Synergy
by Barb Rentenbach
Visit the Order Page
Description
A designed beauty of synergy is that it serves only to add, never subtract. By definition, it means that the combined interaction of parts creates an effect greater than the sum of the parts. Individuals are the parts. I am an odd little part.
I don't look normal. I appear to be quite messed up and a prime candidate for nothing but pity and patronization with a sprinkling of repulsion and fear. I am disguised as a poor thinker.
I am a poster child for synergy. I am designed to aid in making evident the implicit need for a group effort in order to yield maximum returns.
Synergy is the byproduct of giving. Without synergistic support from normals—say, if I were simply warehoused—I would end up merely consuming resources. With a little help—OK, a lot of help from connected normals—I may add to our collective body of knowledge, perspectives, and insights that have receded from the working memory of many.
It is in our best interest to remember that we are all the same. People are flecks of God. Each God fragment dispersed through space/time has a slightly different shape. One shape is not superior to another. All are necessary to complete the perfect, infinite, God puzzle. To be proud that one "tolerates" diversity is ludicrous. The whole system is the sum of its parts. Be your part. Connect with other parts and the God puzzle is revealed. Reviews 5.0 out of 5 stars Moving, inspiring, and telling, August 25, 2009 This review is from: Synergy (Paperback) As an educator and family member of an individual with autism, I found this book to be both inspiring and telling. First and foremost, Barb's work stands to thoughtfully question taken-for-granted assumptions and stereotypes that surround autism and (dis)abilities in general. Further, this book is one that provide surprising insights about life in general. This should be required reading for teachers and parents of children with autism. I hope many more books emerge from the work of Barb. I will be the first in line to immerse myself in her moving ideas about life, love, and friendship. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars Every Person Has A Voice, August 25, 2009 This review is from: Synergy (Paperback) This should be required reading for anyone who works or lives with individuals labeled "autistic." Barb bucks the stereotypical view of people with autism as she shares her adventures with "normals" and the "special forces" that make up her world. She offers helpful pointers at the end of each chapter that encourage us to communicate with others. Her unique perspective and humorous writing had me laughing out-loud. One should own this book simply as a daily pick-me-up. I haven't laughed this hard since reading "Three Men in a Boat!" Help other customers find the most helpful reviews Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
5.0 out of 5 stars read it! over and over again!, April 21, 2011 This review is from: Synergy (Paperback) This should be required reading, period. Though I'm usually a reluctant reader I picked this up and couldn't put it down and have reread it a few times already. I still laugh out loud about once a page. I laugh at the author's plays on words, her clever suggestions, at the world, at myself - as this book is an exercise in perspective taking that gently asks to you imagine for a moment what we tend to forget: how connected we are, how alike we are, and how urgently we all need a good friend and a good laugh. Each chapter, like a textbook, is followed by a list of "practical implications" - the author's gentle way of helping us normals see the connections, find what's important and remember that we are being taught...entertained, but also taught about a view on humanity and the world that was silent for decades, but now loud and clear and not to be missed. Hint: buy several copies at once, you'll want to ensure all your friends and family read it too.
5.0 out of 5 stars my most entertaining read since "Traveling Mercies", July 14, 2011 This review is from: Synergy (Paperback) It's been a while since I've read "Traveling Mercies" by Anne Lamont. Lots of books between then (1999) and now. Ms. Rentenbach's look at her own life is reminiscent of Lamont's revealing, self-deprecating humor that will have you chuckling and reflecting into the wee hours of the night. It is a rare glimpse into the mind of someone with autism. And even more rare, in Ms. Rentenbach's writing, we can find ourselves.5.0 out of 5 stars Totally Amazing!!, July 16, 2011 This review is from: Synergy (Paperback) I know this young woman very well ( I am "smother!) and I am obviously amazed and in awe of her progression.This book is for anyone who has a disabled relative, friend or aquaintance. It has tremendous insight and is wonderfully funny. Her wit is outstanding, you will laugh at her adventures even though I was frantic through many of them as any parent would be.She has developed into a fantastic woman through her own grit and determination. Her writing is certainly better than mine and her thoughts deeper from being an observer of human nature.It is a testament to what anyone can achieve no matter the hardships, being unable to talk is one of the worst handicaps ( along with the Autism) and Barb has triumped in this regard.Her goal of becoming a writer is well on its way!! I am very proud of her and look forward to her second book. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews Was this review helpful to you? Yes No 5.0 out of 5 stars You should read this book, July 15, 2011 This review is from: Synergy (Paperback) Barb is the most talented writer and philosopher of the 21st century. Synergy is her introduction. A declaration of self. And she is just getting warmed up! If you have someone in your life that is autistic...or if you have ever heard the word autism you need to immediately purchase this book. You owe it to yourself and humanity.
5.0 out of 5 stars Incredible, Insightful Journey Inspires All, July 18, 2011 This review is from: Synergy (Paperback) Ms. Rentenbach's book is one of the century's most insightful pieces of literature into the world of autism. Her incredible storytelling ability shines through while giving the reader cautious pause for laughter with the frank, but sincere, telling of her personal struggles, triumphs, and aspirations. This timeless masterpiece captures her beautiful essence as an author and human being who is so deeply compassionate to the world around her. I highly recommend Synergy to everyone, as Ms. Rentenbach's journey is sure to inpsire all that come across it.
Peggy's review Jun 11, 09
incredible glimpse into an autistic brain. barb is able to communicate what it's like to be autistic, and to describe the challenges she faces to be able to communicate with "normals". Her unique perspective really challenged my preconceived ideas of who she was, and her place in the world. barb is a very special soul. read it, it'll be good for everyone.
|
