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Unlocked
Before you take a stand … you got to take a chance.
Holden Harris is an eighteen-year-old locked in a prison of autism. Despite his quiet ways and quirky behaviors, Holden is very happy and socially normal—on the inside, in a private world all his own. In reality, he is bullied at school by kids who only see that he is very different. Ella Reynolds is part of the “in” crowd. A cheerleader and star of the high school drama production, her life seems perfect. When she catches Holden listening to her rehearse for the school play, she is drawn to him … the way he is drawn to the music. Then, Ella makes a dramatic discovery—she and Holden were best friends as children. Frustrated by the way Holden is bullied, and horrified at the indifference of her peers, Ella decides to take a stand against the most privileged and popular kids at school. Including her boyfriend, Jake. Ella believes miracles can happen in the unlikeliest places, and that just maybe an entire community might celebrate from the sidelines. But will Holden’s praying mother and the efforts of Ella and a cast of theater kids be enough to unlock the prison that contains Holden? This time, friendship, faith, and the power of a song must be strong enough to open the doors to the miracle Holden needs.
Holden Harris is an eighteen-year-old locked in a prison of autism. Despite his quiet ways and quirky behaviors, Holden is very happy and socially normal—on the inside, in a private world all his own. In reality, he is bullied at school by kids who only see that he is very different. Ella Reynolds is part of the “in” crowd. A cheerleader and star of the high school drama production, her life seems perfect. When she catches Holden listening to her rehearse for the school play, she is drawn to him … the way he is drawn to the music. Then, Ella makes a dramatic discovery—she and Holden were best friends as children. Frustrated by the way Holden is bullied, and horrified at the indifference of her peers, Ella decides to take a stand against the most privileged and popular kids at school. Including her boyfriend, Jake. Ella believes miracles can happen in the unlikeliest places, and that just maybe an entire community might celebrate from the sidelines. But will Holden’s praying mother and the efforts of Ella and a cast of theater kids be enough to unlock the prison that contains Holden? This time, friendship, faith, and the power of a song must be strong enough to open the doors to the miracle Holden needs.
336 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
636 people are currently reading
5843 people want to read
About the author
Karen Kingsbury
208 books12k followersKaren Kingsbury, #1 New York Times bestselling novelist, is America’s favorite inspirational storyteller, with more than twenty-five million copies of her award-winning books in print. Her last dozen titles have topped bestseller lists and many of her novels are under development with Hallmark Films and as major motion pictures. Her Baxter Family books are being developed into a TV series slated for major network viewing sometime in the next year. Karen is also an adjunct professor of writing at Liberty University. In 2001 she and her husband, Don, adopted three boys from Haiti, doubling their family in a matter of months. Today the couple has joined the ranks of empty nesters, living in Tennessee near five of their adult children.
See more at: http://authors.simonandschuster.com/K...
See more at: http://authors.simonandschuster.com/K...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 947 reviews
March 15, 2011
I am almost afraid to comment, I am obviously in the minority here. I'm a Christian, I pray, I truly and deeply believe in miracles but this book was just to cheesy much for me. A friend at work recommended it, knowing of our autistic son and wondering what I would think. I actually found the first bit, where Holden's mom is at work, comparing her life to the lady in the check out line, pretty spot on. And she is an awesome mother, doing her level best to fight the good autism fight. And Kingsbury covers some of the loss, isolation and aggravation parents of disabled children face accurately. And it is hard on marriages and friendship (the divorce rate for parents of disabled children is higher than that for parents whose children die and much as you might wish to continue to do all the things with your friends you did before autism, it's just not possible for a number of reasons). But here's the thing, Holden and what's her name (Ella? Bella's her Beauty and Beast bit right?) rekindle their childhood friendship, father's life saved at sea, autism is overcome through a musical miracle which changes the hearts of pretty much everyone in the vicinity, bullies reformed, the adult friendships rekindle, dysfunctional marriages are saved and people are brought to Jesus all in one short little book that spans the length of a drama production rehearsal. Just too too too much for me. I confess that it took me almost three weeks to read this and then I skimmed the end because it was time to take it back to the library. Really, I wanted to be inspired, really I did but I just found myself annoyed.
Call me a cynic and then go ahead, let the rotten vegetable throwing begin. As one who has endured the glares of at least 20 or 30 Costco customers as your 10 year old child walked in sock feet through 6 inches of slushy snow because he had taken off his shoes in the store and lost them (and not for the first time, for awhile there we were good friends with the lost and found desk) and he was just too big to carry, well, I can take it:-)
Call me a cynic and then go ahead, let the rotten vegetable throwing begin. As one who has endured the glares of at least 20 or 30 Costco customers as your 10 year old child walked in sock feet through 6 inches of slushy snow because he had taken off his shoes in the store and lost them (and not for the first time, for awhile there we were good friends with the lost and found desk) and he was just too big to carry, well, I can take it:-)
September 30, 2013
A lot of these reviews are so negative. Yes, the book was neatly resolved & tied up with a now by the end. Honestly, I don't understand why this is a bad thing. Real life is so hard & trying & when I read I love the escape of going into someone else's world where problems do get solved & miracles happen flawlessly. I believe miracles still happen & thank you to Karen Kingsbury for demonstrating such a strong faith in a miracle working God. In a world where bad prevails most of the time & evil seems to rule; unwavering & strong faith produces hope. Leaning into God above ANY circumstance & really believing for His presence to show up is a major part of what being a Christian means. To the reviewer who stated the prayers & scripture use was irreverent or not sacred; I have to disagree. The word of God is our weapon against anything we face. It's our means of hearing from God. We are to pray continually & without ceasing which is what the characters do in the book. I cannot imagine that people who complain of a happy ending live very joyful lives. Would you rather read tragedy? Look up some different authors whose goal isn't to encourage & share the wonderful gospel of Jesus Christ. His ending is happy.
March 6, 2018
I really had to write a review on this, as someone on the spectrum, I found this book to be repetitively condescending, riddled with factual inaccuracies, and demeaning to those of us on the spectrum.
While there are many ‘faith affirming’ experiences described here, remember that it IS a work of fiction. The characters are not real, these things did not actually happen.
The constant alluding to the ‘cause’ of the autism as a vaccine is a dangerous and false statement, and undermines the whole story. This has been debunked so many times, and only the truly uneducated still hold this belief.
By making it an ‘illness’ and saying that can be acquired it under certain circumstances basically victimises anyone with it. And through this book that is what is seen, instead of a real focus on living with the struggles, it becomes about the mothers dramas.
