Why Can't I Just Enjoy Things?

A Comedian's Guide to Autism

By: Pierre Novellie

Narrated by: Pierre Novellie

*Nominated for Best Book at the 2025 Chortle Awards*

'Outstanding, I want to press it into the hands of every newly diagnosed person' Fern Brady

'Like a Martian's guide to living on Earth. Funny, enlightening and gobsmacking' Frank Skinner

'A hilarious, crystal-clear guide to autism' Phil Wang

'An illuminating and joyously entertaining book' Daily Express


Why were the other kids at school obsessed with Britney Spears instead of The Goon Show?
Why don't people ever say what they mean?
And... Why is everyone chewing so loudly?

Comedian Pierre Novellie was on stage when a heckler suggested he was autistic. Usually, this disruption would be water off a duck's back but two things made this heckler different: first, he was himself autistic. Second, he turned out to be absolutely right.

This random encounter led to a diagnosis of autism at the age of 31 that unravelled his world, explained his struggles and answered questions that had bothered him for his entire life.

At once a hilarious and insightful journey through autism and neurodivergence, an entertaining explainer for the uninitiated and observational comedy for the neurodiverse, this is the perfect read for anyone who has ever asked themselves: why can't I just enjoy things?

The audiobook includes an exclusive Q&A with comedian and BudPod co-host, Phil Wang.©2024 Pierre Novellie (P)2024 Bonnier Books UK

O.M.G!

I bought this book because it sounded interesting, and there are a few autistic people in my life. I did not expect to learn that I, myself, am probably autistic.

The amount of experiences he relates that resonated with me is staggering. I found the explanations of things to be very accessible and realized that some of my struggles are probably due to things like executive dysfunction and demand avoidance. I'd heard those terms and their definitions before, but this was the first time I saw how my behavior patterns fit into those profiles.

I definitely recommend this book, whether you're autistic, think you might be, or simply care about someone who is. There's a lot to learn that can help us empathize a little better with each other.

One of the best books I've ever listened to!!

I can relate very hard with this book and it also helped me understand myself. Aswell might help people understand authism in general. It is lighthearted and serious at the same time.

I recommend this for everybody

I love the funny examples of what it means to be different. It opened my eyes to autistic people and how they see the world. The narration is great as well. I recommend this book for everybody.

Easy to understand and funny

I could not figure out how and where to access the resources the author refers mentions.

This book is great! Thank you!

This is one of those books that I expect to listen to because it is so pleasant I highly recommend this book.