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Fearlessly Different: An Autistic Actor's Journey to Broadway's Biggest Stage

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My name is Mickey Rowe. I am an actor, a theatre director, a father, and a husband. I am also a man with autism. You think those things don't go together? Let me show you that they do. Growing up, Mickey Rowe was told that he couldn't enter the mainstream world. He was iced out by classmates and colleagues, infantilized by well-meaning theatre directors, barred from even earning a minimum wage. Why? Because he is autistic. Fearlessly Different: An Autistic Actor's Journey to Broadway's Biggest Stage is Mickey Rowe's story of growing up autistic and pushing beyond the restrictions of a special education classroom to shine on Broadway. As an autistic and legally blind person, living in a society designed by and for non-disabled people, it was always made clear to Mickey the many things he was apparently incapable of doing. But Mickey did them all anyway--and he succeeded because of, not in spite of, his autism. He became the first autistic actor to play the lead role in the play The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, landed the title role in the play Amadeus, co-created the theatre/philanthropy company Arts on the Waterfront, and founded the National Disability Theatre. Mickey faced untold obstacles along the way, but his story ends in triumph. Many people feel they are locked out of the world of autism--that it's impossible to even begin to understand. In Fearlessly Different, Mickey guides readers to that world while also helping those with autism to feel seen and understood. And he shows all people--autistic and non-autistic alike--that the things that make us different are often our biggest strengths.

200 pages, Hardcover

Published March 15, 2022

30 people are currently reading
2252 people want to read

About the author

Mickey Rowe

1 book27 followers
Mickey Rowe (he/him) has had a prolific and varied career as an actor, director, consultant, and public speaker; now highly sought after both nationally and internationally. He was the first autistic actor to play Christopher Boone, the lead role in the Tony Award-winning play The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. He has also appeared as the title role in the Tony Award-winning play Amadeus and more. Mickey has been featured in the New York Times, New York Times Magazine, PBS, Vogue, Playbill, NPR, CNN, Wall Street Journal, HuffPost, Forbes, and has keynoted at organizations including the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, The Kennedy Center, Yale University, Columbia University, Disability Rights Washington, The Gershwin Theatre on Broadway, the DAC of the South Korean government, and more. Mickey was the founding Artistic Director of National Disability Theatre, which works in partnership with Tony Award-winning companies such as La Jolla Playhouse in San Diego and the Goodman Theatre in Chicago. He is the Author of Fearlessly Different - In bookstores everywhere March 2022. Mickey Rowe is in Seattle on the land of the Duwamish people past, present, and future.

