergers kept me wanting to finish the story. How Emma as a mother divided her time between each child, her husband, work and those around her was the most interesting part of the story. Some funny bits, and a great way of incorporating what I'm sure is true for families dealing with everyday trauma and the hardships a diagnosis may be.
Thank you to Netgalley, Kirsten Hesketh and Canelo for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
May 6, 2021
This is a remarkable story of the Healey family, Emma, husband Daniel, and children Freddie, Lily and youngest child Jack. It's the 14th September and a psychiatrist diagnosis for Jack Autism spectrum disorder is diagnosed, Emma and Daniel were sort of expecting this it's a family genetic, jack has Asperger's history is repeating itself but jack took it in his stride he adds I'm just been another me.
Not a lifetime ago another couple, another family, another us.
Emma tells her story.
From a happily married mother of three children, to a single full time mum.
I laughed I cried, what a delightful book to read that goes out to all parents who are in the same situation? read it.
Kirsten has captured this book with the difficulties and also the funny fun loving bonds and trails of motherhood with a difference.
I learned and loved reading this book.
Not a lifetime ago another couple, another family, another us.
Emma tells her story.
From a happily married mother of three children, to a single full time mum.
I laughed I cried, what a delightful book to read that goes out to all parents who are in the same situation? read it.
Kirsten has captured this book with the difficulties and also the funny fun loving bonds and trails of motherhood with a difference.
I learned and loved reading this book.
July 25, 2020
(4/5 stars)
Summary
Emma, mother of three, finds out her son, Jack, has Asperger's. She proceeds to fall apart.
Review
At first, I was confused why the narrative felt awkward and very sad and disjointed, but after finishing I think I understand the author's intention all along. It was a very heartwarming read, where the reader is consistently rooting for Emma (and Jack haha). Gave me sort of an unreliable narrator vibes, but it is fitting.
Emma is a mess, but she manages to come to terms with Jack's diagnosis and confronts her own issues from the past. I was surprised about the whole ordeal with Paul, and how that turned out, but I feel like in a way Emma's mistakes made the story more realistic. Also, whenever I read novels that are set across the pond I get confused by the jargon, so again sometimes throughout this story while reading I was like what does this mean? and so forth. But that was not a huge deal.
I felt like Emma's progression and growth through the novel was an honest portrayal and it didn't feel too rushed. It was well paced and the plot was not overrun by the "hot dad" like I anticipated it to be.
Summary
Emma, mother of three, finds out her son, Jack, has Asperger's. She proceeds to fall apart.
Review
At first, I was confused why the narrative felt awkward and very sad and disjointed, but after finishing I think I understand the author's intention all along. It was a very heartwarming read, where the reader is consistently rooting for Emma (and Jack haha). Gave me sort of an unreliable narrator vibes, but it is fitting.
Emma is a mess, but she manages to come to terms with Jack's diagnosis and confronts her own issues from the past. I was surprised about the whole ordeal with Paul, and how that turned out, but I feel like in a way Emma's mistakes made the story more realistic. Also, whenever I read novels that are set across the pond I get confused by the jargon, so again sometimes throughout this story while reading I was like what does this mean? and so forth. But that was not a huge deal.
I felt like Emma's progression and growth through the novel was an honest portrayal and it didn't feel too rushed. It was well paced and the plot was not overrun by the "hot dad" like I anticipated it to be.
May 3, 2020
Another us is a great read that’s down to earth relatable and humorous, it tackles a sensitive topic with great insight in a non factual but informative manner that is so heart warming to read!
Emma and Daniel a married couple with three children have to face the diagnosis of Aspergers for their middle child jack, the diagnosis starts to tear Emma and Daniel apart as Emma invests all her energy and time into jack, neglecting Daniel and their other two children, Daniel copes by throwing himself into work and moving to America !! A great insight into how parents handle a diagnosis such as this in different ways and the emotional rollercoaster of a journey they are on! Loved the portrayal of jack and the gradual realisation from Emma that he was still jack despite the diagnosis! A thoroughly enjoyable entertaining read.
Thank you net galley for this early read.
