What I Want to Talk About

How Autistic Special Interests Shape a Life

'This book isn't a memoir. It is a love letter to the phenomenon of autistic hyperfixation.'

A fascinating exploration of the autistic experience from leading advocate, Pete Wharmby.

In What I Want to Talk About popular autism advocate Pete Wharmby takes listeners on a journey through his special interests, illuminating the challenges of autistic experience along the way. Funny, revealing, celebratory and powerful in equal measure, this is an audiobook that will resonate with many, and which should be required listening for anyone who wants to understand autism with more accuracy and empathy.

(P)2022 Hodder & Stoughton Limited©2022 Pete Wharmby

The Psychological, Emotional Depth I Crave

I don’t even know where to start praising this book. I am starting to notice a pattern in my autism research: autistics are excellent writers. Wharmby has an uncanny gift for describing abstract ideas and feelings. Each sentence seems carefully constructed. You can tell how much he reveres words, clarity, and truth. This gift for writing allows the reader to smoothly drift through the book as if listening to a very interesting friend. It never feels like work. His passion for things is infectious. Thanks to Wharmby, I am determined to read A Night To Remember next. He is so good at making anything fascinating. I couldn’t care less about video games or Lego but when he talks about those things, I find myself positively moved, almost to tears. I find myself understanding people better who gravitate to these interests (which sadly I have criticized in the past). Wharmby flawlessly performed this audio book—he’s a natural. Thank you for one of the most relatable experiences of my life. I’m proud to be in this autism club with people like Wharmby.

Unique and compelling take on Autism and Special Interests

Pete Wharmby uses parts of his life story and many of his own Special Interests to illustrate the importance of these interests to his life and ways they relate to his experience of autism. Along with learning a great deal about things like LEGO and The Titanic, Pete uses these interests to highlight both the positive aspects and many of the challenges of autism. Hearing Pete tell the story in his own voice was enjoyable and the dry wit and humor had me laughing out loud numerous times while listening to the book.

Excellent

Loved this book. The performance was great and the way each chapter is about a specific interest and explains autism from different angles is genius. I’m autistic and I would love to talk about the things I love like in this book. I think this could work for neurotypical folks to understand us a bit more!

Very Real and Authentic

I’m on a journey to learn more about autism, as my wife has been diagnosed in the past year. This book felt real and visceral to the way she experiences the world and a much needed perspective to help me better understand. Even question if I too may be autistic, great read all around

Relatable, Funny, Insightful

Fantastic book and reading with humor, passion, and insight. I laughed aloud often. My millennial memories rushed back and my experience as a father confirmed. Pete is a great voice in the community.