Stim - contemporary fiction set in an earthquake zone
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Robert experiences the world differently to 99% of the population. He has Asperger's Syndrome. He struggles to accept himself, tries to understand others – but can't – and find a girlfriend. Especially find a girlfriend – he's decided it's his special project for the year. Accompanied by his quirky flatmates, Chloe (who also has Asperger's and mental illness, amongst other things), Stef (who hasn't, but doesn't mind) and their oddly-named kitten, Robert endures a myriad of awkward moments in his quest to meet a nice, normal girl ... and not even a major earthquake will stop him.
Published October 2013 |
Buy at: Amazon (kindle), or Book Depository (free shipping worldwide)
Awards
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What people are saying about Stim
His writing style, simple yet elegant, concrete and specific while also containing moments of sheer poetry and humor accurately reflects, to my eye, how individuals with Asperger's think, write and communicate... The book is elegantly shaped and organized, with the charming characters of Robert and Chloe at its center... STIM is a very valuable book for readers with Asperger's, but (and perhaps more importantly) those readers who don't understand the mind of a person with Asperger's will have their eyes opened by this book. Extremely well done. - Judge, 22nd Annual Writer’s Digest Self-Published Book Awards
I think this book would be enjoyed by anyone who likes literary or contemporary fiction and it really should be read by anyone who knows or works with autistic people in any way. The first person point of view really gets you inside Robert's head. Well done, Mr Berry. STIM undoubtedly deserves 5 stars. - Tahlia Newland for Awesome Indies
Very often stories abut someone with Asperger Syndrome are written by an NS (non spectrum) observer. No matter how warmly they intend, there is always the coolness of distance, of outsider viewpoint. Not so with Stim. Written by an Aspie, for Aspies, about Aspies, Kevin speaks our language and has the same trials, mishaps and dreams. He observes everything around him and discourses upon it with legendary AS wit, which seems to be the product of literal thinking, social confusion and an innocent, analytical mind. I loved it. – Rudy Simone, author of Aspergirls, Asperger’s on the Job, the “22 Things” Aspergers books, and Orsath.
A rare insight into the mind of an Aspie, Robert's story is frustrating, shaming, poignant, and ultimately triumphant. Stim is a must-read for everyone. - Lee Murray, author of A Dash of Reality, Battle of the Birds and Misplaced.
Stim is an honest and emotional portrayal of a young man with Asperger’s and living in Christchurch during the beginning of the devastating earthquakes that have rocked the city. It is also incredibly educational without ever feeling forced. A must-read! - Readerly Musings
I think this book would be enjoyed by anyone who likes literary or contemporary fiction and it really should be read by anyone who knows or works with autistic people in any way. The first person point of view really gets you inside Robert's head. Well done, Mr Berry. STIM undoubtedly deserves 5 stars. - Tahlia Newland for Awesome Indies
Very often stories abut someone with Asperger Syndrome are written by an NS (non spectrum) observer. No matter how warmly they intend, there is always the coolness of distance, of outsider viewpoint. Not so with Stim. Written by an Aspie, for Aspies, about Aspies, Kevin speaks our language and has the same trials, mishaps and dreams. He observes everything around him and discourses upon it with legendary AS wit, which seems to be the product of literal thinking, social confusion and an innocent, analytical mind. I loved it. – Rudy Simone, author of Aspergirls, Asperger’s on the Job, the “22 Things” Aspergers books, and Orsath.
A rare insight into the mind of an Aspie, Robert's story is frustrating, shaming, poignant, and ultimately triumphant. Stim is a must-read for everyone. - Lee Murray, author of A Dash of Reality, Battle of the Birds and Misplaced.
