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Mindblind
Fourteen-year-old Nathaniel Clark lives in two worlds—the outside world of his family and friends and his own, special, inside Aspie world, where he’s not forced to interact with people or worry about wearing his clothes right-side out. The world where he can solve mathematical problems that elude even the brightest graduate students. The world where he feels he can find his own inner truth. People say he’s a genius, but Nathaniel thinks differently. According to a book he once read, a true genius uses his talent to make a contribution to the world. Nathaniel takes the definition literally, and begins his quest for genius status. "I will start, right after I wash the chocolate off my face. If I want to be seen as a genius, I should not look like an idiot." Nathaniel has a sky-high IQ and perfect SAT scores, but Jennifer Roy and her husband, Greg, have a remarkable 8-year-old son, Adam, who not only inspired the character of Nathaniel Clark, but also created the "Amazing Race" charts and the narrative at the back of MindBlind.
248 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2010
55 people are currently reading
1071 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Roy
27 books96 followersJennifer Roy (see also Jennifer Rozines Roy) is an American children's writer. She is best known for fiction including Yellow Star, which won a Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor Award (2006), Sydney Taylor Honor Award, The William Allen White Children's Book Award (2009), a New York Public L Book, an ALA Notable Book, National Jewish Book Honor Award, and received starred reviews in Publishers Weekly, School Library Journal, VOYA and Booklist. She has written 35 educational books for children ages 5–16, including the "You Can Write" series.
Her latest book is Playing Atari with Saddam Hussein (February 2018), inspired by the true story of a young boy growing up in Iraq under the first Gulf war. Her Co-author Ali Fadhil was that boy and he grew up to be a translator in the trial of Saddam Hussein.
Her first illustrated book is "Jars of Hope", (August 2015). She is also the coauthor of the Trading Faces series (Simon and Schuster), a series co-written with her twin sister, Julia DeVillers. The second book in the series is Take Two, the third book is Times Squared, and the fourth is "Double Feature". The fifth book in the series is "Triple Trouble". Her book MindBlind, about a boy who is profoundly gifted and has Asperger syndrome, was published in October 2010 and received a YALSA award.
Her latest book is Playing Atari with Saddam Hussein (February 2018), inspired by the true story of a young boy growing up in Iraq under the first Gulf war. Her Co-author Ali Fadhil was that boy and he grew up to be a translator in the trial of Saddam Hussein.
Her first illustrated book is "Jars of Hope", (August 2015). She is also the coauthor of the Trading Faces series (Simon and Schuster), a series co-written with her twin sister, Julia DeVillers. The second book in the series is Take Two, the third book is Times Squared, and the fourth is "Double Feature". The fifth book in the series is "Triple Trouble". Her book MindBlind, about a boy who is profoundly gifted and has Asperger syndrome, was published in October 2010 and received a YALSA award.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 196 reviews
August 19, 2011
Loved this book. Having Asperger's myself, I could relate to everything Nathanial went through. The desire to be a genius, the taking metaphors and expressions seriously, obsession with various things, excelling in certain places but failing in others (he is super adept in math, I in English and Art), echoing other peoples' words, and mental shutdowns when someone [inadvertantly] threatens to move things around, or touch their things, or meddle with it in any way (I once almost had -what I think is- a true blue panic attack because my family moved all the things in my room and I couldn't find anything immediately). Even his distant relationship with his biological father. This author did a good job at describing Asperger's and creating Nathanial as a person with a different brain than "neurotypical" people do.
The files with dates like little diaries were also fun to read. It was mechanic and verbatim, giving you another insight to the Asperger's mind: Everything is orderly, methodical, and organized to a T. And it gives you a sense how emotions are not immediately played into us Aspies's decisions and outlook on life. Robotic as Nathanial has pointed out, is not necessarily true, but it certainly seems like it.
This seems like a very good Literature Circle read or whatever you teachers call it when you assign a group/class of kids to read a book altogether and reflect on it. Something with the theme of mental disorders, syndromes, or messed up brains. This would be perfect for the Asperger's aspect.
The files with dates like little diaries were also fun to read. It was mechanic and verbatim, giving you another insight to the Asperger's mind: Everything is orderly, methodical, and organized to a T. And it gives you a sense how emotions are not immediately played into us Aspies's decisions and outlook on life. Robotic as Nathanial has pointed out, is not necessarily true, but it certainly seems like it.
This seems like a very good Literature Circle read or whatever you teachers call it when you assign a group/class of kids to read a book altogether and reflect on it. Something with the theme of mental disorders, syndromes, or messed up brains. This would be perfect for the Asperger's aspect.
March 28, 2013
I found this book very great. This book was about a boy who had Asperger's. His mother and father got divorced when he was an early child (toddler). Ever since, he ends up winding between his mother and his stepfather while trying to keep himself together. His parents try to motivate him to be a little bit more social, but each attempt becomes either futile or awkwardly good.
I really liked the main character. He's got that groove for math and science, like I do. He sees his life like a computer, giving an insight like he is an android of some kind. It really made me laugh. Also, I liked the driving problem pushing him along. All together, it was like the greatest experience ever.
I really liked the main character. He's got that groove for math and science, like I do. He sees his life like a computer, giving an insight like he is an android of some kind. It really made me laugh. Also, I liked the driving problem pushing him along. All together, it was like the greatest experience ever.
October 3, 2011
I’m not a disorder-of-the-month kind of reader, and I normally steer clear of books that delve into areas with which I have a lot of familiarity. This book caught my eye, though–in an airport Hudson News, no less (I live to see my books in airports someday…), and I’m glad I gave into my impulse to pick it up. 14-yo Nathaniel has Asperger’s, but he’s a high-functioning “Aspie,” who orders his world with formulas. Oh, and did I mention that he’s a genius? Before you roll your eyes, lighten up a little; this kid isn’t a savant–or Rain Man either. He’s got a couple friends, a crush and–except for his dad–a supportive family. While the family parts fall on the side of being too good to believe, Nathaniel’s goal isn’t. While he’s got the IQ, he figures he has to make some truly memorable contribution to the world in order to qualify as a genius. So if he can only do that–and kiss the girl of his dreams–he’s set. Don’t let the math or formulae deter you: this is a little book with a very big heart.
August 25, 2011
Nathaniel Clark is fourteen and a college graduate taking a year off before graduate school. He has an off the charts IQ, taught himself Mandarin Chinese when he was four, and is on the ‘autistic end of Asperger’s’. He spends a lot of time happily alone – he was home schooled – but has in the flesh friends. He’s in a band. And he’s trying to become a genius, because, despite his high IQ, he can’t be a genius until he contributes something to society.
This book takes him through some regular teenage things- first crush, a party he really shouldn’t (and didn’t want to be) be at, misunderstandings. There is no great plot, but he grows emotionally.
I enjoyed the novel, but it has its flaws. The characters, except for his lout of a father (who doesn’t believe in the existence of Asperger’s syndrome) – who he thankfully only sees on weekends- are pretty perfect. They are totally supportive and accepting of Nathaniel’s quirks. They seem to have no real lives or problems of their own, no development, but just exist as props in Nathaniel’s life. His mother, who seems to have no emotions except for love for her son, is always there, never frustrated, never upset (except with her ex), and seems to exist for her son. She, like the friends, is perfect. I’m a little suspicious that the mother is a Mary Sue, the author having a son with Asperger’s. I’m sure she hopes to be the good mother than Nathaniel’s mother is; I’m also sure she hopes that her son’s life is navigated as smoothly (for the most part) that Nathaniel’s is; I hope so, too. Or perhaps this isn’t a flaw; perhaps these people are so flat because Nathaniel, mindblind to others thoughts and emotions, sees them that way.