Emma and Daniel a married couple with three children have to face the diagnosis of Aspergers for their middle child jack, the diagnosis starts to tear Emma and Daniel apart as Emma invests all her energy and time into jack, neglecting Daniel and their other two children, Daniel copes by throwing himself into work and moving to America !! A great insight into how parents handle a diagnosis such as this in different ways and the emotional rollercoaster of a journey they are on! Loved the portrayal of jack and the gradual realisation from Emma that he was still jack despite the diagnosis! A thoroughly enjoyable entertaining read.
Thank you net galley for this early read.
May 31, 2020
Another Us is a very light read but it is packed with insights about people who has special needs and how challenging it is to live with it everyday.
Emma was a great character thought there are parts where she was confused with all the happenings in her life considering her son Jack was diagnosed with Asperger’s. She got caught up with all these challenges. Emma tried to juggle everything; being a full-time mum, coping with life after losing her job and trying to save her marriage.
Her character showed how life can be confusing. Life can easily turn our world upside down but Emma showed me that there are possible ways to manipulate it even though most of the people who are in the same shoes as her failed to succeed.
I couldn’t agree more with Freddie for calling her a hero. She is indeed an amazing hero ❤️
Jack on the other hand is a fine kid. I have met kids like Jack before and I knew how tiring dealing with their panic attacks and tantrums but this book made me understand that kids like him need patience and care from the people around him. He is definitely different from everyone but Emma managed to make him feel normal… In this book you will definitely fall in love with Jack. he had put his family together again which doesn’t normally happen with families with this kind of challenge.
For me this book is great for everyone, very informative and will make you think of things differently.
One thing that I learned from this was no matter what situation you are in there will always be an answer for it. Of course you have to believe it will happen.
Being a bookworm, I have read numbers of books that discusses topics about mental health which I usually find stressful. Another Us gave me a different experience, for a record there was no part of this book where I found it stressful. Infact, I enjoyed every page of it. I hope there are more books like this in the future that could help everyone understand topics that are oftentimes difficult to take without making the readers anxious when reading or considering the trigger warnings.
All in all I definitely love this read.
Emma was a great character thought there are parts where she was confused with all the happenings in her life considering her son Jack was diagnosed with Asperger’s. She got caught up with all these challenges. Emma tried to juggle everything; being a full-time mum, coping with life after losing her job and trying to save her marriage.
Her character showed how life can be confusing. Life can easily turn our world upside down but Emma showed me that there are possible ways to manipulate it even though most of the people who are in the same shoes as her failed to succeed.
I couldn’t agree more with Freddie for calling her a hero. She is indeed an amazing hero ❤️
Jack on the other hand is a fine kid. I have met kids like Jack before and I knew how tiring dealing with their panic attacks and tantrums but this book made me understand that kids like him need patience and care from the people around him. He is definitely different from everyone but Emma managed to make him feel normal… In this book you will definitely fall in love with Jack. he had put his family together again which doesn’t normally happen with families with this kind of challenge.
For me this book is great for everyone, very informative and will make you think of things differently.
One thing that I learned from this was no matter what situation you are in there will always be an answer for it. Of course you have to believe it will happen.
Being a bookworm, I have read numbers of books that discusses topics about mental health which I usually find stressful. Another Us gave me a different experience, for a record there was no part of this book where I found it stressful. Infact, I enjoyed every page of it. I hope there are more books like this in the future that could help everyone understand topics that are oftentimes difficult to take without making the readers anxious when reading or considering the trigger warnings.
All in all I definitely love this read.
October 4, 2021
SPONSORERET ANMELDELSE
Bogen er en medrivende, sjov og dramatisk historie om at være forælder til et barn med Aspergers Syndrom (AS). Den handler også om ægteskab, utroskab og venskab. Jeg synes, at den beskriver udfordringerne med AS rigtigt godt. Samtidigt får den også nævnt den vigtige pointe, at folk med AS er forskellige.
Hovedpersonen Emma er svær ikke at holde af – hun er sød, sjov og omsorgsfuld, men hun har også sine fejl. For eksempel flipper hun voldsomt ud, når tingene bliver lidt for meget. Hun ser meget sort/hvidt på tingene, hvilket bl.a. kommer til udtryk ved, at hun enten holder af eller hader en person – der er ikke noget midtimellem. Nogle gange har jeg haft lyst til at ruske hende og skælde hende ud, fordi hun tager nogle dumme, ofte spontane beslutninger. Andre gange har jeg haft lyst til at give hende et kram og fortælle hende, at alting nok skal gå.
