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From the Moon, I Come in Peace

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Marcus is a young autistic man. In this novel/memoir, he faces the challenges of life, including friendship, love, bigotry, loss and death. His ability to speak is severely limited by his autism, so he writes. The book is told from his point of view and also features a number of his personal essays. This unusual book offers the reader a great opportunity to see inside the world of an autistic individual. It is meant to entertain and enlighten. The author's son is autistic and non-verbal. The author is not only an autism dad, he is a retired teacher, and worked extensively with many autistic students. This book is a departure for the author. His other books fall into the Paranormal Adventure category. This is an emotional account of a young man's attempt to find his way in a society of resistance. This book is recommended for ages 15 and up. Available on paperback and Kindle. FREE at Kindle Unlimited.

131 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 22, 2021

76 people are currently reading
84 people want to read

About the author

Paul Nelson

184 books9 followers
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5 stars
101 (65%)
4 stars
38 (24%)
3 stars
9 (5%)
2 stars
5 (3%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
Profile Image for Jakky.
415 reviews8 followers
March 19, 2023
This little gem is a must-read. I’ve read reams of literature on the topic of autism; this story reads simply, clearly, beautifully. Of course, it isn’t an exhaustive study - it isn’t meant to be. If every autistic person wrote a story, it would be as different as their own experience. This offers a glimpse into the mind and heart of one person on the spectrum. Such a worthwhile read.
Profile Image for Judy Ferrell.
Author 20 books87 followers
April 9, 2021
A life of challenge.

Paul Nelson gives us a look into the life of Marcus. He is a young man who just happens to be autistic. This book will give everyone a very basic look at the challenges faced by many. I find that Paul Nelson gives the most honest look at something many don't think about and he does it with grace and style.
Profile Image for Mikki.
538 reviews4 followers
March 31, 2022
A terrific book which offers insight into the mind of an autistic person. Only part of the picture, necessarily, because each person who is on the autism spectrum experiences their life differently than another due to the unique working of their individual mind. Each autistic person will have their own challenges and needs. Parents of autistic offspring will generally do their best to meet their needs and require support. It's hard after the caregiver parent dies. Their greatest concern before they die is who will care for their child when they're gone.

In this story there are others who decide to help the one left behind after the passing of his father, and he is fortunate to have found a good home in an assisted living situation, a group home. But, as the autistic character who's narrating this story says, so many who have mental challenges, either due to inborn brain structure - like autism - or due to mental illness, find themselves falling through the cracks of society and their fate is often dire. Especially as so many 'normal' people don't generally understand the workings of the human brain and how differences are not always to be feared or even ridiculed.

That society in so-called civilized countries seems oblivious to special needs and doesn't offer enough specialist support and care facilities for people, when they become adults especially, is very sad. This book should be read by anyone who is curious about how autism affects people and about how best to accept and support them as people who are different, and how they can help the mentally challenged develop a satisfying and functional role in society among 'regular' people.
Profile Image for Karen O'Brien-Hall.
119 reviews6 followers
April 19, 2024
This book is a wonderful partnership of biography and fiction. Paul is the father of an autistic son Michael and together they write books about their experience of living with autism. They have a close bond reflected in this book by Marcus and his father, hence the fiction element to the story.
I found From the Moon I come in Peace a moving read and I'm pleased to say I learnt more than one lesson, imparted in the gentlest possible way. Marcus is badly affected by noise, it can trigger terrible meltdowns for him. To counter this he wears headphones for extended periods of time. On a recent holiday I saw a young man wearing headphones at what could be considered inappropriate times. Rather than jump to the conclusion he was rude, I thought of Marcus. It's never too late to learn tolerance is it?
Marcus, to quote the publishers, "begins his adult life in a world of non-acceptance, bigotry, friendship, love, loss, and great challenges in trying to fit into the workplace. His adventures are full of laughter, sadness, and a touch of romance". His story, in my opinion, deserves our wholehearted attention.
Profile Image for Meghashyam Chirravoori.
Author 4 books6 followers
June 29, 2021
Grateful for this read

This is a rewarding collection of episodes and essays from the life of a young boy on the autistic spectrum. The reader becomes sensitised to the limitations as well as gifts that come with this mental disability condition.

The author, in real life, is father to an autistic child. I think he's done a great job of touching on topics such as mental disability and education, inclusivity, stigma, growing up, adulting, social relationships, career and more. The book is also well-edited (I found only 3 tiny errors).

I feel this book should be read by everyone. This and more like these. The author could consider doing a series of these - lupus, cerebral palsy, Down's syndrome, Asperger's etc.

It's a short read, granted. But I still couldn't put the book down. Episode 18 was particularly heartbreaking and I wonder how the author managed to pen it down at all.

5 stars from me.
Profile Image for Jilly.
784 reviews5 followers
February 10, 2022
Paul Nelson, the author, is in real life, father to an autistic son who inspired him to write this book. It is the story of Marcus.

It's a heart breaking story offering insights into the world of autistic people. Paul does a brilliant job of describing the life of routine and the challenges encountered in a world that doesn't always make sense. The story touches on many topics such as growing up, education, mental disability, inclusivity, stigma, adulting, social relationships, careers and most importantly love. It describes very well what the autistic mind confronts on a daily basis.