There are some brilliant bits. Showing Nathaniel organizing his mind in the form of computer files is great, both in the idea and in the delivery. The part where he has an episode of mania is so well done that you feel manic yourself reading it; you don’t really catch your breath until it winds down into hypomania and then finally normalcy. This is a book, I think, that would work well for tweens, but doesn’t really hold up for adults (not that it’s meant to).
This book takes him through some regular teenage things- first crush, a party he really shouldn’t (and didn’t want to be) be at, misunderstandings. There is no great plot, but he grows emotionally.
I enjoyed the novel, but it has its flaws. The characters, except for his lout of a father (who doesn’t believe in the existence of Asperger’s syndrome) – who he thankfully only sees on weekends- are pretty perfect. They are totally supportive and accepting of Nathaniel’s quirks. They seem to have no real lives or problems of their own, no development, but just exist as props in Nathaniel’s life. His mother, who seems to have no emotions except for love for her son, is always there, never frustrated, never upset (except with her ex), and seems to exist for her son. She, like the friends, is perfect. I’m a little suspicious that the mother is a Mary Sue, the author having a son with Asperger’s. I’m sure she hopes to be the good mother than Nathaniel’s mother is; I’m also sure she hopes that her son’s life is navigated as smoothly (for the most part) that Nathaniel’s is; I hope so, too. Or perhaps this isn’t a flaw; perhaps these people are so flat because Nathaniel, mindblind to others thoughts and emotions, sees them that way.
There are some brilliant bits. Showing Nathaniel organizing his mind in the form of computer files is great, both in the idea and in the delivery. The part where he has an episode of mania is so well done that you feel manic yourself reading it; you don’t really catch your breath until it winds down into hypomania and then finally normalcy. This is a book, I think, that would work well for tweens, but doesn’t really hold up for adults (not that it’s meant to).
December 14, 2012
I don't normally comment on the cover, but this one didn't really fit the book at all. It appears sort of mysterious and dark, as if the book will be really tragic. Instead the book was pretty upbeat and humorous. You don't understand the cover until you're done with this book.
Mindblind is about a fourteen year old boy named Nathaniel who's whole life has been devoted to becoming a genius. He already has the brains; he just needs to find one thing that can prove he impacted the world. Since he's a brainiac, he talks in a really weird way, with almost no contractions, which makes you feel like you're reading about a naive little kid, when really you're reading about a teenager who's IQ is probably bigger than yours. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, but makes you view Nathaniel in a different way than intended.
I liked how Nathaniel has these files in his head where he can remember anything. They came in handy many times when he described something that happened in the past and provided very nice background information. I also liked having the misunderstanding parent--an issue that many teenagers feel they have.
His friend Cooper talks the way most teen guys talk, which makes you feel weird having such young seeming characters (Logan, Jessa, Nathaniel) next to such a horny boy.
Mindblind is about a fourteen year old boy named Nathaniel who's whole life has been devoted to becoming a genius. He already has the brains; he just needs to find one thing that can prove he impacted the world. Since he's a brainiac, he talks in a really weird way, with almost no contractions, which makes you feel like you're reading about a naive little kid, when really you're reading about a teenager who's IQ is probably bigger than yours. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, but makes you view Nathaniel in a different way than intended.
I liked how Nathaniel has these files in his head where he can remember anything. They came in handy many times when he described something that happened in the past and provided very nice background information. I also liked having the misunderstanding parent--an issue that many teenagers feel they have.
His friend Cooper talks the way most teen guys talk, which makes you feel weird having such young seeming characters (Logan, Jessa, Nathaniel) next to such a horny boy.
October 2, 2014
MindBlind is the incredible story of Nathaniel Gideon Clark, a fourteen year old boy who has been diagnosed with aspburgers disorder and is proclaimed by his friends and family to be a genius. However, He does not like being called this due to his definition of being a genius of "A incredibly smart individual who's contribution's have directly influenced the course of history for the betterment of humanity." Page 12,Line 10. With the help of his extremely supportive family(minus his dad, who is kind of a jerk. Page 5.), Mindblind offers incredible insight into the world of those who have been diagnosed with disorders such as autism and aspburgers and how they deal with their problems.
May 2, 2011
Open File:C\MyFiles\Mindblind.avi (Date4/8/11)
First, from a personal standpoint, I enjoyed this book for its revalations about life with Asperger's Syndrome. Like other books in this genre (Curious Incident of a Dog in the Night-Time, House Rules, Rules) I am fascinated by the workings of the mind of a child who functions on such a different level than myself. But I also find having read this book that there are so many similarities between an Aspie and myself--what's different is the degree. Sometimes all of us have a hard time functioning in the 'outside' world of our work, our friends, and society at large. Sometimes we, too, want to escape into our own worlds. In fact, books are often the key to this place for me.
In the classroom, this book offers so much for middle school students who are struggling to discover themselves and how they should function in the 'outside' world. They are trying to navigate the rules of an extremely complex adolescent land. Often the best guide is a character who must traverse even greater chasms than we must, so that we can feel comforted that our lot is not so much to bear. We see Nathaniel's thoughts as he struggles to understand the world in such a literal way. We learn lessons by living the life of Nathanial vicariously.
The acceptance of Nathaniel's friends is heartwarming. They have figured him out, even if they haven't figured him out. They know how to be with him even if they do not always understand the impetus for some of his behaviors. This aspect of the book provides a great lesson in acceptance of the other for all our middle school kids. This lesson has tendrils that reach toward all the varied differences of students in middle school and, one hopes, helps our students come to understand the importance of tolerance and loyalty.
The math in this book alone went beyond me most of the time, but the logical nature of the equations was interesting to contemplate. Wouldn't we all wish for simple expressions of the most confusing and complicated aspects of life. It's a great way to tie literature to mathematics to have students think about how to express their own lives in equalities. And maybe, when life all plays out, all things are equal on some level.
Overall, a great read with lessons too significant to pass up, with great interdisciplinary connections...M=<3
First, from a personal standpoint, I enjoyed this book for its revalations about life with Asperger's Syndrome. Like other books in this genre (Curious Incident of a Dog in the Night-Time, House Rules, Rules) I am fascinated by the workings of the mind of a child who functions on such a different level than myself. But I also find having read this book that there are so many similarities between an Aspie and myself--what's different is the degree. Sometimes all of us have a hard time functioning in the 'outside' world of our work, our friends, and society at large. Sometimes we, too, want to escape into our own worlds. In fact, books are often the key to this place for me.
In the classroom, this book offers so much for middle school students who are struggling to discover themselves and how they should function in the 'outside' world. They are trying to navigate the rules of an extremely complex adolescent land. Often the best guide is a character who must traverse even greater chasms than we must, so that we can feel comforted that our lot is not so much to bear. We see Nathaniel's thoughts as he struggles to understand the world in such a literal way. We learn lessons by living the life of Nathanial vicariously.