The real final nail in the coffin? A miracle ‘cure’ which basically says that the persons worth as a person was invalid and that they were worthless until they were cured, something that will not actually happen in that way ever for someone on the spectrum, putting false hope into peoples hands.
All in all it’s an interesting read, but it is pure fiction and nothing in this book should be taken as a realistic portrayal of life for people on the spectrum.
Note also, I left a review on this book when I read it, this, along with a large number of other negative reviews which have mysteriously ‘disappeared’ between that review and this one.
If I could, I would be giving this book 0 stars. I don’t recommend reading it purely based on the factual inaccuracy of the content.
While there are many ‘faith affirming’ experiences described here, remember that it IS a work of fiction. The characters are not real, these things did not actually happen.
The constant alluding to the ‘cause’ of the autism as a vaccine is a dangerous and false statement, and undermines the whole story. This has been debunked so many times, and only the truly uneducated still hold this belief.
By making it an ‘illness’ and saying that can be acquired it under certain circumstances basically victimises anyone with it. And through this book that is what is seen, instead of a real focus on living with the struggles, it becomes about the mothers dramas.
The real final nail in the coffin? A miracle ‘cure’ which basically says that the persons worth as a person was invalid and that they were worthless until they were cured, something that will not actually happen in that way ever for someone on the spectrum, putting false hope into peoples hands.
All in all it’s an interesting read, but it is pure fiction and nothing in this book should be taken as a realistic portrayal of life for people on the spectrum.
Note also, I left a review on this book when I read it, this, along with a large number of other negative reviews which have mysteriously ‘disappeared’ between that review and this one.
If I could, I would be giving this book 0 stars. I don’t recommend reading it purely based on the factual inaccuracy of the content.
August 16, 2011
So, just after reading chapter one, I already have a prejudice against this book. I really feel for people who have autistic children, but WHY do they insist on blaming it on vaccinations?? There is NO PROOF that vaccinations cause autism. In fact, they've proven that there is NO LINK between vaccinations and autism. It just makes me mad when parents of autistic children want there to be some outside reason for their child being the way they are. Why can't they just accept that this is who God made these children to be? If the book continue this way, it may very well be the only Karen Kingsbury book I don't finish. That would make me sad.
*******************************************************************
I finally finished this book (after mourning the loss of my Kindle). I'm really disappointed that throughout the book she kept insinuating that vaccinations caused Holden's autism. *sigh* If I take out that part, I really liked the story. It was sweet and it ended right.
*******************************************************************
I finally finished this book (after mourning the loss of my Kindle). I'm really disappointed that throughout the book she kept insinuating that vaccinations caused Holden's autism. *sigh* If I take out that part, I really liked the story. It was sweet and it ended right.
May 10, 2024
unpopular opinion
I know that this review isn't going to be long however, I wanted to give my opinion.
I can understand why people love this book, I really can. a sweet story about a boy being autistic & so on and so forth. But I am on the autism Spectrum Asperger's if you will, so I feel I am capable of giving an opinion on the subject.
This book made me so mad. I highly doubt that Karen Kingsbury knows anyone with autism, If she had she would have known better. Why did the mother always insist on the whole vaccines and why he had autism when in fact that can't be further from the truth? We know this simply because in real life there's no such evidence to support this claim.
something else that rubbed me the wrong way is how she kept wishing, hoping, & saying that she wished her son would be normal and that God was working a miracle in his life. Don't get me wrong God is a miracle-working God, but at the same time God doesn't make junk God made him the way he was for a reason. It's not something that he needs to be saved from. It isn't something is wrong with him. How can a mother of all people not understand that there is nothing wrong with her son? why can't a mother just accept him the way he is?
something else I noticed was the word tantrum, this word didn't make any sense. a child having a tantrum is different from a child having a meltdown. A tantrum is coming from a child who doesn't get what they want when they want it. a meltdown however comes from a child who is over-simulated very two different things. If a child is having a tantrum it might be because they want a toy and mom/dad said no. therefore fit, however, someone on the spectrum might be having a meltdown because the music is too loud or because the lights are too bright and WE can't handle that therefore becomes a meltdown. (Please know the difference
The amount of bullying in this book is another thing. What happened to Michael, is why someone shouldn't bully another person & why something needs to be done. the issue with the book Bullying is it felt like She didn't want to do anything about it because she didn't want Michael to be in more trouble with the bullies. are you for real girl? because you didn't want the bullies to pick on him more so you said and did nothing until after his death thing you want to make a speech about bullying claiming you are his friend? FrFr?
This is why bullying is never ok because even though this is a real story this sort of stuff happens in real life. I didn't care for the speech because it felt unbelievable. like she's only saying it because of the kid's death. are you FR? (Rolls eyes)
there's more I can say about this but I won't other than it needs to be more researched before writing a book on this subject.
I am giving it a 3 star simply because after all the faults I found listed and not listed there were some ok parts. Do I recommend for people to read not really, are there other books that could do this subject better? Yes by all means.
but to each their own. I however will not give this a 5 star nor will I ever recommend this. again
this is my opinion
I know that this review isn't going to be long however, I wanted to give my opinion.
I can understand why people love this book, I really can. a sweet story about a boy being autistic & so on and so forth. But I am on the autism Spectrum Asperger's if you will, so I feel I am capable of giving an opinion on the subject.
This book made me so mad. I highly doubt that Karen Kingsbury knows anyone with autism, If she had she would have known better. Why did the mother always insist on the whole vaccines and why he had autism when in fact that can't be further from the truth? We know this simply because in real life there's no such evidence to support this claim.
something else that rubbed me the wrong way is how she kept wishing, hoping, & saying that she wished her son would be normal and that God was working a miracle in his life. Don't get me wrong God is a miracle-working God, but at the same time God doesn't make junk God made him the way he was for a reason. It's not something that he needs to be saved from. It isn't something is wrong with him. How can a mother of all people not understand that there is nothing wrong with her son? why can't a mother just accept him the way he is?
something else I noticed was the word tantrum, this word didn't make any sense. a child having a tantrum is different from a child having a meltdown. A tantrum is coming from a child who doesn't get what they want when they want it. a meltdown however comes from a child who is over-simulated very two different things. If a child is having a tantrum it might be because they want a toy and mom/dad said no. therefore fit, however, someone on the spectrum might be having a meltdown because the music is too loud or because the lights are too bright and WE can't handle that therefore becomes a meltdown. (Please know the difference
The amount of bullying in this book is another thing. What happened to Michael, is why someone shouldn't bully another person & why something needs to be done. the issue with the book Bullying is it felt like She didn't want to do anything about it because she didn't want Michael to be in more trouble with the bullies. are you for real girl? because you didn't want the bullies to pick on him more so you said and did nothing until after his death thing you want to make a speech about bullying claiming you are his friend? FrFr?
