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Drama Queen: One Autistic Woman and a Life of Unhelpful Labels Paperback – 6 Jan. 2022

4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 824 ratings

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'It has taken me several years of exploration, but I am at a place now where I see autism as neither an affliction nor a superpower. It's just the blueprint for who I am. There is no cure, but that's absolutely fine by me. To cure me of my autism would be to cure me of myself.'

During the first thirty years of her life, comedy script writer Sara Gibbs had been labelled a lot of things - a cry baby, a scaredy cat, a spoiled brat, a weirdo, a show off - but more than anything else, she'd been called a Drama Queen. No one understood her behaviour, her meltdowns or her intense emotions. She felt like everyone else knew a social secret that she hadn't been let in on; as if life was a party she hadn't been invited to. Why was everything so damn hard? Little did Sara know that, at the age of thirty, she would be given one more label that would change her life's trajectory forever. That one day, sitting next to her husband in a clinical psychologist's office, she would learn that she had never been a drama queen, or a weirdo, or a cry baby, but she had always been autistic.

Drama Queen is both a tour inside one autistic brain and a declaration that a diagnosis on the spectrum, with the right support, accommodations and understanding, doesn't have to be a barrier to life full of love, laughter and success. It is the story of one woman trying to fit into a world that has often tried to reject her and, most importantly, it's about a life of labels, and the joy of ripping them off one by one.

Kindle Storyteller Award 2024
Check out this year's winner: 'Stateside' by J.D KIRK. Read more

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Product description

Review

A moving read. ― Bella Magazine

A touching and funny memoir.The Observer

Both funny and fascinating in equal measure. ―
The JC

Book Description

Sara Gibbs is autistic. She's always been autistic. She just didn't know until she was thirty. This is the hilarious, witty and compelling memoir of a woman's life that didn't make a lot of sense until she was a third of the way through it.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Headline (6 Jan. 2022)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 352 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1472274369
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1472274366
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 12.8 x 3.4 x 19.6 cm
  • Customer reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 824 ratings

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Sara Gibbs
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Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
824 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book engaging and humorous. They appreciate the author's honest, raw account of her relationship. The writing style is described as well-written and easy to read. Readers also appreciate the book's informative content about autism.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

59 customers mention ‘Readability’59 positive0 negative

Customers find the book readable and enjoyable. They describe it as an absorbing memoir that is a must-read for women who think they may be autistic. Readers appreciate the straightforward descriptions and find the book refreshing.

"...It is a great read full-stop. I see it almost as a whodunnit, where we know the answer already, but are still somehow shocked at the reveal...." Read more

"This book is brilliant!..." Read more

"...Sara's writing is beautiful, it is engaging, warm and enjoyable to read...." Read more

"...Worth a read, especially to those who feel misjudged or do not feel they fit the expectations of others...." Read more

46 customers mention ‘Humor’46 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's humor. They find the writing style engaging and humorous, making it easy to read. The author tells her story with wit and honesty, leading readers to laugh and cry at times.

"...What was so resonant about this memoir is that it was funny, heartbreaking and very real...." Read more

"...it, I also enjoyed it a lot and it’s easy to read, very honest and funny." Read more

"...Still, as a writer with flair and a good sense of humour, her memoir discloses what it was like for her to grow up without the diagnosis of Autism...." Read more

"...It's also hilariously funny, a deep dive back into the nineties, a wondrous glimpse at the glory of a mind that makes a whole different set of..." Read more

38 customers mention ‘Insight’38 positive0 negative

Customers find the book insightful and relatable. It helps them understand the subject matter and learn a lot from it. The book is educational, interesting, and poignant.

"...The last chapter, I feel, should be compulsory reading at school; make it part of the syllabus, because Sara has managed to cover 'where we are at'..." Read more

"This book is brilliant! It really helped my understanding and I learnt a lot from it, I also enjoyed it a lot and it’s easy to read, very honest and..." Read more

"...It's an eye-opening read and it stayed with me long after I'd finished reading...." Read more

"...It teaches without dictating and reveals much about the value of different neurotypes. It's utterly brilliant and I can't recommend it highly enough." Read more

23 customers mention ‘Honesty’23 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the author's honesty and personal account of her relationship. They find it relatable, frank, and genuine. The book explores both high points and struggles in her life and the impact on her family. Readers praise the author's strength and tenacity. They also mention that the book is subtle in how it tells the story, reading like a normal autobiography but as an open exploration of the difficulties and confusions faced as an adult.

"...resonant about this memoir is that it was funny, heartbreaking and very real...." Read more

"...a lot from it, I also enjoyed it a lot and it’s easy to read, very honest and funny." Read more

"...It is subtle in how it tells the story, it reads like a normal autobiography but as the book progresses through Sara's life you begin to see the..." Read more

"...It’s so relatable and such a pleasure to read they may not realise they’re learning something...." Read more

22 customers mention ‘Writing style’22 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's writing style easy to read and engaging. They say it ensnares them from the first page and leads them through a whirlwind. The writing is articulate and funny, and the editing is good, with no parts that drag.

