Description

Eileen Garvins older sister Margaret was diagnosed with severe autism at age three Growing up alongside Margaret wasnt easy Eileen often found herself in situations that were simultaneously awkward hilarious and heartbreaking For example losing a blue plastic hairbrush could leave Margaret inconsolable for hours and a quiet Sunday Mass might provoke an outburst of laughter swearing or dancing How to Be a Sister begins when Eileen after several years in New Mexico has just moved back to the Pacific Northwest where she grew up Being 1600 miles away allowed Eileen to avoid the question that has dogged her since birth What is she going to do about Margaret Now Eileen must grapple with this question once again as she tentatively tries to reconnect with Margaret How can she have a relationship with someone who cant drive send an email or use a telephone What role will Eileen play in Margarets life as their parents age and after they die Will she remain in Margarets life or will she walk away A deeply felt impeccably written memoir How to Be a Sister will speak to siblings parents friends and teachers of people with autismand to anyone who sometimes struggles to connect with someone difficult or different