Raising Cubby
A Father and Son's Adventures with Asperger's, Trains, Tractors, and High Explosives
By John Elder Robison | Publisher: Crown
About the book
The slyly funny, sweetly moving memoir of an unconventional dad’s relationship with his equally offbeat son—complete with fast cars, tall tales, homemade explosives, and a whole lot of fun and trouble
John Robison was not your typical dad. Diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome at the age of forty, he approached fatherhood as a series of logic puzzles and practical jokes. Instead of a speech about the birds and the bees, he told his son, Cubby, that he'd bought him at the Kid Store—and that the salesman had cheated him by promising Cubby would “do all chores.” While other parents played catch with their kids, John taught Cubby to drive the family's antique Rolls-Royce. Still, Cubby seemed to be turning out pretty well, at least until school authorities decided that he was dumb and stubborn—the very same thing John had been told as a child. Did Cubby have Asperger’s too? The answer was unclear.
One thing was clear, though: By the time he turned seventeen, Cubby had become a brilliant and curious chemist—smart enough to make military-grade explosives and bring federal agents calling. With Cubby facing a felony trial—and up to sixty years in prison—both father and son were forced to take stock of their lives, finally accepting that being “on the spectrum” is both a challenge and a unique gift.
Editions of Raising Cubby
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780307884848
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780385670364
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780307884855
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780385670388
- EBook
- ISBN 9780307884862
- EBook
- ISBN 9780385670371
- AudioStreaming
- ISBN 9780307881366
- AudioStreaming
- ISBN 9780307881380
- AudioDisc
- ISBN 9780307881373
- AudioDisc
- ISBN 9780307881359
Read an Excerpt
The slyly funny, sweetly moving memoir of an unconventional dad’s relationship with his equally offbeat son—complete with fast cars, tall tales, homemade explosives, and a whole lot of fun and trouble
John Robison was not your typical dad. Diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome at the age of forty, he approached fatherhood as a series of logic puzzles and practical jokes. Instead of a speech about the birds and the bees, he told his son, Cubby, that he'd bought him at the Kid Store—and that the salesman had cheated him by promising Cubby would “do all chores.” While other parents played catch with their kids, John taught Cubby to drive the family's antique Rolls-Royce. Still, Cubby seemed to be turning out pretty well, at least until school authorities decided that he was dumb and stubborn—the very same thing John had been told as a child. Did Cubby have Asperger’s too? The answer was unclear.
One thing was clear, though: By the time he turned seventeen, Cubby had become a brilliant and curious chemist—smart enough to make military-grade explosives and bring federal agents calling. With Cubby facing a felony trial—and up to sixty years in prison—both father and son were forced to take stock of their lives, finally accepting that being “on the spectrum” is both a challenge and a unique gift.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Raising Cubby about?
The slyly funny, sweetly moving memoir of an unconventional dad’s relationship with his equally offbeat son—complete with fast cars, tall tales, homemade explosives, and a whole lot of fun and trouble
John Robison was not your typical dad. Diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome at the age of forty, he approached fatherhood as a series of logic puzzles and practical jokes. Instead of a speech about the birds and the bees, he told his son, Cubby, that he'd bought him at the Kid Store—and that the salesman had cheated him by promising Cubby would “do all chores.” While other parents played catch with their kids, John taught Cubby to drive the family's antique Rolls-Royce. Still, Cubby seemed to be turning out pretty well, at least until school authorities decided that he was dumb and stubborn—the very same thing John had been told as a child. Did Cubby have Asperger’s too? The answer was unclear.
One thing was clear, though: By the time he turned seventeen, Cubby had become a brilliant and curious chemist—smart enough to make military-grade explosives and bring federal agents calling. With Cubby facing a felony trial—and up to sixty years in prison—both father and son were forced to take stock of their lives, finally accepting that being “on the spectrum” is both a challenge and a unique gift.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Raising Cubby?
Biography, Literature and Literary studies > Biography and non-fiction prose > Memoirs
Where can I read a sample of Raising Cubby?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780307884848
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Raising Cubby?
John Elder Robison
Who is the Publisher of the book Raising Cubby?
Crown
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Raising Cubby is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780307884848) and hardcover(ISBN 9780385670364) and paperback(ISBN 9780307884855) and paperback(ISBN 9780385670388) and ebook(ISBN 9780307884862) and ebook(ISBN 9780385670371) and audiostreaming(ISBN 9780307881366) and audiostreaming(ISBN 9780307881380) and audiodisc(ISBN 9780307881373) and audiodisc(ISBN 9780307881359)
Where can I buy Raising Cubby online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Raising Cubby from below
Where can I buy Raising Cubby?