Are You Alone on Purpose?

This was a great read. I really enjoyed finding the similarities and differences between the characters, but appreciated how they carried along the plot perfectly. It was a book that demonstrated acceptance and inevitable change in one's life. I recommend this book to any young adult.

I loved this book! My sister gave it to me late at night, and I couldn't put it down. The story reminded me of something in eveyone. Moving, without being forceful. All i can say is "Bravo!"

Alison Shandling has a lot on her plate. At nearly 14, she has a twin brother who has severe autism and is an easy mark for a bully named Harry Roth. Alison's life changes when a great-uncle she barely knew died at age 93. Her father decides that to honor his uncle's memory, their family will become regular attendees at their local synagogue. Harry Roth's father is the Rabbi at that synagogue. One's heart goes out to the Rabbi. Harry is openly rude to him; insults Alison and her family; ridicules Adam and storms out of the synagogue. Rabbi Roth is at a loss as how to cope with Harry; a widower who mourns for his late wife, Rabbi Roth has no idea of how to bridge the communication gap with Harry. He is devastated that his own son refuses to observe the Sabbath and attend Temple. Alison remains at sword's points with Harry; an accident Harry sustains at a summer camp has a drastic impact on them both. The day of Harry's accident, Alison's mother storms into Rabbi Roth's office with Alison in tow to blast him out for not accepting Adam in the local Hebrew School. She wishes him ill; she wishes his child were more challenged than Adam. When Harry returns from camp paralyzed from the waist down, it is Alison and the Rabbi who join forces for Harry. The Rabbi offers to tutor Adam in Hebrew for his impending Bar Mitzvah; Alison offers to spend time with Harry and brings him books. Their relationship remains thorny until Harry acknowledges why he has been tormenting the Shandling twins and just what his Jewish faith really means to him and to his father. Alison has a parallel issue of parental communication; she feels that the only thing that stands in her favor is that she does not have the severe autism her brother has. After some soul searching on her part; the Shandlings' part and even that of the Rabbi and Harry, bridges are built and gaps are filled. No promises are made, and the rich dialog and excellent writing are what make this book so wonderful.

Alison Shandling has always been the good child, the nerd, never causing her parents any trouble. They have enough to deal with with her autistic twin brother Adam. Harry Roth has always been a rude, cool kid who had his kicks by teasing Alison and her brother and torturing his father. But then one day at camp an accident leaves Harry in a wheelchair and even more bitter than usual. Alison recognizes that in a different way her family ignores her too and she procedes to try and be friends with Harry despite his protests. But slowly he starts to except her and they start to fall in love.Great story. Alison and Harry are alike in many ways and that's what draws them together. You can really relate to them.

I loved this book. Alison reminded me a little bit of myself, afraid to cause trouble, but often one can't help it. She made Harry her business, even though he'd been mean to her and her brother. I would recommend this book to anyone who has ever been kind to someone else. ( By the way, Harry has Alison sit on his lap to kiss her. )