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5 stars
158 (47%)
4 stars
121 (36%)
3 stars
45 (13%)
2 stars
8 (2%)
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4 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
Profile Image for Jacqueline Firkins.
Author 5 books378 followers
January 25, 2022
Part memoir, part manifesto, Fearlessly Different walks us through the trials and tribulations of Mickey Rowe's journey to overcome the prejudices embedded in our deeply ableist society as he navigates both personal and professional challenges to become a successful professional actor, a loving husband and father, and an empowering spokesperson for the disability community. The book is both informative and entertaining, and Rowe's passion comes through on every page. A moving and enjoyable read for anyone looking to further their insight into where our society is failing so many of its members, and how even the simplest acts of empathetic kindness can open up possibilities for positive change. As a long-term theatre practitioner, I'm grateful for Rowe's tenacious determination to change how our industry operates by improving support mechanisms, inclusion, and representation both on and off our stages.
Profile Image for Theresa.
8,188 reviews130 followers
February 16, 2022
Fearlessly Different: An Autistic Actor's Journey to Broadway's Biggest Stage (Hardcover)
by Mickey Rowe
I started reviewing the book as I listened to it. Different from my usual processes. It was not that I heard this as an auditory book but because his open process of story telling. This was for many reasons even before he asked to farther broad cast the book. First of all, I made an immediate connection to this story. I saw my students, and myself in his struggles. Next I saw his observations about disabilities in school, either accommodation or teachers not understanding as a reality I see every day. The simple fact that after high school disable students have a harder road. They lose their advocates when parents are removed from choices in colleges. I have noticed when my kids went to college how much parents sometimes disable kids their parents are the ones fighting for their accommodation. I wonder if high schools should teach them to self advocate with at touch legal means.
This is an amazing story of the personal struggle of a young boy over coming the many struggles in his world. He made up his own language, before grade school that he shared with his family. Over coming many physical problems including sight problems caused by his premature nature. He was unlabeled in school but this caused more problems than helped. He has so many personal insights, and so much human connection not only to acting. He was employed in the theater as a young child, from stilt walking, to non speaking performances. He went to college, and worked hard to graduate debt free. He was his own champion, he worked hard as a street performer. Showing problems with federal aid, and federal laws shows how limited society is on giving people with disabilities not only educational provisions, or even jobs. Disabled workers by law are not required to have a minimum wage, they are barely paid for their work in the even in large companies. He shows how police do not know how to interact with people of disabilities, 33 or 50 percent are killed, even more for black disabled people. Worked for the summer at Seattle children's theater, to open the way for disabled actors. He was an audience favorite, the actors did not understand the differences. He was only diagnosed with Autism as an adult. He became a disability advocate, looking into universal accommodation. Looking at the rules made for able person. Disable people have to request accommodation and hope they are given. He has hope that disability should be represented in media, plays and television. He is very open about his personal life and his struggles in his adult acting career.

I had to look him up https://mickeyrowe.com/.
Profile Image for Darius Murretti.
422 reviews65 followers
August 28, 2022
I believe we are all God (the supreme being) having a dream that we are many unique individuals and that the purpose of the ensuing drama is to awaken to our Godhood and oneness with all individuals.

It may appear that we can ignore the sufferings of others or even cause them to suffer and walk away unaffected but we have actually injured our own selves. Plus we have severed our feeling of oneness with them that course of action just makes us fall deeper asleep.
The deeper we fall onto the sleep of egocentricity the more loneliness and pain we feel. The more we think and act as if we are all one being in many different bodies and that what enhances the welfare of anyone we help enhances our own welfare the more we awaken to our God hood and oneness with all beings and the less loneliness and pain we feel and the more we begin to experience an elevation and expansion of consciousness which brings great joy , bliss and peace .

Society is like a machine and we are all its parts . For the machine to run smoothly we must see to the well being of all parts and injure no part.In another analogy -a human body have various vital organs. if one organ is ailing the whole body becomes restless . Autistic people and handicapped people play a very critical role in the smooth functioning of that machine--of the health of the "student" body .(We are all students here ) Therefore we need recognize and appreciate the vital role that autistic people with their clear focus have to play in the health of our student body

The way back to consciousness of our oneness is not to extinguish diversity of organs that make up the student body but to recognize the value of each organ and let it play its part while we play ours .We must be good "team players".

Unlike dumb animals humans can communicate their unique perspectives on issues and collectively solve problems that they could not solve alone . The more honestly and civilly we communicate on all issues including climate crisis the more our unique perspective merges into one . The autistic have a perspective that is needed in achieving and maintaining the health of our society

This much needed audiobook in the authors own beautiful , honest and civil voice most eloquently communicates a vital perspective needed to love , understand and work with each other towards a brighter future. Highly recommended .
Profile Image for Erica Lauer.
1 review
October 25, 2021
I read this book in one sitting- and I am autistic and have learning/processing delays- so it was unexpected for me to finally read a book and I can call a page-turner! It was so eye-opening and validating to hear a voice from an autistic author. Not only did I relate to so many of young Mickey's poignant stories from his childhood, I loved the education included in the text about Disability Pride and culture. I would highly recommend this memoire to not only autistic individuals and parents/teachers of children with autism/VI, but to any member of the Disabled community, or any person who has experienced social or environmental adversity. Being different is an awesome way to be- and its so refreshing to read about the lives of the people who are breaking right through the barriers ingrained into our society.
Profile Image for Lynn Reynolds.
Author 5 books59 followers
April 19, 2024
This is an awesome and inspiring biography/memoir, in which autistic actor Mickey Rowe recounts his relentless quest to play Christopher in Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime, a play about a young man who has autism. He has overcome so many hurdles, it was amazing to read.