The acceptance of Nathaniel's friends is heartwarming. They have figured him out, even if they haven't figured him out. They know how to be with him even if they do not always understand the impetus for some of his behaviors. This aspect of the book provides a great lesson in acceptance of the other for all our middle school kids. This lesson has tendrils that reach toward all the varied differences of students in middle school and, one hopes, helps our students come to understand the importance of tolerance and loyalty.
The math in this book alone went beyond me most of the time, but the logical nature of the equations was interesting to contemplate. Wouldn't we all wish for simple expressions of the most confusing and complicated aspects of life. It's a great way to tie literature to mathematics to have students think about how to express their own lives in equalities. And maybe, when life all plays out, all things are equal on some level.
Overall, a great read with lessons too significant to pass up, with great interdisciplinary connections...M=<3
October 12, 2011
Mindblind was beyond my expectations of any book with a genius. I expected Mindblind to be similar to Artemis Fowl, minus the fairies and Butler, but it was not. Ms. Jennifer Roy managed to make Mindblind similar, yet completely different from the Artemis Fowl series.
The similarities are quite obvious. Nathaniel and Artemis are obnoxious know-it-all brats who are trying to find their own place in the world. Well, Nathaniel is and Artemis has already somewhat found his own place. Nathaniel is finding difficulty because he cannot really accept his genius status. He claims he is not a genius because a genius contributes to the world, and he has not. Mindblind is Nathaniel's journey in finding his place in the world and society where he does not exactly fit in.
One could believe that Mindblind would be dull because there is no exciting action or similar in the plot. That is true, but Nathaniel instantly hooked me on the first page. As I was hesitating to read Mindblind for months, I finally opened the first page. I immediately found a seat in the school library and continued reading. I was entranced with Nathaniel's outlook on life and everything. Even though Nathaniel is a genius, he matures quickly during the course of Mindblind. After all, he is a fourteen year old who is now a college graduate.
I really enjoyed Mindblind even though it was usually not the typical genre I prefer. It is one anyone can be easily be swept into and is extremely fluid. Mindread may have around two hundred fifty pages, but they are small pages, so it is a nice, quick read. If you want a book to read in your spare time and can focus, Mindblind is an excellent choice. I would not advise you to read this while being distracted because Nathaniel prefers talking in algebraic equations and it maybe be a little confusing if you are not focused nor paying strict attention.
The similarities are quite obvious. Nathaniel and Artemis are obnoxious know-it-all brats who are trying to find their own place in the world. Well, Nathaniel is and Artemis has already somewhat found his own place. Nathaniel is finding difficulty because he cannot really accept his genius status. He claims he is not a genius because a genius contributes to the world, and he has not. Mindblind is Nathaniel's journey in finding his place in the world and society where he does not exactly fit in.
One could believe that Mindblind would be dull because there is no exciting action or similar in the plot. That is true, but Nathaniel instantly hooked me on the first page. As I was hesitating to read Mindblind for months, I finally opened the first page. I immediately found a seat in the school library and continued reading. I was entranced with Nathaniel's outlook on life and everything. Even though Nathaniel is a genius, he matures quickly during the course of Mindblind. After all, he is a fourteen year old who is now a college graduate.
I really enjoyed Mindblind even though it was usually not the typical genre I prefer. It is one anyone can be easily be swept into and is extremely fluid. Mindread may have around two hundred fifty pages, but they are small pages, so it is a nice, quick read. If you want a book to read in your spare time and can focus, Mindblind is an excellent choice. I would not advise you to read this while being distracted because Nathaniel prefers talking in algebraic equations and it maybe be a little confusing if you are not focused nor paying strict attention.
February 9, 2011
Not surprisingly, since Mark Haddon's Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time exploded autism spectrum fiction into popular consciousness, a flood of teen first person fiction titles along the same themes have saturated the publishing industry. Mindblind diligently attempts to break down stereotypes of Asperger's, but it's this very diligence that overwhelms what could have been a charming story. Fourteen year-old Nathaniel Clark spoke fluent Mandarin Chinese by the time he was four, knows the periodic table by heart, completed his first college degree at the age of 13, and is not a genius. He knows, because he read it in one of his mother's "parenting an autistic child" books, that to be a true genius, he needs to use his talent to make a contribution to the world. While pondering just which of his many gift is his true talent, which grad school to attend, and how to make a global contribution, Nathaniel also stumbles through a strained relationship with his dad, his crush on a fellow band mate, and just how neurotypical he wants to act. All of this would be great, and Nathaniel feels believable overall, but it's his friends who are out of a parent's fantasy, completely accepting and supportive, popular and protective, and, apparently, straight-edge without the cool punk angle. Between the occasionally didactic tone and friends straight out of an after-school special, the author, who happens to be a parent of a child with Asperger's, interferes with her own story. What could of been great isn't, but it's passable. Try Anything But Typical by Nora Raleigh Baskin or Emma-Jean Lazarus Fell out of a Tree by Lauren Tarshis instead.
October 31, 2014
I read this book and I thought the plot was kind of up and down. Many different things happened in the book, but I still loved this book. The main thing that went on in the book is how the boy kept trying to be a genius, even though he was in high school at the age of 13. Nathaniel (main character) is so smart that he doesn't have many friends his own age. His three main friends are his neighbor, Cooper, the girl he has a crush on, Jessa, and Josh, who doesn't really talk much. His one true and only friend is his mother, no matter what she has always been there for him. No matter what and that's what a mother is suppose to do. Unlike his dad, Nathaniel dad doesn't want anything to do with him. His dad left him and his mom when Nathaniel was seven and remarried and had another son. His dad's other son, Joshua, was the son that his dad always wanted. Even through all the pain and humility that he has gone through, he still finds away to leave the real world, where he can feel content.
I would recommend this book to anyone in high school. I think that everyone that would read this could understand anything he is saying. He explains everything like he is actually talking to you. He explains whats its like to live and deal with his condition. This book would be good for both genders.
I gave this book four stars because even though it was a good book most of the stuff, like the equations and other things, I didn't really understand. I really liked this book and would tell anyone who I think would like it to read it.
I would recommend this book to anyone in high school. I think that everyone that would read this could understand anything he is saying. He explains everything like he is actually talking to you. He explains whats its like to live and deal with his condition. This book would be good for both genders.
I gave this book four stars because even though it was a good book most of the stuff, like the equations and other things, I didn't really understand. I really liked this book and would tell anyone who I think would like it to read it.
March 25, 2011
For Nathaniel, a 14-year-old with Asperger's Syndrome, life can be confusing, like when he's trying to figure out how he feels about his friend Jessa or when he's dealing with his dad (who does NOT understand about Asperger's). But there are lot of things Nathaniel's good at, like playing the keyboards in the band he's formed with his friends and complex mathematic computations. When Nathaniel is turned down from a prestigious school for geniuses, he begins to wonder how he can make his mark on the world.
I dunno, this one was okay, but I just wasn't compelled along Nathaniel's journey. I did quite like Ms. Roy's portrayal of Nathaniel when the world becomes overwhelming and he turns inside himself. But overall, I felt like there wasn't a compelling enough conflict to keep things moving. Ms. Roy tries to do a lot with Nathaniel - his quest for genius-hood, his feelings for girls, dealing with his father, the band with his friends. It feels like she tried to do too much with Nathaniel and as a result, all of the plot lines felt a bit shallow.
