In Doug Osborne’s candid autobiographical memoir, readers are drawn into the throes of an unexpected conflict borne out of an abrupt ultimatum issued by his landlord: purchase your current dwelling or relinquish it. This unforeseen predicament throws a wrench into Osborne’s aspirations: landing his dream job and transitioning away from disability benefits. Nevertheless, the landlord’s antagonistic role underscores an encouraging saga of tenacity and resilience.

Osborne, wrestling with anxiety, depression, and the challenges associated with autism and ADHD, confronts life’s adversities without a hint of reluctance. Why? The answer is in the title itself: Doug Osborne Does Not Quit. While teeming with humor and an uplifting spirit, this memoir had me shedding tears throughout my reading journey. As a reader with a disability, I found Osborne’s frank portrayal of his continual tribulations with his landlord a reflective mirror of my own experiences.

It was a breath of fresh air to encounter a narrative that presents neurodivergent individuals actively engaging in life instead of being sequestered within their communities, a common theme in many YA novels. Osborne’s recounting of his vexing ordeal stirred deep empathy within me, knowing all too well the emotional toll such a situation can have. Yet, despite its emotional intensity, the memoir’s melancholy is beautifully counterbalanced by the fervor with which Osborne relates his story.

Osborne’s straightforward narrative style imbues the memoir with a sense of intimacy and conversational ease. Rather than courting his readers’ admiration with excessive witticisms or theatricality, Osborne recounts his experiences with an honest, unadorned approach. Despite its brevity, the memoir is brimming with poignant content and profound insights.

Doug Osborne Does Not Quit will retain a permanent spot on my bookshelf, a testament to the adversities we can triumph over. This memoir is a remarkable and multifaceted work from a fellow neurodivergent individual, resonating deeply as a sincere and heartfelt narrative.

Pages: 73 | ASIN : B0BZN3X3ZC