A book that's quite easy to read and one you don't have to have an understanding of Autism to appreciate. The memoir covers 13 years of Liz Astor's life with Olivia as well as talking about the same amount with her other children, one of which has ADHD. It's candid at times, with Liz holding her hands up and admitting the mistakes she made along the way. I was pleased she repeatedly said that she knew how lucky she was to be able to pay for services that other parents would not be able to and it was lucky for her daughter that she could.

I don't actually know who Liz Astor or her husband is but I was still able to appreciate the struggle and difficulties they faced as a couple and as a family. Her honesty should make this compulsive reading for anyone in a similar situation I would think and for someone involved in the education system (as I am) working with youngsters such as Olivia, it was good to see how Liz perceived the `systems'. To save a lot of hard work for other people there is an extensive reading list and contact numbers in the back.

The ending of the book is beautiful, there is a fabulous poem penned by Liz and it actually brought a lump to my throat. Happy and informative reading to those who buy this book. ( )