More compelling YA/tween books about autistic/Aspie characters include The London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd, Anything But Typical by Nora Raleigh Baskin, Mockingbird by Kathryn Erskine, and the Emma Jean Lazarus books by Lauren Tarshis.
I dunno, this one was okay, but I just wasn't compelled along Nathaniel's journey. I did quite like Ms. Roy's portrayal of Nathaniel when the world becomes overwhelming and he turns inside himself. But overall, I felt like there wasn't a compelling enough conflict to keep things moving. Ms. Roy tries to do a lot with Nathaniel - his quest for genius-hood, his feelings for girls, dealing with his father, the band with his friends. It feels like she tried to do too much with Nathaniel and as a result, all of the plot lines felt a bit shallow.
More compelling YA/tween books about autistic/Aspie characters include The London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd, Anything But Typical by Nora Raleigh Baskin, Mockingbird by Kathryn Erskine, and the Emma Jean Lazarus books by Lauren Tarshis.
April 25, 2011
Jennifer Roy writes this story, told from the point-of-view of a teenage boy with Asperger's syndrome, from first-hand knowledge, having such a child herself. Just as Jodi Picoult did in House Rules, Roy provides a vivid glimpse into what it's like to have Asperger's. And, as with Picoult's book, it was an eye-opener. The book is difficult to read at times, because what is going on in Nathaniel's mind is so disjointed or manic. But you can also see that Nathaniel is truly brilliant and gifted, only trapped in a mind that must adhere to strict rules and restrictions. What I particularly liked about the story is how his mother and his friends all understand and accept his Aspie quirks. They even adapt their behavior so that he can fit in, and protect him from sensory overload. Nathaniel's father, by contrast, is in denial and won't admit that Asperger's even exists. The story shows that Asperger's syndrome kids can lead normal lives if given understanding and space to be themselves. I highly recommend both this and Jodi Picoult's books.
November 1, 2015
Danielle Earnest 803
Nathaniel Clark taught himself how to speak Mandarin Chinese at the age of 4, his IQ is off the charts, by the age of fourteen he has graduated college and is going to graduate school, has Asperger's, and people call him a genius but he can't consider himself a genius until he makes some contribution to society. His brain works differently than everyone else's, he thinks in equations. These equations help him through most situations in his life. The equations can help him most of the time when he is alone in his own little world but he is still socially awkward. Will his social awkwardness hold him back from making the impact on the world he wants to make? Can it stop him from pursuing his passions? Can he prove that he is a true genius? Find out by reading the book Mindblind by Jennifer Roy which takes you through Nathaniel's journey to becoming a true genius. If you liked the book Wonder by R.J. Palacio you will also enjoy this book.
Nathaniel Clark taught himself how to speak Mandarin Chinese at the age of 4, his IQ is off the charts, by the age of fourteen he has graduated college and is going to graduate school, has Asperger's, and people call him a genius but he can't consider himself a genius until he makes some contribution to society. His brain works differently than everyone else's, he thinks in equations. These equations help him through most situations in his life. The equations can help him most of the time when he is alone in his own little world but he is still socially awkward. Will his social awkwardness hold him back from making the impact on the world he wants to make? Can it stop him from pursuing his passions? Can he prove that he is a true genius? Find out by reading the book Mindblind by Jennifer Roy which takes you through Nathaniel's journey to becoming a true genius. If you liked the book Wonder by R.J. Palacio you will also enjoy this book.
September 10, 2013
Interesting story of a teenage boy considered a genius but has Asperger's Disease. Though he functions pretty well, he has his disassociative moments - but his good friends help keep him grounded. The story reminds us that there are many people who are diferent and struggle with issues that we should try to accept or at least understand.
March 6, 2018
I think the theme is like having trust in people. When Nathaniel went to that party and had too much to drink, and started going crazy because he thought he saw the girl he loves with another boy, he trusted his bandmates, mom, and therapist to help him through that rough patch.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 4, 2013
it took me a while to get invested but the voice of the main character is spot on.
December 4, 2013
enjoyed mindblind. great insight into aspergers syndrome and its characteristics.
March 6, 2014
great YA about living with Asperger's
December 3, 2016
This was such a sweet and beautiful story. Good for Nathaniel!
July 21, 2021
Nathaniel Clark lives in two worlds. In the regular world, he is a 14-year-old with Asperger’s syndrome, which causes him to be awkward or fearful in social interactions. When he feels overwhelmed, he goes into his own world, a calm and peaceful world where he feels free. In this world, he usually solves math problems that only the keenest students can solve.
Everyone calls him a genius with a nearly perfect SAT score, although he doesn’t feel like one. To him, a genius is someone who has made a massive contribution to society. Nathaniel is also a part of a band with his two friends that frequently practice. With the help of his friends, Nathaniel spends the rest of the book crafting an idea that would cause him to declare himself finally a genius.
This book was overall written pretty well; however, it was not a page-turner. I found this book disappointing because I expected to learn so much more about Nathaniel’s world, which was not described/mentioned as much as I thought it would. The ending was also very cliche and predictable. I knew the ending halfway in and I was correct. This book to me was an example of something you would read once you finish all the other books on your To Read list.
- John, Grade 12
Everyone calls him a genius with a nearly perfect SAT score, although he doesn’t feel like one. To him, a genius is someone who has made a massive contribution to society. Nathaniel is also a part of a band with his two friends that frequently practice. With the help of his friends, Nathaniel spends the rest of the book crafting an idea that would cause him to declare himself finally a genius.
This book was overall written pretty well; however, it was not a page-turner. I found this book disappointing because I expected to learn so much more about Nathaniel’s world, which was not described/mentioned as much as I thought it would. The ending was also very cliche and predictable. I knew the ending halfway in and I was correct. This book to me was an example of something you would read once you finish all the other books on your To Read list.
- John, Grade 12
August 13, 2011
Do you know what Andy Warhol, Albert Einstein, Jane Austen, Isaac Newton, Charles Schultz, Marie Curie, Thomas Jefferson, and Temple Grandin (she's a contemporary engineer) have in common? If you said Asperger's, then you were correct. All of these famous people are thought to have had this syndrome, which is characterized by a subset of behaviors, anxieties and drives which accompany extreme intelligence and talent, especially for thinking outside the box.
"Mindblind" is a fictional novel starring protagonist Nathaniel Clark, a fourteen year-old "Aspie" who has completed his GED, college entrance exams, and entire college education after homeschooling and self-dedication to his studies and thoeries. His strengths are numbers, formulas, Mandarin Chinese, and science. He aspires to achieve "genius" status someday, by making a lasting contribution to help mankind, and won't feel fulfilled until he does. Like other Aspies, he is much more sensitive to external noise and stimuli than "normal people", and he is awkward at displaying emotion, figuring out the complexities of social relationships and feeling comfortable in new experiences. Nathaniel's father never accepted him for being different, for being someone he couldn't relate to or explain. In fact, his dad rejects the Asperger's diagnosis, thinking his son acts odd on purpose, as a result of being spoiled or coddled.
Fortunately, Nathaniel has a small group of friends with whom he can be himself. He gains confidence and graps a sense of teenage normalcy by his close association with Jessa, Cooper and Logan. The four teens are in a band together - the wealthy but down-to-earth Cooper, gorgeous and wholesome songbird Jessa, younger nerdy Logan, and awkward Aspie Nathaniel. Their banter and comraderie is wonderful. Deep friendships, and most especially his close relationship with his mom - tutor, friend, mother, and advocate - is what keeps Nathaniel a whole person in touch with the real world.
