What a debut for Woody Brown - the first nonspeaking autistic graduate of UCLA!

I really enjoyed reading this novel. It's funny, frustrating, and melancholic all at the same time. I also liked how it was split into smaller viewpoints from different characters to see how they all intertwine with each other. I believe this should be required reading for everyone and I'm looking forward to more books in the future from Brown.

Thank you Random House UK, Vintage and NetGalley for the chance to read this fantastic book.

"Jorge and I are both inmates at an insane asylum that passes itself off as a day program for autistic adults."

This is the story of Walter- recently graduated college student -who is now returning to the Upward Bound daycare centre for disabled persons following a family bereavement.

This is a compendium of interwoven stories exploring life at the centre through the eyes of attendees and staff- stories of love and friendship; challenges and barriers; misunderstandings and aspirations. From non-speaking Jorge to cerebral-palsy Tom with film star looks and to Dave the manager and Mariana and Carlos- siblings working at Upward Bound.

Woody Brown has created a book of beauty and wisdom enabling us the readers to enter a world that is unknown to most of us. This is a book that will deeply move many and positively challenge us to reflect upon and change perceptions.

Hooked from the start to the finish ; this is going to be a book that I'll recommend through 2026.
A triumph !

Thank you to Jonathan Cape for the advance copy.

This was a beautifully hopeful, at times funny, and others heart wrenching, book. Brown gives voice to the voiceless in this, from Walter’s inquisitive commentary to Tom and his daydreams. I loved every single second of this, it is a must read for anyone and everyone. This book highlights the importance of listening to every, really listening, and understanding. Every character and POV was created and written with such care and detail, that I really came to believe they were real people. Felt like a hug in book form, a real treasure to read.

This was an engaging, thoughtful read that focuses on growth, ambition and the challenges that come with pushing beyond familiar boundaries. The characters are well drawn and relatable, and the story explores personal development in a way that feels grounded rather than idealised. I enjoyed the balance between introspection and forward momentum, and the sense that progress isn’t always linear. A reflective novel that will resonate with readers who enjoy character-led stories about change and self-discovery.

This is such a wonderful book and should be prescribed reading for as wide an audience as possible.

You will have never read a book from this perspective before. I deliberately did not read anything about the author until I finished the book and you will be astonished to hear more about Woody.

It devoured the book almost in one setting. At times I was amazed at the compassion, at others ready to 'throttle' one character.

Book of the year I would suggests

As a secondary school teacher I work with some students who are autistic. This novel has challenged me to reconsider my views and approach to dealing with neurodivergent individuals.

From the beginning to end I was consumed by this novel. Completely original.

I highly recommend 'Upward Bound'!

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.

This is Woody Brown's first book and what a book it is!

Woody was the first non speaking autistic graduate of the UCLA and in this book we get a glimpse in to the minds of Woody and others like him.

Upward Bound is predominantly set in a day centre for young adults with varying disabilities and we meet each individual character along the way. This book gives a fascinating insight in to how those unable to communicate verbally find their own way of communicating with each other and the staff at the day centre.

This book is beautifully written and is at times funny, frustrating and heart wrenching but enables readers to get a good understanding of people on the autistic spectrum and if it raises more awareness and understanding then that in my opinion can only be a good thing.

This book will definitely be staying with me for a long time, I loved it!

Many thanks to netgalley, the author and the publisher for approving my request to read this book.

Oh my goodness what a book.
Working in this area this broke my heart, but equally was so full of hope and vibrancy.
Its about a day centre in california for people with learning disabilities; some are verbal, some not. It looks at the lives of staff, carers and the people.
Its brutal and such a call to action; yet sensitive and full of life and fun.
Its writen by a non-verbal person who had different life oppertunities and how his life could have been so so different.
I would hope that in UK we have different situations because of NHS, social care and specifically in this case speech and language therapists…. But im also not that naive and know there are so many thousands of people where life is just not as good as it could so easily be.
I know its early in the year but easily book of the year!!!

I read the description for this book and really didn't know what to expect.

Having finished it now, I can safely say that it felt like a breath of fresh air. The writing style is easy going, the words flow easily and the characters are exposed and developed at a steady pace, just enough to reveal what lies beneath. There are a few gasp moments that I didn't see coming, so the investment and emotion really did draw you in. This is a novel that turns the screw slowly, short and sweet.

It deserves to be read.

‘My hope is that they will be drawn to my book because it is good writing, then learn something about our world in the process’ - goal achieved that was an amazing read.

I can’t remember the last time I read a whole book in one day but I was gripped! It seems odd to say as this is a book predominantly about character development rather than plot, but I was so invested in learning more about the characters that I couldn’t put it down.