I liked that it is written from Marcus' view point. His voice is very compelling and you just feel so sad for him and the way the world treats him. There are many lessons here. Not least of which is that the attitudes of society need to change so everyone can live the best life they can.
Profile Image for Kim Hiles.
Author 6 books3 followers
March 28, 2021
Moved to tears

I was moved to tears many times. In this heartwarming book, we are gifted with a glimpse of what it's like to be autistic. We are shown the struggles, gifts and misconceptions. We are offered also a view of what parents go through. This book touches on many themes and how the world says what "normal" is. Yet if all came from a place of love and acceptance, how wondrous that would be. This book is a must for educators, parents, anyone trying to understand autism. I highly recommend this book.
46 reviews3 followers
July 2, 2021
Another Perspective

This is an autobiography of Marcus, an autistic man, now working as a successful advertising designer, from birth to now. It is well titled—every word in this book is coming from a slightly different universe than the one most of us are operating in—similar but not quite the same, and all because of a difference in brain wiring. It is fascinating because of that difference, but more, it is a wonderful, clear, brave painting of a man’s life and feelings that truly make the reader love Marcus more the better he gets to know him. Recommended.
59 reviews2 followers
June 28, 2021
Enlightening

I enjoyed this book, written from the autistic viewpoint. My great grandson has autism. He is very smart and I see a lot of him in Marcus. Reading this book made me more aware of what the autistic mind confronts on a daily basis. Very enlightening for those who know someone with autism and even more enlightening for those who are not familiar with that disability. I recommend.
Profile Image for Zuzanne Belec.
Author 2 books20 followers
February 8, 2022
A devoted and loving father has penned a story inspired by his autistic son, based on a lifetime (the son’s) of caring for him. A concerned father has spread the word for the plight of autistic persons everywhere. A strong man has opened his heart to share his parenting experiences with the world, also in the hope of raising awareness. Paul C. Nelson, and his son, have touched me. Thank you both for opening my eyes. I recommend this book to all with humanity, for humanity.
Profile Image for Barbara  Daniels Dena.
628 reviews29 followers
August 5, 2023
Eye opener

An easy to read short novel written with two story lines giving it both entertaining and informative values. From our main character, Marcus, we see his words describing his life with autism. From the words penned by the author, we read about the many types and symptoms an autistic individual may have, causes of a meltdown, and the advice from a parent. Highly recommended for students in the medical field in my opinion. Well written in a most unique format.
108 reviews2 followers
May 8, 2021
This is not so much a novel as a fictional “memoir” delivered as a collection of essays. It gives a good understanding of one autistic person’s thoughts and feelings thus it would be helpful to anyone seeking to understand more about autism. While it is reality based fiction it is not entertaining as one expects a novel to be.
105 reviews
July 7, 2021
Door Opener

I laughed, cried and I will probably always hurt for the people we don't help. This book should be mandatory for anyone who might ever come in contact with a person with challenges. Marcus became real for me. I want to help all the Marcus's and Sylvias.I will be writing my congressmen about funding more options for them.
6 reviews
November 26, 2021
Love and Autism

I found this story very illuminating. It made me feel better about my understanding of autism and helped immensely with my relationships with autistic people in my life. It is not only a book on autism and life . It is a strong shout-out for love and empathy and kindness.
Profile Image for Anne.
230 reviews
March 24, 2023
This is a must-read for anyone considering working in mental health or any helping profession. So often people with autism are stigmatized and ignored by society mostly because people don't take the time to understand the vast complexity of the condition.

The way to change that is to learn about autism and accept all that goes with it. Reading this book is a start.
Profile Image for Diana Febry.
Author 21 books176 followers
April 5, 2021
A clear and concise account of the challenges faced by an autistic boy growing up.
A quick and easy read but also moving and informative. I enjoyed the story and gained a greater understanding of the condition and the causes of the behaviour patterns.
Recommend to everyone.
Profile Image for RaChelle Holmberg.
1,869 reviews24 followers
July 2, 2021
I dont know. Not sure what to say here...Received from a free site, i highly doubt this was written by Marcus himself. As the mother of an adult on the spectrum, some parts were helpful, other parts were OMG not very helpful.
1 review
September 15, 2021
Awesome book. I would recommend this book to everyone. I have austic spectrum grandchildren and learned so much from this book

It pointed out things that need to change so everyone can live the best life they can. Thank you for writing this book
10 reviews
March 2, 2022
A very adult voice reporting on experience as a child and an adult with autism. Reflective. I have mixed feelings about this book. I hope what was written is authentic. It read as too grown up.as the narrator progressed through his life. I did enjoy the book, even with the suspicious undercurrent for me.

83 reviews
March 26, 2022
From the moon

Everyone should read this book. I was educated on what Autism feels like to an autistic person. Evert teacher should also read this book. I would love to talk with Marcus!
Profile Image for Karen Collyer.
Author 2 books
November 4, 2023
If anyone could write this book, it would be Paul.

There are tears in my eyes at the moment. This story comes from the heart and puts into words, some of my own experiences of Autism. I wish that everyone would read and understand.
Profile Image for Sarah.
1,127 reviews7 followers
April 7, 2021
Written as fiction but really just a lesson on autism
Profile Image for Lynne.
869 reviews13 followers
May 4, 2021
This was a very good autobiography of what it's like to live with autism. It really made me think, I would recommend it to anyone as a guide to working and living with someone on this spectrum.
27 reviews
July 7, 2021
Informative

I have a close friend who has similar issues as the author. This book has helped me understand his issues and has given me insight as to how I can be of help
Profile Image for Debi.
13 reviews
March 29, 2022
Excellent enlightenment

Tell a good story and people listen! Maybe this will help put a spark in someone to make changes to our system. I know it did for me
Profile Image for Stephanie Luce.
Author 7 books35 followers
April 28, 2023
A gem of a book and one I will recommend to anyone with a loved one on the autism spectrum.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews

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