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Preview
  • Why Can't I Just Enjoy Things?

  • A Comedian's Guide to Autism
  • By: Pierre Novellie
  • Narrated by: Pierre Novellie
  • Length: 10 hrs and 28 mins
  • 4.9 out of 5 stars (136 ratings)

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Why Can't I Just Enjoy Things?

By: Pierre Novellie
Narrated by: Pierre Novellie
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Summary

'Outstanding, I want to press it into the hands of every newly diagnosed person' Fern Brady

'Like a Martian's guide to living on Earth. Funny, enlightening and gobsmacking' Frank Skinner

'A hilarious, crystal-clear guide to autism' Phil Wang


Why were the other kids at school obsessed with Britney Spears instead of The Goon Show?
Why don't people ever say what they mean?
And... Why is everyone chewing so loudly?

Comedian Pierre Novellie was on stage when a heckler suggested he was autistic. Usually, this disruption would be water off a duck's back but two things made this heckler different: first, he was himself autistic. Second, he turned out to be absolutely right.

This random encounter led to a diagnosis of autism at the age of 31 that unravelled his world, explained his struggles and answered questions that had bothered him for his entire life.

At once a hilarious and insightful journey through autism and neurodivergence, an entertaining explainer for the uninitiated and observational comedy for the neurodiverse, this is the perfect read for anyone who has ever asked themselves: why can't I just enjoy things?

The audiobook includes an exclusive Q&A with comedian and BudPod co-host, Phil Wang.
©2024 Pierre Novellie (P)2024 Bonnier Books UK
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What listeners say about Why Can't I Just Enjoy Things?

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    5 out of 5 stars

Everyone should read this book.

I'm on my third listen right now.

On my first listen I could have sworn Pierre had been observing me my entire life taking notes and was now reporting on everything I'd ever done wrong socially and patiently and thoroughly explaining to me how to avoid those issues in the future. Honestly i could have cried with relief, I finally have a manual.

Thanks Pierre.

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Terrific!

Entertaining and interesting and informative. Loved Pierre reading it too. A great way to spend a few hours. It has made me more determined to be assessed. Despite how difficult that may be.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

Vital reading/listening

Exceptional book. Anyone who thinks they have autism/has autism/knows anyone with autism should read or listen to this book. The research that had gone into it, combined with the personal stories, make it very compelling and engaging. As a medical professional with family members who have ASD I’m surprised by just how much I learned from the book. Pierre also has a wonderful voice and it’s a genuine pleasure to listen to.

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A compelling must listen

I love Pierre Novellie anyway, but this book is so well written, concise and eye opening I wouldn't have expected anything less.
I have already recommended it to other people and will be ordering a physical copy.
If you are, suspect you may be, or love an autistic person then this book is for you.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Great and relatable book

I found Pierre's ability to pass over key information and do it in a concise , engaging and funny manner great!

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    3 out of 5 stars

Funny, well informed, helpful and enjoyable book

This has been the most helpful book I’ve ever read. It’s funny yet so well researched and so much I could relate to. Anyone that is autistic, thinks they are or lives with someone that is, could do worse that reading this book.

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    5 out of 5 stars

Best book to understand high functioning autism

Reading about these topics can be a rather hard affair due to the... well it's ultimately hard for autists out in the world so it triggers sadness, anger and fear when reading about how they are. It can be hard to get through even a single article. This book made it bearable, even fun at times, while it did not compromise on the depth of understanding and information it conveys. I will recommend this as the single read-this-first thing for anyone who wants to understand autism and definitely to my autistic son when he becomes 18 years old.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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The Most Enjoyable Book I’ve Ever Listened to!

As a fan of BudPod, I have always found Pierre’s turn of phrase far funnier out of the two of them. Not sure if it’s the similarity in age, the well-spoken accent or the ironic view of many normal parts of our life that I find most relatable, but this book encapsulates all of that!

Moreover, Pierre actually reads the book like he’s talking us through a story, rather than it sounding like somebody reading a book.

10/10, more books please!

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So I don’t have to do the hard reading

Saw his stand up at an Edinburgh preview and this was mentioned. Stand up was really good and easy and the book follows in this style. Having a child diagnosed with ASD recently it was good to hear the history/experiences told in a lucid way. And maybe brings me closer to what my child may be experiencing.

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I thought I understood autism

I am almost certainly autistic but I had no idea just how wide ranging the symptoms and effects could be. Highly recommended for everyone.

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