This is why bullying is never ok because even though this is a real story this sort of stuff happens in real life. I didn't care for the speech because it felt unbelievable. like she's only saying it because of the kid's death. are you FR? (Rolls eyes)
there's more I can say about this but I won't other than it needs to be more researched before writing a book on this subject.
I am giving it a 3 star simply because after all the faults I found listed and not listed there were some ok parts. Do I recommend for people to read not really, are there other books that could do this subject better? Yes by all means.
but to each their own. I however will not give this a 5 star nor will I ever recommend this. again
this is my opinion
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 15, 2011
I feel rude writing this review but i have to be honest... I really didn't like this book. I finished it easily enough but I found it really cheesy (and this is coming from someone who has grown up living and breathing Christian, romance novels!!)
The reason I feel especially terrible writing this is due to the author's comments at the end. I was going to rate this book 1 STAR until i read it was based on a true story... in which case praise the Lord.
I just feel that from my experiences with autistic children, stories like this aren't reality. I don't like reading books that can give false hope to people and although I believe God does miracles everyday, the book almost implied that prayer will release any autistic child from the grasps of the disease.
I have seen some strong Christian parents pray day in and day out for their son/daughter but their child wasn't healed by prayer.
I guess I'm being very downbeat because this book isn't really that different from books with other types of miracles but I really struggle to believe this story and knew where it was headed from the beginning...
The reason I feel especially terrible writing this is due to the author's comments at the end. I was going to rate this book 1 STAR until i read it was based on a true story... in which case praise the Lord.
I just feel that from my experiences with autistic children, stories like this aren't reality. I don't like reading books that can give false hope to people and although I believe God does miracles everyday, the book almost implied that prayer will release any autistic child from the grasps of the disease.
I have seen some strong Christian parents pray day in and day out for their son/daughter but their child wasn't healed by prayer.
I guess I'm being very downbeat because this book isn't really that different from books with other types of miracles but I really struggle to believe this story and knew where it was headed from the beginning...
November 20, 2010
Unlocked is an engrossing story and had so many emotionally evocative moments that I couldn't help getting teary eyed a few times. The author made an amazing statement at the end of the book in the form of a letter to readers that garnered a lot of respect from me, mainly because I'm a social worker.
The author made a point of explaining that no two diagnoses of autism are exactly alike. People are different and their symptoms are different. Levels of autism vary from mild (also known as high-functioning) to severe. She went into describing what autism can be like for the individuals who have it, and how it influences behavior because it is a neurological disorder. I appreciated that a lot. You see, I understand people like Holden and what the families go through. I've worked closely with children and adults who have a diagnosis of autism and have for over a decade now. I also work closely with their families to provide support for them.
Kingsbury captured the emotional journeys of people touched by autism in a profound and believable fashion. She showed that autism effects everyone. Stories like Holden's gives people hope and the desire to press on. Autism is exhausting to deal with and most children can't be left unsupervised for even five minutes. The sad thing is so few people truly understand the disorder. They often treat young men and women with the diagnosis like they are still children even though they are adults. The author showed this well. She also showed how jaded people can be about the symptoms of autism that they don't even try to reach the person inside (even though they are supposed to be educators.)
I would recommend this book to anyone who has difficulty understanding autism or the struggles people go through who love individuals with that diagnosis. As readers can see by Kingsbury's story, Holden was not an autistic person in the sense that it had to define who he was (which is one reason why I dislike that label). She showed that he was a real person with feelings, ideas, and a personality who just happened to have autism. It's such an unfair thing for a parent to watch their child slowly slipping away. I've had parents describe to me with tears in their eyes how their child used to talk to them and make eye contact, then start to lose their personality and ability to communicate and connect with people. It's heartbreaking and there is no worse feeling for parents than to see their child slowly slipping away. Like Tracy said, she felt like someone had kidnapped their child, yet he was still with them, but only in a physical sense.
On the bright side, I have seen children completely locked out of the real world and virtually non-verbal change through music therapy and different methodologies because their loved ones kept trying to reach them. For some it took five or more years, but I have seen parents blown away the first time they discovered that their non-verbal child had feelings and thoughts like anyone else. Their child just couldn't express it before they received the intervention that made a difference. So they were silent or did quirky things to show their emotion (like pacing, flapping, screeching, spinning, etc.) There are amazing people hidden inside and while not everyone experiences a miracle like in Holden's case, people need to see that there is a person "locked" inside. For some individuals, music is a very effective way to break through the locked persona and reach the person inside. Kingsbury does an incredible job of showing this.
I have to say I was skeptical of some things at first. One, because in the community where I live the way things are set up promotes interaction with children who have disabilities, so the teasing and bullying is not like it is in other cities. That just shows that mainstreaming kids with disabilities into classrooms with kids who don't have disabilities is essential to this type of positive influence. Anyway, that was just an aside.
The bottom line was that I loved the heart of this story. It touched me deeply because the author was spot on about so many things. I see this as a true ministry tool for families and I believe every high school should carry this book. The writing was excellent, too. But even though that is a given, I wanted to mention that the author made me forget I was reader numerous times. You may not want to read this book in public though, because you may need to explain why you are crying to onlookers. It's impossible to not feel some joy and pain while reading this book. The most intense emotion for me as I read Unlocked was the feeling of hope because I know this is true. It just reminded me of the reason I do my job. I think this is probably Kingsbury's best book yet, though I still have several titles she has written that I haven't gotten to read yet. Unlocked is making my best fiction of 2010 list.
The author made a point of explaining that no two diagnoses of autism are exactly alike. People are different and their symptoms are different. Levels of autism vary from mild (also known as high-functioning) to severe. She went into describing what autism can be like for the individuals who have it, and how it influences behavior because it is a neurological disorder. I appreciated that a lot. You see, I understand people like Holden and what the families go through. I've worked closely with children and adults who have a diagnosis of autism and have for over a decade now. I also work closely with their families to provide support for them.
Kingsbury captured the emotional journeys of people touched by autism in a profound and believable fashion. She showed that autism effects everyone. Stories like Holden's gives people hope and the desire to press on. Autism is exhausting to deal with and most children can't be left unsupervised for even five minutes. The sad thing is so few people truly understand the disorder. They often treat young men and women with the diagnosis like they are still children even though they are adults. The author showed this well. She also showed how jaded people can be about the symptoms of autism that they don't even try to reach the person inside (even though they are supposed to be educators.)
