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Strong Female Character

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Strong Female Character

By: Fern Brady
Narrated by: Fern Brady
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About this listen

BRITISH BOOK OF THE YEAR: AUDIOBOOK WINNER 2024

Fern Brady was told she couldn't be autistic because she's had loads of boyfriends and is good at eye contact. This is a story of how being female can get in the way of being autistic and how being autistic gets in the way of being the 'right kind' of woman.

©2023 Fern Brady (P)2023 Octopus Publishing Group Gender Studies Mental Health Performing Arts Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Social Sciences Funny Inspiring Thought-Provoking Witty Health Comedy

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Critic reviews

Of course it's funny - it's Fern Brady - but this book is also deeply moving and eye-opening (ADAM KAY)
It made me laugh out loud and broke my heart and made me weep...I hope absolutely everyone reads this, and it makes them kinder and more curious about the way we all live (DAISY BUCHANAN)
Glorious. Frank but nuanced, a memoir that doesn't sacrifice voice or self-awareness. And it has brilliant things to say about being autistic and being funny (ELLE MCNICOLL)
Fern is a brilliant, beautiful writer with a unique voice and even more unique story. Astute, honest and very, very funny. (LOU SANDERS)
So funny and brilliant (HOLLY SMALE)
An absolute riot. I'm literally going to read it again once I've finished, and I'm a miserable bastard...it's a belter (FRANKIE BOYLE)
All stars
Most relevant  
Just amazing. Fern writes openly and honestly about her life, the good, the bad and the heartbreaking reality of growing up and living with autism.

Open, honest, heartbreaking at times

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I take my hat off to Fern and all she's been through, and I'm grateful to her for sharing her story so candidly. This book had a really strong beginning that had me binging the entire first half. However, gradually, the anecdotes became kind of repetitive, and the moral of the story was near enough always the same. Also, the tone in which it's read is quite flat and a bit of a downer, which makes the book a bit of a slog to finish. There'd be points where I'd be like 'hmm, what shall I listen to? Ah yes, Strong Female Character! Oh, wait, yeah, the voice... I remember why I haven't been listening now' and would move on to something perhaps less dreary.

As a woman with ASD myself, I identified with a lot of what Fern had to say, albeit, famously, everyone's different. I think it's a good starting point for anyone looking to educate themselves, or anyone who's looking for validation after a new diagnosis. Certainly the first half, anyway.

A really strong start, but loses it's way for me

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While an interesting listen (and one that i see a lot of my own autism reflected in) this is not an emotionally light book. Its uncomfortable and raw. Unapologetic in its honestly. It left me in a state or not knowing if i enjoyed it, but it certainly would give a neurotypical person some insight as to what autism can do to somebodies internal monologue.

Harrowing

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I really enjoyed hearing Fern's story, she performs it brilliantly and it was laugh out loud funny and incredibly moving and thought provoking in equal measure. I hope she's immensely proud of what she's achieved, I think everyone should read this book.

Hilarious and moving

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Such a fantastic book. Thank you for your honesty and openess. I hope we can be better understood as awareness increases. Fern, you are fabulous 🤩

Brilliant!

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Thank you Fern.

just thank you

I have to leave at at least 15 words in the review apparently.

now I have. There's SO much more than 15 words that I want to say, but, if I start, I won't stop.

so,

again,

thank you x
xx

strong female character

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Knowing quite a bit about late diagnosis of autism in females - I was apprehensive about this book. What will I get from this book?
At times it is gloomy and quite unbelievable. But Fern has a witty way and almost makes you see the funny side.
This is her honest story about her life its confusion but I’m really glad I listened to it. The title is bang on. Well done Fern!

Fern is Fab

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Brilliantly written and read. I could listen to Fern talk all day. Such an open sharing, and highly relatable experiences shared. So important to hear other neurodivergent and in this case specifically autistic women’s experiences. A gap that has to be filled Simply f’ing amazing! Thank you Fern!

I could listen to Fern speak all day

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I loved this book! Intelligent, well written, and full of Fern Brady's larger than life personality. Held back from reaching her potential over and over, Fern's determination will inspire many autistic women. Despite a lifetime of being misunderstood, judged, and struggling to navigate a neurotypical world, Fern doesn't take herself too seriously. She relates her story with brash and unfiltered humour that smacks you in the face, then leaves you laughing. She is the perfect advocate to relate the frustrations felt by so many neurodivergent people. Fern explains female autism in a way that everyone needs to hear. What a story!

An advocate for autistic women! Take a bow, Fern!

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I hope lots of people hear/read this book and learn more about people around them. Brilliantly written book and very interesting.

Informative and well written

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