Books Books Books (2025) 📚

[@beckiejbrown]

Hello, a few quick things. 1) Happy New Year! 2) This wasn't meant to be my first video this year. Had hoped to do a catch up - but life's been life-ing, so gave up and published this one first. So it's not a New-Year or catch up type video. 3) I've been playing around with shorts and short form stuff the last few weeks, so I've been other there if you didn't know. Really appreciate all the comments. KZbin is the best place for comments on short form stuff, blimey :D 4) Apologies for the colour grading on this. I'm using a ten year old camera and she is struggling at times with focus and colour (sound has never been great from day one if I'm honest) but finding her best to use whilst my life is a bit chaotic.

[@maskedautistic]

The flappy hands and gestures and stimming are so lovely, speaking as another autistic. I've been viewing your channel since I was a teenager (I think I'm only a few years younger than you) and I have seen you go through some times when you were obviously struggling with your health and life, so seeing this level of comfort and autistic joy and self-expression in you really is so lovely and I can only hope to see more of it in future. :)

[@beckiejbrown]

Apologies for the lack of replies on my behalf, it's been a bit of a week. I will go through this weekend and catch up with everyone, thank you xxxx

[@HeyItsAJOmega]

I like the flapping arms, they have such flair! I love your gesturing at the start of the video especially 😊

[@SarahAlice]

One of my favourite books of all time is The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time. The main character has autism. I'm not neurodivergent so can't speak to how accurately autism is portrayed but I'd recommend trying it out! For me it seemed very eye opening into the life of a neurodivergent person.

[@Sthemingway]

I love that your bookcase has been with you all these years.

[@PhotographyFieldNotes]

Always love your videos, Rebecca!

[@Lebofilms]

A good friend of mine's new novel just came out today, The Many Lives and Loves of Hazel Lavery. I THINK I once heard you say you like historical books and this is a fictionalized novel of that type. I can put in more what's it about if you like. Her name is Lois Cahall and she is a best selling author too. She's also the reason I am working on my first novel. I used to write screenplays (Sarah actually has one of my scripts), but Lois said to me, "Instead of your next screenplay why don't you try writing a novel because more books are published a year than movie produced." It was a good point and so I am :)

[@ymz7367]

Hi! Autistic books I like: Unmasking Autism by Devon Price, which is written by an autistic person for autistic readers on how to unmask, and Sensory: Life on the Spectrum which is a graphic anthology of different artists talking about autism. :)

[@petesime]

I've started dropping off finished books at my local little free library. But only if I don't think they're ones I'd re-read. It's become a kind of ritual. Either their destiny is to go to some other reader to be enjoyed or to sit on the shelf of the saved. And only when I've completed two books on my TBR list do I allow myself to buy a new one.

[@Cats_in_cravats]

When you talked about how you'd probably be given some form of accommodation in school if you were in it now vs when you actually went through it, I feel the same way. Especially being given more time on tests. I struggled with test taking SO MUCH in school and rarely actually finished a test. The pressure of being under a time limit would make my mind go blank, plus having both auditory and visual processing disorders, I struggled A LOT. I also understand the struggle of reading romance. Reading about something I desperately want and don't have, and know I can't have, leaves me feeling empty.

[@corporalmaladict]

I've heard "unmasking autism" is a really fabulous book by an autistic author. Many ppl I know on the spectrum have found it extremely relatable or illuminating or even a little difficult to read bc of how it depicts things they've struggled to come to terms with.

[@KeriJo12]

Book Rec: My number one favorite of 2024 was "The Heart Principle" by Helen Hoang. It is technically third in the series, but they are interconnected standalones about women in STEM and dealing with neurodivergence. This book made me laugh and cry and feel frustrated and helpless. I need to go back and annotate and read again many times. Could not recommend enough!