Throughout the novel, Nathaniel has a running dialogue with himself which allows you to see how differently his brain works, how oddly literal and pragmatic it is. That is his world filter, which overrides, at least temporarily, emotions and creativity. Nathaniel works hard to let his creativity flow and allow emotions to surface.
Weaving believable teen friendship and complicated step-family dynamics with mental health issues and an odd mindset such as Asperger's is no small feat. Making the odd, eccentric character very likeable is an even greater feat. Jennifer Roy pulls this off seamlessly. Whether or not you have a personal interest in learning more about Asperger's, Roy's "Mindblind" is appealing to all readers who like contemporary, teen realistic fiction, love underdogs, and are looking for something different.
For ages 10-15
"Mindblind" is a fictional novel starring protagonist Nathaniel Clark, a fourteen year-old "Aspie" who has completed his GED, college entrance exams, and entire college education after homeschooling and self-dedication to his studies and thoeries. His strengths are numbers, formulas, Mandarin Chinese, and science. He aspires to achieve "genius" status someday, by making a lasting contribution to help mankind, and won't feel fulfilled until he does. Like other Aspies, he is much more sensitive to external noise and stimuli than "normal people", and he is awkward at displaying emotion, figuring out the complexities of social relationships and feeling comfortable in new experiences. Nathaniel's father never accepted him for being different, for being someone he couldn't relate to or explain. In fact, his dad rejects the Asperger's diagnosis, thinking his son acts odd on purpose, as a result of being spoiled or coddled.
Fortunately, Nathaniel has a small group of friends with whom he can be himself. He gains confidence and graps a sense of teenage normalcy by his close association with Jessa, Cooper and Logan. The four teens are in a band together - the wealthy but down-to-earth Cooper, gorgeous and wholesome songbird Jessa, younger nerdy Logan, and awkward Aspie Nathaniel. Their banter and comraderie is wonderful. Deep friendships, and most especially his close relationship with his mom - tutor, friend, mother, and advocate - is what keeps Nathaniel a whole person in touch with the real world.
Throughout the novel, Nathaniel has a running dialogue with himself which allows you to see how differently his brain works, how oddly literal and pragmatic it is. That is his world filter, which overrides, at least temporarily, emotions and creativity. Nathaniel works hard to let his creativity flow and allow emotions to surface.
Weaving believable teen friendship and complicated step-family dynamics with mental health issues and an odd mindset such as Asperger's is no small feat. Making the odd, eccentric character very likeable is an even greater feat. Jennifer Roy pulls this off seamlessly. Whether or not you have a personal interest in learning more about Asperger's, Roy's "Mindblind" is appealing to all readers who like contemporary, teen realistic fiction, love underdogs, and are looking for something different.
For ages 10-15
February 21, 2017
By:Taylor J.
Nathaniel Clark is the smartest person you’ll ever meet. He practically has a computer full of heavenly memories. Though he isn’t just any genius, he has Aspergers. Nathaniel is a 14-year-old misfit that has some trouble in social situations. Nathaniel usually spends his time reading, skyping his other Aspie (Short for Asperger) friend, and playing the keyboard in a rock band with the only people that relax him. Nathaniel's father, now divorced from his mother, does not believe in Asperger’s syndrome; he insists that Nathaniel can be “normal” if he chooses to.
This novel really has to take the award for best interest. Nathaniel’s life story isn’t just like any other life story. It is a story that will block everything out, and you become one with the story (of course not literally). I couldn’t put the book down for hours on end. If I had to compare this book to another, I couldn’t. Because no other novel can compare to the storyline of “Mind Blind”.
If you still aren’t hooked, (I don’t know why you wouldn’t) listen to this. Nathaniel, even though has an IQ of 182 and a perfect SAT score, does not believe he is a genius. He believes he needs to make a contribution to the world. Claiming that a book he once red states “a true genius uses his talents to make a contribution.” Nathaniel then takes the definition literally, and begins his very own quest to become a true genius.
Molly, and Aspie like Nathaniel, skypes Nathaniel regularly to talk about ongoing school projects and life problems. Jessa Rose is and outgoing, dazzling young girl. She is the same age as Nathaniel as well (though Nathaniel may have a little something for her). Hence Nathaniel declares “Or maybe a genius has something to do with getting a girlfriend, like the amazing Jessa who sings in our band.” Her role is lead singer in Cooper’s rock band, as she is the only one who can sing decently. Cooper Owens is the guitar player in the band, usually being full of himself
and cocky. Nevertheless he still respects Nathaniel for who he is. Lastly is Logan, he is the quiet, conservative drummer boy; he would rather just text you then speak to you in person.
Not everyone is the same, not everyone is going to be like you. It doesn’t matter what you wear, it doesn't matter if you have some type of syndrome or disease. Because in Nathaniel Clark’s second world, he is the King.
Nathaniel Clark is the smartest person you’ll ever meet. He practically has a computer full of heavenly memories. Though he isn’t just any genius, he has Aspergers. Nathaniel is a 14-year-old misfit that has some trouble in social situations. Nathaniel usually spends his time reading, skyping his other Aspie (Short for Asperger) friend, and playing the keyboard in a rock band with the only people that relax him. Nathaniel's father, now divorced from his mother, does not believe in Asperger’s syndrome; he insists that Nathaniel can be “normal” if he chooses to.
This novel really has to take the award for best interest. Nathaniel’s life story isn’t just like any other life story. It is a story that will block everything out, and you become one with the story (of course not literally). I couldn’t put the book down for hours on end. If I had to compare this book to another, I couldn’t. Because no other novel can compare to the storyline of “Mind Blind”.
If you still aren’t hooked, (I don’t know why you wouldn’t) listen to this. Nathaniel, even though has an IQ of 182 and a perfect SAT score, does not believe he is a genius. He believes he needs to make a contribution to the world. Claiming that a book he once red states “a true genius uses his talents to make a contribution.” Nathaniel then takes the definition literally, and begins his very own quest to become a true genius.
Molly, and Aspie like Nathaniel, skypes Nathaniel regularly to talk about ongoing school projects and life problems. Jessa Rose is and outgoing, dazzling young girl. She is the same age as Nathaniel as well (though Nathaniel may have a little something for her). Hence Nathaniel declares “Or maybe a genius has something to do with getting a girlfriend, like the amazing Jessa who sings in our band.” Her role is lead singer in Cooper’s rock band, as she is the only one who can sing decently. Cooper Owens is the guitar player in the band, usually being full of himself
and cocky. Nevertheless he still respects Nathaniel for who he is. Lastly is Logan, he is the quiet, conservative drummer boy; he would rather just text you then speak to you in person.
Not everyone is the same, not everyone is going to be like you. It doesn’t matter what you wear, it doesn't matter if you have some type of syndrome or disease. Because in Nathaniel Clark’s second world, he is the King.
May 7, 2018
As someone with experience in Asperger’s Syndrome/Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) I greatly appreciate this book for raising awareness and understanding for the condition. It is an entertaining book with a reasonable resolution. The plot of this novel was quite realistic and was set in the present, allowing the general population to bond with and understand the main characters. This thankfully extended the audience so that more people may learn about and gain awareness of Asperger’s Syndrome and some of the personality traits that go along with it. Indeed, I bonded with Nathan and his mother and shared Nathan’s dislike for his father (I despise that guy).