I would recommend this book to anyone who has difficulty understanding autism or the struggles people go through who love individuals with that diagnosis. As readers can see by Kingsbury's story, Holden was not an autistic person in the sense that it had to define who he was (which is one reason why I dislike that label). She showed that he was a real person with feelings, ideas, and a personality who just happened to have autism. It's such an unfair thing for a parent to watch their child slowly slipping away. I've had parents describe to me with tears in their eyes how their child used to talk to them and make eye contact, then start to lose their personality and ability to communicate and connect with people. It's heartbreaking and there is no worse feeling for parents than to see their child slowly slipping away. Like Tracy said, she felt like someone had kidnapped their child, yet he was still with them, but only in a physical sense.
On the bright side, I have seen children completely locked out of the real world and virtually non-verbal change through music therapy and different methodologies because their loved ones kept trying to reach them. For some it took five or more years, but I have seen parents blown away the first time they discovered that their non-verbal child had feelings and thoughts like anyone else. Their child just couldn't express it before they received the intervention that made a difference. So they were silent or did quirky things to show their emotion (like pacing, flapping, screeching, spinning, etc.) There are amazing people hidden inside and while not everyone experiences a miracle like in Holden's case, people need to see that there is a person "locked" inside. For some individuals, music is a very effective way to break through the locked persona and reach the person inside. Kingsbury does an incredible job of showing this.
I have to say I was skeptical of some things at first. One, because in the community where I live the way things are set up promotes interaction with children who have disabilities, so the teasing and bullying is not like it is in other cities. That just shows that mainstreaming kids with disabilities into classrooms with kids who don't have disabilities is essential to this type of positive influence. Anyway, that was just an aside.
The bottom line was that I loved the heart of this story. It touched me deeply because the author was spot on about so many things. I see this as a true ministry tool for families and I believe every high school should carry this book. The writing was excellent, too. But even though that is a given, I wanted to mention that the author made me forget I was reader numerous times. You may not want to read this book in public though, because you may need to explain why you are crying to onlookers. It's impossible to not feel some joy and pain while reading this book. The most intense emotion for me as I read Unlocked was the feeling of hope because I know this is true. It just reminded me of the reason I do my job. I think this is probably Kingsbury's best book yet, though I still have several titles she has written that I haven't gotten to read yet. Unlocked is making my best fiction of 2010 list.
May 5, 2022
As an Autism Mama of a precious 3 year old boy, this book spoke to me in so many ways. I was crying just reading the prologue. I could relate in so many ways to this family.
Unlocked follows an 18 year old boy, Holden Harris and his broken family who, as many parents feel soon after an Autism diagnosis, lost their son to Autism after he turned 3.
Holden is locked inside his own world. When he started showing signs of Autism at 3 years old, he completely shut down and no longer talked or looked at his family or friends. He was a lost boy.
Ella Reynolds was Holden’s best friend growing up before his diagnosis. When she catches Holden listening to her rehearse for the school play Beauty and the Beast, she is amazed by how he is drawn to the music. She realizes they were friends as children and starts trying to help Holden “unlock” everything possible through music and singing.
The spectrum is so broad and no two cases are alike. This story brings the awareness needed to children with Autism, the importance of truly trying to understand and listen to those on the spectrum and dealing with bullying in school. I feel the author did a really great job explaining Autism and what families go through. She completely captured the emotion and struggles on all sides. Losing friendships, that connection to your child, almost grieving in a way for all the things you miss with your child. It’s a process. This has reminded me to remember to pray more about the situation and continue to work toward being the most successful in therapy and preschool with my son.
This story was beautiful. I related to Holden’s mother, Tracy, in so many ways. I have highlighted many comments from her prayers that I think will help me throughout our Autism journey with our son.
A lot of this story is predictable and cheesy and the ending a lot is resolved that may not seem realistic (Many other reviews did not like this and I definitely see where they are coming from.) However, I think since I am reading this at such a time in my life when Autism is new to our world over the past year, I can say this story really touched my heart.
The faith content in this story was wonderful. So many prayers. Holden was praying in his own way. Every character prayed and talked to Jesus. It was wonderful.
I was instantly connected to this story because Autism is a part of my family life with our son but I think many others can benefit from reading this story regardless of their relationship with someone on the spectrum.
**Trigger Warning Below**
I will say this does deal with heavy topics of school teen bullying and there is a scene of a student who commits suicide.
I can’t wait to talk more about this book on my YouTube channel! A new favorite for 2022.
Unlocked follows an 18 year old boy, Holden Harris and his broken family who, as many parents feel soon after an Autism diagnosis, lost their son to Autism after he turned 3.
Holden is locked inside his own world. When he started showing signs of Autism at 3 years old, he completely shut down and no longer talked or looked at his family or friends. He was a lost boy.
Ella Reynolds was Holden’s best friend growing up before his diagnosis. When she catches Holden listening to her rehearse for the school play Beauty and the Beast, she is amazed by how he is drawn to the music. She realizes they were friends as children and starts trying to help Holden “unlock” everything possible through music and singing.
The spectrum is so broad and no two cases are alike. This story brings the awareness needed to children with Autism, the importance of truly trying to understand and listen to those on the spectrum and dealing with bullying in school. I feel the author did a really great job explaining Autism and what families go through. She completely captured the emotion and struggles on all sides. Losing friendships, that connection to your child, almost grieving in a way for all the things you miss with your child. It’s a process. This has reminded me to remember to pray more about the situation and continue to work toward being the most successful in therapy and preschool with my son.
This story was beautiful. I related to Holden’s mother, Tracy, in so many ways. I have highlighted many comments from her prayers that I think will help me throughout our Autism journey with our son.
A lot of this story is predictable and cheesy and the ending a lot is resolved that may not seem realistic (Many other reviews did not like this and I definitely see where they are coming from.) However, I think since I am reading this at such a time in my life when Autism is new to our world over the past year, I can say this story really touched my heart.
The faith content in this story was wonderful. So many prayers. Holden was praying in his own way. Every character prayed and talked to Jesus. It was wonderful.
I was instantly connected to this story because Autism is a part of my family life with our son but I think many others can benefit from reading this story regardless of their relationship with someone on the spectrum.
**Trigger Warning Below**
I will say this does deal with heavy topics of school teen bullying and there is a scene of a student who commits suicide.
