Eddie and Me on the Scrap Heap
Marc Littman
Reviewed by Barb Radmore
Reviewing is an interesting profession. You get to read an amazing
selection of books- never one particular style, genre or subject. There
is never an expectation going into the first page, the first chapter or
the book itself. itself. A clever cover, a slick media package or lack
of media blitz, subject matter or author web site can create no
preconceived notions, no assumptions. So when a truly unique book
appears with creative characters, an engrossing plot and a message
appears it is moment of joy. Eddie and Me on the Scrap Heap was
my time of joy.
"Rub-a-dubdub, three adults in a tub and who do you think they be? A
pirate, witch and reggae singer, the only three friends for me."
Eddie is a 9 year old boy with Autism. His mother loves him
dearly but life with Eddie is not easy. Mothering Eddie alone
while working full time leaves her tense and frazzled. At a weak moment
she allows her brother to move in with them to give him a place to stay
and to help take care of Eddie. But Uncle Eddie, a guitar playing,
dread locked Jamaican wanna-be reggae singer, does not make her life
any calmer. Eddie and Uncle Nathan find refuge in their friend's
junkyard, a magical place of scrap pirate boats, wiener mobiles and
treasures galore. Here Eddie is able to be the guitar playing,
mechanical wizard, loving boy he is. A friendly and attractive
woman, Sharon, wanders into the junkyard to add a welcomed female
influence, even if she is a witch.
But life outside the junkyard is still impossible. The adults in
Eddie's world are not the caring, sympathetic people he needs. His
teacher is the man who should never be allowed in a classroom,
his mother's family does not understand, nor care to try to, his
Autisms and peers as friends are nonexistent. But the world at Jolly
Roger's U-Pick gives him the world every person deserves, especially a
child- a world of friends who accept each other for who they are.
This is not the in depth, well rounded plot summary as is usual
required part of all reviews. This is a book of characters; it is the
people and their affects on those around them that is the foundation of
this novel. With his fire hat on his head, Whoville in
front of him, and a million questions on his lips Eddie is a boy you
will love and cheer as he teaches those around him the ultimate lessons
in patience, perseverance and passion.
Marc Littman is the father of a son with Autism. He uses this debut
novel to both entertain, it is a wonderful read, but also to educate.
The chapter "No Cure-All" is a vivid portrayal of the judgmental, even
if meant as helpful, suggestions every parent of a child with special
needs encounters. The IEP meeting scene is too realistic to be anything
but eye opening. He has written a wonderful story that makes the
readers laugh out loud while tears run down their face.
Maybe the next time the child behind you in line or at the next
table in a restaurant makes you take a deep breath, you'll think
of Eddie and smile.