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Why Can't I Just Enjoy Things?

A Comedian's Guide to Autism

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Why Can't I Just Enjoy Things?

By: Pierre Novellie
Narrated by: Pierre Novellie
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*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. Children's Health Mental Health Neurodiversity Performing Arts Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Relationships Autism Funny Comedy Witty Thought-Provoking Inspiring Celebrity
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Lots of smiles, laughter, and head nodding as I recognised my autistic friends and relatives in several ways. Affirming and normalising. A great step towards understanding and acceptance for everyone, whether allistic, autistic, or unsure.

Very enlightening

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I myself have been diagnosed quite late at the age of 32( but with the "classic autism" according to the old DSM), so I listened to this book to hear how the author experienced that and how he dealt with it. While listening I found so much I recognised in this book, for example about the masking, and the very much not masking after the diagnosis. But there where also things that I never considered that where also part of Autism like the autistic burnout, so I even learned from this book.

Recognition and new insights!

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A fantastic exploration of the subject. I’m not autistic so it corrected a number of misunderstandings and broadened my knowledge in an entertaining and engaging way. Novellie’s positive attitude to life is something we can all learn from. His honesty is refreshing and his use of examples and anecdotes makes the subject relatable and non-threatening.

Brilliant - Highly Recommend

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Novellie is great stand up, and now he’s written one of the best new books about autism out there. Highly recommended

A fascinating and funny look at autism

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intelligently humouring, non patronising, perfect information for adults who have just realised their autistic traits .

First book to start with on autism for adults

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