Good Trouble

March 1, 2016

Biel--writer, filmmaker, and founder of Microcosm Publishing among other ventures--has written a detailed account of his life growing up with undiagnosed Asperger's syndrome. A creative thinker, the author achieved success at a very young age as a publisher of zines, but he has also been plagued with health and interpersonal problems. His accounts of his dysfunctional family life and failed relationships are sad to read about, especially because Biel has so much trouble understanding other people's viewpoints. Similar to the autobiographical writings of John Elder Robison and Temple Grandin, Biel's story provides an invaluable service by revealing what Asperger's is like from the inside; this is extremely helpful to those not on the spectrum. However, this volume is not easy to get through as Biel seems determined not to leave out any detail of his story. VERDICT Biel's account should be of interest to teens, especially those on the spectrum, and is therefore a useful addition to YA collections but may be something of a slog for other readers.--Elizabeth Safford, Boxford Town Lib., MA

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