Following Ezra: What One Father Learned About Gumby, Otters, Autism, and Love From His Extraordi nary Son

As someone who is almost an Amazon evangelist, who reads like a word addict, who visits Amazon more than Facebook and reads every single available review before ordering anything, including groceries, I suddenly realize I've never written a book review before, but Following Ezra deserves me taking the time to do it.I have a son not just like Ezra, but not so different, and I feel like I've been waiting for years to read a book like this, because this book doesn't scare me, doesn't offend me, doesn't preach to me, doesn't pity me, doesn't patronize or judge or depress me. This book shows me that we are all unique, and parenting means watching your children blossom and enjoying the beauty of what makes them unique.I love this book as much for what it leaves out as what it shares. I love the way the author respects his son's privacy even as he shares his personal experiences. I love the way the book lacks self-righteousness and cynicism. I love the way this book exudes happiness. I love Ezra, and I love Tom.Over time, I have come to avoid "books about autism," but my book club chose this title. I am glad that they did. I would say that this book really is not about autism, though it's the best autism book I have read, among the dozen or so that have found their way into my home. As I see it, this is a book about parenting, love, life, surprises, children, diversity, and feeling at peace. This is about life. There are people who really need to read this book, and I will probably buy them copies.The rest of my thoughts can be found on my blog, [...]

Not only did I read the book, my husband and I had the pleasure of attending a discussion of the book by the author. Mr. Fields-Meyer was able to answer many questions that arose among those present who had read the book, and summarize the various insights he learned along the way for those who hadn't. What is most impressive about the couple's focus on Ezra's personality and reactions is their decision to accept Ezra just as he is and "follow" his lead, thus keeping Ezra in his comfort zone and all the while gently helping him understand the needs of others along the way. Ezra has two brothers, one older and one younger, and Mr. Fields-Meyer also delves into their view of their brother and how they interact with him Rather than treating autism as an illness that must be fought against, this family embraces Ezra and his "differentness," and finds all the endearing qualities this young man, now 18, offers the others in his world.

I read Following Ezra straight through, finding it impossible to put down. It's a remarkable book by a talented writer who, it turns out, is also a compassionate father with the wisdom to realize he needs to learn "to be the right parent" for his autistic son. This is a kind of discovery mission for father and son to a better understanding of themselves and each other as both continue to grow as unique individuals. Sincerely told, their story is punctuated with humor and grace; at times, heartwarming and heartbreaking. All the while, Ezra never ceases to amaze and inspire. Here, we are shown that acceptance, respect, faith, and love are the essential tools for family life - and perhaps more significantly, we are shown how to use them to create happiness and well-being. For the Fields-Meyers, doubt and frustration are met head-on with joy and wonder. Following Ezra has one of the most powerful and beautiful endings of any book - nonfiction and fiction alike - that I have read in a very long time. This is more than a story solely for parents of children with autism (I'm not one); it is a book for all parents who love their children and anyone who has ever cared about a child.

i have a 5 yr old autistic son who is high on the autism spectrum & has Aspergers. this fathers book really gave me a lot of insight into our (my son, dallas & i) future. it was a very endearing story of a family who did so much to help and understand their son and to help him to be the best person that he can be. i think ezras parents did a wonderful job with him esp when you consider that they had 2 other sons to also raise 7 nurture. i hope that i can be as awesome & loving & understanding parent as ezras were for him. hopefully this book will help many more parents of an autistic child to just keep doing what they are doing and striving for understanding & progress for our children and all of the children on the autism spectrum. thanks for writing this book. :)

A Book Not to MissFollowing Ezra is a must read for anyone interested in parenting, grandparenting, children, or learning...not just for parents of special needs children. With deep feeling and skilled writing, the author teaches us that giving value to what is already there in a person and not trying to change or create what isn't there is the first step to successful parenting. With infinite patience and dogged tenacity, a loving father will not give up on his child. As he takes the reader on his journey, the reader comes to appreciate his "quirky" son, laughing out loud at some of his escapades, marveling at his memory and knowledge, respecting his ability to find his own way. I found this book to be moving, poignant, humorous, educational, inspiring, and most of all hopeful for all those who find challenge in the people they love.Lois Shenker, author of Welcome to the Family

"Following Ezra" is a most extraordinary book -- much like the teenager mentioned in its title. Tom Fields-Meyer is a wonderfully gifted writer who has delivered a heartfelt AND humorous memoir of his journey watching his autistic son grow up. The book is fully of touching moments and hilarious ones. I am blessed to know the amazing Fields-Meyer family, and this book truly captures Tom's gentle, wise, observant, patient, paternal and sometimes exasperating journey through parenting Ezra. Ezra is an exceptional boy, who never fails to ask me if my dog, George, is still dead. There are a lot of books out there about autism. And while this book obviously deals with autism, it's really about a father trying to figure out how to reach his son and how to honor who he is, while never losing sight of the two things that matter most in parenting -- love and laughter.

its an enjoyable reading. if you know anyone or if you are loving a person with ASD, you will understand this book and can "feel" what Tom has been through.

This is a brilliant, moving and, at times, funny true story about a talented boy with Autism. Ezra has many interests which turn to obsessions, which help him cope with the world. This book was really hard to put down!!

This is a quick read, but manages to be inspiring and informative at the same time. If you want to risk becoming more understanding of what it is like to be a parent of a child with autism, this book is for you. As you read, you might find the line between 'disability' and 'ability' being wonderfully blurred. The author writes with a terrific sense of humour.