Surprise! I have a new book coming out this year. It is about love and autism, hence the title. It follows the lives and loves of five autistic people–the ups and downs, the good bits and the bad. ‘You don’t look autistic’ is something a lot of autistic people hear. But what does an autistic life actually look like? It is certainly not a singular experience. And more importantly than what it might look like, how does it feel? When so much of what is written (and shown on screens) is looking from the outside in, I wanted to share stories through the lens with which I see them–not as other, but as kin.
I have been so, so lucky with the people I have had the pleasure of interviewing over the past 12+ months, and my feelings about being a journalist have been completely reinvigorated, particularly in terms of long-form narrative work like this. This book is a celebration of the autistic community and of our stories. I hope it gives every reader a sense of that community, and of connection. At the moment I can’t seem to talk about the book without getting emotional, so I will keep working on that and my elevator pitch before launch day. Here is some more info about the book.
Blurb:
'Love has always intrigued me, in part because I have carried for a long time a feeling that I am doing love wrong.'
Michael made a name for himself on the hit show Love on the Spectrum. After his televised first dating experiences, will he complete his quest to find his queen? Chloë was always good at math, with feelings 'too big' to be contained. When she reconnects with her childhood boyfriend, it must be fate. Noor has had a lot on her plate from a young age, especially at home. People-pleasing becomes her survival mode, but Noor can't keep her struggles inside forever. Jess has spent a lifetime being put into different boxes. Through her strong will and creativity, can she break out and build a life that is truly her own? Tim is a non-speaking autistic man who has been underestimated all his life. But through willpower, technology and a mother's love, he has a chance of finding a different kind of voice. Through the intimate writing of critically-acclaimed autistic author Kay Kerr, Love & Autism presents an uplifting celebration of neurodivergent love, the search for it and a deeper look into the lives of autistic Australians
Endorsement quotes:
'Beautiful, nuanced and heartwarming, Love & Autism is an immersive, joyful read about life and love through an autistic lens. Kay Kerr gives us a wonderful and frank front-row seat to what it means to be autistic and to love, affectionately and refreshingly told from a neurodivergent perspective. A masterclass in narrative non-fiction and longform journalism, Love & Autism takes us on a journey of joy, heartache and hope, connecting us all through our shared love of love.' SALLY HEPWORTH
'Kay Kerr has done a wonderful job of community building through tender storytelling. This is an important, heartfelt and generous book for neurodivergent people, disabled people and allies.' CARLY FINDLAY OAM
'A fierce, tender and affirming celebration of the autistic community's capacity for, and experience of, love. Kay's writing is sharp but affectionate in its advocacy and validation, demonstrating the depth and breadth of neurodivergent experiences of love and romance. This is much-needed and eye-opening work.' SARAH AYOUB
‘Love & Autism draws together complex, beautiful and personal storying shared from within the worlds, hearts and minds of neurodiverse peoples, while focusing on a subject which is relatable for all: love. Relational, both in focus and writing style, Kay has created a gift that may benefit all who have the privilege of unwrapping it.’ DR AMY THUNIG
Pre-orders are open now. Love & Autism comes out on March 28. It’s going to be a big year, and I am looking forward to documenting it here with The Overshare. Thank you for reading x
Congratulations Kay! Also isn’t it funny how sometimes it’s not “journalism” that’s the problem but the publication you work for? Starting features and longer pieces with ABC has completely changed my view on being a journalist again.
Congratulations Kay! Have ordered, can't wait to read it.