Plot Summary

Exiting Nirvana

Clara Claiborne Park
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Exiting Nirvana

Nonfiction | Biography | Adult | Published in 1999

Book Brief

Clara Claiborne Park

Exiting Nirvana

Nonfiction | Biography | Adult | Published in 1999
Book Details
Pages

240

Format

Biography • Nonfiction

Setting

1990s

Publication Year

1999

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Exiting Nirvana: A Daughter's Life with Autism by Clara Claiborne Park chronicles her efforts to integrate her autistic daughter, Jessy, into society by encouraging her artistic talents and helping her navigate social situations. The memoir updates Jessy's progress from childhood into adulthood, detailing her mathematical and artistic abilities and her challenges with social interactions. Topics in the book include emotional struggles and the death of a friend.

Informative

Inspirational

Emotional

Challenging

Hopeful

Reviews & Readership

4.3

265 ratings

76%

Loved it

17%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Exiting Nirvana by Clara Claiborne Park is widely praised for its insightful and tender portrayal of a family's journey with autism. Critics commend Park's detailed observations and compassionate narrative. However, some find the book overly descriptive and slow-paced at times. Overall, it offers a heartfelt and informative look into living with autism.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Exiting Nirvana?

Readers who enjoy personal narratives on neurodiversity and autism would appreciate Clara Claiborne Park's Exiting Nirvana. It appeals to fans of Temple Grandin's Thinking in Pictures and John Elder Robison's Look Me in the Eye, offering an insightful, compassionate glimpse into living with and understanding autism.

4.3

265 ratings

76%

Loved it

17%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

240

Format

Biography • Nonfiction

Setting

1990s

Publication Year

1999

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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