"I've got thinks in my head"
quote from Janet at age 4
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Hannah January 17th 2025
Janet Elliott's The Alien Savant tells the simultaneously devastating, heartwarming, and hilarious life story of her brother, Michael. Born deaf and autistic in a time when the disabled were frequently locked away in horrifying institutions. Michael faced misunderstanding and even downright cruelty from others. While reading this book, I became more emotional more frequently and on a deeper level than with many novels I have perused over the years. I felt Michael's frustration as he struggled to convey his feelings through his art. I wept as his parents surely did when yet another care center turned him down; my heart swelled with a mixture of anger and pride along with young Janet as she defended her baby brother from the neighborhood bullies. I recommend this beautifully written book to anyone and everyone. I am thankful to have received an advance copy of this book for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I am not a big reader, so for me to sit down and read this book in one sitting is unusual !
This is a story about an amazing human being, his amazing family and explained in a way that
everyone can understand.
Great photos and explanations throughout the entire book !
Thank you for sharing Janet, a most enjoyable read !
I had the absolute pleasure of meeting Janet in Florida at a book signing event. As a former teacher of students with special needs I was excited to read it, and it did not disappoint. What an amazing story of a family advocating for their child and learning from him. And the drawings; spectacular. He had a talent many of us could only dream of and never replicate. We all have our own strengths and abilities, and Michael definitely excelled at visual arts. I hope this book gets in the hands of many as it is definitely one we can all learn from. I am so glad we have progressed in our understanding of autism. but I do believe there is much more to learn! Thank you Janet for sharing your brother's story!