"...and I learnt a lot from it, I also enjoyed it a lot and it’s easy to read, very honest and funny." Read more

"...It is subtle in how it tells the story, it reads like a normal autobiography but as the book progresses through Sara's life you begin to see the..." Read more

"...Most of them were found in Sara’s book. I love Sara’s writing style. Her honesty is refreshing and her humour kept me wanting more...." Read more

"I loved this book. This is so well written and in such an easy to read style, that you're drawn in like a close friend from the start and all Sara's..." Read more

20 customers mention ‘Autism awareness’20 positive0 negative

Customers find the book provides an insightful look into autism for women who are late-diagnosed or self-identify as autistic. They appreciate that it shows empathy and is not about emotionless robots. The book offers a realistic view of female autism, making readers feel less alone.

"...This book adds to future canon of great autistic works because it shows up the stereotype and misinformation about autistic people for what it..." Read more

"...The memoir provides a good insight into the autistic mindset...." Read more

"A very good read, provides an honest insight into the late diagnosis of autism, highly recommend this book to late diagnosed autistic women" Read more

"...It smashes so many myths about autism and autistic people that it should be required reading...." Read more

13 customers mention ‘Emotional content’13 positive0 negative

Customers find the book relatable and funny. They say it's easy to read and leads you through a whirlwind of emotions as the author examines each label. The scenes from her life are illuminating and provide a fanatic insight into Sara's world. Many moments in the book feel familiar and warm, making it comforting and enjoyable.

"...was given or told 'Crybaby, chatterbox, spoiled brat' - illuminating scenes from her life, with that backdrop of internalising what others say you..." Read more

"...This book has probably been the most emotional read for me!..." Read more

"...you from the first page, takes your hand and leads you through a whirlwind of emotions as she examines each label she endured until she finally knew..." Read more

"I read this in one day because it was so compelling. An honest insight into Sara’s life and atypical mind...." Read more

11 customers mention ‘Heartbreaking’11 positive0 negative

Customers find the book emotional and moving. They describe it as funny, bittersweet, sad, and compassionate. The characters are not emotionless robots, and the author is deeply humane.

"...What was so resonant about this memoir is that it was funny, heartbreaking and very real...." Read more

"...It should also show that Autistics have empathy and are not emotionless robots as the stereotypes likes to have people believe without question...." Read more

"...Amazingly insightful and heartbreaking too. What an amazing journey Sara has been on." Read more

"...I laughed, and I literally cried at times. Ultimately, it’s profoundly humane. I loved this book. As my title says, do yourself a favour...." Read more

Great read!
5 out of 5 stars
Great read!
This book is brilliant! It really helped my understanding and I learnt a lot from it, I also enjoyed it a lot and it’s easy to read, very honest and funny.
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Top reviews from United Kingdom

  • Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 22 August 2021
    In that strange serendipity of life, this book was released at the same time I received a diagnosis of autism at the age of 33. What was so resonant about this memoir is that it was funny, heartbreaking and very real. I feel like I know Sara through the words she has written on the page, personal yet with seemingly effortless ease she told me of a life so different to my own, but one I could relate to so deeply.

    With a clever structure that each chapter focusing on an unhelpful label Sara was given or told 'Crybaby, chatterbox, spoiled brat' - illuminating scenes from her life, with that backdrop of internalising what others say you are because you are not sure of your own identity.

    It is so important for there to be more and more memoirs by autistic people. The more voices, especially diverse voices, from women, people of colour, working class people, lgbtq+ people. This book adds to future canon of great autistic works because it shows up the stereotype and misinformation about autistic people for what it is!

    I really enjoyed the anecdotes of schooldays in alternative education, the lure of being a musical star, those botched forays into the workplace (hard relate), finding love, losing loved ones (heartbreaking) and surviving it all.

    It is a great read full-stop. I see it almost as a whodunnit, where we know the answer already, but are still somehow shocked at the reveal. The last chapter, I feel, should be compulsory reading at school; make it part of the syllabus, because Sara has managed to cover 'where we are at' in 2021, when she and I, and a lot of us are still learning so much about autism, and how there is a lot of misinformation and dangerous agendas out there that can harm autistic people. At the same token we are individuals, with our own voice, I hope more and more of us are heard, understood and accomodated in the future.
    11 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 19 July 2024
    This book is brilliant! It really helped my understanding and I learnt a lot from it, I also enjoyed it a lot and it’s easy to read, very honest and funny.
    Customer image
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great read!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 19 July 2024
    This book is brilliant! It really helped my understanding and I learnt a lot from it, I also enjoyed it a lot and it’s easy to read, very honest and funny.
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    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 19 December 2021
    I LOVED this book. It was one of those books that I picked up every spare minute that I had because I wanted to read more.