Børn siger de sjoveste ting, og mange børn med AS siger om muligt endnu sjovere ting, fordi de mangler et filter. De kommer nogle gange til at virke uhøflige og uopdragne, fordi de siger, hvad de tænker uden omsvøb. Sådan er Emmas 10-årige søn Jack, og det har givet mig mange grin undervejs.
Det kræver en stor indsats fra begge parter for at få et forhold/ægteskab til at fungere. I bogen siger en statistik, at 80 % af alle ægteskaber går i stykker, hvis der er et autistisk barn i familien. Emma kan ikke få det ud af hovedet, og det bliver nærmest en selvopfyldende profeti, da hun får øje på den lækre far Paul i skolen. Hvad der sker eller ikke sker mellem Emma og Paul, vil jeg ikke afsløre.
Jeg kunne godt have tænkt mig en oversigt over alle karaktererne, fordi der er et semi-stort persongalleri. De bliver næsten alle sammen præsenteret oveni hinanden, så jeg opgav til sidst at finde ud af, hvilket barn der hørte til hvilken forælder.
Alt i alt synes jeg, at det er en rigtig god bog. Den kan sikkert lære flere læsere noget om Aspergers Syndrom, hvilket er rigtig godt. Jo flere der kender noget til denne udviklingsforstyrrelse, jo nemmere er det for folk med AS at begå sig blandt neurotypiske.
Bogen er en medrivende, sjov og dramatisk historie om at være forælder til et barn med Aspergers Syndrom (AS). Den handler også om ægteskab, utroskab og venskab. Jeg synes, at den beskriver udfordringerne med AS rigtigt godt. Samtidigt får den også nævnt den vigtige pointe, at folk med AS er forskellige.
Hovedpersonen Emma er svær ikke at holde af – hun er sød, sjov og omsorgsfuld, men hun har også sine fejl. For eksempel flipper hun voldsomt ud, når tingene bliver lidt for meget. Hun ser meget sort/hvidt på tingene, hvilket bl.a. kommer til udtryk ved, at hun enten holder af eller hader en person – der er ikke noget midtimellem. Nogle gange har jeg haft lyst til at ruske hende og skælde hende ud, fordi hun tager nogle dumme, ofte spontane beslutninger. Andre gange har jeg haft lyst til at give hende et kram og fortælle hende, at alting nok skal gå.
Børn siger de sjoveste ting, og mange børn med AS siger om muligt endnu sjovere ting, fordi de mangler et filter. De kommer nogle gange til at virke uhøflige og uopdragne, fordi de siger, hvad de tænker uden omsvøb. Sådan er Emmas 10-årige søn Jack, og det har givet mig mange grin undervejs.
Det kræver en stor indsats fra begge parter for at få et forhold/ægteskab til at fungere. I bogen siger en statistik, at 80 % af alle ægteskaber går i stykker, hvis der er et autistisk barn i familien. Emma kan ikke få det ud af hovedet, og det bliver nærmest en selvopfyldende profeti, da hun får øje på den lækre far Paul i skolen. Hvad der sker eller ikke sker mellem Emma og Paul, vil jeg ikke afsløre.
Jeg kunne godt have tænkt mig en oversigt over alle karaktererne, fordi der er et semi-stort persongalleri. De bliver næsten alle sammen præsenteret oveni hinanden, så jeg opgav til sidst at finde ud af, hvilket barn der hørte til hvilken forælder.
Alt i alt synes jeg, at det er en rigtig god bog. Den kan sikkert lære flere læsere noget om Aspergers Syndrom, hvilket er rigtig godt. Jo flere der kender noget til denne udviklingsforstyrrelse, jo nemmere er det for folk med AS at begå sig blandt neurotypiske.
June 18, 2020
Realistic, witty and moving!
‘Another Us’ tells the often untold story of what it’s like to love someone with Autism and how difficult a journey that is, when it’s your own child. So often, the topic of Autism is swept under the carpet and not discussed for the fear of ridicule, judgement or lack of acceptance. Some people are ignorant to what it is or don’t want to know and some just don’t want to say the wrong thing and upset people. It’s a sensitive topic that Kirsten Hesketh depicts in detail and deals with, both with compassion and understanding.
