Unmasking is for Everyone

+ 2024 Favorite Book List

My favorite books of 2024

I reached my goal of 52 books again this year - yay!¹ Some data, if you’re curious: I read 17 non-fiction books, 4 written by men, at least 8 by queer/LGBTQIA+ authors, and only 4 written by Black authors. Unsurprisingly, 9 books were on the topic of neurodiversity. I’m sad that no indigenous authors (as far as I know) made it onto my list; English, Scottish, and Irish authors were well represented with 13 books. I’m surprised I only listen to 10 as audiobooks. 6 books made the list because I read them together with my children.

My 10 favorite books:

1. Another Word for Love by Carvell Wallace

2. Strong Female Character by Fern Brady

3. Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan

4. The Vaster Wilds by Lauren Groff

5. Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe

6. Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano

7. A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara

8. Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann

9. Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman

10. Heartstopper Volume 5 by Alice Oseman

What book should I add to my reading list for 2025?

Let me know in the comments!

me in my happy place.

---

Unmasking is for Everyone

As we’re approaching the end of the year, I want to leave you with this idea from Devon Price’s book Unmasking Autism: Unmasking is for Everyone.

In my newsletter here, I sometimes talk specifically to my ADHD people (hi!), sometimes I share from an AuDHD lens, and sometimes I address those of you who are neurotypical, otherwise neurodivergent, exploring your neurodivergent identity, neuroqueering, or really just not thinking about your neurotype that much.

Who is my audience?, I sometimes ask myself when I feel doubtful about what I’m doing here. And when I think about it, deep down, it’s all of you and all of us.

Devon Price says:

Coming into a neurodiverse identity can prompt you to reexamine your entire life, and all your old values, allowing you to build something slower, more peaceful, and more beautiful.

For many late realized neurodivergent people (including myself), it is a moment of taking a step back, questioning ideas about ourselves, our bodyminds, our experiences, relationships, beliefs, values, and identities.

I want this for all of us.

You don’t need to wait for a pivotal moment of realizing you’re neurodivergent to pause and look at the world from a different lens.

Devon Price closes his book Unmasking Autism with these lines (emphasis is mine):

I know so many Autistic people for whom their diagnosis or self-realization was a clarifying and affirming moment. After the initial shock and shame passes, coming into a neurodiverse identity can prompt you to reexamine your entire life, and all your old values, allowing you to build something slower, more peaceful, and more beautiful. But it's not only Autistics who benefit from embracing neurodiversity in that way. We all deserve to take a step back and ask whether our lives line up with our values, whether the work we do and the face we show to others reflects our genuine self, and if not, what we might want to change.

When we accept individuals as they are, instead of warring with their unique needs and challenges, life can move at a more relaxed, accepting pace. A world that allows all Autistics to safely unmask is a world where anyone with strange interests, passionate emotions, environmental sensitivities, social quirks, or other differences is still seen as worthy and whole. Creating that world will require a lot of tireless political work as well as Autistic self-advocacy. But for the neurodivergent and neurotypical alike, it will be worth it.

---

You deserve to take a step back and ask whether your life lines up with your values, whether the work you do and the face you show to others reflects your genuine self, and if not, what you might want to change.

〰️

When we know who we are and what we want and we show ourselves to the world, unapologetically imperfect, we can stand tall, firmly grounded. It’s like mountain pose. You feel each corner of your feet touching the ground, the energy is flowing. You can’t help but take a deep breath; in and out. Your shoulders relax, your heart is open.

From that place, we can see—truly see—each other and build connection; We recognize that we are not alone. It’s empowering; we take charge, not control, and the possibilities for the future we can create are endless.

I can’t begin to imagine what can happen when we all start listening to what’s truly important to us and we find the courage to go after it.

〰️

If this sounds exciting to you; I can be your guide.

A 6 month coaching program can be the space for you to take a step back, to find direction by clarifying what you want, to line up your life with your values, and to take action and transform your life, one step at a time.

A client recently called coaching with me an “enlightening experience.” (I know!)

If you’re curious, let’s chat. I promise, no sales pitch, no “reeling you in”; just a conversation.

I am here for you whenever you’re ready.

---

Find the Right Coach for You

Join me for a workshop on January 7th, 2025 :

• Understand what you kind of support you need / want

• Learn where you could start looking for a coach

• Identify "interview" questions to ask a potential coach

• What is a "discovery call"?

• Q&A

---

And finally, to all of you dear readers: thank you for being here. I appreciate each and every one of you so much and while time is a construct, I nevertheless wish you a joyful and fulfilling new year. Or, as we say in German: Guten Rutsch!

Until next year!

Take care,
Hanna

1. With the help of several short stories and graphic novels toward the end…