[@Gagging4Lit]

I ended up writing a whole bunch about neurodivergent characters in books but these are the ones I am talking about lol: -Normal People by Sally Rooney -Opposed Positions and First Love by Gwendoline Riley -The Ha-ha by Jennifer Dawson -The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie by Muriel Spark I think Sally Rooney, the author of Normal People, said that one of the main characters, Marianne, is meant to be autistic. There is a lot of sex in her books though, so that might not appeal to you. Gwendoline Riley's novels like Opposed Positions and First Love also feature narrators that could be seen as neurodivergent. I also recently read a novel from the early 60s called The Ha-ha by Jennifer Saunders. It is set in England probably in the late 50s with a young woman recovering from being sectioned, but it isn't too draining mentally as it's focussed mostly on her when she's getting ready to go back to the 'normal world' and is past her worst crises. It is also only about 130 pages. It is a bit dated now but that character is neurodivergent. Also I would recommend another short novel that features a neurodivergent character (Mary). And that's in Muriel Spark's The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie. She is treated quite badly at school but the teacher later regrets this. This one is another short novel but it is so good and snappy and I think you would like it! In fact all of the books I recommended are short other than perhaps Normal People which comes to about 300 pages.

[@martahrabcova2401]

I’m also neurodivergent, HSP, also struggling with some fonts or other issues like spacing, how the text is formatted on the page etc. glad I’m not alone, I haven’t connected it with me being neurodivergent before! 😮 Thanks 🙏

[@liamh1621]

I love "We Have Always Lived in the Castle" and "The Haunting of Hill House" by Shirley Jackson. Castle is like a murder mystery with the Addams Family (just not as comedic). They're both very short and are super autistic-coded. I've been meaning to read more Shirley Jackson

[@Gagging4Lit]

We Have Always Lived in the Castle is such a great book! Merricat is such a fascinating character and the gothic atmosphere is so well done.

[@daisyfinley3434]

Yes to the importance of physical media! Maybe not so much for the nuclear fallout reasons and more so for the nostalgic and collective reasons. DVDs (not including blu-ray) may not be the best quality, but I adore unique DVD menus and extras that sometimes come along with them like deleted scenes or director commentary. Something just more satisfying about pressing the "play movie" text than pressing the play button on streaming services. Yes I'm mentally stuck in the mid noughties Same for books, you just can't beat physically holding a book in your hands, turning the pages (and sniffing it a normal amount of times lol). Perfect during a power outage too granted you have candles or a torch if it's dark

[@stevenlebo6922]

You have a lot of different movies there. Gladiator (See part II?), The Two Towers and Ghost among them. All good flicks.

[@margotl9756]

So happy about this video

[@318ishonk]

A book series that stands out for me is the crime series around Kathy Mallory. Starts with "Mallory's Oracle". A NYPD detective of whom we never know if she's a sociopath, has a stiff upper lip or even a beating heart. I love the whole series and will read it again and again. "Neurodivergent" is an understatement for our Mallory. In the fantasy/crime region we have the Rivers of London series. Well writen in my view, and my favourite is a spin-off "What Abigail did that summer" (short book, but beguiling and with some suspense, and lots of story material between the lines) I also have a recommendation for "quirky crime": Jussi Adler Olsen's Department Q series. Weird characters, a lot to laugh in this one, and since reading this I'm convinced the whole of Denmark lives in a tiny village called Copenhagen. The film adaptations of these look all serious and dark, but the books are much lighter. Oh, and our "showcase neurodivergent" you probably know aleady: Lisbet Salander from "Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" and other books.

[@RB-vo4gi]

If I start a book/movie/tv show and I feel like I already know what the “end goal” is, I’m not interested. I feel like I’ve guessed a huge chunk of the plot because I feel like I know how it’s going to end, and I no longer care how it gets to that point. It’s why I’ve had such a hard time with NEW books/tv/movies lately.

[@corporalmaladict]

And a romance novel I liked with an autistic main character is "an unseen attraction" by KJ charles

[@thegoforitgirl]

I've read Little Women for the first time recently after loving the older film for a long time. And it was so interesting as Jo is kind of textbook ADHD but it was written over 150 years ago.

[@Hedge_witch]

As I was reading Lessons in Chemistry, I was "This woman is absolutely one of us!".