Stim is an honest and emotional portrayal of a young man with Asperger’s and living in Christchurch during the beginning of the devastating earthquakes that have rocked the city. It is also incredibly educational without ever feeling forced. A must-read! - Readerly Musings
The Xpresso Book Tours Blog Tour for Stim (March 10-16, 2014) - see all review links here
There was never a dull moment and I just couldn't put it down. Overall this is a great book and I highly recommend! - Escape Into A Book
Stim by Kevin Berry tried to answer, who is to be called normal in a world where everyone is different... Stim is something really new in New Adult genre. - Notebook Of Books
Every now and then a book comes along that makes you want to cheer, hug, and cry all at once. STIM is such a book. Here Kevin Berry has created a masterpiece which I hope will take the world by the lapels and shake it about a bit... A beautifully written, stark glimpse into the mind of someone with Aspergers, this book should be automatic mandatory reading for everyone, but especially for those who know anyone with autism of any form. - Only God Writes Trees
STIM is a good read with very believable characters - The (Mis)Adventures of a Twenty-something Girl
The beauty of this book is that it is in the POV of a person living with Asperger's and how he thinks and sees the world is totally different than a person without Aspergers. - Hardback Book Hotties
There were so many laugh-out loud portions of this book... There were so many things that made this novel quirky and fun... At the same time, parts were absolutely heartbreaking... - Becky on Books
Stim is a wonderful story about a young man's fight, sometimes with society, and at other times with himself. Kevin Berry has created beautifully warm characters, with huge hearts, and I thank him for his honesty. Please read this story. - All In One Place
This book is going to make you laugh and cringe and hyperventilate and feel joy and sorrow all in a short amount of time, but it’s going to live in your heart for a long time. - My Book Addiction
Stim was an extremely well written and engaging book. The story was beautiful and inspiring in itself, with a lot of humour. - Been There, Read That, Reviewed The Book
If you enjoy an interesting quick read, you will like this book. It had me laughing at times, sad at times, and even saying 'awwww' at times. Pick it up, trust me...you wont regret it! - Bookluvrs Haven
Stim is one of the most honest, humorous and realistic coming of age stories I have ever read. - The Suburban Eclectic Review
This book is so different from everything else I ever read. - Anatea's Bookshelf
It’s unlike anything I’ve read before, but I welcomed the challenge and encourage readers to do the same. - Contagious Reads
Thank you to Kevin Berry for writing a book which is hilarious and truly displays the thoughts of someone on the Autism Spectrum. - Literary Chameleon
This book not only gave me a wonderful insight but I fell in love with Robert and Chloe – I found myself laughing, crying and getting angry at those who just didn’t understand or didn’t have any type of empathy for our hero and heroine. - Star Angel's Reviews
I highly recommend this is a really great informative read with a wonderfully delightful humorous story and with really great characters. - Because Reading Is Better Than Real Life
STIM is heartwarming, sad, and hopeful as it gives us a brutally honest look at what the world looks like through the eyes of an Aspie. I found myself wanting to become fast friends with Robert and Chloe. I laughed out loud at their lack of social filters and enjoyed the many conversations that we are allowed to be a part of. This is an educational coming-of-age story that left me with a smile on my face and a greater appreciation of the differences that we all bring to the world. - Gin's Book Notes
I was so excited to read Stim. So excited and I have to say that it’s one of my favorite reads for 2014 so far. Robert’s story is fascinating and though seeing things through his eyes, at times, was overwhelming, it stood to show how truly overwhelming it can be for someone like Robert to process all of the information around him. - The One With The Fairy Tales
Remarkably, what struck me the most about Stim was that it narrates Robert’s story with a depth and clarity that can rival most books of the same genre out there. Stim has that quietly profound quality that I can’t help but admire. - Between The Pages
Overall, this was just a great read. The characters were great, the concept was great. I couldn't help laughing out loud at some parts. Honestly. When I say endearing, I mean it. The voice was new, refreshing, honest... I loved the way it transitioned from journal entry to plain ol' retelling. And I loved seeing Robert grow and change over the course of the book. It was short, but that hardly dampens the quality. This is definitely worth the read. And there are some absolutely amazing quotes. - Writer Person
This book was amazing — sure it was a look into the mind of an Aspie, but it went beyond the television sitcom version of an Aspie. There were so many times reading this book I felt myself feeling what Robert felt. Kevin Berry did an amazing job of putting the reader right there in the scene... Stim has this unique quality of leaving you feeling confused, heartbroken, and frustrated. - Such A Novel Idea
Reading Stim, you’ll find yourself sympathizing with Robert and feeling like you’re in his mind. You’ll also cringe as he says and does things you know he shouldn’t. Luckily for him, he has a wonderful friend and confidant in Chloe, who is trying to help him find his way. I highly recommend this delightful book. - Stacy Claflin, USA Today bestselling author
This is a very well written book - Hopelessly Devoted Bibliophile
There was never a dull moment and I just couldn't put it down. Overall this is a great book and I highly recommend! - Escape Into A Book
Stim by Kevin Berry tried to answer, who is to be called normal in a world where everyone is different... Stim is something really new in New Adult genre. - Notebook Of Books
Every now and then a book comes along that makes you want to cheer, hug, and cry all at once. STIM is such a book. Here Kevin Berry has created a masterpiece which I hope will take the world by the lapels and shake it about a bit... A beautifully written, stark glimpse into the mind of someone with Aspergers, this book should be automatic mandatory reading for everyone, but especially for those who know anyone with autism of any form. - Only God Writes Trees
STIM is a good read with very believable characters - The (Mis)Adventures of a Twenty-something Girl
The beauty of this book is that it is in the POV of a person living with Asperger's and how he thinks and sees the world is totally different than a person without Aspergers. - Hardback Book Hotties
There were so many laugh-out loud portions of this book... There were so many things that made this novel quirky and fun... At the same time, parts were absolutely heartbreaking... - Becky on Books