However, I think the author could have gone about it in a better way; some of the aspects are described too stereotypically (which may lead those ignorant of the condition to think the stereotypes are true). It wasn’t clear enough to me that the main character’s experience with ASD isn’t the only way one can be affected with the condition. She emphasizes Nathan’s similarity to a computer by displaying his backstory and/or memories as files with names and dates; a commonly-made and stereotypical comparison with those considered to be intelligent but lacking socially. This is often seen in well-known characters like Sheldon Cooper or the Rainman. But people with ASD are not all hermits or nerds with computer-brains; rather they all have a social language barrier and go about handling it in unique ways.
I appreciated, however, the author’s attempt at depicting Asperger’s accurately, allowing a neurotypical audience to further understand a different way of living. She did get many aspects correct, including: confusion about one’s future because of our multipotentiality, resistance to change, special interests (such as Nathan’s ‘obsession’ with The Amazing Race), elaborate daydreams and fantasy scenarios, and having trouble distinguishing serious and sarcastic expressions/tones. Overall I believe the author portrayed ASD fairly well, especially given that she has not experienced it herself. Although some of the things Nathan goes through are not applicable to all Aspies, the scenarios allow a larger audience to gain a more general understanding of ASD.
People who enjoyed the film The Theory of Everything or the novel Out of My Mind would enjoy this book.
However, I think the author could have gone about it in a better way; some of the aspects are described too stereotypically (which may lead those ignorant of the condition to think the stereotypes are true). It wasn’t clear enough to me that the main character’s experience with ASD isn’t the only way one can be affected with the condition. She emphasizes Nathan’s similarity to a computer by displaying his backstory and/or memories as files with names and dates; a commonly-made and stereotypical comparison with those considered to be intelligent but lacking socially. This is often seen in well-known characters like Sheldon Cooper or the Rainman. But people with ASD are not all hermits or nerds with computer-brains; rather they all have a social language barrier and go about handling it in unique ways.
I appreciated, however, the author’s attempt at depicting Asperger’s accurately, allowing a neurotypical audience to further understand a different way of living. She did get many aspects correct, including: confusion about one’s future because of our multipotentiality, resistance to change, special interests (such as Nathan’s ‘obsession’ with The Amazing Race), elaborate daydreams and fantasy scenarios, and having trouble distinguishing serious and sarcastic expressions/tones. Overall I believe the author portrayed ASD fairly well, especially given that she has not experienced it herself. Although some of the things Nathan goes through are not applicable to all Aspies, the scenarios allow a larger audience to gain a more general understanding of ASD.
People who enjoyed the film The Theory of Everything or the novel Out of My Mind would enjoy this book.
November 29, 2010
Nathaniel wants to be a genius. Everyone says he already is (except for his father who thinks the whole autistic/genius thing is an excuse, and that Nathan just needs to grow up). But Nathaniel knows that to be a genius, you need to accomplish something great--and after being turned down from a graduate school for kids like him, he knows he's not a genius yet. And this is one problem Nathan doesn't have a formula for. But maybe what Nathan really needs to solve his genius problem is the people already around him--the goofball best friend who pushes him, the girl who's the center of Nathan's first crush, and the band that brings them together in unexpected success.
This was a really great book on Aspergers, a bit more realistic (I felt) than Marcelo In the Real World. While the back blurb makes this sound like the book is about Nathaniel's quest to become a genius, like accomplishing some amazing feat, it's not. It's about his struggles with feeling like he's not a genius in his father's eyes; the desire to be a genius is really his desire to accomplish something important.
I liked this book a lot. I think the author did a great job of humanizing Nathaniel, and the flashbacks, in the guise of memory files, were cute and very well done. Sometimes authors make us feel to much outside an asperger character, and I really liked how Nathaniel felt like a real person, without too many explanations of what his actions were like for outsiders. I particularly liked the mania section--I don't think I've ever read anything like that before.
I guess what I liked most about this book is, for all Nathaniel's quirks, struggles with his syndrome, outbursts of genius, and social issues, it felt like he might be a normally awkward guy. One who just happens to have aspergers.
A few parts were slow or frustrating; a few situations unrealistic; and the book was not particularly complicated. Nathaniel's biggest accomplishments come from a bout of mania that he had little control over, which weakens his personal achievements somewhat. But overall I thought this was a very well done story, and another great addition to "Aspie" YA fiction.
-CA
This was a really great book on Aspergers, a bit more realistic (I felt) than Marcelo In the Real World. While the back blurb makes this sound like the book is about Nathaniel's quest to become a genius, like accomplishing some amazing feat, it's not. It's about his struggles with feeling like he's not a genius in his father's eyes; the desire to be a genius is really his desire to accomplish something important.
I liked this book a lot. I think the author did a great job of humanizing Nathaniel, and the flashbacks, in the guise of memory files, were cute and very well done. Sometimes authors make us feel to much outside an asperger character, and I really liked how Nathaniel felt like a real person, without too many explanations of what his actions were like for outsiders. I particularly liked the mania section--I don't think I've ever read anything like that before.
I guess what I liked most about this book is, for all Nathaniel's quirks, struggles with his syndrome, outbursts of genius, and social issues, it felt like he might be a normally awkward guy. One who just happens to have aspergers.
A few parts were slow or frustrating; a few situations unrealistic; and the book was not particularly complicated. Nathaniel's biggest accomplishments come from a bout of mania that he had little control over, which weakens his personal achievements somewhat. But overall I thought this was a very well done story, and another great addition to "Aspie" YA fiction.
-CA
January 17, 2011
Seriously, another book about a character with Asperger's. Sigh. This novel, by Jennifer Roy, features a protagonist who is an “aspie” on the “autistic end,” as he describes himself. Nathaniel is fifteen and he has managed fairly well to negotiate the two worlds in which he lives: the outside world of people and social expectations and his inside world where he can be himself and not have to worry about fitting in or making any social faux pas. Nathaniel has an extremely high IQ and is preoccupied with finding a way to demonstrate his “genius.” But he also is beginning to have romantic feelings for a friend and that has him completely baffled. Nathaniel’s mother and friends are completely supportive of him and his mother has worked hard to help him acclimate in the world. But Nathaniel’s father has always had trouble accepting Nathaniel and cannot help but be embarrassed by his sometimes unusual behavior.
The novel is told in first person narrative and the author cleverly uses different visual devices to give the reader the flavor of ASP speech and thought patterns. For example, she uses different fonts and styles to let us know when Nathaniel is accessing his memories (which he sees much like a computer file) or expressing an emotional reaction, like panic.
Nathaniel’s character is well developed by the author. He does experience insight into the problems that plague him and begins to understand how his own definitions of things like genius and love can be limited by his fears, insecurities and fixations. Unfortunately, the other characters exist just to orbit Nathaniel and are much less well defined. His adversarial relationship with his father, for instance, is explored, but only from Nathaniel’s point of view. His mother and friends are really quite heroic in their support of Nathaniel and it might have been a bit more realistic to have them express some occasional frustration.
This novel has a bit of a didactic bent, as it is obviously meant to be somewhat inspirational—thus, the heroic characters that surround Nathaniel. I would have preferred a more complex approach to this fascinating subject.
