Why Does Everyone Else Seem to Know the Rules?

The Diagnosis That Reframed a Lifetime

Pierre Novellie was performing on stage when a heckler suggested
he might be autistic. The comment stayed with him — particularly
because the heckler was autistic himself.

That diagnosis helped explain struggles, experiences, and questions
that had followed him throughout his life — and became the starting
point for this hilarious and revealing book.

Sometimes the Answer Changes the Meaning of Everything Before It

The book explores what it can feel like to look back on school,
social life, sensory experiences, relationships, interests,
and everyday frustrations through a new understanding of autism.

A Book That Works From Both Sides of the Conversation

Part Memoir. Part Explainer. Part Observational Comedy.

Funny, Clear, and Genuinely Illuminating

Autism Explained Without Feeling Like a Textbook

Pierre Novellie approaches autism through lived experience,
comedy, confusion, observation, and self-discovery —
creating a book that can be informative without losing
the pleasure of simply being entertaining.

For Anyone Who Has Ever Wondered Why Everyone Else Seems to Have the Manual

A compelling read for autistic and neurodivergent readers,
people navigating or reflecting on late diagnosis,
friends and family seeking greater understanding,
and anyone curious about autism who prefers humour
and human experience to clinical jargon.

Sometimes the Things That Never Made Sense Finally Start to Make Sense.

Funny, personal, and insightful, Why Can’t I Just Enjoy Things?
turns one comedian’s unexpected diagnosis into an entertaining exploration
of autism, neurodivergence, and the bizarre experience of being a person
among other people.