Why Can't I Just Enjoy Things? cover art

Why Can't I Just Enjoy Things?

A Comedian's Guide to Autism

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Why Can't I Just Enjoy Things?

By: Pierre Novellie
Narrated by: Pierre Novellie
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About this listen

'Outstanding, I want to press it into the hands of every newly diagnosed person' Fern Brady

'Like a Martian's guide to living on Earth. Funny, enlightening and gobsmacking' Frank Skinner

'A hilarious, crystal-clear guide to autism' Phil Wang

'An illuminating and joyously entertaining book' Daily Express


Why were the other kids at school obsessed with Britney Spears instead of The Goon Show?
Why don't people ever say what they mean?
And... Why is everyone chewing so loudly?

Comedian Pierre Novellie was on stage when a heckler suggested he was autistic. Usually, this disruption would be water off a duck's back but two things made this heckler different: first, he was himself autistic. Second, he turned out to be absolutely right.

This random encounter led to a diagnosis of autism at the age of 31 that unravelled his world, explained his struggles and answered questions that had bothered him for his entire life.

At once a hilarious and insightful journey through autism and neurodivergence, an entertaining explainer for the uninitiated and observational comedy for the neurodiverse, this is the perfect read for anyone who has ever asked themselves: why can't I just enjoy things?

The audiobook includes an exclusive Q&A with comedian and BudPod co-host, Phil Wang.

©2024 Pierre Novellie (P)2024 Bonnier Books UK
Biographies & Memoirs Mental Health Performing Arts Psychology Autism Funny Comedy Witty Celebrity Thought-Provoking
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What listeners say about Why Can't I Just Enjoy Things?

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Everyone should read this book.

I'm on my third listen right now.

On my first listen I could have sworn Pierre had been observing me my entire life taking notes and was now reporting on everything I'd ever done wrong socially and patiently and thoroughly explaining to me how to avoid those issues in the future. Honestly i could have cried with relief, I finally have a manual.

Thanks Pierre.

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Terrific!

Entertaining and interesting and informative. Loved Pierre reading it too. A great way to spend a few hours. It has made me more determined to be assessed. Despite how difficult that may be.

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Vital reading/listening

Exceptional book. Anyone who thinks they have autism/has autism/knows anyone with autism should read or listen to this book. The research that had gone into it, combined with the personal stories, make it very compelling and engaging. As a medical professional with family members who have ASD I’m surprised by just how much I learned from the book. Pierre also has a wonderful voice and it’s a genuine pleasure to listen to.

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The Most Enjoyable Book I’ve Ever Listened to!

As a fan of BudPod, I have always found Pierre’s turn of phrase far funnier out of the two of them. Not sure if it’s the similarity in age, the well-spoken accent or the ironic view of many normal parts of our life that I find most relatable, but this book encapsulates all of that!

Moreover, Pierre actually reads the book like he’s talking us through a story, rather than it sounding like somebody reading a book.

10/10, more books please!

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So I don’t have to do the hard reading

Saw his stand up at an Edinburgh preview and this was mentioned. Stand up was really good and easy and the book follows in this style. Having a child diagnosed with ASD recently it was good to hear the history/experiences told in a lucid way. And maybe brings me closer to what my child may be experiencing.

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Bloody brilliant!

This book is so funny and informative, not only about Autism but also various aspects of history which I must now go away and research!

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I thought I understood autism

I am almost certainly autistic but I had no idea just how wide ranging the symptoms and effects could be. Highly recommended for everyone.

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No boring bits

This book has made me feel 'normal'. I'm 31 years old and always been aware I'm am alien but I never understood why. I have lived the exact same life with the same stupid little things like teeth clunking on metal cutlery. At the end of the book I cried because I finally feel okay and able to attack the future.

I never say this about stories or books but this has made/saved my life. I was in the middle of a self destruction getting rid of everyone close to me because I couldn't deal with it anymore and this book made me realise that I only wanted one person out of my life, not all my loved ones. I have since got rid of him and all contact and I am me again, my pain has gone, my enjoyment of things has come back, and my energy levels aren't zapped, all because of one negative person in my life that in the grand scheme of things, didn't do much at all. But he did do a lot to me and that's what this book has taught me!

TL;DR If you can't enjoy things but you keep trying to, read this book and it may explain a lot. Autism or not, it has great self care guides. Thank you so much Pierre.

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relatable and entertaining

I think this book will educate and entertain those wanting to know more about the lived experience of a late diagnosed autistic adult.

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What I sent to my friend who recommended this book to me

Did I ever say this book was so good by the way. I tell everyone about it lol. Thanks for recommendation, I resonated so much with everything and my own neurodiverse journey through life. Can’t, but also CAN believe I’ve been barebacking it so long without knowing.

This book breaks it down simply and efficiently with humour and nuance.

I love that he considers the impact and differences that may be experienced by people from completely different backgrounds to him. He doesn’t detail it and claim to know about it, but he references it so that you can go off and do your own processing and looking into it for yourself.

Anyways didn’t mean to send a whole review but I did enjoy it. Thanks x

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