Stim is a wonderful story about a young man's fight, sometimes with society, and at other times with himself. Kevin Berry has created beautifully warm characters, with huge hearts, and I thank him for his honesty. Please read this story. - All In One Place
This book is going to make you laugh and cringe and hyperventilate and feel joy and sorrow all in a short amount of time, but it’s going to live in your heart for a long time. - My Book Addiction
Stim was an extremely well written and engaging book. The story was beautiful and inspiring in itself, with a lot of humour. - Been There, Read That, Reviewed The Book
If you enjoy an interesting quick read, you will like this book. It had me laughing at times, sad at times, and even saying 'awwww' at times. Pick it up, trust me...you wont regret it! - Bookluvrs Haven
Stim is one of the most honest, humorous and realistic coming of age stories I have ever read. - The Suburban Eclectic Review
This book is so different from everything else I ever read. - Anatea's Bookshelf
It’s unlike anything I’ve read before, but I welcomed the challenge and encourage readers to do the same. - Contagious Reads
Thank you to Kevin Berry for writing a book which is hilarious and truly displays the thoughts of someone on the Autism Spectrum. - Literary Chameleon
This book not only gave me a wonderful insight but I fell in love with Robert and Chloe – I found myself laughing, crying and getting angry at those who just didn’t understand or didn’t have any type of empathy for our hero and heroine. - Star Angel's Reviews
I highly recommend this is a really great informative read with a wonderfully delightful humorous story and with really great characters. - Because Reading Is Better Than Real Life
STIM is heartwarming, sad, and hopeful as it gives us a brutally honest look at what the world looks like through the eyes of an Aspie. I found myself wanting to become fast friends with Robert and Chloe. I laughed out loud at their lack of social filters and enjoyed the many conversations that we are allowed to be a part of. This is an educational coming-of-age story that left me with a smile on my face and a greater appreciation of the differences that we all bring to the world. - Gin's Book Notes
I was so excited to read Stim. So excited and I have to say that it’s one of my favorite reads for 2014 so far. Robert’s story is fascinating and though seeing things through his eyes, at times, was overwhelming, it stood to show how truly overwhelming it can be for someone like Robert to process all of the information around him. - The One With The Fairy Tales
Remarkably, what struck me the most about Stim was that it narrates Robert’s story with a depth and clarity that can rival most books of the same genre out there. Stim has that quietly profound quality that I can’t help but admire. - Between The Pages
Overall, this was just a great read. The characters were great, the concept was great. I couldn't help laughing out loud at some parts. Honestly. When I say endearing, I mean it. The voice was new, refreshing, honest... I loved the way it transitioned from journal entry to plain ol' retelling. And I loved seeing Robert grow and change over the course of the book. It was short, but that hardly dampens the quality. This is definitely worth the read. And there are some absolutely amazing quotes. - Writer Person
This book was amazing — sure it was a look into the mind of an Aspie, but it went beyond the television sitcom version of an Aspie. There were so many times reading this book I felt myself feeling what Robert felt. Kevin Berry did an amazing job of putting the reader right there in the scene... Stim has this unique quality of leaving you feeling confused, heartbroken, and frustrated. - Such A Novel Idea
Reading Stim, you’ll find yourself sympathizing with Robert and feeling like you’re in his mind. You’ll also cringe as he says and does things you know he shouldn’t. Luckily for him, he has a wonderful friend and confidant in Chloe, who is trying to help him find his way. I highly recommend this delightful book. - Stacy Claflin, USA Today bestselling author
This is a very well written book - Hopelessly Devoted Bibliophile
Other reviews from Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com:
5 Star - Purely unique and simply brilliant ... This was a completely believable, wonderful story of a unique young man coming into his own and finding love. Well done.
5 Star - I loved this book. I'm still thinking about it weeks after I read it. Right from the first page the main character, Robert, draws you in with his astute observations of himself and those around him. We see life from his perspective and sometimes I ached for him, at other times I was cheering him on. This is a great story for anyone wanting to understand Aspergers Syndrome better but it's also a story about self-discovery, love, hope and being fearless in a pretty overwhelming, big world... Fantastic, recommend!
5 Star - It is the sort of book that could only be written by someone with a deep insight into the aspie mind. I would highly recommend this to everyone over the age of about 16/17 - NS or aspie: for the former it will offer a deeper insight, and for the latter, open the awareness that you are not alone.
5 Star - The character development was exceptionally well done, the author shows sensitivity, humor and empathy throughout the book regarding the different way Aspies view their world. I have never read a book quite like it.
5 Star - The reader follows Robert on a journey [that] is funny, poignant, and hard to put down. The book is very well written.
5 Star - Purely unique and simply brilliant ... This was a completely believable, wonderful story of a unique young man coming into his own and finding love. Well done.
5 Star - I loved this book. I'm still thinking about it weeks after I read it. Right from the first page the main character, Robert, draws you in with his astute observations of himself and those around him. We see life from his perspective and sometimes I ached for him, at other times I was cheering him on. This is a great story for anyone wanting to understand Aspergers Syndrome better but it's also a story about self-discovery, love, hope and being fearless in a pretty overwhelming, big world... Fantastic, recommend!
5 Star - It is the sort of book that could only be written by someone with a deep insight into the aspie mind. I would highly recommend this to everyone over the age of about 16/17 - NS or aspie: for the former it will offer a deeper insight, and for the latter, open the awareness that you are not alone.
5 Star - The character development was exceptionally well done, the author shows sensitivity, humor and empathy throughout the book regarding the different way Aspies view their world. I have never read a book quite like it.
5 Star - The reader follows Robert on a journey [that] is funny, poignant, and hard to put down. The book is very well written.