Review of D J Kirby's book 'From Zaftig to Aspie'

Thursday, January 1, 2009

Review of D J Kirby's book 'From Zaftig to Aspie'

This is the first published review of DJ Kirby's book and I thought you might like to see it, go to the launch, buy it.......

First published review for 'From Zaftig to Aspie'

How many of us take the life we live for granted? How many of us never stop to consider where we came from, what made us who we are? How many people never stop to think of what defines us, what shapes us into the people we grow to be?

Growing up in Canada in the 1960’s, DJ Kirkby experienced a life that many of us would have taken for granted. Living in and around Canada, Kirkby lived with her hippie mother and followed her mother wherever her whims took her.

Living with hippies, Kirkby was exposed to a world that was all around us but only few seemed able to see it. She lived with people who “recreated the rules”, who lived their own lives and shaped their own existence.

And what an existence it is.

From a young age, Kirkby knew she was different. She had a different way of looking at the world that had nothing to do with her hippie lifestyle and upbringing. She knew inside of herself that she was different than everyone else around her.

But there were no words to describe her condition, no words to explain what she felt inside of her.

Those words, those powerful words that would put her entire life into perspective, would not come until she was forty years old when she was diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome.

From Zaftig to Aspie, Kirkby’s moving, incredible memoir of her life, is an incredible, emotional read. There is no way a mere review can recount the richness of Kirkby’s life, the emotion that crackles off the page or the experiences that shaped who she is today. There is no way I could sum up the life that Kirkby has lived in only a few words.

It is a moving, beautiful account of one woman’s fight to understand herself and come to grips with the world around her. It is part memoir, part life puzzle that, once put together, creates a stunning picture of a life in words.

From the first page, I was drawn into Kirkby’s story and just had to keep reading. I have never read something so honest, so moving and so incredibly captivating. More than a study of human nature, what Kirkby has given us is really a life map.

Using select memories to mark her progression from her younger years to the time she was diagnosed with Aspergers, Kirkby is really marking the path she has travelled with memories. She has given us a true gift of a life and has invited us to turn the page and look inside of her.

I could not read From Zaftig to Aspie fast enough. In fact, I’ve read it twice so far and am awed by it’s incredible beauty and it’s story of living life to the fullest and overcoming even the most difficult obstacles. More importantly, it is a portrait of a very misunderstood condition. More people need to read From Zaftig to Aspie so that more people can know about Aspergers Syndrome.

From Zaftig to Aspie is a moving, incredible story of one woman’s will to understand herself. It is an important book and everyone should read it so that they, too, can understand more about Aspergers Syndrome.

More importantly it is the best memoir I have read in years. I laughed, I cried, I laughed some more. And was awed by the power of Kirkby’s words.

Read From Zaftig to Aspie and be enchanted.

This review is from The Book Pedler. Read more of his reviews by clicking on this link

Excerpts from several other favourable reviews for ''From Zaftig to Aspie' can be found by clicking on this link

Thursday, 11 December 2008

Book Movie

motorbikes, ducks and cripsy sweet apples

Friday, 28 November 2008

Double Book Launch

Event Info Host: Book Launch Plus
Type: Causes - Fundraiser
Network: Global
Time and Place Date: Monday, January 26, 2009
Time: 8:00pm - 11:00pm
Location: Jardin Du Vin in Rosies Wine Bar, 87 Elm Grove, Southsea, Hampshire, PO5 1JF 87
Contact Info Email: booklaunchplus@gmail.com

Featuring: Christopher I King's crime novel 'motorbikes, ducks and crispy sweet apples' and DJ Kirkby's memoir 'From Zaftig to Aspie'.

A complimentary glass of peach champagne (or non alcoholic version) will be offered to you on arrival.

There will be a prize draw for a signed copy of both books.

There will be a guest speaker from the local autism support network who will give a short interactive talk on 'Diversity within the autistic spectrum'.

Denyse will read from her memoir 'From Zaftig to Aspie'.

Chris's reading won't be just a reading but those who follow his blog already know not to expect anything predictable from him.

Both authors will be there all evening, ready to answer questions and sign copies of their books for those who bring them or wish to buy them on the night.

The un-spoken word parts of the evening will be filled with the ear candy of Jazz Plus and other eclectic offerings.

All door entry profits will be donated to the Portsmouth Autisim Support Network and other charities. The cost is £10 for adults and £5 for concessions including those under 18, OAP's and anyone with a registered disability or PASN code.

To buy your ticket in advance please use the 'Buy Now' button on the top right side of this blog or visit either of the author's websites which are linked on this event page or email booklaunchplus@gmail.com