Why read Marcelo in the Real World?

Book cover of Marcelo in the Real World

Book description

Marcelo Sandoval hears music no-one else can hear - part of the autism-like impairment no doctor has been able to identify - and he's always attended a special school where his differences have been protected. But the summer after his junior year, his father demands that Marcelo work in his…

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Why read it?

1 author picked Marcelo in the Real World as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Ned Hayes

Author

Marcelo Sandoval hears music that nobody else can hear. He’s neurodivergent. But in his life most people often don’t believe in his experience or value his perspective. When he joins “the real world” by working in a law office for a summer, he learns lessons very different from just office work. He is introduced to love and affection and jealousy and injustice and desire. Lots of things happen in this book – and I love the way that Marcelo’s voice is privileged here. His neurodivergence is a strength, rather than a weakness. I truly enjoyed this book.

From Ned's list on The best YA books on the autistic experience/outsider experiences.