The novel is told in first person narrative and the author cleverly uses different visual devices to give the reader the flavor of ASP speech and thought patterns. For example, she uses different fonts and styles to let us know when Nathaniel is accessing his memories (which he sees much like a computer file) or expressing an emotional reaction, like panic.
Nathaniel’s character is well developed by the author. He does experience insight into the problems that plague him and begins to understand how his own definitions of things like genius and love can be limited by his fears, insecurities and fixations. Unfortunately, the other characters exist just to orbit Nathaniel and are much less well defined. His adversarial relationship with his father, for instance, is explored, but only from Nathaniel’s point of view. His mother and friends are really quite heroic in their support of Nathaniel and it might have been a bit more realistic to have them express some occasional frustration.
This novel has a bit of a didactic bent, as it is obviously meant to be somewhat inspirational—thus, the heroic characters that surround Nathaniel. I would have preferred a more complex approach to this fascinating subject.
February 17, 2018
Personally, I really enjoyed this book. It was a quick but realistic and entertaining read, and includes information that is both interesting and important.
The main character, Nathaniel Clark, gives the reader a close-up view of Asperger's and how it affects both the person who has it and those around them. The memory shots show how neatly organized Nathaniel's brain is, and his social interaction cards/lessons show how hard it is for him to socialize. The many examples of Asperger's did, in my opinion, a great job of illustrating what living with it is like; this was important to me as I am always looking to improve my understanding of others.
The plot of the Mindblind was fairly simple but very well developed, with major events along the way that helped the reader understand Nathaniel in terms of his syndrome as well as as his own person. I love how this book simultaneously educates about Asperger's and makes Nathaniel a very unique person. The several times that Nathaniel thinks "and I thought I was the weird one" really proves that a person cannot be defined by a medical condition, in addition to the fact that most of the major events in the story have little to do with his condition.
There are really just so many things to love, so I've decided to make a simple list/outline:
-supporting characters that bring in themes of friendship, calibration, misunderstanding, humor, etc.
-fun facts from Nathaniel, in nearly every chapter
-songs about math! fun and educational, which I never thought I'd say
-use of situations that many teens face, like parties, crushes, and divorced parents
-memory 'files' that add to Nathaniel's past as well as his present
-humor, forever lightening the mood and improving the story
-educational stuff that's worked in so well, it hardly seems educational
-reality. gotta love it when realistic fiction is truly realistic
Honestly, the only thing I didn't like was the slightly irrelevant cover.
I'd recommend Mindblind to just about anyone with a decent reading level, as it isn't too difficult and could entertain a wide range of readers. *Also gonna point out that it has a lot of good stuff for school projects...
The main character, Nathaniel Clark, gives the reader a close-up view of Asperger's and how it affects both the person who has it and those around them. The memory shots show how neatly organized Nathaniel's brain is, and his social interaction cards/lessons show how hard it is for him to socialize. The many examples of Asperger's did, in my opinion, a great job of illustrating what living with it is like; this was important to me as I am always looking to improve my understanding of others.
The plot of the Mindblind was fairly simple but very well developed, with major events along the way that helped the reader understand Nathaniel in terms of his syndrome as well as as his own person. I love how this book simultaneously educates about Asperger's and makes Nathaniel a very unique person. The several times that Nathaniel thinks "and I thought I was the weird one" really proves that a person cannot be defined by a medical condition, in addition to the fact that most of the major events in the story have little to do with his condition.
There are really just so many things to love, so I've decided to make a simple list/outline:
-supporting characters that bring in themes of friendship, calibration, misunderstanding, humor, etc.
-fun facts from Nathaniel, in nearly every chapter
-songs about math! fun and educational, which I never thought I'd say
-use of situations that many teens face, like parties, crushes, and divorced parents
-memory 'files' that add to Nathaniel's past as well as his present
-humor, forever lightening the mood and improving the story
-educational stuff that's worked in so well, it hardly seems educational
-reality. gotta love it when realistic fiction is truly realistic
Honestly, the only thing I didn't like was the slightly irrelevant cover.
I'd recommend Mindblind to just about anyone with a decent reading level, as it isn't too difficult and could entertain a wide range of readers. *Also gonna point out that it has a lot of good stuff for school projects...
January 21, 2013
My book “MINDBLIND” by Jennifer Roy is not like many books. In this book the main character Nathaniel Clark lives in two worlds, the world with his family and friends and the world of his own Aspie world. Nathaniel was diagnosed with Aspergers syndrome at the age of three. His Aspergers syndrome makes IQ higher than any kid his age, everyone calls him a genius but he doesn't consider himself one. I didn't really like this book because I didn't get a lot of the things he said, and what “world” he was in.
I don't think he likes going to his dad’s house because they always get in fights. “My father and I have different definitions of FUN” (85). His dad doesn't understand him and what his syndrome is about. He thinks that he likes the things a “normal” teenager likes. Nathaniel's dad makes him go to one of his co-workers parties but Nathaniel doesn't want to go. When Nathaniel gets there, a kid offers him a drink of juice but Nathaniel doesn't know that there’s alcohol in there. Nathaniel’s dad comes and gets him later that night and finds him drunk. This is why Nathaniel doesn't like his dad because he just drops him off at places he doesn't want to be and leaves for his work. I think that one of the reasons his dad brought him to that party was to get him off the computer and socialize with other people because Nathaniel already graduated high school so he doesn't see anyone rarely. It doesn't seem like his dad cares much about him because otherwise he wouldn't have brought him to that party without parental guidance.
The genre of this book represents Realistic Fiction, because this can happen to anyone. This book doesn't relate to any book I've read. The big picture in this book is that he has Aspergers syndrome, the readers supposed to understand about what goes on in a person with this syndrome’s head, they’re also supposed to recognize that this is a problem worldwide and we have to accept that it’s not much different than us, they’re just smarter in some ways.
I don't think he likes going to his dad’s house because they always get in fights. “My father and I have different definitions of FUN” (85). His dad doesn't understand him and what his syndrome is about. He thinks that he likes the things a “normal” teenager likes. Nathaniel's dad makes him go to one of his co-workers parties but Nathaniel doesn't want to go. When Nathaniel gets there, a kid offers him a drink of juice but Nathaniel doesn't know that there’s alcohol in there. Nathaniel’s dad comes and gets him later that night and finds him drunk. This is why Nathaniel doesn't like his dad because he just drops him off at places he doesn't want to be and leaves for his work. I think that one of the reasons his dad brought him to that party was to get him off the computer and socialize with other people because Nathaniel already graduated high school so he doesn't see anyone rarely. It doesn't seem like his dad cares much about him because otherwise he wouldn't have brought him to that party without parental guidance.
The genre of this book represents Realistic Fiction, because this can happen to anyone. This book doesn't relate to any book I've read. The big picture in this book is that he has Aspergers syndrome, the readers supposed to understand about what goes on in a person with this syndrome’s head, they’re also supposed to recognize that this is a problem worldwide and we have to accept that it’s not much different than us, they’re just smarter in some ways.
April 19, 2015
Absolutely Love It!!!
One of the best YA books I've read in a long time. I wish Nathaniel's mom was mine. Some people might feel she is unbelievable but I have actually met several parents that have kids with disabilities or syndromes that love,accept,guide and care for their children to extremes. I don't have it in me but I totally respect those kinds of parents. It must be exhausting. The mother in this story feels like a warm fuzzy blanket or a warm chocolate chip cookie when I read about how much Nathaniel loves her.
