All Ways

by Kelly Coons

“We’ve always been told that we’re the ones who aren’t communicating. That we need to use our words...or look at people’s eyes. We’ve always been told that we’re the ones who are wrong.” All Ways follows two brothers, Andreas and York, as they embark on a cross-country road trip from their home in Ridgecrest, California to York’s future college in Albany, New York. Though both brothers know they are “different,” neither of them know that they are Autistic, so they feel separate from the world around them. With older brother York set to leave for college in the fall, the duo must learn to navigate an uncertain future without the grounding presence of each other, in a world that so often misunderstands them. With humor and warmth, author Kelly Coons introduces neurotypical readers to the rich interpersonal lives of Autistic people, challenging biases about autism. At the same time, Autistic readers will feel at home with Andreas and York as they come to terms with their “differences” and move boldly toward their future.

182 pages, Paperback

Published April 27, 2021

About the author

Kelly Coons is an autism advocate who studied English at Smith College, Human Development and Education and Higher Education at Harvard Graduate School of Education, and English Language & Literature at University of Connecticut Graduate School. Before Kelly was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at the age of thirteen, she had a coming-of-age story that was mostly deemed as neurotypical. However, she always felt isolated and, until her diagnosis, believed that she was to blame. After her diagnosis, Kelly became passionate about disability advocacy and promoting Autistic pride. She believes that people are disabled less by their bodies and brains and more by society.

She can be reached via Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and her official Discord server.

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

An intimate portrait of two brothers who go on a road trip as they learn to navigate the world through the lens of autism. More than just another adventure, this is the guileless journey of finding one's identity in the face of freedom, despite the surrounding adversities and the social misconceptions. In her debut novel, Coons beautifully depicts both the inspirational force of friendship and the loving bond that exists between siblings. Readers learn how finding their authentic selves in life and sharing this life with others transgress pain and make for a shield in catalystic moments. All Ways not only challenges the social norm, but also seeks to forgive as much as to find a meaning to forgiveness, and seals the past to start a bright future. Gentle, defiant and inquisitive, this story speaks for a collective voice that demands to be heard, to be present and, most importantly, to be taken seriously.

[Isabel Fitzsimons · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book does a fantastic job at bringing the characters alive and making them full people who are not defined or characterized solely by autism. The brothers are complex people and the bond their share is one we should all hope to find in someone one day be it a sibling, a friend, a loved one etc.

The author does a great job of putting the reader in the shoes of Andreas and York and one wants to become their friends as well.
The book ideas with a variety of complicated themes from relationships with parents, to sibling relationships, to new adventures in life, to sexual assault, to mental illness and loss, and much more in addition to putting autism at the forefront.

I highly recommend this book. I knew even before I began, simply by reading the letter from the author (which I would highly recommend reading even in itself as it is a wonderful statement on representation in media/books) that I was going to be embarking on a wonderful journey... and indeed I was right.

[Claire Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're someone who loves character-driven coming-of-age fiction with a familial road trip twist then All Ways is absolutely the book to read. All Ways follows a style dating back to greek epic Odyssey-style myths, following a small core of point of view characters (in this case, the two brothers) as they traverse on their epic journey (in this case, a cross-country road trip) and encounter bane (people) and boon (also people) alike. (There's setting and internal conflict, too, but this is truly a character-driven piece, and it excels in that. Although, that's still not to scoff at the stunning descriptions of the variety of landscapes and cultures all contained in their trip across America.)

If any of that sounds at all interesting, I absolutely recommend picking this book up and giving it a go. It's a wonderful debut novel and absolutely one I loved being able to read.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is plenty of material for readers to enjoy in All Ways, from the passionate and relatable main characters, Andreas and York, to the detailed exploration of giant-twine-ball stewardship politics. But what I found most engrossing about the novel is the emotional journey which parallels the brothers’ road trip. With each stop on their cross-country drive unlocking powerful memories of the boys’ pasts, we not only get to watch them progress as characters in real-time, but through snapshots of their entire young lives as well. The story is fast-paced, dynamic, and gives the reader an unusually intimate first-hand view of how autistic people are both interacting with and treated by present day American society. Well done!

[Justine Ramos · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a future occupational therapist and disability advocate I really love the way the author weaves together this beautifully written story. Representation of autism is literature in the media are often written through an able-bodied and neurotypical perspective. Kelly Coons revolutionizes the way characters with autism are portrayed. This is the kind of autism representation needed in literature. Incredibly moving story.

[Alisha Sehgal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great novel about sibling bonding and a fresh take on representation. This story discusses characters who are unaware that they have autism and doesn't focus on the viewpoint of a neurotypical character (finally no more learning about something through a character who doesn't even experience it 👏)

Additionally, I love that this book ties in how toxic notions about masculinity intersect with autism. It's a great novel about topics mostly unseen but necessary to be seen.

[Nora · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading about Andreas and York’s road trip adventure. It was so sweet how the brothers have each other’s backs in every scenario. Their bond was really special. I’ve never read a book with a narrator like Andreas, and that was particularly compelling in a book with autistic characters at the forefront. The use of the trip as a way for these characters to cope with their changing relationship was really well done.

[The Salt & Pepper Bunny · Rating 5 out of 5]

All Ways exposed me to some sides of autism I didn't have personal experience with, which was cool! I really liked Andreas and his assistive technology. A great way to normalize that sort of thing for a casual reader. I think I’ve been brought to understand more about autism from your book than any other source I've encountered. An Autistic person's perspective is worth its weight in gold.

[Michaela Stith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Coons aims to normalize autism in her debut novel. It’s a goal she is personally connected to and achieves well. I would recommend All Ways to anyone who recognizes ableism and wants to read books with non-allistic characters.

[Rachel Mumaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

A unique coming-of-age story that combines the classic motifs of brotherly love and road trips with a heartfelt look at what it means to be Autistic, outside of the classic narrative we normally see in such stories. Kelly has really outdone herself!

[A.E. Hearn · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this modern and refreshing story about two brothers, Kelly Coons shines a much needed light on the reality of autism. All Ways is groundbreaking in the way that it shatters stereotypes and gives a voice to a community of people who haven't often been given the chance to tell their story.

[Bianca Wang-Polendo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super heartfelt coming of age story told in road trip format! The exploration of identity, family bonds, the neurodiverse representation, and the author’s passion really shined through and made All Ways an emotional and wonderful debut. Looking forward to more by Kelly Coons :)

[Hazel · Rating 5 out of 5]

All Ways was a book I could not put down! There is something in it for everyone! Whether you like adventures, or family, or YA, or twists and turns, this book is for you! My favorite part of reading this story was the relationship between the two brothers, seeing how they could protect each other in a world full of people who could not look beyond their "differences." Each stop the boys make on their journey added more to their backgrounds. I appreciated especially the tie between their memories and present day and how well the author was able to weave them together. I finished it yesterday, and I can't wait to start rereading again!

[Eli Mendoza · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZING!!! I couldn't put it down; I finished and didn't realize it was 3am! I'm excited to see if more's on the horizon, but this story also works great on its own. This is a refreshing piece of autistic and non-binary representation and the ways people use each other's strengths to navigate a neurotypical world.