April is Autism Awareness Month . Many may better know the term as Asperger syndrome. Autism is a spectrum diagnosis which usually involves remarkable focus and persistence, aptitude for recognizing patterns, and attention to detail. All of which are traits needed for an excellent detective and problem solver which makes for a great novel character. Gifted authors often balance these traits with others often signature to Autism or Asperger syndrome such as difficulty with social interactions, restricted interests, desire for sameness, and distinctive strengths. Hypersensitivities to light and sound, difficulty with give and take of conversation as well as nonverbal conversation skills, and uncoordinated movements (or clumsiness) are also characteristics of the Autism spectrum. With this, one can clearly understand the importance of representation in literature for Autistic heroes and protagonists. In addition authors have the opportunity to create character with complexity, depth, and interests. In honor of the upcoming Autism Awareness month, here are three books with Autistic protagonists or heroes: American Girl by Wendy Walker (Audiobook) Charlie is a 17-year-old young girl, with Autism, on her way to esteemed college M.I.T to study data analytics when her boss is murdered at the sandwich shop in which she works. Charlie must solve this heinous crime before she can whisk off to her dream college. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon Christopher is smart, funny and equipped with mastered social skill techniques taught by his middle school teacher. He knows all of the all the countries of the world and their capital cities and every prime number up to 7,057. When his teacher challenges him to write a story, he proceeds to tell us (the reader) how he solved the mystery of who killed his neighbor's dog. 600 Hours of Edward by Craig Lancaster Edward is thirty-nine-years-old and has his routine exactly how he wants it. He starts his therapy sessions on-time no matter what, and watches the same episode of his favorite show at the same time each night. When a new nine-year-old neighbor threatens to disrupt his perfect schedule, Edward hilariously takes the reader through the 600 hours of his life in which he learns to open up to his new neighbors and confront his own estranged parents. Have you read any of the above novels? What is your favorite read with an Autistic main character? Happy Reading Friends! Xoxoxoxoxox, ROTR As always feel free to join the book chats by following www.readingontherun.com on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter.

Blackout by Sarah Hepola Sarah goes from a seemingly happy middle class life to consecutive days of intentionally getting blackout drunk. A Million Little Pieces by James Frey James describes his time is a rehabilitation facility and takes the reader on a controversial journey to recovery. New York Times Best Seller. Drinking: A Love Story by Caroline Knapp Caroline describes her twenty-year love affair with alcohol. As Always, happy reading friends! Xoxoxoxoxox, ROTR

This book recommendation came from a friend and was described as "unputdownable". Author Lisa Unger, a New York Times best selling author, writes an entertaining and thrilling phycological best seller. In Confessions on the 7:45 by Lisa Unger, main character Selena Murphy commutes home from work each evening on the train arriving at 5pm. Occasionally, when Selena works late she is able to catch the 7:45pm train home. One evening she meets Martha, another young professional, on the 7:45 train. In a rare moment of trust Selena confesses that her husband has been sleeping with her Nanny and she isn't quite sure what to do. Martha offers to help as a self proclaimed problem solver. Selena declines but can't help think about Martha mysteriousness and familiarity in the weeks ahead. When the Nanny goes missing, Selena is in a world wind of confusion realizing her husband is a man she doesn't even know. Or does she? Unger writes a first chapter that drawls the reader into the story to a point of no return. The reader is left instantaneously wondering the identity of the true villain even considering the protagonist herself, Selena. Unger, writes flawed characters with depth and dimensions. Worth a read if you are looking for something to captivate your attention for a few hours on your daily commute. Happy Reading Friends! Xoxoxoxoxox, ROTR As always feel free to join the book chats by following www.readingontherun.com on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter.

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