I can’t wait to talk more about this book on my YouTube channel! A new favorite for 2022.
December 25, 2013
I have several issues with this book.
First, I don't want to read the word okay again in a book again for a long time - okay? Talk about overusing a word.
Fulton High faculty and staff - how dumb are you? Kids with Autism are intelligent. They should not be kept from the general population at all times. Sorry if their needs are an exasperating inconvenience to you, but isn't teaching them your job?
Dan Harris - you prayed that God should save you IF your son was "coming back"? Why don't you love and accept Holden. He would have made progress faster if you had helped get him some early intervention instead of taking off for Alaska.
Holden's church - you have a stage? You had to bring in an altar? You say people must sacrifice and DO things to earn God's forgiveness and salvation? Um, no. That's just bad theology (in my opinion, which happens to align with the Bible). God's forgiveness and salvation are a result of Jesus dying on the cross. I could never be able to do anything to earn this forgiveness myself. It is a free gift for you and me - repent and believe.
Jake and the rest of the Bullies - what in the world kind of school do you get away with treating people the way you do? Losers.
I realize I review as though these people and places are real. Autism is a very real issue for me, as my 7 year old son has an Autism diagnosis. I thank God every day for my precious little boy. Never once have my husband or I thought taking off for Alaska would be the way to deal. I don't sit around pining for the kid that we "lost". He's right in front of us, and he's just the way God intended him to be - caring, smart, silly, and with Jesus in his heart. Our child is a blessing. He's NOT a sad inconvenience. I love him the way he is. Do I sometimes pray that things be easier for him? Sure, but we don't give up on him. He makes progress each and every day, and while he grows he is teaching the rest of us around him.
So many times I wanted to stop this book, but I kept plugging away at it. Probably because I was just that disappointed.
First, I don't want to read the word okay again in a book again for a long time - okay? Talk about overusing a word.
Fulton High faculty and staff - how dumb are you? Kids with Autism are intelligent. They should not be kept from the general population at all times. Sorry if their needs are an exasperating inconvenience to you, but isn't teaching them your job?
Dan Harris - you prayed that God should save you IF your son was "coming back"? Why don't you love and accept Holden. He would have made progress faster if you had helped get him some early intervention instead of taking off for Alaska.
Holden's church - you have a stage? You had to bring in an altar? You say people must sacrifice and DO things to earn God's forgiveness and salvation? Um, no. That's just bad theology (in my opinion, which happens to align with the Bible). God's forgiveness and salvation are a result of Jesus dying on the cross. I could never be able to do anything to earn this forgiveness myself. It is a free gift for you and me - repent and believe.
Jake and the rest of the Bullies - what in the world kind of school do you get away with treating people the way you do? Losers.
I realize I review as though these people and places are real. Autism is a very real issue for me, as my 7 year old son has an Autism diagnosis. I thank God every day for my precious little boy. Never once have my husband or I thought taking off for Alaska would be the way to deal. I don't sit around pining for the kid that we "lost". He's right in front of us, and he's just the way God intended him to be - caring, smart, silly, and with Jesus in his heart. Our child is a blessing. He's NOT a sad inconvenience. I love him the way he is. Do I sometimes pray that things be easier for him? Sure, but we don't give up on him. He makes progress each and every day, and while he grows he is teaching the rest of us around him.
So many times I wanted to stop this book, but I kept plugging away at it. Probably because I was just that disappointed.
May 29, 2018
Unlocked 3.5⭐️
At first it seems like just another book about a football thats a complete jerk turn good (which does happen sort of) but all within the first chapter you see so much depth and a wide range of characters and flaws it was so beautiful so fast.
At first it seems like just another book about a football thats a complete jerk turn good (which does happen sort of) but all within the first chapter you see so much depth and a wide range of characters and flaws it was so beautiful so fast.
January 20, 2022
This isn’t a critical review but simply an explanation of how the book touched me. It’s 2:22 AM And ’ve just finished this book. As the mother of a sixteen-year-old autistic daughter, I can say that this book caused big emotions and hope to rise in me. I read a few of the reviews, and it’s interesting, but I didn’t feel like critiquing the plot, but instead I simply allowed myself to get lost in the story. I believe that this story has the hand of God all over it. It’s happened to me more than once that I’ve picked up a book and it seemed to be written just for me. For a variety of reasons, I really sense God put this book in my hands at just the perfect moment. I rarely read fiction, but at a time of the year when I’m seeking God and setting spiritual goals for the year, I felt a pull toward this book. God can and does do miracles and we can expect them. And when he does, it’s painfully beautiful. In my opinion, that’s the message at the heart of this book.
October 31, 2015
So if one will pray hard enough, the sick will be healed, marriages will be healed, and all goes "normal". As the auntie of a young man with autism, I thought the book was unkind to those remarkable caregivers who do pray, and worry and cry and yet their child is not healed. Don't get me wrong here. It is good to believe in miracles, they happen every day, butsometimes the biggest miracle comes in a package that is not neatly wrapped up in a bow like the end of this book. Sometimes the miracle is loving someone for who they are, a not so 'normal' gift from Father who makes each one of us unique. And embracing those differences, not grieving for 15 years that your child is 'lost' even as he eats his dinner. Most of the book is a mother whining about "losing" her child, even though he was still there. Father too. They spent too much time dwelling on what their child was like at age three. Well you know what? No eighteen year old kid is the same as they were at age three, whether autistic or not. The flashbacks got old and tedious. The suicide scene had potential, and would have been great if the author would have written about how the bullies felt. Then poof, the bullies are cured. Poof, the boy with autism speaks, sings and hugs. Poof, the marriage becomes strong, and a mother repents and she and her daughter's relationship is healed. Poof, the divided women become friends and even at their first meeting after 15 years apart, one complains to the other about her marriage, as though they just spoke to each other yesterday.
Much of the book is constant repetitive scenes and words. She remembered the same things time and again. She 'suddenly' thought this or that, but she had the same thought seven pages ago. And tears, constant tears by so many characters. And blue eyes way too many times. How many times did the author write about botox and tank tops? We got it already. Like others, I found myself skimming through the long winded repeated parts, wishing the author would finally get to the point. And when she finally did, it was all just too neat and saccharine, and quite unbelievable.
Much of the book is constant repetitive scenes and words. She remembered the same things time and again. She 'suddenly' thought this or that, but she had the same thought seven pages ago. And tears, constant tears by so many characters. And blue eyes way too many times. How many times did the author write about botox and tank tops? We got it already. Like others, I found myself skimming through the long winded repeated parts, wishing the author would finally get to the point. And when she finally did, it was all just too neat and saccharine, and quite unbelievable.