[@lanamaceachern3097]

I just finished reading The Framed Women of Ardemore House by Brandy Schillace, who is autistic. It's a mystery with an autistic main character (Jo) and a side character who has ADHD. The plot and pacing aren't perfect, but Jo was refreshingly relatable.

[@dalekmoon]

You get more interesting and dare I say beautiful with each passing year. ♥

[@LauraBwayMorris]

Nice to know that your bookworminess hasn’t changed!

[@beckiejbrown]

Still loving em. At least some of them :D. Feel like I want to throw out alot more now I understand why I don't enjoy them (autistic and pattern recognition as I mentioned).

[@plan7a]

Regarding - Kindle reading - put it into white text on a black (or grey) background and then try reading it with various blue lighting gels. Place the gel on top of the Kindle screen and then this will allow you to have blue text on a black (or grey) background. Just a thought; it would need to be a lighter blue gel though, not a dark one. I'm always reading something, I, too, find it a great way to escape, providing I'm not disturbed by things going on in the background, etc. Problems with pins and needles in my hands, or headaches or whatever - or the cold weather - can cause me issues sometimes though; as can people passing by with cigarette (not normal ones) smoke. I can't read indoors mostly, due to the noise issues, so I go out and do so. Some text can be awkward to read these days too; my eyes aren't what they used to be; reading in a better light (like daylight) can help though.

[@shadowfax6226]

Hey Becca, Do you mostly read fiction and if so do you like to read the classics. My new years resolution is to read books from the penguin classics series greatest books in western literature

[@beckiejbrown]

I think I'm understanding things more the older I get. I have a new love for shakespeare. Helps not being forced to study it to pass exams and actually love it for what it is. Also think my being autistic made so much of what I've read harder to process... I just didn't understand neurotypical behaviour...

[@beckiejbrown]

I didn't actually answer your question - do I mostly read fiction? I like a bit of both actually. As a kid I loved the DW books about the world. Or books about other countries, like I is for India. Love them so much. Off topic, but a series I LOVE on tiktok is spooky lake month

[@nmcduff4891]

A classic book that will take you through a range of emotions is Crime and Punishment by Dostoyevsky. A thought provoking book is Sophies World by Jostein Gaarder. This teaches you to look at life from many perspectives . This idealistic approach contrasts sharply with Zen and the art of motorcycle maintenance. It is not about bike repair. It is about recovery from severe mental distress. I love all of these books, but I suggest them as I have followed your channel for years and you are now old enough to value their content. God bless you and yours in the coming year.😊

I don’t know if these ones suit your book taste but I wanted to give a shot. I really enjoyed reading them. I can confidently say these stories are not typical. Which Moped with Chrome-plated Handlebars at the Back of the Yard? - Georges Perec Cursed Bunny - Bora Chung Moutful of Birds - Samanta Schweblin

[@emmapark8530]

The girl with glass feet is a great book

[@Snowdragon.]

Hi Rebecca, you remind me that I need to read a real book and not digital books. Thank you. You Rock !

[@beckiejbrown]

Both are good, it's still reading. Audio books are still reading too :). I love both. Love a book and seeing myself going through it. A visual idea as to how far I'm in.

[@katherine-gracee]

have you read unmasking autism by dr devon price? ps - love your videos!

[@beckiejbrown]

I haven't yet, I know of it - at least I think I know the one you mean. Bit nervous to read books about it, silly as it sounds. I want to - just nervous to find myself angry. Not sure how that reads. The whole.... YEAH THAT'S ME. WHY DIDN'T WE KNOW THIS SOONER .... type of reaction

[@sanctuaryofprose8843]

Elle McNicoll is an autistic author who writes autistic characters, but sometimes things can just be enjoyed for what they are, not everything is going to be catered to us ND folk ❤

[@niamhl6964]

it's a romance so might not be your cup of tea right now but Get A Life Chloe Brown and Act Your Age Eve Brown by Talia Hibbert are really sweet romance books featuring chronically ill and/or autistic main characters!! They're also quite funny and just very well written, would recommend!