The story follows Emma and Daniel’s life after receiving an Autism diagnosis for their son and the way in which this affects them as individuals and as a whole family. Naturally, they both want the best for their son and as a parent of a child with SEN, Emma is called into action when she joins a group of parents, in order to raise money and awareness of children with needs. We witness situations unfold, that Emma lands herself in, whilst managing the development of new and unexpected friendships. The intimacies of these leave the reader wanting more and needing to know how certain storylines will play out.
From the start, I was nodding and laughing at Jack’s behaviour and Emma’s different plans for dealing with her son and the situations they end up in. It resonated with me, as I could see how it mirrors the dynamics in our family, as I have a child under assessment for ASD (who says things like Jack) and I drew comfort from not being alone in our struggles.
Hesketh captures the rawness and the highs and lows of the prejudice faced by those with disabilities (and especially hidden disabilities). I cried and I laughed with Emma and I also sympathised.
I don’t want to say too much about it because it’s a story that you just need to experience. It’s a story of many, for many - it is beautifully written and heartwarming. Well done Kirsten.
Thank you to NetGalley and Canelo for this ARC, in exchange for an honest review.
‘Another Us’ tells the often untold story of what it’s like to love someone with Autism and how difficult a journey that is, when it’s your own child. So often, the topic of Autism is swept under the carpet and not discussed for the fear of ridicule, judgement or lack of acceptance. Some people are ignorant to what it is or don’t want to know and some just don’t want to say the wrong thing and upset people. It’s a sensitive topic that Kirsten Hesketh depicts in detail and deals with, both with compassion and understanding.
The story follows Emma and Daniel’s life after receiving an Autism diagnosis for their son and the way in which this affects them as individuals and as a whole family. Naturally, they both want the best for their son and as a parent of a child with SEN, Emma is called into action when she joins a group of parents, in order to raise money and awareness of children with needs. We witness situations unfold, that Emma lands herself in, whilst managing the development of new and unexpected friendships. The intimacies of these leave the reader wanting more and needing to know how certain storylines will play out.
From the start, I was nodding and laughing at Jack’s behaviour and Emma’s different plans for dealing with her son and the situations they end up in. It resonated with me, as I could see how it mirrors the dynamics in our family, as I have a child under assessment for ASD (who says things like Jack) and I drew comfort from not being alone in our struggles.
Hesketh captures the rawness and the highs and lows of the prejudice faced by those with disabilities (and especially hidden disabilities). I cried and I laughed with Emma and I also sympathised.
I don’t want to say too much about it because it’s a story that you just need to experience. It’s a story of many, for many - it is beautifully written and heartwarming. Well done Kirsten.
Thank you to NetGalley and Canelo for this ARC, in exchange for an honest review.
November 13, 2020
What a wonderful debut!
'Another Us' follows the story of Emma and Daniel whose ten-year-old son Jack has been diagnosed with Asperger's. They also have a teenage son called Freddie and eight-year-old Lily. Following Jack's diagnosis, Emma reads a leaflet and learns about "The Statistic" - that 80% of marriages end before the autistic child turns 16.
The story touches on a lot of subjects and it shows the strain that can be put on a relationship. Emma ends up having to leave her job and is then trying to navigate her new life spending more time at home, trying to give her three children the attention they all need whilst trying to start a freelancing job, and all the while wondering if she could have Asperger's too.
Emma and a few other of the special needs parents form together and try to organise a ball to raise money so that the school can have a group for their children. Emma gets quite close to one of the dads whilst Daniel job takes him to America for a few months.
As the parent of an autistic child, a lot of this resonated with me. One such scenario was the differences between a tantrum and a meltdown (it infuriates me to this day when people refer to their neurotypical children's tantrums as "meltdowns"). That red mist descends and they truly cannot remember what just happened. A lot of Jack's behaviours reminded me of my son's, especially the fact that he could transfer files between games consoles "the boy who can't tie his own shoelaces".
This book made me laugh a lot, especially the Aspie parents Murder Mystery evening with the hilarious character names but it made me quite emotional too. I definitely saw a lot of myself in the character of Emma and it was interesting to read the development of their relationship.
