February book of the month: A Boy Made of Blocks by Keith Stuart. Read now ahead of author webchat on Wednesday 1 March, 9-10pm.

[RachelMumsnet]

Our February book of the month is A Boy Made of Blocks, Keith Stuart's debut novel and one of Richard and Judy's Spring selection. We have 50 free copies up for grabs and we'll be holding a discussion about the book and webchat with Keith Stuart on Wednesday 1 March, at 9pm.

In this book Keith has drawn on his own experience of raising his autistic son. It's funny and at times deeply moving, expounds the joys and trials of parenting - and has a cracking plot - making it the perfect book to read on a winter's evening.

Find out more about the book and apply for a free copy before Monday 23 January and put the date in your diary to join the discussion and chat to Keith Stuart on this thread on 1 March.

Cheery your words are really powerful. It's hard enough being the main carer to any child, let alone with the added pressures that autism brings. I think you're amazing for your self reflection but also, please don't beat yourself up about it, you're doing the best for your son, and - as Keith's book illustrates - the pressures and difficulties that can enter a parenting and romantic relationship are due to the difficulties of the situation and how suddenly it's all about the kid/s and not so much about yourselves. I think the fact you're so reflective and honest will go a long way for both your son and your partner. Be honest about what you need from him too. (Sorry for the webchat hijack!)

@KeithStuart

[quote Cheerybigbottom] This is why most of the biggest business deals happen on gold courses! .

I meant GOLF courses!

My last question - on a lighter note - I thought the camping trip was fab! Do you like camping? Have you taken your boys out?

@lamandler

My son has atypical autism, he has some close friends and they all love minecraft. He loves his best bud lots and almost pines for him! How do I safely link them up to play each other remotely? Can it be done on iPad (the only platform they have in common)?

Hi there lamandler! If they're on the same wi-fi network they can easily connect using a local server - the option will come up on screen. But that requires them to be in the same house (ther;'s a guide here: www.pocketgamer.co.uk/r/Android/Minecraft+-+Pocket+Edition/feature.asp?c=63940). You can play remote multiplayer Minecraft on iPad over a remote server, but that's a bit more complicated to explain and is also harder to manage.

Thanks for answering my question, Keith
It's been really interesting reading the questions asked and your comments.
Another question, sorry, I don't take the Guardian but I wanted to ask if you had continued your column and/or planned a second novel?

@SunshineOutdoors

My last question - on a lighter note - I thought the camping trip was fab! Do you like camping? Have you taken your boys out?

Ha ha! There's a funny story about this. In one early reader review for my book - I think it was on GoodReads - someone wrote "that camping trip was completely far-fetched - no autistic child would be like that". Well that chapter was very closely based on our own experience of camping with Zac! Almost everything in there actually happened to us.

But yes, we've been a couple of times and he really liked it - but he gets up at, like, 5am so we're all knackered for days!

Keith

Thank you for your response, I have just been musing on it all because most parents of Sen kids I know are the mums! We don't see it from the dad's side.

Yes definitely I am leaving them to it sometimes, my boy's a bit small for minecraft but an old dusty Wii from the loft has found them playing together.

I'm not a gamer, when minecraft first found popularity I thought it was minesweeper and wondered why that was so trendy

Thank you, it's the remote server I was thinking of but complicated won't work! Congratulations on the book, thanks for writing it

Hi, Keith. Thank you very much for the answer. I also think that trough bringing awarness, people will gain better understanding of autism. My last question is are you plannig on bring out a new book soon?

@GallivantingWildebeest

I'm reading your book right now, and not sure whether to continue. Alex is really annoying me. He's so selfish and useless! No wonder Jody is so desperate. Alex is really unsympathetic with Sam as well. Give me one good reason why I should continue reading...

Ha ha, harsh but fair! A few people have mentioned that Alex is really difficult to begin with, and that it's so unfair he leaves Jody with the child. I agree! I think, though, that it's a mutual decision - Jody wants him out because she can't cope - I was worried about this beginning, but - BUT - I think Alex learns the error of his ways - he comes round and begins to understand that he has to change. Hopefully, you'll start to like him! I think you have to start off some stories in a dark place so that the light is even lighter. Alex needed to be in a really difficult place for the ending to work. So please bear with it - things do get better!

@todormirchev

Hi, Keith. Thank you very much for the answer. I also think that trough bringing awarness, people will gain better understanding of autism. My last question is are you plannig on bring out a new book soon?

Thank you! Yes, I'm working on a second novel, it's called Days of Wonder, and it's about parenting again, but it's a different family with a very different problem! There is a small section of the new book at the back of the paperback edition of Boy Made of Blocks.

After that, I may return to the story of Sam and Alex and Jody - I think there are things to say about all of them, and I think seeing Sam as a teenager will be interesting!

No autistic child would be like that

Aside from my own personal bugbear of describing the condition first and the child second, as if you can make a comment about a group of children who share a diagnosis as if they're one homogenous mass who would react exactly the same to any given situation! I'm glad your boys enjoy the camping, even though it's tiring for you (and isn't it all).

Thanks so much for answering my, and others, questions. I love these webchats, and feel like I have more insight into the book now I have spoken with you.

Thank you for sharing your experiences and writing such an honest, lovely book, and for making it a good read in itself, in addition to bringing more knowledge about autism and the struggles that families and children affected face.

Well, it's 10pm. Thank you so much everyone for your thoughtful questions. I was really quite nervous, but you've all been really welcoming. I'm so glad you liked the book. I'm sorry Alex is a pain at the start!

All the very best.

Keithxx

thank you for answering - it sounds like you've fully embraced being a novelist then! I look forward to reading more of your books.

Thank you, Mumsnet, for the opportunity to join this discussion tonight. And, of course, sincere thanks, Keith, for your gracious replies to our many questions. Wish you (and Zac) the very best of luck for the future.

A huge thanks to Keith for joining us tonight and for your insightful and honest answers. We're really looking forward to reading Days of Wonder and hope you'll come back and join us to chat about this in the future?

Thanks to everyone for joining the webchat.

TO ALL OUR ESTEEMED WEBCHAT READERS (THIS MEANS YOU)

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Thank you!
MNHQ

Yes, thanks also to Mumsnet for making it happen.

Keith,
Thank you for answering my question! I can imagine it was a difficult one for an author. But you must have known he was an unsympathetic character to start with? I will carry on reading and look forward to seeing how he changes. Thank you!

Loved this book - read it in an afternoon. Have recommended it to all of my colleagues because the boy is so like many in our care. Everyone should read this book

I followed this webchat with interest. Bit disappointed that my question didn't get answered (I know you aren't supposed to moan but book webchats seem to be different). I will definitely complete the survey.

PS. In my daughters excitement to put down her views, I forgot to say thank you for the book mumsnet!

I loved this book - missed the webchat due to non sleeping children. Great engaging writing style and I really felt for all the characters.

My mum's now finished reading it too and lending it to a friend who works with a boy with autism.