October 10, 2025
Ik hou van de schrijfstijl van Karen Kingsbury, het leest heerlijk, het ontroert en geeft levenslessen mee. Toch blijft dit boek voor mij bij drie sterren hangen. Het was wat veel in één boek en alle situaties kregen een positieve draai, waardoor het ongeloofwaardig en wel erg zoet werd. Ook heb ik moeite met de oorzaak van autisme bij vaccinaties te leggen. Al met al iets teleurstellend, maar het blijft mooi geschreven en de onderliggende boodschap om vooral verder te kijken dan de buitenkant van iemand is natuurlijk prachtig, soms blijkt het beest een prins!
November 2, 2010
This is Karen Kingsbury's best book. In this book, Karen delves into the world of autism. Instead of focusing on the debate on whether or not autism is a result of too many vaccinations (although Holden's mom believes that is the cause of Holden's withdrawal), she focuses on the family and relationship dynamics that are affected by autism.
Holden, the protagonist, is locked inside of himself. Through his thoughts, the reader gets a glimpse of the struggle between what he feels and what he can express. When he "meets" Ella, who is really his childhood friend, Holden begins to find a way to express himself: music. Their relationship develops despite educators who don't believe Holden can break out of his autism and bullies who prey on anyone who is different.
The novel also takes the reader into the strain stereotypes of autism put on families and even friendships. Ella's parents fear their daughter may "catch" the autistic traits Holden displays and therefore distance themselves from Holden's family. Holden's mother and father struggle to deal with the change in their son and drift apart from one another.
Music, the universal language, draws all of the characters together. Music often speaks for us when we can't find the words, and it is through music that Holden finds his voice.
www.laurathebookworm.blogspot.com
Holden, the protagonist, is locked inside of himself. Through his thoughts, the reader gets a glimpse of the struggle between what he feels and what he can express. When he "meets" Ella, who is really his childhood friend, Holden begins to find a way to express himself: music. Their relationship develops despite educators who don't believe Holden can break out of his autism and bullies who prey on anyone who is different.
The novel also takes the reader into the strain stereotypes of autism put on families and even friendships. Ella's parents fear their daughter may "catch" the autistic traits Holden displays and therefore distance themselves from Holden's family. Holden's mother and father struggle to deal with the change in their son and drift apart from one another.
Music, the universal language, draws all of the characters together. Music often speaks for us when we can't find the words, and it is through music that Holden finds his voice.
www.laurathebookworm.blogspot.com
December 29, 2010
I should rate this book higher, because it is such a touching and faith-promoting story. It's well written and all the emotion feels true as you read it. But, as the parent of an autistic child, I found several aspects of the story a bit grating. Kingsbury romanticizes autism so much in this book that it is obvious that she has not had direct, long-term contact with a person with autism. I also didn't like the mother in the book. Sure, she supported her son, but she could not get over what she had lost when her son slipped into autism. When she looked at her son, she couldn't appreciate him for what he was in the present. If I was constantly mourning what I had lost because my son has autism, my life would be a mess! And I think I would resent my son. Instead, I look at what my son has to offer now and that is more than enough. He is who he was supposed to be.
All in all, this book is a good, emotional and touching book, but it does not paint a realistic picture of autism. At least, not how I am living with autism.
All in all, this book is a good, emotional and touching book, but it does not paint a realistic picture of autism. At least, not how I am living with autism.
October 23, 2010
I loved this inspirational story about Holden and Ella, very close childhood friends who were forced apart when they were three years old and their families went different ways. When Holden was three he started withdrawing into his own world; he was diagnosed autistic. It changes the lives of these two families--Ella's family moving away. Then when Ella's family moves back to town Ella and Holden both end up going to Fulton High School. At the beginning Ella is dating Jake, the football quarterback and trying out for the spring musical, Beauty and the Beast. When Jake starts bullying the autistic boy, Ella is struck by Holden's eyes. Then she discovers scrapbooks and realizes why Holden seems familiar. The book does a wonderful job portraying autism as well as bullying. It is not only about "unlocking" the world of an autistic child but also about unlocking the prison bullies make for their victims and for themselves. A great book for adults and for young adults, too.
January 16, 2020
This book is really terrible. I swear I'll be triggered everytime I hear "When he was 3" or "he loved music". Like ok, we get it. There was a change when he was 3. It's not even like the author tried to switch up how this was stated over and over in the book. I picked this randomly off the shelf because I needed a new audiobook and wanted something a little lighter and fluffy. I thought a teen romance would be fine, but not this one.
Also, the insinuation that vaccines cause autism was absolutely infuriating. It was in the beginning of the first chapter, that was my first red flag.
Also, the insinuation that vaccines cause autism was absolutely infuriating. It was in the beginning of the first chapter, that was my first red flag.
April 1, 2023
A poignant expression of the high cost of bullying, this story will be relevant till the end of time. It broke my heart.
My favorite things were Holden, autism being featured, Ella, the stand against bullying, and the fight for those who are misunderstood.
Content: crude jokes and bullying (including gay references [heavy focus on this], slurs, and sexual), suicide, alcohol, marital affair
My favorite things were Holden, autism being featured, Ella, the stand against bullying, and the fight for those who are misunderstood.
Content: crude jokes and bullying (including gay references [heavy focus on this], slurs, and sexual), suicide, alcohol, marital affair
April 18, 2025
A really good interpretation of autism. Holden Harris loved music and his friend Ella helps him find a miracle.
February 21, 2023
An amazing, moving story of the power of love and acceptance. "Yes, Holden suffered from a handicap. A disability. But didn't everyone in some way or other?... Being around Holden made it painfully clear that the most breathtaking beauty came from inside."
October 31, 2010
Unlocked by Karen Kingsbury is a touching story about a young man with autism that will grab your heart and not let go!
Until the age of three Holden Harris and Ella Reynolds had been inseparable, their families were the best of friends. When Holden is diagnosed with Autism, the Reynolds family decides they don't want their daughter playing with him anymore, but for Holden he never forgot Ella, part of his daily routine is watching home movies of him and Ella before he got sick.
Fast forward Holden is 18, he is basically uncommunicative,the only thing he really responds to is music.His mother Tracy struggles daily with the challenges of taking care of an Autistic child, you can feel her pain and longing as she talks about never being able to touch or hold her son, of how she holds out hope that some day he will respond to her! Holden's dad basically ran away from the problems at home by taking a job that keeps him away from home most of the year.