'Another Us' follows the story of Emma and Daniel whose ten-year-old son Jack has been diagnosed with Asperger's. They also have a teenage son called Freddie and eight-year-old Lily. Following Jack's diagnosis, Emma reads a leaflet and learns about "The Statistic" - that 80% of marriages end before the autistic child turns 16.
The story touches on a lot of subjects and it shows the strain that can be put on a relationship. Emma ends up having to leave her job and is then trying to navigate her new life spending more time at home, trying to give her three children the attention they all need whilst trying to start a freelancing job, and all the while wondering if she could have Asperger's too.
Emma and a few other of the special needs parents form together and try to organise a ball to raise money so that the school can have a group for their children. Emma gets quite close to one of the dads whilst Daniel job takes him to America for a few months.
As the parent of an autistic child, a lot of this resonated with me. One such scenario was the differences between a tantrum and a meltdown (it infuriates me to this day when people refer to their neurotypical children's tantrums as "meltdowns"). That red mist descends and they truly cannot remember what just happened. A lot of Jack's behaviours reminded me of my son's, especially the fact that he could transfer files between games consoles "the boy who can't tie his own shoelaces".
This book made me laugh a lot, especially the Aspie parents Murder Mystery evening with the hilarious character names but it made me quite emotional too. I definitely saw a lot of myself in the character of Emma and it was interesting to read the development of their relationship.
April 21, 2020
When I saw this debut novel available on Netgalley, I was instantly drawn too it just by the cover, then even more so after reading the blurb.
This book is so well written and the main character Emma, is so down to earth and so easy to relate too.
There are some really funny moments in this book which made me laugh out loud, in fact for most of the book, I felt like I was reading it with a smile on my face. I was absolutely giggling at a part where Emma has been out for a run and she states “my breasts were doing a workout of their own!”.. .. oh how sooooo many big busted ladies will relate to this!! 😂
Even though this book has great humour and some brilliant one liners coming from Jack, who has Aspergers, it is done perfectly as it doesn’t over shadow the seriousness of the issues in the book. The comedy timing is absolutely spot on and flows throughout the whole story.
This book also brought a lump to my throat in the later stages when Emma, like most mums at some point, feels like she is massively failing as a parent. Really pulled at my heart strings.
I just love how Kirsten has written this book and it really opens your eyes as to what families of children with Aspergers go through on a daily basis.
This is a fantastic debut which is humorous and heart warming and I can not wait to read more from this author.
This book is so well written and the main character Emma, is so down to earth and so easy to relate too.
There are some really funny moments in this book which made me laugh out loud, in fact for most of the book, I felt like I was reading it with a smile on my face. I was absolutely giggling at a part where Emma has been out for a run and she states “my breasts were doing a workout of their own!”.. .. oh how sooooo many big busted ladies will relate to this!! 😂
Even though this book has great humour and some brilliant one liners coming from Jack, who has Aspergers, it is done perfectly as it doesn’t over shadow the seriousness of the issues in the book. The comedy timing is absolutely spot on and flows throughout the whole story.
This book also brought a lump to my throat in the later stages when Emma, like most mums at some point, feels like she is massively failing as a parent. Really pulled at my heart strings.
I just love how Kirsten has written this book and it really opens your eyes as to what families of children with Aspergers go through on a daily basis.
This is a fantastic debut which is humorous and heart warming and I can not wait to read more from this author.
May 23, 2020
Another Us is a story about Jack who has Asperger Syndrome, or is it? Perhaps it's a story about Emma, Jack's mother who is struggling to hold her family together while dealing with her son's individuality in the face of society's unyielding view of 'normal.'
This is a cleverly written book where Kirsten Hesketh deals with various issues that seemingly arise from her son's condition, but as the story unfolds, we learn there is more to this than meets the reader's eye at first. Who's to judge what makes good parenting? Who's to judge what makes a couple's relationship work under the pressure of family life, job losses and compliance with normal expectations? Who is anyone to judge?
Kirsten explores issues around temptation, escape, a wish for one's life to be just 'normal' like everyone else's seems to be. But as we find out, there are plenty secrets and insecurities lingering around even the most seemingly perfect scenarios.
The children's personalities shine through in this story and we can see how easily children can slip into labelled situations. Kirsten digs deep to explore the importance of how individual children view their own family. This was enlightening for me.
