Why Can't I Just Enjoy Things?

A Comedian's Guide to Autism

By: Pierre Novellie

Narrated by: Pierre Novellie

*Nominated for Best Book at the 2025 Chortle Awards*

'Outstanding, I want to press it into the hands of every newly diagnosed person' Fern Brady

'Like a Martian's guide to living on Earth. Funny, enlightening and gobsmacking' Frank Skinner

'A hilarious, crystal-clear guide to autism' Phil Wang

'An illuminating and joyously entertaining book' Daily Express


Why were the other kids at school obsessed with Britney Spears instead of The Goon Show?
Why don't people ever say what they mean?
And... Why is everyone chewing so loudly?

Comedian Pierre Novellie was on stage when a heckler suggested he was autistic. Usually, this disruption would be water off a duck's back but two things made this heckler different: first, he was himself autistic. Second, he turned out to be absolutely right.

This random encounter led to a diagnosis of autism at the age of 31 that unravelled his world, explained his struggles and answered questions that had bothered him for his entire life.

At once a hilarious and insightful journey through autism and neurodivergence, an entertaining explainer for the uninitiated and observational comedy for the neurodiverse, this is the perfect read for anyone who has ever asked themselves: why can't I just enjoy things?

The audiobook includes an exclusive Q&A with comedian and BudPod co-host, Phil Wang.©2024 Pierre Novellie (P)2024 Bonnier Books UK

I recommend this for everybody

I love the funny examples of what it means to be different. It opened my eyes to autistic people and how they see the world. The narration is great as well. I recommend this book for everybody.

Easy to understand and funny

I could not figure out how and where to access the resources the author refers mentions.

This book is great! Thank you!

This is one of those books that I expect to listen to because it is so pleasant I highly recommend this book.

great explanation

clear, concise with relevant examples. great read to help understand a different view of the world

A useful (and entertaining) read!

I was first drawn to this book because of its title. Then I read the plot. With the recent trend of what seems like everyone and their dog being in the spectrum, I decided to buy and read it to see if I could better understand autism today. I say today because I have an uncle who is the traditional 70s version of what was considered autistic. It was an interesting and educational book. The author's sense of humor kept it light and engaging. I do feel like I gained a new perspective. My biggest takeaway is that there's really nothing "wrong" with these people. The "wrong" is with our society who, as usual, do everything they can to make anyone different feel subhuman. Good read.