    I'm not sure what I was expecting this book to be like but it exceeded any ideas that I had. It is subtle in how it tells the story, it reads like a normal autobiography but as the book progresses through Sara's life you begin to see the devastating impact that her (at this point undiagnosed) Autism had on every aspect of her life from friendships, relationships, holding down jobs, autistic burnout to her dreams of Motherhood.

    Sara's writing is beautiful, it is engaging, warm and enjoyable to read. It's well-edited and there were never parts of the book that dragged, it maintained a fast pace throughout. I laughed along with Sara and I also sobbed at her story, it is rare for a book to affect me so emotionally. I liked how she wrote that she doesn't consider Autism an affliction or a super-power it is simply part of who she is.

    It's an eye-opening read and it stayed with me long after I'd finished reading. One criticism I had is that the book only briefly covers Sara's life after she is diagnosed with Autism and begins to come to terms with the diagnosis, I'd have liked a little bit more detail about how the diagnosis has positively (or negatively) affected her life, maybe a second book could be written as I would certainly like to read it.

    I was drawn to this book as I wanted to know more about Autism in females and I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to gain further insight in to Autism.
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 4 June 2022
    Many might not know Sara's contribution to recent satirical comedy programmes on TV and the radio.

    Still, as a writer with flair and a good sense of humour, her memoir discloses what it was like for her to grow up without the diagnosis of Autism. And this tale is one I much sympathise with after getting diagnosed at a similar point in my life, albeit not having a wholly mirrored life.

    As she correctly says in the introduction to this memoir, if you know one autistic person, you know one autistic person. That means we may peer through life's lenses with the same neurodiversity condition, but we may respond to the senses differently.

    Despite having a padded bumpy ride which has left her with some metaphorical bruises and scars, she has managed to come through the first three decades of life largely unscathed.

    The memoir provides a good insight into the autistic mindset. However, it will not answer how to support, remedy, or deal with an autistic individual feeling overwhelmed with different life experiences.

    Worth a read, especially to those who feel misjudged or do not feel they fit the expectations of others.

    Thank you, Sara, for your continued advocating for better social justice and determination to put a name to what it is like growing up Autistic but not knowing you are.
    Customer image
    4.0 out of 5 stars Certainly a book I resonate well with after also being diagnosed later in life
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 4 June 2022
    Many might not know Sara's contribution to recent satirical comedy programmes on TV and the radio.

    Still, as a writer with flair and a good sense of humour, her memoir discloses what it was like for her to grow up without the diagnosis of Autism. And this tale is one I much sympathise with after getting diagnosed at a similar point in my life, albeit not having a wholly mirrored life.

    As she correctly says in the introduction to this memoir, if you know one autistic person, you know one autistic person. That means we may peer through life's lenses with the same neurodiversity condition, but we may respond to the senses differently.

    Despite having a padded bumpy ride which has left her with some metaphorical bruises and scars, she has managed to come through the first three decades of life largely unscathed.

    The memoir provides a good insight into the autistic mindset. However, it will not answer how to support, remedy, or deal with an autistic individual feeling overwhelmed with different life experiences.

    Worth a read, especially to those who feel misjudged or do not feel they fit the expectations of others.

    Thank you, Sara, for your continued advocating for better social justice and determination to put a name to what it is like growing up Autistic but not knowing you are.
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    3 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 1 September 2024
    A very good read, provides an honest insight into the late diagnosis of autism, highly recommend this book to late diagnosed autistic women

Top reviews from other countries

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  • Trisha G
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Book!
    Reviewed in the United States on 4 March 2024
    Loved this book! I bought this book at after I got my diagnosis at the age of 38. This book told me so much about myself growing up and helped me understand myself! Loved her honesty and writing and this book will stay with me forever ❤️
  • Carly
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fun hard truths
    Reviewed in Canada on 25 October 2021
    My daughter who is 24 and autistic needed a book that wasn’t some doctor writing a book on their findings of what being on the spectrum is like. She needed it from another female woman on the spectrum. She was just diagnosed at 22. This woman made her laugh, cry, smile and feel relieved that what she was going through was valid. She finished the book in one day cause she couldn’t put it down. Highly recommend this book
  • DANIEL RIBEIRO GOMES PEREIRA
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great!
    Reviewed in Brazil on 18 July 2021
    Amazing book to understand better about a life with no diagnosis and how it can be life changing! Really recommend!
  • witch
    5.0 out of 5 stars Erleuchtend, humorvoll, von Herzen
    Reviewed in Germany on 28 November 2021
    Sehr offenes, autobiografisches Buch mit reflektierten Szenen und Lebensabschnitten. Hilfreich um einige Aspekte von Autismus in Frauen besser zu verstehen, sowohl für Betroffene als auch deren Umfeld. Dabei sehr kurzweilig zu lesen.
  • Sarah Ward
    5.0 out of 5 stars must read
    Reviewed in Australia on 21 June 2023
    This is a must read for anyone and everyone to learn about ASD and everything that goes with it really enjoyed Sara’s story