If it were just an uplifting tale of overcoming hardship, it would be enough. But Mickey Rowe also turns out to be a fiercely outspoken disability rights advocate. His points about representation of people with disabilities in entertainment really shocked me and made me see this issue in a new light. As he points out, almost 50% of actors who win Oscars and Tonys win them for playing disabled people, and yet about 95% of those winning actors are not disabled. Why are we still doing this, when most people would be rightly appalled to see a white actor get an award for putting on blackface?

As the mom of a young man diagnosed on the autistic spectrum, and as someone who is pretty sure I’m on that spectrum too (although no one recognized it back when I was young, and still rarely recognizes it in women at all)—I just want to say thank you for writing this book, Mr Rowe.
Profile Image for John David Bull.
90 reviews2 followers
February 22, 2022
Mickey Rowe, shapes a variation on the reality in the life of the disabled. Mike unwraps the ways autism has been manufactured by non-profit partisans. You'll learn the joy, journeys, and struggles of being inherently unique. The book has strong narration by Rowe and you will recognize quickly how intelligent he is. He shines a light on how the world needs to understand the benefits of universal design. A great book all-around.

“People want so desperately to fit in that they forget what makes them stand out. Be loud. Take up space. Our differences are our strengths.”

Than you to Mickey/NetGalley/Roman&Littlefield for the ARC. 2/22/22
Profile Image for Donna.
106 reviews
May 7, 2022
I learned so much from this title about the disability experience and about autism through the author’s unique journey. I’m looking forward to recommending this title to students,both those who are able-bodied and neurotypical, to help them develop empathy, as well as autistic and/or disabled students, to inspire and prepare them for life after graduation.
Profile Image for Renee Lute.
Author 9 books29 followers
June 23, 2022
This memoir is beautifully written, and I’ll recommend it to any parent of an autistic child who is seeking answers to questions in general, and to those seeking answers to the questions “how do I support my child?” and “how do I support the autism community?” Mickey writes with humor and honesty, and provides incredibly valuable insight.
Profile Image for Ananda Harris.
32 reviews2 followers
April 4, 2024
This book was so authentic. The novel provides great insight and a lesson in empathy.
Profile Image for Dani Blanchette.
33 reviews1 follower
June 28, 2022
This was an accidental read because it was linked to a different audiobook by mistake. But honestly the happiest mistake. I learned so much and really loved his story of his life. It was sad but empowering and I’ve already recommended it as a must read to a couple people and think it would be a great addition to any classroom library
Profile Image for Livia.
181 reviews23 followers
August 10, 2022
This book is so incredibly special to me as an autistic person who also grew up as a theatre performer! This book is everything I’ve been looking for in a book to share with others about an actually autistic experience to learn from. Not only is Mickey full of heart and passion, his voice sings of radical love and calls for every reader, autistic or not, to embrace their differences! It’s a short read, but a really important one. I would like to note that I didn’t finish the last chapter of this book as I found it literally triggering. This book’s audience is both autistic people and non-autistic people, so sometimes it can be overly heavy on the dark realities, which isn’t always great for our mental health, even if it’s important. I guess I’d just have liked to hear more of his story and less of a point having to be made over and over. I loved that, but at the same time, it’s scope was sometimes too big to give the emotional moments focus. Still, this book has a strong voice and message to share, would definitely recommend, especially to those in theatre.

