Book excerpt: A funny, warm-hearted and engaging story. BlueInk Review ????? A really fun book to read. Jackie Timmons, Readers Favorite Life is pretty bad when youre jealous of an old mutt and an autistic brother, Benjamin thinks to himself. If only he knew how to talk to girls, he could achieve both his goals: get a reasonably hot looking girlfriend and thus, get respect from his wrestling teammates. But communication doesnt come easy in the McDowell family. Bens mother has better conversations with Rosie the dog than she does with him. His older brother, Johnny can only communicate by singing Beatles songs. His younger tattletale sister Elizabeth has her own problems dealing with the gossipy dance team. Bens father, meanwhile, keeps his wishes for Ben short and to the point: make top grades and be a champion wrestler. Through his love of reading, Ben meets Emily and life takes a happy turn until circumstances beyond their control intervene. How Ben learns to deal with his family dramas, a school bully and most of all, with his own insecurities.