A splendid debut from a talented writer and I look forward to more from Kirsten.
This is a cleverly written book where Kirsten Hesketh deals with various issues that seemingly arise from her son's condition, but as the story unfolds, we learn there is more to this than meets the reader's eye at first. Who's to judge what makes good parenting? Who's to judge what makes a couple's relationship work under the pressure of family life, job losses and compliance with normal expectations? Who is anyone to judge?
Kirsten explores issues around temptation, escape, a wish for one's life to be just 'normal' like everyone else's seems to be. But as we find out, there are plenty secrets and insecurities lingering around even the most seemingly perfect scenarios.
The children's personalities shine through in this story and we can see how easily children can slip into labelled situations. Kirsten digs deep to explore the importance of how individual children view their own family. This was enlightening for me.
A splendid debut from a talented writer and I look forward to more from Kirsten.
May 11, 2020
Not only is this book a compelling, funny and moving read but I think Another Us also gives valuable (and much needed) insight into family life where a child has been diagnosed with autism.
While I have friends who have children on the spectrum - and I listen and try and understand what life can be like for them - Kirsten Hesketh’s book sets it out in high definition.
It feels authentic because the author has dealt with some (thankfully not all) of the issues mentioned in her debut herself – and that certainly adds power to her words.
It took me a while to warm to Emma but I think that’s actually really cleverly done (without giving anything away, all becomes clear later in the book).
There are some nice jumps back in time, which really help pace the story. Without them I think my head might have exploded with all the drama.
This is a lively, well-written tale which still manages to bring home an important message about the need for tolerance and compassion for our fellow human beings (and maybe to ourselves too?).
With thanks to Canelo (via NetGalley) for the ARC in return for an honest review.
While I have friends who have children on the spectrum - and I listen and try and understand what life can be like for them - Kirsten Hesketh’s book sets it out in high definition.
It feels authentic because the author has dealt with some (thankfully not all) of the issues mentioned in her debut herself – and that certainly adds power to her words.
It took me a while to warm to Emma but I think that’s actually really cleverly done (without giving anything away, all becomes clear later in the book).
There are some nice jumps back in time, which really help pace the story. Without them I think my head might have exploded with all the drama.
This is a lively, well-written tale which still manages to bring home an important message about the need for tolerance and compassion for our fellow human beings (and maybe to ourselves too?).
With thanks to Canelo (via NetGalley) for the ARC in return for an honest review.
May 19, 2020
When I found this book, I was intrigued because the description talked about a couple receiving their son's autism spectrum diagnosis, marital trouble , and accidental job resignation. All of that tangled in a comedy. It sounded a bit complex. I've been reading books approaching the autism spectrum lately and this one was to be my next one.
I was captivated by Emma's character right from the beginning. Even if at some times I would have shaken her to make her reconsider some of her decisions.
We live in a world full of pressure and distraction, and it gets hard to stop and appreciate the gifts we've received. It gets thought to accomplish some things if we're not playing together with the ones caring for us. For certain people that simple attitude is hard to manage.I
The autism spectrum is a serious matter. It hits families right in the core and the regrouping is not always satisfactory. It takes two to make a couple but it takes more than two for it to survive. I like to think people and good intentions are always helpful but we need more to succeed. I've found some examples of that in this book. And I truly appreciate it.
I loved this book, and I'll absolutely recommend it.
I was captivated by Emma's character right from the beginning. Even if at some times I would have shaken her to make her reconsider some of her decisions.
We live in a world full of pressure and distraction, and it gets hard to stop and appreciate the gifts we've received. It gets thought to accomplish some things if we're not playing together with the ones caring for us. For certain people that simple attitude is hard to manage.I
The autism spectrum is a serious matter. It hits families right in the core and the regrouping is not always satisfactory. It takes two to make a couple but it takes more than two for it to survive. I like to think people and good intentions are always helpful but we need more to succeed. I've found some examples of that in this book. And I truly appreciate it.
I loved this book, and I'll absolutely recommend it.
May 1, 2020
**I received this e-arc from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. Thanks Net Galley!**
3/3.5 stars.
Honestly, this book was written really well and the idea was interesting and intriguing to me. I was interested to read about a family with a recently diagnosed child with autism. The author is also a mother of a child with autism so I’m going to believe that that aspect of the novel is at least somewhat accurate (of course it is still a fiction). The children were probably my favorite part of the story. I enjoyed each of the siblings (Lily has my heart).