Reading a book about the experience of autistic people, from someone who is non-speaking autistic, felt like a privilege. Lots of our understanding of autism comes from people like me, autistic people who can communicate verbally. And it’s too easy to forget how differently that can impact people.

The frustration and desire to be understood was palpable, I felt annoyed on the character’s behalves on multiple occasions! But I loved the hope it left in between heavy topics.

Whether Brown decides to carry on with the same characters, or shift to a new story, I’d be really interested to read any more books he releases. Impressive debut!

ARC received through Net Galley

I found this book beautifully written and it was an intense reading experience. I loved the different perspectives and the insights from the people chosen. It was claustrophobic at times but also intensely moving, as well as often funny. I loved this writing voice and appreciated the insight and the rare chance to witness this.

In an author Q&A at the end of the book, the author expressed his hope that this book will help improve the attitudes readers have towards, and the actions they may take to support, disabled people. I have no doubt that this book is the perfect one to accomplish this. I eagerly await future books by Woody Brown.

—

Although the book is tackling a big and important topic, the reading experience is never sacrificed for the message the book is conveying. The book manages to have create strong feelings of frustration and sadness, particularly at the end where I felt myself tearing up, and frustrating; alongside being comedic and joyful at times. None of these emotions read as saccharine or false.

The way that the support the clients received, both at Upward Bound and from their families, and the various impacts this had on them was very well done and insightful. I also found the perspective each character had about communication and the way that they each communicated differently to one another and the world around them was very well explored and interesting.

The pace of the book is just perfect. You get a chapter from many different characters’ points of view (POV) both central to Upward Bound and tangential to it, spanning from the clients in Upward Bound out to a worker in a nearby store that the Upward Bound group visits once a week. Every POV was interesting and had a distinct voice - which is impressive enough in a book with only a few POVs let alone as many as this book had. They all felt very real and I loved getting an insight into their perspective and experiences, even from the characters I didn’t like (namely Dave). This was also a very necessary decision, in my opinion, for a book about disability where no one person’s experience is the same as another’s. It never felt like there were too many different characters/POVs either.

Going back to how this was paced, the chapters in each POV are not all the same length, with some being very short and others longer. I felt the distribution of the different lengths was very well done: the short chapters came when I wanted a faster pace and the longer chapters came when I wanted to sit with that character and get further insight into them. We never re-visit a character again, apart from Walter who we begin the book with, but get to see the various characters throughout the other POVs and I really enjoyed this.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC.

This is an amazing first novel which I really enjoyed reading. As a non speaking autistic person, the author really highlights the frustrations that this disability causes. The format of having chapters spoken by different clients of the day centre yet linked by the various members of staff is both educational and uplifting. Hopefully it will encourage other autistic people to get into print.

I would not normally select a book about autistic , non verbal characters however I am glad that I did request to read Upward Bound. What an incredible insight in to a world that I know nothing about. With a great collection of clients and staff members this book had everything. Laughs and tears and concern for just how these folk manage their way through life. Go give it a read, I don't think you'll be disappointed.

I really loved this short tender book. Inside the busy minds of bodies that don’t work properly and the casual kindnesses and cruelties of the able bodied around them. There are so many tragedies and failures, both personal and institutional, in this book but it is so gracefully written that it doesn’t feel depressing, just quietly real.

Upward Bound by Woody Brown is a moving, thought-provoking and quietly powerful novel that blends warmth, humour, heart wrenching emotion, and honesty to create a deeply human story.

I had no idea until the end of the book that the author is also a non-speaking person who is writing the book from his own experience. It was all the more special to discover this after enjoying the book so very much.

Told through a series of interconnected perspectives, the book centres on an adult day centre for disabled people, allowing readers to experience life from the viewpoints of attendees, staff, and those who briefly intersect with their world. This shifting lens gives the novel depth, revealing both everyday joys and the frequent misunderstandings and barriers faced by disabled people.
Brown doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable truths. Issues such as underfunded services, poor training, and casual cruelty are presented plainly, sometimes using language that is jarring — but that discomfort feels intentional and authentic rather than gratuitous. It reflects the reality many disabled people encounter and challenges readers to confront their own assumptions.

The characterisations are beautiful and each one of them told individually then ties together so the novel is constructed in a beautiful way that captures the lives and inner worlds of each of the people at Upward Bound.

What makes the novel especially affecting is the balance it strikes between frustration and hope. Moments of connection, friendship, and genuine respect shine through, reminding us of the impact empathy can have. Knowing the author draws from lived experience adds further weight to the story. Thought-provoking and accessible, Upward Bound is an impressive debut that stays with you long after the final page.

