WA Recommends: The Girl Who Spoke with Pictures

I recently wrote an article about the book The Girl Who Spoke with Pictures: Autism Through Art for LoveToKnow. Researching the text inspired me to read the book and the experience was remarkable. I recommend this book as the parent of an autistic child and as a writer.

As I read the book, I began to see the craft of writing differently, especially as a mode of conveying “slice of life” experiences through fiction. The suggestion, show, don’t tell in writing is one that is quite familiar among writers. The book helped me realize how complex the relationship between sensory experience and language is. It also has given me insight into the significant differences between language and communication.

The Girl Who Spoke with Pictures is written by Eileen Miller, who weaves an intricate portrayal of communication in its most fundamental components. This portrayal is enriched with a  magnificent collection of artwork created by her daughter, Kim. The text serves as a fascinating story and as a valuable tool for learning about perspective and experience.

Writers strive to covey experiences, emotions and sensations that are typically beyond words. Ironically, this writer has found deeper insight into the craft of writing through an inspiring story of a beautiful young woman who speaks with pictures. I feel enriched as a writer, an artist and as a mother.

More information about Kim and Eileen Miller is available on their website, The Girl Who Spoke with Pictures.