The problem I have with this book is the main character. I just disliked Emma. I found her to be very self absorbed and did not agree with a lot of the decisions she made. I was hoping as the book continued I would grow to like her more, but that just never happened. This is probably just a me thing, I think other readers will probably enjoy her.
So overall, three or three and a half stars. A solid contemporary novel focusing on family and marriage.
3/3.5 stars.
Honestly, this book was written really well and the idea was interesting and intriguing to me. I was interested to read about a family with a recently diagnosed child with autism. The author is also a mother of a child with autism so I’m going to believe that that aspect of the novel is at least somewhat accurate (of course it is still a fiction). The children were probably my favorite part of the story. I enjoyed each of the siblings (Lily has my heart).
The problem I have with this book is the main character. I just disliked Emma. I found her to be very self absorbed and did not agree with a lot of the decisions she made. I was hoping as the book continued I would grow to like her more, but that just never happened. This is probably just a me thing, I think other readers will probably enjoy her.
So overall, three or three and a half stars. A solid contemporary novel focusing on family and marriage.
May 3, 2020
I absolutely loved this book! As soon as I finished it (all in one go - unusual for me) I emailed a friend of mine who's a psychotherapist and works with people on the autistic spectrum, to tell her to recommend it to the parents of kids with new diagnoses. Another Us delivers its message (that a diagnosis of Aspergers doesn't doom a life - far from it) in ways that will be achingly familiar to people who've experienced it first hand. But it's really fun/funny! Sort of like a Bridget Jones's Diary for mothers of kids on the spectrum.
Which is not to downplay the importance of this book, but to highlight its genius. It is no mean feat to make a reader laugh and cry and feel supported/understood, and also to help the uninitiated to understand/develop empathy all in one entertaining package. It's the perfect dose of bibliotherapy - medicine so tasty and effective that you don't even realize how much you needed it until you've gulped down the last delicious drop.
Which is not to downplay the importance of this book, but to highlight its genius. It is no mean feat to make a reader laugh and cry and feel supported/understood, and also to help the uninitiated to understand/develop empathy all in one entertaining package. It's the perfect dose of bibliotherapy - medicine so tasty and effective that you don't even realize how much you needed it until you've gulped down the last delicious drop.
May 3, 2020
When Emma's son Jack is diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum, her world spins a bit apart. She's not sure why this has thrown her so badly- Jack's still a great kid- but it's causing pressure on her marriage to Daniel and her relationship with her other two kids. She's at loose ends and contemplating things she never would have thought possible before. This could happen to any of us (we've all had moments, haven't we?). and Hesketh has done an excellent job of balancing the humor and pathos while creating a believable and relatable character in Emma. Oh and in her family too. This one will have you chuckle as well as nod your head in recognition. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. This has a big heart and hopefully will spur you to offer a sympathetic ear and shoulder to someone you know.
March 15, 2023
I gave this 3 stars because I managed to finish it, I'd probably give it 2.5 if that was an option.
First of all I want to point out that I started reading this book without reading anything about it, had I checked first I probably wouldn't have read it for the fear of it turning out exactly as it did. Predictable and stereotypical.
It was ok, just ok. It felt like the author typed autism into Google and wrote a check list of all the traits to fit as many as she could into the story. Every character was so 'textbook' none of them had much of their own personality. If this was worked on more and focused on the less stereotypical traits it could have been a good book. I liked the idea of the family falling apart but managing to come back together in the end and didn't just give up.
First of all I want to point out that I started reading this book without reading anything about it, had I checked first I probably wouldn't have read it for the fear of it turning out exactly as it did. Predictable and stereotypical.
It was ok, just ok. It felt like the author typed autism into Google and wrote a check list of all the traits to fit as many as she could into the story. Every character was so 'textbook' none of them had much of their own personality. If this was worked on more and focused on the less stereotypical traits it could have been a good book. I liked the idea of the family falling apart but managing to come back together in the end and didn't just give up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 9, 2020
‘Another Us’ is a roller-coaster of a ride as we take the journey with Emma towards self-knowledge. Prompted by her son’s Asperger’s diagnosis, Emma is forced to take a long, hard look at her role as a wife, mother, daughter and friend but, this long hard look is fraught with drama, conflict and humour. What may, at first, seem a light-hearted portrayal of playground politics becomes something much deeper and more profound the more we get into the novel, until it becomes something brave and brilliant, and which both entertains and informs. Kirsten Hesketh’s writing is assured and the pace never falters. It is a total must-read debut.
