Why Can't I Just Enjoy Things? cover art

Why Can't I Just Enjoy Things?

A Comedian's Guide to Autism

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Why Can't I Just Enjoy Things?

By: Pierre Novellie
Narrated by: Pierre Novellie
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About this listen

 *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 Mental Health Performing Arts Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Autism Funny Comedy Witty Thought-Provoking Celebrity Inspiring

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All stars
Most relevant  
I'm on my third listen right now.

On my first listen I could have sworn Pierre had been observing me my entire life taking notes and was now reporting on everything I'd ever done wrong socially and patiently and thoroughly explaining to me how to avoid those issues in the future. Honestly i could have cried with relief, I finally have a manual.

Thanks Pierre.

Everyone should read this book.

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Highly recommend to everyone! A great read/ listen. Enlightening, thought provoking and funny. I had no idea how little I knew! Neuro-typical people like me can learn a lot about all human nature through this open and frank insight into someone’s life experience. I relate with so much- noticing the difference of degree eg getting tired by socialising. Realised things I’ve been doing wrong / missing and how to make good change.
All therapists should read this book. Actually everyone could learn and enjoy so much. Thank you! Great fun learning so much. Xx

Humorous clarity- a fun and meaningful journey of discovery.

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I really enjoyed this books book both in terms of the actual performance and what I took away from it. all in all would (and have) recommend

funny, honest and enlighteninng.

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I rarely leave reviews but this was so funny and spot-on with some of the anecdotes, that I felt compelled to leave a comment! If you’re autistic, get ready for lots of moments of intense validation and that feeling of, yes he gets it!! It all comes across with lots of humour, it was a very enjoyable listen.

Absolutely brilliant

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it was very honest and he opened up to the reader, he helps people to cope with autism

it was a very good, entertaining book and could see some traits

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Great read; intelligent, well rounded depth of knowledge, a pinch of humour with many ‘aha moments’. Definitely going for a second read. Thank you Pierre 🙏

Fantastic book

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This was fantastic. I have come a bit of an autism book connoisseur since my diagnosis and was immediately excited when I knew Pierre was writing his own. Because I find it so difficult to explain autism in the way I experience it to others( and even to myself) I’m always on the look out for a someone who is better at explaining things than I am.
So funny and accessible, it manages to explain things in a way most people cannot. Once I was finished I immediately wanted to go back and start again. Thank you!

Funny! Informative!

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Factual and funny!! This book will make alot of people feel seen and the rest will be educated and leave with a better understanding of their autistic family and friends. I'm very greatful to have read the book and have taken alot from it. Also Pierre has a soothing tone that makes the audio book well worth getting.

Highly recommend

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Despite having read a number of books about autism, this book clearly explained things I hadn't t come across before, or explained things in a way that made me think about them completely differently. Plus it was funny and engaging - enough to get me to inhale the book in three days, listening at every spare opportunity, and sharing bits with my family. I will be reccomending this book to lots of people, it really is that good!

A fantastic book about being autistic

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Perfectly chimes with my own experience of late diagnosis. Articulates things I could never manage to. Thanks Pierre. PJ

Outstanding

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