Ella Reynolds seemed to have the perfect life, she was a cheerleader, and dating one of the most popular boys in school, and she has just landed the lead in the school musical,but things aren't good at home, since the family moved back to town, her mom and dad seem to be having major problems!
When Ella sees her boyfriend bullying a special needs student, she realizes he isn't who she thought he was and breaks up with him, she soon realizes the boy is Holden her old childhood friend.
Can faith, music, and finding his friend Ella, help Holden unlock the stranglehold that autism has on him?
This was one of the best Karen Kingsbury books I have ever read! The characters came alive, and the emotions literally surround you as you read. I believe that Karen is certainly guided by God when she writes her stories, because you come away uplifted, and your faith is renewed. With this book she taught me about Autism, something I knew nothing about. She also deals with some very timely issues such as bullying, suicide and peer pressure, which makes me think that this book should be mandatory reading for every high school student.
I highly recommend this book, but be prepared to laugh and cry, and see the world thru Holden's eyes just for a bit. This is a faith building life changing book you wont be able to put down. On a scale of 1 to 5 this book deserves a 10!
Even though I was provided a copy of this book by Zondervan for review it in no way alters my opinion of this book!
Until the age of three Holden Harris and Ella Reynolds had been inseparable, their families were the best of friends. When Holden is diagnosed with Autism, the Reynolds family decides they don't want their daughter playing with him anymore, but for Holden he never forgot Ella, part of his daily routine is watching home movies of him and Ella before he got sick.
Fast forward Holden is 18, he is basically uncommunicative,the only thing he really responds to is music.His mother Tracy struggles daily with the challenges of taking care of an Autistic child, you can feel her pain and longing as she talks about never being able to touch or hold her son, of how she holds out hope that some day he will respond to her! Holden's dad basically ran away from the problems at home by taking a job that keeps him away from home most of the year.
Ella Reynolds seemed to have the perfect life, she was a cheerleader, and dating one of the most popular boys in school, and she has just landed the lead in the school musical,but things aren't good at home, since the family moved back to town, her mom and dad seem to be having major problems!
When Ella sees her boyfriend bullying a special needs student, she realizes he isn't who she thought he was and breaks up with him, she soon realizes the boy is Holden her old childhood friend.
Can faith, music, and finding his friend Ella, help Holden unlock the stranglehold that autism has on him?
This was one of the best Karen Kingsbury books I have ever read! The characters came alive, and the emotions literally surround you as you read. I believe that Karen is certainly guided by God when she writes her stories, because you come away uplifted, and your faith is renewed. With this book she taught me about Autism, something I knew nothing about. She also deals with some very timely issues such as bullying, suicide and peer pressure, which makes me think that this book should be mandatory reading for every high school student.
I highly recommend this book, but be prepared to laugh and cry, and see the world thru Holden's eyes just for a bit. This is a faith building life changing book you wont be able to put down. On a scale of 1 to 5 this book deserves a 10!
Even though I was provided a copy of this book by Zondervan for review it in no way alters my opinion of this book!
June 22, 2011
This was a book that I read for book club. The only Karen Kingsbury book that I have read is "Let Me Hold You Longer", a children's book and one of my most favorite. I wasn't even aware that she wrote other books. Parts of this book were predictable and sometimes Christian authors are a little hard to read, because everything turns out. I find myself looking at other children I know with disabilities big and small and thinking where is their miracle? Although, I do have faith and know that miracles do happen. What really made this book enjoyable and believable for me is reading it from cover to cover. I liked reading about the authors dedications to her children, reading about her charity work, reading the story itself with the characters strong connections to God, and then I liked reading about how she got the idea for this story. I am anxious to read another one of her books.
It made me think about some of the fantasy books that I read and love, I don't critique them as harshly. Yet, when someone shares stories about miracles why am I so sceptic? And I am a Believer. So in the end I came away really liking this book and all the ways that it made me think about my relationship with God. It also made me grateful for this author who is willing to share her faith and testimony of God through writing novels.
It made me think about some of the fantasy books that I read and love, I don't critique them as harshly. Yet, when someone shares stories about miracles why am I so sceptic? And I am a Believer. So in the end I came away really liking this book and all the ways that it made me think about my relationship with God. It also made me grateful for this author who is willing to share her faith and testimony of God through writing novels.
September 13, 2014
The only reason I got into this book is because it was listed on my recommendations. I didn’t check why it was there, probably because I loved the books Rules and Out of my Mind. I just saw the cover, read the summary, looked over one or two of the reviews, and clicked the “Want to Read” button. So, as you could tell, I had no experience with this book. No friends to tell me their opinions or anything like that.
That’s why I knew this book was genuinely good: I liked it without any influence. It wasn’t like the Harry Potter series, where every single one of my friends told me it was amazing. When I eventually read the series, it was okay. But since every one of my friends loves the books, I have a certain fondness towards the books that is not my own. Same with some of the Rick Riordan books; same with some of the Mortal Instruments; same with the Hunger Games. Without any influence, without any sort of expectations, I plunged through this book and like it for it. The message was clear and inspiring. The characters were sometimes good, sometimes bad, always understandable. The hardships weren’t typical or unreal. And, even though it was all in third person, the point of view in Holden’s autistic mind was interesting… something that at first made me feel uncomfortable, but in the end made me like the book all the more.
That’s why I knew this book was genuinely good: I liked it without any influence. It wasn’t like the Harry Potter series, where every single one of my friends told me it was amazing. When I eventually read the series, it was okay. But since every one of my friends loves the books, I have a certain fondness towards the books that is not my own. Same with some of the Rick Riordan books; same with some of the Mortal Instruments; same with the Hunger Games. Without any influence, without any sort of expectations, I plunged through this book and like it for it. The message was clear and inspiring. The characters were sometimes good, sometimes bad, always understandable. The hardships weren’t typical or unreal. And, even though it was all in third person, the point of view in Holden’s autistic mind was interesting… something that at first made me feel uncomfortable, but in the end made me like the book all the more.
May 4, 2017
I would give this a 2.5, but am rounding down. I listened to this story on audio book.
