Norm Ledgin

Historians have long remarked on Thomas Jefferson’s “peculiarities.” But it took author Norm Ledgin, whose son has Asperger’s Syndrome, to see what others did not. In this intriguing book, Ledgin carefully constructs a convincing case for the likelihood that Thomas Jefferson had Asperger’s Syndrome. He matches Jefferson’s behaviors with five diagnostic criteria for Asperger’s: social impairment, preoccupation with “special interests,” impairment in nonverbal communication, lack of emotional reciprocity, and inflexible adherence to non-functional routines. He also addresses other well-known signs of Asperger’s, such as failure to recognize social cues, need for calming pressure, and indifference to peer pressure. A fascinating read!

A literary agent with Amish roots is buried alive. Why? Meet... Sally Freberg, sexy 65-ish piano teacher who's been braless since Woodstock and gets away with sticking her cute nose in Kansas City Police Department business. Rosie Chen, "a knockout" by Sally's estimation, a novelist who confesses that an effective career generator is to bed agents and editors, regardless of gender. Emma Miller, a trim Debra Messing look-alike who gave up an acting career for her faith and is a cool and high-stepping Amish mother of nine. Jane Sims, fifty-something blonde voice coach of opera hopefuls and a happily outed lesbian with a serious yen for Sally. Ben Novak, anthropologist and randy octogenarian, determined to reclaim Sally after a lengthy misunderstanding but never shunning other offers on the way. Winona Stephens, author, American literature professor, and a candid critic of what has gone wrong in the book publishing business. Juan (John) Ontiveros, KCPD detective, stickler for detail who warms as much to Sally's charms as to her uncanny sense for crime-solving. K-9-trained Karl Marx, Sally's loyal German shepherd with the heart and fangs of a warrior-hero and the soul of a lover. ...and several more memorable characters First Place winner, opening chapter, Kansas Authors Club district competition "Authors and Amish, music and mayhem-murder mystery Disharmony has something for everyone. A madcap romp through the Midwest, and a good read." -Sara Rickover, author of Playing the Game "Sexagenarian sleuth Sally Freberg returns with her trusty K-9 companion, Karl Marx, in an engaging mystery that twists and turns with Ledgin's penchant for bizarre characters, humor, and even some erotica." -Jack Kline, author of Blowing Carbon "Fun mystery romp through the Midwest. Ledgin's characters are never boring and keep you totally engaged until the surprising end." -Betty Barnett, author of Jazz Town and Adam's Needle "When you think you've found all the good mystery writers out there, think again. This may be Ledgin's best novel yet. His writing is direct and humorous-his characters are vivid and captivating. Sit back and enjoy the wild ride " -Pamela Boles Eglinski, author of The Third Knife, first in a series featuring Catalina and Bonhomme

The author of Diagnosing Jefferson introduces twelve more high-achieving role models - including Einstein, Mozart, and Darwin - who have made significant contributions to our world. All exhibited traits common to people with Asperger’s Syndrome. Today’s young people and adults with AS can also make a difference if they are given support, opportunities, and the freedom to explore their abilities. Many accomplished people have been loners, self-taught, obsessed by an idea, and known for their lack of social skills. How many of them would be diagnosed with Asperger’s today? Norm Ledgin makes convincing arguments for an Asperger’s role in each of their extraordinary lives.