Since Joel

Love and Loss on the Spectrum

By: Julie L. Schwartz

Narrated by: Julie L. Schwartz

Since Joel tackles what happens when the unimaginable loss of a child becomes reality. Julie Schwartz introduces listeners to her son Joel David Schwartz, who lived with Autism Spectrum Disorder and died by accidental overdose at age 25. Joel’s unique cognition created situations where he baffled yet informed; infuriated yet endeared; lost and yet won. His mother describes how Joel was a “charming nerd”, inviting us to get to know him in all his complicated detail. She ultimately asks that we maintain Joel’s memory by finding small ways to be kind, and celebrating our differences instead of finding fault with them.

©2020 Julie L. Schwartz (P)2020 Second Story Press

Critic reviews

“Takes us to the depths of grief and allows us to understand its power and the courage that it takes to face it.” (Marina Nemat, Author of Prisoner of Tehran)