[@Bibliomancer91]

Book video! I'm a reference librarian, so the thought of colour-sorted books feels nightmarish, but I admit they look really pretty from a distance. After you finished, it occurred to me I'm not sure I have any neurodivergent books/characters, so I had to step into my (home) library to look and was disappointed I couldn't find any (I'm at over 1000 books now, so the absence feels even worse). I did get a neurodivergent book at the library recently called "The PDA [pathalogical demand-avoidance] Paradox" that I thought was quite interesting as far as recommendations. I know I had some of my own, but sadly I think my ex-wife took them all :( so I only have characters I potentially read as neurodivergent (oddly always felt Mary in "P&P" might've been). Not a book or character, but a favourite author, Madeleine L'Engle, always struck me as such (not to mention Tolkien haha)-I guess if a character/author feels especially relatable it makes me wonder. I've felt very alone surrounded by people obsessed with romance/love stories and not only not being able to relate but having a terribly averse reaction to such books (especially with the massive uptick in lovey-looking cartoon characters on covers) that just remind me of the absence of a partner, so I appreciate/relate to your talking about it. Also definitely relate to offloading so many self-help books! I've never liked them, but people love gifting them, so I think Emma Blackery's book is the only one I still have that I actually bought for myself. Would love a deep-dive video on your books someday!

[@hejelinnilsson]

The Humans by Matt Heig for fiction and The autistic survival guide to therapy by Steph Jones for nonfiction 📚

[@catloverKD]

If you aren't bothered by swearing, try Mark Manson's books. He calls them "anti-self-help" and they're really good. He also has a podcast here. I'd link it, but I might get flagged.

[@wolfgar45]

baccano by ryogo narita has isaac and miria, a pair who seem to share neuro divergence.

[@qhuZhZ]

Appreciate the detailed breakdown! I need some advice: My OKX wallet holds some USDT, and I have the seed phrase. (air carpet target dish off jeans toilet sweet piano spoil fruit essay). Could you explain how to move them to Binance?

[@athenapallas7686]

Speaking of autistic characters in books, I've always felt that Lan Wangji from "Mo dao zu shi" was written as autistic. Anyone else feels the same?

[@drewharris7785]

Night Circus! I should re-read that; such a great book

[@beckiejbrown]

I agree

[@dotdotdot214]

💚💚

[@Spitfire67UK]

Who else thought that plant pot was gonna fall over.

[@beckiejbrown]

She's pretty strong... but she's got so big now. She has a new home at my parents where she's much happier. She actually gets sunlight now :)

[@Spitfire67UK]

@beckiejbrown I saw it rocking a few times and thought it's only a matter of time. There nice plants I have a few. One in my jumbo terrarium died recently. I've got another ready to take it's place.

[@beckiejbrown]

@@Spitfire67UK Hahahaa. Yup. Had to re-pot her (amazingly into a plastic tub rather than the clay one she was in) so she was actually lighter. Do not worry dear Jay, she is safe. SAFEEE I PROMISE :D

[@sidphilips8041]

I kept warning her about that while watching. But of course, she was just a video, and could not hear me. I was much relieved that it was still standing at the end. ;)

[@ImBeautifullyTragicx]

Have you read Elle McNicoll? Happy New Year, hope things are going well so far! x

[@beckiejbrown]

I haven't - is that a book or author? Either way, thank you for the recommendation!

[@ImBeautifullyTragicx]

@@beckiejbrown She's an author. She's autistic and all her books have great neurodivergent rep. She's mostly written middle grade books, but I have loved them as an adult. My faves are "A Kind Of Spark" and it's companion "Keedie" (AKOS was also adapted into an excellent TV series). She's recently released a book called "Some Like It Cold", which is either YA or adult, I'm not sure as I haven't read it yet, but I'm looking forward to it!

[@Empire24453]

I don't read enought as I should Xd

[@oldfarmshow]

👍

[@beckiejbrown]

How are you always the first?! :D

[@SilentReflection101]

I think you are the most gorgeous woman in the world.