April 26, 2020
I was fortunate to receive a copy of this book to read from NetGalley.
It wasn't the story I thought it was going to be from reading the blurb!
I don't have any experience of ASD but in my opinion the author has described the details very carefully.
Emma and Daniel's marriage is challenged by job losses, infidelity and raising 3 children, all while dealing with an Asperger's diagnosis for one. It is a story of ensuring relationships and what family really means.
Also this is the first time I've seen my home town mentioned in a book!
This is the author's first novel and I look forward to reading the next one.
It wasn't the story I thought it was going to be from reading the blurb!
I don't have any experience of ASD but in my opinion the author has described the details very carefully.
Emma and Daniel's marriage is challenged by job losses, infidelity and raising 3 children, all while dealing with an Asperger's diagnosis for one. It is a story of ensuring relationships and what family really means.
Also this is the first time I've seen my home town mentioned in a book!
This is the author's first novel and I look forward to reading the next one.
April 29, 2020
Another Us by Kristen Hesketh
Romantic Drama with some sass tossed in. Loved it!
This is my first book by this author and I must say it's a gem! I loved the character development in this story. I felt like I really got to know and understand them very well. Our lead
Emma. Although there were times when I disagreed with her actions towards the end you understand more and more why she does the things she does. This was a bit of a emotional rollercoaster in the very best of ways. I definitely recommend this one.
4/5 Stars
Thank you #NetGalley and #Canelo for this book in exchange for my honest review
Romantic Drama with some sass tossed in. Loved it!
This is my first book by this author and I must say it's a gem! I loved the character development in this story. I felt like I really got to know and understand them very well. Our lead
Emma. Although there were times when I disagreed with her actions towards the end you understand more and more why she does the things she does. This was a bit of a emotional rollercoaster in the very best of ways. I definitely recommend this one.
4/5 Stars
Thank you #NetGalley and #Canelo for this book in exchange for my honest review
May 10, 2020
Loved this book!
It tells the story of Emma and her family. Her son has just been diagnosed with autism, she loses her job and becomes a stay at home Mum, as she learns to deal with her son’s condition, but she also has two other children and her husband who takes a job in America, so she basically is a single mother dealing with various escapades. The book is very funny which I was not expecting as I thought it would deal with the subject matter of autism in a serious way which it does in places but the book was a delight.
I would like to thank Net Galley for the chance to review this book in advance., my review is my honest opinion.
It tells the story of Emma and her family. Her son has just been diagnosed with autism, she loses her job and becomes a stay at home Mum, as she learns to deal with her son’s condition, but she also has two other children and her husband who takes a job in America, so she basically is a single mother dealing with various escapades. The book is very funny which I was not expecting as I thought it would deal with the subject matter of autism in a serious way which it does in places but the book was a delight.
I would like to thank Net Galley for the chance to review this book in advance., my review is my honest opinion.
May 19, 2020
A joy to read
A memorable story with characters that will live on in my memory for a long time, Another Us is an emotional story that’s cleverly written with a light touch and lots of humour. It skilfully plays with your emotions, pulling you into anxiety over Emma Healey’s marital tensions as her son is diagnosed with Aspergers, then giving you laugh out loud moments at playground politics and comic incidents.
It’s a brilliant portrayal of family life under pressure and the rollercoaster of Emma’s experiences in her journey of self-discovery is absorbing. I can’t wait for more stories from this talented author.
A memorable story with characters that will live on in my memory for a long time, Another Us is an emotional story that’s cleverly written with a light touch and lots of humour. It skilfully plays with your emotions, pulling you into anxiety over Emma Healey’s marital tensions as her son is diagnosed with Aspergers, then giving you laugh out loud moments at playground politics and comic incidents.
It’s a brilliant portrayal of family life under pressure and the rollercoaster of Emma’s experiences in her journey of self-discovery is absorbing. I can’t wait for more stories from this talented author.
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