"Arday's cinematic story from being nonverbal to becoming one of the youngest professors ever at Cambridge makes you believe in the transformative power of grit and the magic of a mother's love. A most inspiring book."—Chris Gardner, New York Times bestselling author of The Pursuit of Happyness

“As the mother of a child on the spectrum, I was reminded once again that there is nothing more fierce than a parent’s determination to see her child get the services and attention he deserves; nothing more inspiring than a stranger with nothing to gain who asks How can I help? and nothing more empowering than intervention combined with positivity, love, and grit. Read this book and prepare to be inspired.” —Holly Robinson Peete, actress, autism advocate, and author of Same but Different: Teen Life on the Autism Express

"Some lives are changed by talent. Others are changed by love that refuses to let go. In Great and Unfortunate Things, Jason Arday tells a story of resilience, dignity, and the extraordinary power of those who hold steady for us when we cannot yet hold steady for ourselves. This is a beautiful and unforgettable book." —Steve Pemberton, USA Today best-selling author of A Chance in the World

“This is a remarkable portrait of an astonishing life. Great and Unfortunate Things takes us on a spectacular journey of trial and transformation, offering crucial insight into the realities of neurodivergence, told by an author who changed the shape of his life through sheer will. Above all, this memoir is a poignant tribute to fearless mothers like Arday’s, whose love, education, and unshakable belief in their children will always make mountains move.” —Safiya Sinclair, international bestselling author of How to Say Babylon 

"I love a good story!  Arday's story is as riveting and moving as they come. Jason's efforts to overcome obstacles presented by his neurodivergence are movingly matched only by his mother's extraordinary efforts to work with his differences not against them, to see the humanity where others chose to see an inky diagnosis."  — Michelle Miller, New York Times bestselling author of Belonging: A Daughter's Search for Identity Through Loss and Love