Content Notes: ableism, domestic abuse, child abuse, physical abuse, emotional/psychological abuse, mental illness, neglect, abandonment, bullying, loneliness, manipulation and gaslighting, mentions of filicide
Profile Image for Bea Mienik.
10 reviews1 follower
July 28, 2022
Absolutely wonderful read. Rowe’s outlook on life gave me hope. I wish I could read it again for the first time!
Profile Image for Lizanne Johnson.
1,510 reviews28 followers
July 10, 2022
This excellent audiobook will open your eyes to growing up and adulting with autism. Mickey Rowe’s voice as an author and narrator of the audiobook is nuanced and perfectly paced. I’d look for him in any Broadway show. His advocacy for disabled people’s rights is inspiring. I will definitely be sharing this title with my educator friends, my book club, and actually anyone who reads. After this book and recently reading Being Heumann by Judith Neumann and earlier this year Real by Carol Cujec and Peyton Goddard, I feel that the canon of books about people with handicaps is growing in good ways. We still have a long way to go to ensure that all people have equal rights.
Profile Image for Jess.
60 reviews
March 21, 2022
An absolute must-read. Longer review to come!
Profile Image for Sabrina Smith.
1 review
April 25, 2022
Beautifully written. Interesting. Funny. Sad. Moving. Heartwarming. Understanding. Real. A wonderful read for anyone and everyone.
31 reviews
May 7, 2022
Amazing story of determination and resilience in a young man with Autism. Opened my eyes to the real struggles of persons with disabilities. In his own words, “Our differences are our strengths!”
Profile Image for Jacqueline McLean.
126 reviews1 follower
August 7, 2022
“People are scared of different.”
“Our differences are our strengths”

I adored this book! Thank you to the author for sharing his story and for a publisher for giving this autistic voice the opportunity to share.
Profile Image for Jeannine.
574 reviews31 followers
April 3, 2022
I found this very informative. I did feel like the last 1/3 of the book was a little wordy and got off the rails a tad, and that dropped it from a 4 to a 3 star for me. But three stars does not mean this book isn’t worth the time to read or isn’t valuable. It is.
Profile Image for Barbara Schultz.
4,046 reviews293 followers
February 14, 2022
4 +
I went into this without any big expectations. I did love Christopher John Francis Boone in Mark Haddon’s The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time. But it was so much more!
The subtitle of this is An Autistic Actor’s Journey to Broadway’s Biggest Stage
This story is an eye opener to many. As a high school Guidance Counselor I have had several students who are autistic. My students were all incredibly bright and had no problem in an academic setting however totally had difficulties fitting in social settings.

This is a WOW read, informative, humorous, inspirational and emotional. ~ Try to read chapter 14 without crying!
My only fear is that this story is that it won’t reach the people who need to read it. Perhaps Jenna or Reese can get folks to read this!

Want to thank NetGalley and RB Media for this audio eGalley. This file has been made available to me before publication in an early form for an honest professional review.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for March 15, 2022.
Profile Image for Christina Mitnik.
103 reviews1 follower
July 16, 2023
Mickey Rowe is such a fantastic writer. It is no secret to anyone who knows me that I love memoirs. But this one stands above the rest for me. As an autism mom and special education teacher, I learned so much from reading about Mickey's perspective of his childhood, education, and young adulthood. We do live in an ablist society, and I truly believe that most of us are doing the best that we can. But we can do better. I have a lot of faith in this next generation. I think they are going to teach us all to move mountains.
Profile Image for Victoria Keesee.
172 reviews
April 5, 2022
I was overjoyed to hear this book was in the works and even more overjoyed to have the honor of purchasing it on its release day. I thoroughly enjoyed Rowe’s storytelling and vulnerability. His story is unlike anyones and that is what makes it so beautiful; he is pushing for everyone to be fearlessly different, and he shows us all just how that can look. This book was both informative and moving. I would suggest to any and everyone!
Profile Image for OjoAusana.
2,265 reviews
June 6, 2022
*received for free from netgalley for honest review* Loved this book! it's great to connect to the author on so many levels and reading this book made me notice all sorts of stuff i do that i did'nt even notice i did!! great read.
Profile Image for Bailey Kelis.
27 reviews1 follower
August 7, 2023
As an autistic actor myself, who is only just beginning their post-diagnosis journey, it’s comforting to hear from another one of our community. It also hurts to get a more personal account of the discrimination that still runs rampant in the theatre world.
Profile Image for Emily F..
298 reviews8 followers
Want to read
July 2, 2021
My friend wrote a book!!! I've pre-ordered it and can't wait to read it - go Mickey!!!!
Profile Image for Jennifer C. .
194 reviews16 followers
March 13, 2022
Thanks so much to the author for the gifted advanced e-copy of this book in exchange for my honest thoughts. All opinions are entirely my own. { partner } All of my reviews can also be found on Instagram @Tackling_TBR and on my blog at tacklingtbr.home.blog

