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  • The Journal of Best Practices

  • A Memoir of Marriage, Asperger Syndrome, and One Man's Quest to Be a Better Husband
  • Written by: David Finch
  • Narrated by: David Finch
  • Length: 6 hrs and 57 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (20 ratings)

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The Journal of Best Practices

Written by: David Finch
Narrated by: David Finch
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Publisher's Summary

At some point in nearly every marriage, a wife finds herself asking, "What is wrong with my husband?!" In David Finch's case, this turns out to be an apt question. Five years after he married Kristen, the love of his life, they learn that he has Asperger syndrome. The diagnosis explains David's ever-growing list of quirks and compulsions, his lifelong propensity to quack and otherwise melt down in social exchanges, and his clinical strength inflexibility. But it doesn't make him any easier to live with.

Determined to change, David sets out to understand Asperger syndrome and learn to be a better husband - no easy task for a guy whose inability to express himself rivals his two-year-old daughter's, who thinks his responsibility for laundry extends no further than throwing things in (or at) the hamper, and whose autism spectrum condition makes seeing his wife's point of view a near impossibility.

Nevertheless, David devotes himself to improving his marriage with an endearing, yet hilarious, zeal that involves excessive note-taking, performance reviews, and most of all, The Journal of Best Practices: a collection of hundreds of maxims and hard-won epiphanies that result from self-reflection, both comic and painful. They include "Don't change the radio station when she's singing along", "Apologies do not count when you shout them", and "Be her friend, first and always". Guided by The Journal of Best Practices, David transforms himself over the course of two years from the world's most trying husband to the husband who tries the hardest - the husband he'd always meant to be.

Filled with humor and surprising wisdom, The Journal of Best Practices is a candid story of ruthless self-improvement, a unique window into living with an autism spectrum condition, and proof that a true heart can conquer all.

©2012 David Finch (P)2012 Tantor

What listeners say about The Journal of Best Practices

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Great adult overview of HF Autism

An enjoyable listen giving insight to the adult world of high functioning autism (formerly Asperger’s) in marriage and parenting. I found it also provides hope for adjusting ones ‘quirks’ to live a happy fulfilling life.

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Wonderfully helpful!

This is a beautifully honest story. It helped me very much in the beginning of my husband's and my journey in discovering his Asperger's. It gave me a sense of relief, made me laugh and provided a start in our direction of moving forward together. Thank you David!

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Missed a great opportunity

I was eagerly awaiting reading this book at started it with gusto. I barely got half way through and had to finally get rid of it. While the story itself was entertaining and applicable, the excessive use of course language and vulgar topics turned me off completely. I do hope that the author updates that before running a reprint. It totally ruined it for me.

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So amusing and instructive at the same time

I found that David had a unique way to help me understand more deeply my boyfriend‘s syndrome and behaviour and helped me to know what to expect for the future while being fun to listen to. I would've loved listening to David for hours. For sure I will listen to this book again but with my boyfriend by my side this time. It will be a great tool for him as much as it is one for me. Thank you so much David for opening this world for us. 🙏

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completed in one sitting.

David, I relate to your story at every turn. Amazing book, A++++++
This first hand experience of life on the spectrum is truly one of no fiction, and from just an honest and open person. fantastic work.

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great listen!

Hit close to home and felt validating. a great look into the mind of someone on the spectrum.

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The gift of a daring confession

To admit one's mistakes takes a big man, they say. Mister Finch goes beyond admitting them and mounts a campaign to correct them that is both noble on his part and cathartic for the reader. I thank him for sharing so openly with just the right amount of humour. I encourage anyone in a neurologically mixed relationship to read this insightful diary.

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