When My Heart Joins the Thousand

I want to preface this review by saying that I am not autistic, not do I have the disability that Stanley suffers from, and I can only speak as an outsider looking in; however, any and all own-voice opinions and reviews would be welcomed and I would be happy to boost your review if you DM me or drop me a comment!

Why did everyone act like it was my fault when the other kids bullied me? Why was I always the one who had to change?

Happiness is not a priority. Survival is. Staying sane is. Pointing out that I'm not happy is like pointing out to a starving homeless man that he doesn't have a sensible retirement plan. It might be true, but it's entirely beside the point.

Technically my condition doesn't even exist anymore; if I ever go back to the doctor, they'll presumably have to find some other label to stick on me. The specific words don't matter. I'll always be this way.

The idea that autistic people don't feel compassion is just an ugly stereotype, but it's a viewpoint I've encountered even from some professionals, despite obvious evidence to the contrary.

always

Nothing about me is easy.

osteogenesis imperfecta

Does he assume that just because I'm different, I'm incapable of having a sexual relationship with anyone? That I'm unable even to feel desire?

talk

so much

“When the ones who hurt you are the people who love you most... no one ever tells you how you're supposed to deal with that.”

it should never be an autistic, mentally ill, or disabled person's responsibility to feel guilty, useless, or broken. Instead, it should be society's responsibility to learn how to offer compassion, empathy, accessibility, and understanding.

When My Heart Joins the Thousand

special.

Content warnings:

All quotes are taken from an unfinished ARC and may differ from the finished product. Thank you so much to HarperTeen for granted me this ARC in exchange for my honest review.