TW: in-depth discussion of ableism, discussion of sexism/racism, statistics related to death/murder, physical/mental abuse of children by family, police violence, postpartum depression, bullying

I always want to start off reviews for biographies and memoirs and the like by saying that I don't necessarily like rating them because the stories in them are so personal to the author, and just because I might not see myself in it or relate to it doesn't mean that someone else won't. That being said, this was an easy 5 stars for me.

This book. I read this book once when I first received the galley at the end of 2021, and then just reread it again in order to write a review for the publication date, and I found myself flying through it both times. And while I am good friends with the author, and am so freaking proud of my friend for this thing that he has created, I don't think that that is the reason I was able to read through this so quickly both times. Sometimes I struggle with nonfiction and memoirs because they can tend to lean into statistics and be a bit dry, but not this one.

Even the parts of this book that do lean more factual with statistics and mentions of news stories felt narrative, and that's all thanks to the way Mickey wrote them. Instead of feeling like a text book or a school lecture during these parts, it really did feel like chatting with a friend about these issues. And that's how the whole book felt. I really believe that anyone picking up this book, even if they have never heard of Mickey Rowe before that moment, could feel like they really know and connect with him by the end of the story. And to be able to say that and that you learned something from the same book is really special, I think.

Obviously, looking at the trigger warnings at the beginning of this review, there are a couple of parts that can be a little bit difficult to read just because of the content that is being discussed. But I think that it is absolutely worth pushing through those parts if you're able to, because they are so important. So much of our communities are facing these same issues every single day that Mickey is talking about in Fearlessly Different. It would be easier if we could think that these are isolated incidents, but they aren't. So I think that this book is really important as a tool to really make those experiences visible to those of us that aren't experiencing them.

I would recommend anyone read this book. Whether they are autistic or neurotypical or somewhere in between, I think that this is a story and a point of view that we don't see nearly enough of coming from the people whose stories they are. And hey, I read an electronic version, but if you are a fan of audiobooks I would recommend it for this book as well. Mickey reads his story for the audiobook, and I can only imagine the way he is able to bring everything to life through that medium. I think the best way to read or listen to this book would be on a slow Sunday morning with a cup of tea, while you are able to really take in the information in a calm and comfortable setting.
Profile Image for Margaret.
2 reviews
January 22, 2024
A necessary read for all people, especially educators and anyone in charge of job recruiting and hiring.
1 review
February 5, 2023
Opened up my eyes to so many new things. This book has changed me and I love it for doing so.
Profile Image for Zoë Lillis.
72 reviews1 follower
December 18, 2023
One of the most special books I have read in a long time. Mickey Rowe has a way of inviting you into his journey in a way that is vulnerable, beautiful, and most importantly brave. I learned a lot reading this book, but I also had a fantastic time reading it. Rowe has a storytelling gift that is rare — I cannot recommend this book highly enough to anyone who is considering reading it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews

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