Oh wow! That is my first thought when thinking about this book. Louise Beech wrote a moving, heartfelt story and managed to keep it light, informative, and enjoyable.

I am embarrassed to admit that while I am aware of autism, I have always just considered it as affecting children, I have never given any thought to what happens to those children when they grow up. This book opened me up to a completely new way of thinking.

I picked this book up with a heavy heart, expecting a sad reading experience. I could not have been more wrong. Yes, it is a serious topic, but the author wrote a tale that had me laughing out loud at times even if towards the end tears were rolling down my cheeks and I had to swallow down the lump that formed in my throat. This Is How We Are Human is one of the best books I have read this year and has cemented its place in my top ten for 2021.

The story is told from various character’s point of view allowing you a glimpse into each one’s mind. The author did a remarkable job drawing you into Sebastian’s mind, allowing you to experience the world through his eyes.

Sebastian might be autistic, but no one understands better than his mother – Veronica – that he is a young man with dreams, desires, and emotions like everyone else. Veronica will do anything to see her son happy. When faced with a tough decision, is she making the right choice? Or is she making the biggest mistake of her life? Is she going to lose her precious boy?

I pick up this book with uncertainty, but within the first chapter, I was hooked. The author is open and direct right from the beginning – I loved that. The reader is never left with any doubts about what Sebastian wants or how his mother is struggling with her desire to ensure his happiness.

Sebastian steals your heart. You are drawn into his world and quickly adjust to his quirky, straightforward speaking and routines. He is sweet, demanding and determined and it is easy to see that he is not being unrealistic or wanting anything that is not perfectly normal. When Annabel, the neighbour calls him a monster, I wanted to punch her!

Then there is Isabelle, the girl who carries a heavy burden but who remains a loyal daughter and refuses to give up, no matter what the cost to herself. You want to judge her for her choices but find it impossible when her motivations as so pure.

Veronica is a mother who loves her son. She only wants the best for him and you feel her emotions throughout the book. She is an incredible character who you easily relate to. I found myself longing to hug her.

This book will forever make me think about people affected by autism in a completely different way. It is a story that will always stay with me. So yes, there is no doubt that This Is How We Are Human is on my Loved list!

No one is perfect, we all make mistakes, even when we are looking out for those we love. The book reminds us that even when filled with love and good intentions it is easy to make the wrong decision, easy to take away someone else’s choice to save them from possible pain.

This Is How We Are Human is a book that I cannot recommend highly enough – while it is based around a young man who has autism, it is light-hearted and filled with laughs. You will disappear into Sebastian’s world and lose track of time as you turn the pages. This is a truly remarkable story that will remain with you long after closing the book.

Louise Beech did an incredible job with this book, and I thank her for opening my mind to the struggles people with autism face.