The style the book is written in is fun and different. I actually liked the sound bite quality where Nathaniel is thinking about the files in his mind that contain clips of memories from various events in his life. I have visual pictures in my head of things that happened to me that had an emotional impact so I can understand how a certain situation triggers a past memory for Nathaniel that he accesses in his own unique way.
It was great that the author put in a character that you could hate--Nathaniel's Dad is horrible but in many ways stereotypical of a Dad who can't come to grips with the fact that his son didn't turn out just like him--the son of his dreams. It is not uncommon for a Dad to leave his family when a child has special needs.
We see the contrast between Nathaniel and the 'perfect son' that his Dad and step-wife have whenever Nathaniel goes for his divorce decreed visits. At those same visits you realized that his brother is too young to be prejudiced and opens his heart willingly to Nathaniel just the way he is. In my family we all had problems and I grew to hate the brother that seemed to be on the Autism Spectrum. The book is clear that Nathaniel has feelings but that he may display them differently. There is a big difference from the 60s to now in that kids on the autism spectrum get so much more support and life-skills guidance. Nathaniel's family must have great insurance to pay for all the therapy....
One of the best YA books I've read in a long time. I wish Nathaniel's mom was mine. Some people might feel she is unbelievable but I have actually met several parents that have kids with disabilities or syndromes that love,accept,guide and care for their children to extremes. I don't have it in me but I totally respect those kinds of parents. It must be exhausting. The mother in this story feels like a warm fuzzy blanket or a warm chocolate chip cookie when I read about how much Nathaniel loves her.
The style the book is written in is fun and different. I actually liked the sound bite quality where Nathaniel is thinking about the files in his mind that contain clips of memories from various events in his life. I have visual pictures in my head of things that happened to me that had an emotional impact so I can understand how a certain situation triggers a past memory for Nathaniel that he accesses in his own unique way.
It was great that the author put in a character that you could hate--Nathaniel's Dad is horrible but in many ways stereotypical of a Dad who can't come to grips with the fact that his son didn't turn out just like him--the son of his dreams. It is not uncommon for a Dad to leave his family when a child has special needs.
We see the contrast between Nathaniel and the 'perfect son' that his Dad and step-wife have whenever Nathaniel goes for his divorce decreed visits. At those same visits you realized that his brother is too young to be prejudiced and opens his heart willingly to Nathaniel just the way he is. In my family we all had problems and I grew to hate the brother that seemed to be on the Autism Spectrum. The book is clear that Nathaniel has feelings but that he may display them differently. There is a big difference from the 60s to now in that kids on the autism spectrum get so much more support and life-skills guidance. Nathaniel's family must have great insurance to pay for all the therapy....
January 12, 2016
When I first started reading Mindblind, I thought it would be about an obsessed genius obsessed about becoming a genius. He kind of was, but in a good way. I especially didn’t expect him to have aspergers. (I didn’t know what an Aspie was when I read the description!) I also didn’t really know what asperger's was, and because of this book, I realize that it isn’t really something bad.
The main character in this is probably the least believable character I have ever had the pleasure of reading about. Although, he also seems very believable at the same time. His character is real, yet it isn’t, because he seems kind of unreasonable. Nathaniel really didn’t seem to care about anyone but himself, and The Amazing Race-Maybe his mom and Jenna-but he cared (or started to care) about his dad, his brother, his friends, and the people around him. But Nathaniel, as a character, really started out well. Kind of an emotionless computer, kind of a normal human being, but at the end he really started to come out of his shell and work hard to make his dream come true.
Adding to that, really liked the writing style in this. It kind of reminded me of that time in Sally Greens Half wild, at the beginning with the whole-chchchchchch-thing. Speaking of, I liked how the writing turned bold when he went into a flashback. Also, I really liked the file opener thing it showed at the top and bottom of the flash backs, as if he was a computer. The last thing I liked about the writing style was how she wrote when he fades in and out after the party when he was in the hospital.
This book, because of these things, was especially good and one of the best Realistic fiction I have ever read. I really liked this book and I think this author should write even more books like this- because she’s good at it.
The main character in this is probably the least believable character I have ever had the pleasure of reading about. Although, he also seems very believable at the same time. His character is real, yet it isn’t, because he seems kind of unreasonable. Nathaniel really didn’t seem to care about anyone but himself, and The Amazing Race-Maybe his mom and Jenna-but he cared (or started to care) about his dad, his brother, his friends, and the people around him. But Nathaniel, as a character, really started out well. Kind of an emotionless computer, kind of a normal human being, but at the end he really started to come out of his shell and work hard to make his dream come true.
Adding to that, really liked the writing style in this. It kind of reminded me of that time in Sally Greens Half wild, at the beginning with the whole-chchchchchch-thing. Speaking of, I liked how the writing turned bold when he went into a flashback. Also, I really liked the file opener thing it showed at the top and bottom of the flash backs, as if he was a computer. The last thing I liked about the writing style was how she wrote when he fades in and out after the party when he was in the hospital.
This book, because of these things, was especially good and one of the best Realistic fiction I have ever read. I really liked this book and I think this author should write even more books like this- because she’s good at it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 10, 2012
A funny, really laugh-out-loud kind of book.
Nathaniel is the kind of guy that speaks from the heart, even when he doesn't know it or doesn't want to, courtesy of Asperger's and a sky-high IQ.
His pain becomes our pain, his pain our love, in this realistic, hard-hitting story of a guy in a band with a crush and a genius (excuse me, relatively high) IQ. When the world and your mind is against you, how do you express yourself? How do you accomplish your goals? How do you start caring? How do you deal with a jerky dad? A band on its way to rockdom? A beautiful, untouchable girl? And not to mention your unrelenting Asperger's syndrome, which can cause some... interesting, events? And how does one become a genius, anyway?
Just ask Nathaniel.
He knows.
Or does he?
Tempers, tensions, and love rise as worlds collide and leave Nathaniel with more than he ever thought could be possible. It all comes down to this: Should Nathaniel hide in his Aspie's world, or find the courage to let it mix with reality? Should he keep his mathematical formulae to himself, or share it with the world (of youtube)? Should he let his friends in and have some rockstar fun, or go bowling on weekends with Molly?
Or is it possible that he could have...both?
I would definitely recommend this book.
Nathaniel is the kind of guy that speaks from the heart, even when he doesn't know it or doesn't want to, courtesy of Asperger's and a sky-high IQ.
His pain becomes our pain, his pain our love, in this realistic, hard-hitting story of a guy in a band with a crush and a genius (excuse me, relatively high) IQ. When the world and your mind is against you, how do you express yourself? How do you accomplish your goals? How do you start caring? How do you deal with a jerky dad? A band on its way to rockdom? A beautiful, untouchable girl? And not to mention your unrelenting Asperger's syndrome, which can cause some... interesting, events? And how does one become a genius, anyway?
Just ask Nathaniel.
He knows.
Or does he?
Tempers, tensions, and love rise as worlds collide and leave Nathaniel with more than he ever thought could be possible. It all comes down to this: Should Nathaniel hide in his Aspie's world, or find the courage to let it mix with reality? Should he keep his mathematical formulae to himself, or share it with the world (of youtube)? Should he let his friends in and have some rockstar fun, or go bowling on weekends with Molly?
Or is it possible that he could have...both?
I would definitely recommend this book.
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