First published 2010
Lou processes information differently than his coworkers. While others struggle to make sense of complex data sets, he identifies intricate patterns that escape even advanced computer systems. His unique neurological wiring allows him to generate insights worth substantial money for his employer. Lou is autistic, and his analytical gifts have made him valuable to the company. But management now presents him with an ultimatum. They want him to undergo an experimental procedure that could make him neurotypical. The treatment promises to eliminate the differences that set him apart from his colleagues. Lou must decide whether to preserve his distinctive way of experiencing reality or sacrifice it for social acceptance. The choice forces him to examine what normalcy means and whether conformity is worth losing his extraordinary abilities. His decision will determine not just his future but his fundamental identity.
Genres: science-fiction, literary-fiction, contemporary, disability
Vibes: intimate, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: fish-out-of-water, identity-crisis
432 pages · ebook
Content warnings: mental-illness