Author: Glen Finland
Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Berkley Trade (April 2, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0425261034
ISBN-13: 978-0425261033
Book Description:
The summer David Finland was twenty-one years old, he and his mother, Glen, navigated the Washington, D.C., Metro trains. Every day. David has autism, and the hope was that if he could learn the train lines, maybe he could get a job. And if he could get a job, then maybe he could move out on his own. And maybe his parents’ marriage could get the jump start it so desperately needed. Maybe.
A candid portrait of a differently abled young man poised at the entry to adulthood, Next Stop recounts the complex relationship between a child with autism and his family as he steps out into the real world alone for the first time. This personal narrative of a mother’s perpetually tested hope is a universal story of how our children grow up and how we learn to let go and reclaim our lives, no matter how hard that may be.
Idgie Says:
Everyone has heard and seen the struggles of parents working to assimilate their autistic child into life's everyday activities and make sure they're cared for properly and remain safe. But how many of us have thought of what happens when the child turns into an adult? An adult with many issues and struggles but still one who has the desire to branch out on their own and be independent. This is the story in Next Stop.
It's a true memoir of the heart-in-your-mouth moments David's parents endure while trying to give him the freedom he desires and deserves. While incredibly nervous about letting David go off on his own, they have raised three sons and are looking forward to their own personal time. Some of the letting go episodes that they were brave enough to "endure" would have me freaking out.
A very good read that might help you be a little more patient in the grocery store the next time that young bagger with the odd habits is packing your bags a little slower and messier than you might like.