With thanks to NetGalley and to the publisher for the arc.

Thank you to Netgalley and the author for letting me read and review this book before it is released.

This book is completely different to what I usually read, not the genre I'd usually go for. However when I read the description-I was drawn to it. I was intrigued.

I read this book quickly, finding it thought provoking and keen to keep on reading to find out what happened next. I liked hearing the story from the different characters point of view.

I'd definitely recommend this book to friends and family, it's a lovely read but makes you think differently too.

Omg what a heart warming story , loved how all the stories interlinked . Deeply moving and humorous and oh just so Insiteful that not the minds that society primarily dismiss , brilliant and I will be recommending to everyone !

This book offers a poignant and illuminating glimpse into the lived experience of neuro-divergent people and those who inter-act with them. Based around the experiences of staff and clients of a day centre for disabled people the author offers a unique perspective on how others mis-conceptions of disability can impact so profoundly.
The author, Woody Brown, the first autistic, non-speaking graduate of UCLA has produced a touching and unique piece of work that everybody should read.
I am grateful to NetGalley and the publishers for an advanced reader copy of this hugely important book.

Wow, what an amazing read! What I enjoyed most about the book is that the author, a young man who has autism and is mostly non-verbal, uses his writing to illustrate that although his day centre ‘inmates’ are not verbal there are so many more ways of communicating than with our voices. The day centre characters are beautifully and thoughtfully articulated, each one evoking their own symphony of thoughts and feelings which most of the staff do not understand. A beautifully written and poignant novel which I hope is at the top of everyone’s reading list.

“The story of my people isn’t being told, or it’s being told wrong. No neurotypical person can tell this story. No lovely actress, no smart but normal writer can tell you what this is like. My scar is a hieroglyph telling me to tell the story myself. My scar is in three dimensions.”

Thank you to NetGalley and random house uk for this e-arc of Upward Bound by Woody Brown.

This book was a witty, beautiful, uncomfortable and thought-provoking insight into the challenges faced by disabled people. I loved hearing snippets of the story from different viewpoints, moving around between those attending the centre, the staff and other members of the public who came into contact with them.

It covered the very clear lack of funding, training and awareness when it comes to care and support for disabled people whilst remaining entertaining and engaging. The pace, the humour and the glimmers of hope, connection and respect from some wonderful characters all came together to make a really fantastic story.

I highlighted this quote from the questions with the author at the end of the book and I think he’s achieved exactly what he set out to do, certainly for me anyway. I think more people need to read books like this, written by those with first hand experience of the struggles faced.

“I wanted to speak to the general population, those who have no intimate knowledge of profound disability. My hope is that they will be drawn to my book because it is good writing, then learn something about our world in the process.”

The debut novel of Woody Brown is set in Upward Bound, a day care facility for people with disabilities. Walter, a recent college graduate dealing with the loss of his father, enrols his non-verbal mother in this facility, and Woody Brown's novel expands to hear the voices of these non-verbal residents, the staff and Walter. This makes for a compelling and fascinating insight into a world that will be unfamiliar to many, myself included.

Brown's novel is very conversational and immediately engaging, with a strong sense of character. He manages to build up small portraits of the various characters that pass through the doors of Upward Bound and makes us care for them.

Brown himself is non-verbal, but through this debut he novels he speaks volumes. I'm very keen to read what comes next from him.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the ARC.

I was very pleased to receive a free advance review copy of Upward Bound by Woody Brown, and this is my honest review. This book really stayed with me. I found it completely compelling and ended up reading it in two sittings.

The story centres on Walter, a recent college graduate whose father has just died. His mother is struggling, and with very few options, enrols her non-verbal autistic son in Upward Bound, an adult day care facility for people with disabilities. Walter communicates at home with his mother through a word board and typing, but this doesn't happen at the facility. From there, Brown gives us a close, often uncomfortable look at life inside that world for Walter and the other clients, while also allowing space for some moments of real kindness and compassion.

The book is written mainly from Walter’s perspective, but Brown also shifts into the voices of others at Upward Bound including Director Dave, carer Carlos, fellow “inmate” Jorge, and others. These different perspectives add so much depth and nuance, and I’m really glad the author chose to structure the book this way. It made the place, and the people in it, feel fully realised rather than observed from a distance.

I found this book both enlightening and very emotional at times. It’s often heartbreaking, and it quietly but firmly challenges stereotypes around disability, adult day care, and non-verbal autism.

Knowing that Woody Brown himself is a non-verbal autistic man adds another layer to this book. It feels important, necessary, and deeply human. This is not a light read, but it is a meaningful one, and I’ll definitely be telling my bookish friends about this novel. I look forward to reading more from this author.

