A Review of Lauren Casper’s “It’s Okay About It”

More Than Just Okay

I’m kind of gobsmacked about this book, and I don’t know where to even begin. I suppose I could start by saying that I’m not in the target demographic. This book is for mamas. But it’s a touching and sweet ode to the author’s adopted five-year-old son. Even though I couldn’t really relate, I could relate. I guess some concepts behind parenting are universal. So this is a book of collected sayings from the author’s son, who happens to have autism. My heart really goes out to Ms. Casper — not only is she infertile, but had the double-whammy of having a special needs child when she finally could adopt.

However, it turns out that her son, Mareto, has a habit of turning phrases inside and out. So instead of “You’re hurting my feelings” you get “You’re making me feelings”. Or “My batteries is all gone.” Or, pulling from his love of Thomas the Tank Engine, “Watch out for Diesel 10!” From these sayings, the author is able to weave a story that’s partially memoir, and uses them to buttress some life learnings.

If there’s one thing I can say having read this book, Mareto may not be Lauren Casper’s biological son, but she loves him like she would her own child. (Which is not to say that Mareto isn’t her own child … but, anyhow). Love gushes in ooey-gooey gumdrops throughout this read, so you can be rest assured that no matter how bad your day has been, this book will put you in a right and proper good mood.

And, yes, Casper is an evangelical Christian, which would normally send my red flags flying, but I can tell that she doesn’t use religion to hurt other people — quite the opposite. Her spiritual life comes across in the book as “this is who I am and what I believe in, but I’m not out to convince anybody.” Which is a very good thing, because, let’s face it, Casper’s message of mother love is a pretty universal one without theology getting in the way.

It’s really hard to write about this book, because the second that you start to say anything, you could be verging into spoiler territory. Suffice to say, the themes are separated by chapter, and Casper’s life story isn’t told in anything resembling a straightforward narrative. These chapters almost read like separate blog entries. Still, the book is remarkably easy to read and it holds your attention. (I’ll be the first to admit that sometimes, when I read, I start thinking about my grocery list or some such thing … but not with this book.)

So, it’s suffice to say that I adored It’s Okay About It. I thought it was cute, but not in a fluffy kind of way. There are some tales of tears and heartbreak in this book, but the end feeling is one of redemption. If I haven’t said this before, the overarching theme is one of love. And that’s what Jesus would have probably liked to have seen. I’m filled with joy that Casper can transcend not only boundaries of race, but mental disorders (is it fair to call autism that?) and if you know anything about me personally, you’ll know why I can fully, completely get behind that kind of message.

What’s more, I get the sense that Casper wouldn’t change a thing about her son for the world, and, with this book, does a great deal for bringing awareness of autism and that it isn’t some terrible thing that needs to be cured. True, she lucked out by getting a son who doesn’t have severe temper issues, and his autism seems to be limited mostly to matters of speech. But what’s great about writing about him is that you can see how humanity can be magnified through this special little person. If colours are sometimes too bright and there’s too much activity going on in the background, even the most temperate of adults can find their frustration level pretty quickly.

In any event, I implore you to read this book. I shove it into your hands. It’s a great little read, one that I read during a case of severe lethargy, and reading it always gave me a little boost. Part of me wishes that I were a part of the Casper family, because — even though the author freely admits she’s not a perfect person — there is such tremendous love in her family and home life.

This is a book abound with joy, with love, with grace, with cheese and crackers (you’ll know what I’m talking about when you get there). This is as pretty close to perfect with a book that one gets in the Christian book circles. It’s an easy, breezy read, and it will teach you that kids may say more than the darnedest things. What they have to say may be instructive and come as a blessing, which is all the more reason to listen to them.

As you can surmise, I can’t get enough of It’s Okay About It. It may not be for everyone — it is, after all, a little light on theology — but for those who want to know more about the inner workings of a beautiful mind touched by autism, this is a good read worth checking out. It’s a breathtaking, astonishing and heart-breaking beautiful book. I couldn’t get my fill of this. If you’re anything like me, you’ll enjoy the life advice from someone so young. Get this one into the hands of your mothers, and I’m sure they weep with joy over the glad tidings this book brings. “Christmas is ruined?” Hardly. This one’s a keeper.

Lauren Casper’s It’s Okay About It: Lessons from a Remarkable Five-Year-Old About Living Life Wide Open was published by Thomas Nelson on May 2, 2017.

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