# Chateau de la Tobler

## Friday, February 23, 2007

### In want of your opinion

I just returned from my monthly enrichment book club. We read a book the one none member from our group suggested because it about a young man with autism. It was little rough- about a child with very difficult problems and how those problems affect his parents and their marriage. The book is from the point of view of the boy and it a little disjointed and suppose to be because it is this child writing about his life. There was a word in it I haven't heard since I was in high school repeated a few times and the Lord's name was taken in vain also a few times and for that reason I would not recommend you read it, nor will I ever read it again. However, I would like your opinion on what happen during our meeting.
One member of the group could not, would not get past the words. She would not take anything from that book and kept talking about how she could not see Christ reading it so how could we have even thought about it (None of us knew these words were in the book when we chose it). I felt sad for several reasons. One, I could not even remember one of the words she was mentioning. Is that because I am so desensitize or that I don't internalize it? On the other hand, I was sad because this other sister could not see what good could be taken from the book. It was incredible to see the way a child with autism might think and why 'our world' might be so impossible for them. This sister had a hard time with how the boy's parents treated him. I couldn't believe some of the wonderful ways they worked with his condition. No, I don't believe a child should be spoken to in that way, especially by his parents, even with his condition, but I also know it happens- and worse. It filled me with pity and gratitude. Many people don't have the knowledge we have and are doing the best they can with what they have. And isn't this the point of writing- to share emotion with others to understand in a small way how another's life works. Once we were done, I felt like this sister would never enjoy anything that portrayed a negative or opposite view of her life. The words I could do without, but once that was said- couldn't we move on and find something good- or is that too much like eating cookies with bits of chocolate in it?
Sorry this is so wordy- but I'd appreciate your thoughts.
LaDale

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