A little better than her most recent books, I am still a little disappointed. I have to admit that I was excited to read something about someone with disabilities, but I was appalled at the characterization of this character. Kingsbury did not have a clear, accurate, or appealing idea of special education. She writes that autism is "a prison," which made me very angry. Disabilities are NOT a prison. God can, and will, create miracles in every type of circumstances, but someone is not "automatically free" since they are "unlocked" from prison. The special education teacher did not know her job well, and I was wondering where the aides were for Holden or the type of class he was in. People with autism tend to have aides with them. Also, the special education teacher should have had a better understanding of transition from high school, since Holden was of age close to graduation and there was no talk of that. The mother, at the very least, should have been an advocate for her soon, especially since the special ed teacher said that Holden wasn't "capable of being in a regular ed math class," when test scores and abilities prove otherwise. Where are the socialization skills and self-empowerment in this book?
Again, Kingsbury writes a book with too much saccharin.
A little better than her most recent books, I am still a little disappointed. I have to admit that I was excited to read something about someone with disabilities, but I was appalled at the characterization of this character. Kingsbury did not have a clear, accurate, or appealing idea of special education. She writes that autism is "a prison," which made me very angry. Disabilities are NOT a prison. God can, and will, create miracles in every type of circumstances, but someone is not "automatically free" since they are "unlocked" from prison. The special education teacher did not know her job well, and I was wondering where the aides were for Holden or the type of class he was in. People with autism tend to have aides with them. Also, the special education teacher should have had a better understanding of transition from high school, since Holden was of age close to graduation and there was no talk of that. The mother, at the very least, should have been an advocate for her soon, especially since the special ed teacher said that Holden wasn't "capable of being in a regular ed math class," when test scores and abilities prove otherwise. Where are the socialization skills and self-empowerment in this book?
Again, Kingsbury writes a book with too much saccharin.
February 5, 2014
The book “unlocked” by Karen Kingsbury is a story about a boy named Holden who has autism. In this book, he discovers his best friend through a song. Throughout the book, people discover that although Holden has autism, he is capable of anything.
I personally enjoyed reading this book considering the fact that I have a cousin with autism. It was nice to see things from that perspective. From the first few pages I was completely sucked in. I liked how easy it was to foreshadow what would take place. I also like how descriptive Kingsbury was when she wrote this. I wouldn’t change anything about this book.
“The Prince looked on the outside the way the Beast was on the inside. Sometimes people couldn't see the inside of the person unless they like the outside of a person.” (Pg. 148)
I like this quote because it’s a metaphor of how life was for Holden. Nobody treated him like a human being, simply because he was different.
I personally enjoyed reading this book considering the fact that I have a cousin with autism. It was nice to see things from that perspective. From the first few pages I was completely sucked in. I liked how easy it was to foreshadow what would take place. I also like how descriptive Kingsbury was when she wrote this. I wouldn’t change anything about this book.
“The Prince looked on the outside the way the Beast was on the inside. Sometimes people couldn't see the inside of the person unless they like the outside of a person.” (Pg. 148)
I like this quote because it’s a metaphor of how life was for Holden. Nobody treated him like a human being, simply because he was different.
March 2, 2012
Karen Kingsbury is a wonderful author, and Unlocked is second to, if not tied with, Like Dandelion Dust as the best novel of hers that I've ever read. I'm mildly autistic myself, and I found Mrs. Kingsbury's portrayal of the severly autistic Holden to be very sensitive and well-done. Ella was a likable character; I've known many women (young AND old) who were much like her, and I really don't know where I'd be without them. Unlocked moved me in a way few stories--literary, cinematic, or otherwise--have ever done. If you've never read any of Karen Kingsbury's novels before, Unlocked is a great place to start. Just be sure you have plenty of time to finish it; the book won't let you go until the last page.
June 8, 2017
Very informative on autism. Good story.
June 2, 2025
Not me who read this in like three days >:)
Just read it it’s sooooo good!
Just read it it’s sooooo good!
Read
June 21, 2022I have read several other books by Karen Kingsbury and she is definitely a talented author with a heart for getting the Christian message to her readers.
However, I struggled with this novel even though it is a beautiful story. My first objection was the point she repeatedly made about a possible connection between vaccinations and autism which has definitely not been proven. I feel it is dangerous to put an unproven idea like that in a book.
Secondly, having worked as a school nurse for 13 years, I have been exposed to several autistic students and also have a family member diagnosed with this disorder. Although it is a beautiful story of how a teenage boy came 'unlocked' from his autism through music and the devotion of a friend, I know from experience that this is a highly unlikely outcome for a child with autism---even for children of parents with faith that God can work miracles.
As a school nurse, I also witnessed bullying of autistic students. With one student, I actually went to his home room while he was out in another student and explained to the students about how some of his annoying behaviors were all part of his autism. In this novel, the attitudes of others around Holden change because of positive changes they see in him and he comes to act more 'normal.' However, the attitudes people display toward autistic students should not depend on such changes. They need to learn to show respect for differences in other students just because it is the right thing to do.
I have no doubt that the miracle that occurred with Holden could occur for other children with autism but it troubles me that people might come away from reading his novel having unrealistic expectations.
However, I struggled with this novel even though it is a beautiful story. My first objection was the point she repeatedly made about a possible connection between vaccinations and autism which has definitely not been proven. I feel it is dangerous to put an unproven idea like that in a book.
Secondly, having worked as a school nurse for 13 years, I have been exposed to several autistic students and also have a family member diagnosed with this disorder. Although it is a beautiful story of how a teenage boy came 'unlocked' from his autism through music and the devotion of a friend, I know from experience that this is a highly unlikely outcome for a child with autism---even for children of parents with faith that God can work miracles.
As a school nurse, I also witnessed bullying of autistic students. With one student, I actually went to his home room while he was out in another student and explained to the students about how some of his annoying behaviors were all part of his autism. In this novel, the attitudes of others around Holden change because of positive changes they see in him and he comes to act more 'normal.' However, the attitudes people display toward autistic students should not depend on such changes. They need to learn to show respect for differences in other students just because it is the right thing to do.
I have no doubt that the miracle that occurred with Holden could occur for other children with autism but it troubles me that people might come away from reading his novel having unrealistic expectations.
October 6, 2019
Unlocked
I really enjoyed this story. Having raised a child with Asperger's tendencies, I understand the merry-go-round that is present in the day to day life of the family, as well as the blessings that come from the learning experiences. And though it is a controversial subject, I share the feelings posed in the author's story.
I love the characters. I would have liked a more solid ending for the main characters,but it was still a great read.
I really enjoyed this story. Having raised a child with Asperger's tendencies, I understand the merry-go-round that is present in the day to day life of the family, as well as the blessings that come from the learning experiences. And though it is a controversial subject, I share the feelings posed in the author's story.
I love the characters. I would have liked a more solid ending for the main characters,but it was still a great read.
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