I absolutely loved this short but incredibly moving book about disability. The writing style is deceptively simple and straightforward but viewing the care facility for autistic adults, Upward Bound, through the eyes of both the 'clients' and the staff makes it so emotionally moving. All aspects of disability are covered but in an unusual and engaging way and it very carefully and sadly highlights that society is not advocating for adults living with disability so unless they have brave and strong parents, they are often on their own or ignored, trapped inside their own body like Tom, one of the inmates.

An extraordinary novel by Woody Brown. Centring on the lives of the staff and clients of a disabled adults day care centre, this is told with real charm and humour and incredible insight into the minds of these characters.
Bravo to Woody Brown. This is a brilliant read.

Wow. I feel completely blown away by this debut novel - which comes from Woody Brown, a non-verbal autistic author and graduate from UCLA. 'Upward Bound' tells a story of life at a daycare facility for disabled young adults in California, told from a variety of different character perspectives at the facility. What makes this story so unique is that it puts us into the minds of non-verbal disabled young people (among others), and it opened my eyes (and heart) in a way that felt so powerful. And it's also masterfully written - I could not put it down. Usually i dislike stories that shift POV's, but with this story it felt critical to do so, and each of the POV's in the book had a unique character voice and personality that was captured so beautifully - I loved 'movie star' Tom and the Summer temp Ann's POV's the most. On a personal note, it also captured a nostalgic feeling for me - I used to work in a residential school for children just like some of these characters, and it took me right back to that time, making me wonder about their inner worlds and how they're doing now.
Books like these are so important for building empathy and compassion, reminding us that no matter the barriers, we're all just human at the end of the day. Woody Brown has a bright writing career ahead of him, and I look forward to reading whatever he writes next. I'll be thinking about this unique story for a long while. Highly recommended.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher, Random House UK for the digital ARC. 'Upward Bound' is published in the UK 2 April 2026.

Upward Bound is an exceptional debut from Woody Brown, a young writer bringing fresh clarity and insight to the world of neurodiversity. Set in a centre for adults with additional needs, it highlights how neurodiverse requirements are often overlooked or misunderstood, giving voice to the individuals and carers who navigate these challenges every day.

Brown explores the real characters behind expectations, from the point of view of individuals and their carers, and also highlights some hairy moments in society. Woody Brown is really a remarkable writer, and I’m already excited to read what comes next. Many well-deserved plaudits for someone who's having to push against society's norms to make a name for himself as a writer.

(Copilot assisted me with the writing of this review - based on very specific prompts taken from my notes of reading the book).

Upward Bound by Woody Brown is a remarkable debut that feels both deeply original and urgently necessary.

Set in a Californian day centre, the novel offers a rare and powerful perspective into the lives of autistic and non-verbal clients—one that is rendered with honesty, humour, and immense compassion. Brown, himself non-verbal, brings an authenticity to the narrative that is not only thought-provoking but quietly revolutionary.

Told through multiple points of view, the novel moves effortlessly between wit and emotion, landing its funny moments and its tender ones with equal precision. The writing is beautiful—clear, expressive, and emotionally intelligent—never sentimental, always human. Upward Bound challenges assumptions, invites empathy, and lingers long after the final page. An outstanding debut and a truly unforgettable read.


Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC

I actually really enjoyed this book, I was sceptical at first, as I thought it would have being a representation in a book form of a friendship which develops a bit like Lord of the flies. But, it is way better, the way it is written is engaging, warm hearted, light and really beautiful as a change to the doom and gloom prevalent majority of books.
Really, really beautiful

A magnificent piece of work, I took a great deal of pleasure from reading, that is my first impression, A book that will stay with me for a long time, comic at times and heart wrenching at others, fury, despair, frustrations, joy and hope, all these emotions the book inspires at times.

In all characters and there is multiple perspectives of situations, there is a depth, and empathy towards their situations, from those being failed in their opportunities and respect by society and their frustrations and even towards those who are failing in their support roles, it shows the system, which if it places unsuited and unqualified people in positions, is so detrimental on others lives, but also the reverse and positivity, which can be gained from the right opportunities and respect.

Woody Brown writes a good story, humour, tragedy and the social issues this work considers are well argued and balanced, I can only hope this creates some discussion, action and positive change. All people deserve to be treated with respect, we can all do better.

In this novel, the author who is autistic and non-verbal, tells the story of the staff and “clients” of a Californian daycare centre known as Upward Bound via twelve vignettes of varying lengths. The clients include Walter who is autistic and non-verbal like the author, Jorge and Emma and carers such as the fabulous Carlos, summer worker Ann, the lifeguard but way more than that, and Dave who is the director in charge. In addition, there’s Avery who works on the checkouts at Target who has the opportunity every Friday morning to observe them as they visit the store.

