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How to Be Human

By: Jory Fleming, Lyric Winik
Narrated by: Jory Fleming, Lyric Winik
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Publisher's summary

A “beautiful and astonishing” (Walter Isaacson, # 1 New York Times bestselling author of The Code Breaker) narrative that examines the many ways to be fully human, told by the first young adult with autism to attend Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar.

As a child, Jory Fleming was wracked by uncontrollable tantrums, had no tolerance for people, and couldn’t manage the outside world. Slightly more than a decade later, he was bound for England, selected to attend one of the world’s premier universities.

How to Be Human is a “profound, thought-provoking” (Barry M. Pizant, PhD, author of Uniquely Human) exploration of life amid a world constructed for neurotypical brains when yours is not. But the miracle of this book is that instead of dwelling on Jory’s limitations, those who inhabit the neurotypical world will begin to better understand their own: they will contemplate what language cannot say, how linear thinking leads to dead ends, and how nefarious emotions can be, particularly when, in Jory’s words, they are “weaponized.” Through a series of deep, personal conversations with writer Lyric Winik, Jory makes a compelling case for logical empathy based on rational thought, asks why we tolerate friends who see us as a means to an end, and explains why he believes personality is a choice. Most movingly, he discusses how, after many hardships, he maintains a deep, abiding faith: “With people, I don’t understand what goes in and what comes out, and how to relate,” he says. “But I can always reconnect with my relationship with my Creator.”

Join Jory and Lyric as they examine what it means to be human and ultimately how each of us might become a better one. Jory asks us to consider: Who has value? What is a disability? And how do we correct the imbalances we see in the world? How to Be Human shows us the ways a beautifully different mind can express the very best of our shared humanity.

©2021 Jory Fleming. All rights reserved. (P)2021 Simon & Schuster, Inc. All rights reserved.
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What listeners say about How to Be Human

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outstanding

A little hard at first until I got into the rhythm, then brilliant! For someone who lives with diminished emotions he nails it as to how our excessive emotions interefere with our ability to reason .

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Beautiful Offering!

I learned so much! I have two psychology degrees and this gave me great insight into autism. I appreciate the perspective of the diversity that exists within the experiences of those who are neuro atypical. Additionally, Jory Fleming has a uniquely beautiful and compassionate soul. Thank you for this beautiful offering!

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great book, would recommend to any male autistic

Great book with in depth stories of an autistic male's experience. would absolutely recommend this to anyone, as i have already shared it with my neurodivergent coach colleagues.

8/10 would recommend!

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Makes you think & laugh

I caught myself laughing quietly to myself multiple times.
Also very much enjoyed the explanations & flow of thoughts.

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I hope you read this book

Jory Fleming is gifted with a unique perspective on what are called neurological humans. That is. those of us, unlike him. who were not born with autism. He is a man of great intelligence and self awareness but no emotion. His elucidation of the workings of his mind tells us as much about ourselves as it tells us about him. I hope you find this question and answer discussion surprisingly enlightening.

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Wonderful story

I don't know what I was expecting but what I got from this book, memoir, was better than what I was anticipating. This is one that I wish I had read for myself. I wish had the actual hard copy book in hand. While Jory's voice came through beautifully, Lyric Winik's was a bit off putting for me.

This is a beautiful, eye opening account of Jory's life as an intelligent individual, Road Scholar, son, brother, and friend who just happens to have autism. If I remember nothing else from this book, I hope that the following quote will be a constant reminder to me - "There are trees in Oxford that have been here for longer than the US has existed. But you also have all the flowers which are here one day and gone the next. . . . Even if I don't achieve the legacy of a tree, I can absolutely achieve the memorable joy of a flower." To hear Jory speak these words, was absolutely wonderful.

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Jory was great!

This is a good book that sheds light on autism. Jory, whom the book is about, is wonderful to listen to. However, the person asking him the questions is downright irritating and abrasive. I wish they would’ve chosen somebody else to read those questions.

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The Answers to Feeling

I truly loved this human and feeling story of Jory, as told by Jory himself, with the assistance of another very important person. I've cared for multiply-handicapped individuals for many years and I wish I had heard Jory's story earlier in my life. He explains so well, what it's like for him, as someone on the autism spectrum. I truly loved Jory way before the end of his story. Although he has difficulty developing meaningful friendships, I know that anyone who attains that place in Jory's life, is blessed to know him so well. Jory is gifted in many ways and sharing his story is a gift to others. I recommend this book to anyone who desires to know more about the thinking process and feeling ability of someone with these neurological deficits. It's a truly wonderful story and much of it is told in a Question and Answer format. The answers are spoken by Jory himself.

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Thank You......!

This book is amazing and refreshing ....!
I find this book very helpful ! Thanks for writing it.....!

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Thank you, Jory

Jory’s story and communication strength was very much enlightening and enjoyed. Thank you.
Lyric’s questions were compelling. Thank you.

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