Joe Nuthin's Guide to Life - by Helen Fisher (Paperback)

About the Book

"Joe-Nathan likes the two parts of his name separate, just like his dinner and dessert. Mean Charlie at work sometimes calls him Joe-Nuthin. But Joe is far from nothing. Joe is a good friend, he's good at his job, good at making things and good at following the rules, and he's learning how to do lots of things by himself. Joe's mother knows there are a million things in life he isn't prepared for. While she helps guide him every day, she's also writing notebooks full of advice about the things she hasn't told Joe yet, things he might forget and answers to questions he hasn't yet asked. Following her wisdom, applying it in his own unique way, this next part of Joe's life is more of a surprise than he expects. Because he's about to learn that remarkable things can happen when you leave your comfort zone, and that you can do even the hardest things with a little help from your friends"--

Book Synopsis

A thoroughly uplifting novel about a neurodivergent young man who unexpectedly builds a community and saves a friend in need by following--in a way only he can--his mother's words of wisdom.

Joe-Nathan likes the two parts of his name separate, just like dinner and dessert. Mean Charlie at work sometimes calls him Joe-Nuthin. But Joe is far from nothing. Joe is a good friend, good at his job, good at making things and at following rules, and he is learning how to do lots of things by himself.

Joe's mother knows there are a million things he isn't yet prepared for. While she helps to guide him every day, she is also writing notebooks of advice for Joe, of all the things she hasn't yet told him about life and things he might forget.

By following her advice, Joe's life is about to be more of a surprise than he expects. Because he's about to learn that remarkable things can happen when you leave your comfort zone, and that you can do even the hardest things with a little help from your friends.

Review Quotes

"Fisher portrays Joe with tenderness and grace, highlighting his genuine challenges, frustrations, and sparks of joy... Fisher's latest is an utter delight."-- "Booklist"

A moving tale of a life led differently which, while full of gentle understanding, doesn't shy away from tragedy and violence.-- "Daily Mail"

'Fisher writes with a clarity that makes the empathy, compassion and humour of this novel unputdownable.'-- "My Weekly"

'The perfect wholesome read to snuggle up with a cup of tea and a plate of biscuits - you'll feel warm right through.'-- "Chat"

'You can do anything with a little help from friends...'-- "Take a Break"

'A gorgeous, big-hearted story about friendship, resilience and learning to value others for who they really are' --Caroline Day, author of Hope Nicely's Lessons for Life

'An entertaining and life-affirming story with a charm all of its own. Told in a clear, authentic voice and woven with gems of wisdom, it pulls you in and has you rooting for the characters throughout. A real joy to read.'--Hazel Prior, author of Away with the Penguins

'Extraordinary. Melted my heart'' --Heidi Swain, bestselling author of The Winter Garden

'Prepare to have your cockles warmed by this adorable book about 23-year-old Joe, who unexpectedly finds himself out of his comfort zone... His unique, charming voice makes this a joy to read' -- "Good Housekeeping"

'Sensitive, wise and funny, this beautiful book is filled with heart and delivered in a unique and incredibly endearing voice. I laughed, I cried and I fell completely in love with the absolute treasure of Joe Nuthin' --Julietta Henderson, author of The Funny Thing about Norman Foreman

About the Author

Helen Fisher spent her early life in America but grew up mainly in Suffolk, England, where she now lives with her two children. She studied psychology at the University of Westminster and ergonomics at University College London and worked as a senior evaluator in research at the Royal National Institute of Blind People. She is the author of Faye, Faraway.