I have no hesitation in saying that I find all the stories deeply moving but some floor me such as ‘Carlos the Camaraderie Giver’, which links to the first story and ‘The Eloper Part II’. In ‘Tom the Movie Star’ who has severe cerebral palsy and is also non-verbal shares his response to Ann as she does in ‘Ann the Lifeguard’. I find both of these profound reading as is the turnaround in ‘Avery the Team Member’. The author also introduces me to Temple Grandin, an autistic academic and prolific writer of non-fiction in a very good short story concerning a movie about her. Not only does this vignette really make me think it also leads me to read up about the fascinating subject of the short story.

Many of the stories have a lesson in never underestimating anyone and ensuring that everyone is seen. They are very well written with humour, wit, empathy, and huge wisdom. It’s been an enlightening, emotional and wonderful reading experience which will stay with me. I can’t remember a time when I have been so utterly moved. I’ve taught students on the spectrum, indeed I have a family member who is, and so I fully appreciate the authors message. The author is absolute proof of what can be achieved with the right input. It should be required reading to be honest, as it gives such insight and hopefully would lead to greater understanding and compassion.

It’s been a very thought-provoking read demonstrating how it’s possible to strike up a connection even when it seems to be an impossibility. It’s also a plea for better funding for care centres such as Upward Bound to enable them to provide a more challenging and varied programme.

Finally, a word or two about Woody Brown. In 2022, becomes the first non-speaking autistic graduate of UCLA achieving their top writing honours. He goes on
to complete his MFA in creative writing at Columbia University in 2024. I definitely want to read what he writes next, sign me up now!

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Random House U.K., Vintage, Jonathan Cape will be much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review. Will post to social media near publication

I wish I could write a review as well as Woody Brown tells his story.

I struggled to put the book down. It chronicles the goings on at the Upward Bound Daycare Centre for young disabled adults as seen through the eyes of multiple characters from carer to manager, several of the ‘inmates’, and others that encounter them. The reader is drawn into the mind of each of these individuals in turn, experiencing each characters’ frustrations and emotions through seeing events from their different perspectives. Warmth and wit carry you along whilst opening your eyes to the challenges faced by the differently abled, as well as by those trying to support them.

A beautiful and poignant story that made me laugh and cry. I would like to think it has changed my perceptions of others for the better.
Not a subject I would normally pick out to read, other reviews prompted me to give it a try. I am so glad I did. This is well deserving of all the five star reviews given. It needs to become the ‘must-read’ book of the year.

Thank you to Net Galley for the advance copy.

What a lovely, eye-opening, cleverly constructed story. Accidentally finished this in one sitting! Upward Bound has the perfect blend of humour and heart, and is a truly unforgettable debut. I’m very much looking forward to reading Woody Brown’s next novel!

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

Have you ever read about, by and from non-verbal autistic individuals?
I had not. Not a fictional work.
This was a moving, witty, warm, humane, lovely read.
There is a daycare centre for the disabled individuals in Los Angeles, and we get to meet them and their caregivers in Upward Bound.
There is a great representation for various voices and I liked how the characters had agency.
It is an important book in that sense. I would like to read the perspectives of the characters in length and depth in another book (hopefully).
I look forward to Brown's next work.

Upward Bound by Woody Brown is a groundbreaking novel set in a Daycare Centre for young adults with Disabilities. The book is written from multiple POVs, the community within the centre, from the residents to the staff and I was immediately invested.

The hook is the depth of experience and knowledge that enables the author to write genuinely and accurately about each individual, but retaining their individuality, personality, foibles and frustrations as well as a myriad of experience, thoughts and feelings.

I didn't go into this book with the mindset of reading because the author was Autistic, but because of the human side of the core storylines, the human experience that was described in the synopsis and I was not disappointed. A vibrant group of charactersand a wonderful array of experiences, this book warmed my heart, made me chucckle out loud and most of all, was a brilliant read

Thank you to Netgalley, Random House UK, Vintage | Jonathan Cape and the author Woody Brown for this wonderfully insightful ARC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own

Woody was the first non speaking autistic graduate of the UCLA and this book feels like a peak inside that world. Like many other reviewers here I loved this book. It is an engaging read from the start and the characters feels so real. As someone who is neurodivergent I could see myself in this book. It is uplifting, there is humour and there is heart and frustration too. Charming and heartfelt, Upward Bound is a book that it will stay with you for a long time. Thanks to the author, the publishers, and Netgalley as always for this ARC,