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,

What a wonderful book this is, a real delight to read. I started it with no prior knowledge of the author or content and was immediately hooked and simply didn’t want it to end. So well written, from various points of view -humorous, uplifting, insightful and inspiring, I can’t praise it enough really and am recommending to everyone I discuss books with. I eagerly look forward to Woody’s next one.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review and particularly to the author for this excellent piece of work.

This is a beautiful book, full of laughter and kindness, sadness and tragedy.

Upward Bound is a daycare facility for young adults with a range of needs, many of whom are severely autistic and non speaking. The novel presents us with the stories of clients, staff and one outsider who witnesses the clients on their weekly trip to Target.

The insights are many and the author, himself autistic, shows how connections can be made between the neurotypical and the neurodivergent even when communication is limited.

There is also a recurring theme of the ways in which such young people are institutionalised and infantilised by the care system, and cared for by other young people with limited training (and poorly remunerated).

This is an important story with an avoidable tragedy at its core which shows the fear and ignorance that most people with autism and other needs face. The story is a cry for inclusivity and empathy, with a need for both understanding and financial resources to support young people to maximise their potential.

A must read.

I loved this book from the first chapter and cannot recommend it enough to other readers who want insight into a world which can be misunderstood and underestimated.
It opened my eyes to the huge spectrum of behaviours and characteristics in people with learning disabilities.
Woody Brown is a funny, intelligent, witty and perceptive author.
He introduces the writer to the Upward Bound day care centre, and takes a chapter at a time to describe some of the residents and carers.
I was able to create a vivid image of the place, and its people, and felt I had a bond with them.
He helps the reader to understand that there are hidden depths to those who may seem lost in our neuro typical society - he highlights the fact that these are real individuals with real needs and desires.
He says in a question/answer section at the end of the book -
" I also hope that places like Upward Bound will stop infantilizing their clients and offer them a more stimulating environment."
I look forward to reading more from this bright, clever young man.
Well done Woody!

Thank you to Woody Brown, Random House UK, Vintage | Jonathan Cape, and NetGalley for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

Upward Bound is a collection of interconnected short stories following a group of disabled adults at an adult day care centre. The author himself is a non-verbal adult with autism and when he found himself imagining what it would be like to attend one of these day cares, he was inspired to write this book.

This was excellent! The format was engaging and each character felt unique. The pacing was great and I think all the stories included belonged. The varied viewpoints from the disabled adults themselves, the carers, and outsiders really helped to make the novel successful.

I very much enjoyed this novel which was set in a day Centre for autistic adults and narrated by one of autistic adults
Having volunteered at a similar day centre myself and with my medical background and a number of Clowes family and friends who have autism, I could quickly pick up that the author has lived experienced of such a set up. It wasn’t until I finish the novel which I very much enjoyed that I read the details of the author who himself is an autistic adult
The author has a clear voice and the story flows nicely. It’s an enjoyable Read. There is quite a horrific incident towards the end which I hadn’t predicted and therefore found increasingly shocking. I think I’d have liked a little bit more buildup to this episode is this forms quite a small portion of the story.

The author describes the characters who people the novel well they all seem like real people I can identify character characters that I know myself in my life with these characters in the book

If you like The Curious Event of the Dog in the Night Time by Mark Hadden then I think you’d like this book too
I read an early copy of the novel on NetGalley UK in return for an honest review the book is published in the UK on the 2nd of April by random house UK
This review will appear on NetGalley UK, StoryGraph, Goodreads, and my book blog bionicSarahS book.wordpress.com after publication it will also appear on Amazon and Waterstones

This is a beautiful read. It's insight into the daily lives of neurodiverse adults in america is humanising and needed in today's world. It was an easy read, with a fun cast of characters - each one has more than meets the eye. I was astounded by how much I enjoyed this book, I struggled to put it down!

Woody Brown’s Upward Bound is a stunning debut—funny, tender, and quietly revolutionary.

Brown brings authenticity and heart to this story. Told through multiple perspectives, the novel captures the messy beauty of community life: moments of frustration, friendship, and surprising humour.

Each character feels alive, written with care and compassion that make them linger in your mind long after the final page.It’s both uplifting and thought-provoking—a book that challenges assumptions while celebrating what connects us all. Upward Bound isn’t just an impressive debut; it’s a tonic for the soul and a must-read for 2026.

Upward Bound is told from the viewpoint of a number of characters. Each chapter is as engaging as the next. This book is original and has a bit of everything from humour to sadness, but most of all it is inspiring and challenges the reader to rethink preconceived ideas around neurodivergence and disability.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

My God, I remain stunned by this novel a week after finishing it. Thank goodness for publishers with the vision and sensitivity to commission writers like Woody Brown, the first non-verbal autistic person to graduate from UCLA. We so desperately need voices like his. Upward Bound should be essential reading for anyone working in the learning disability field. You might think you are experienced and attuned to the people you support, but after reading this book, you’ll realise just how much there is still to learn.

Brown is a dazzling writer. His prose soars beyond the limits of the human body and mind, carrying the reader with it, before — at times brutally — returning us to earth to experience, through his eyes, the restrictions imposed on disabled people by society. I felt their frustration in my gut. I also felt their excitement, joy, and fear.

The novel’s use of multiple first-person perspectives through linked vignettes is profoundly affecting: we are given access to the vivid, rich inner lives of people who, to the casual or untrained eye, may appear closed off or unreachable. It challenges us to stop being so lazy in how we perceive others, and to develop richer, more attentive, non-verbal and observational ways of living.

Brown’s novel has radically changed me.

I jumped at the chance to review this book. I am disabled and once worked in a SEND, at a school where I supported and loved the kids so much. I fear for them now in this ever intolerant and judgemental world that they are growing up in.
We need more books like this!
Engaging and well written, I highly recommend for all to read.

I adored this absolute treasure of a debut novel from non speaking autistic author Woody Brown. Upward Bound is a series of stories from a day care centre for autistic adults - it varies between clients, staff and some other characters that they interact with.

It felt like getting access to a whole new perspective and I’ve never read anything like it - the writing is heartfelt, heartbreaking, emotive and it was so interesting to get an insight into the challenges of communication in the autistic community (both verbal and non verbal). Everyone should read this!

Gosh I loved this book, each chapter is told from a different person so never gets boring, beautifully written it’s an emotional but gorgeous book thank you

This is an illuminating chronicle of a centre for adults who are disabled or neurodivergent. It is where many land after the for dementia provision in school.

On the carer side there are those who fall into it, those who are getting experience for something else and those that want to care for others.

On the caree side it charts some of the experiences across a diverse set of difficulties and how unlikely bonds grow between carers and between them and carers.

These situations were not ones I had previously experienced or thought about, so it was interesting to see within a strong narrative a range of characters who face frustrations, misunderstandings and heartache, but who are also capable of loving and being loved.

I really enjoyed this book. It was such an easy read because each chapter is from the perspective of a different character, and it's fascinating to feel like we are inside their head observing all of their thoughts and feelings.

The setting is an day centre for adults with disabilities, many of whom have autism or issues with communication. It's heartbreaking but very realistic in its depiction of how lives are basically being wasted. It's assumed by many that the people at the centre can't really manage much, so they are patronised and treated like children, expected to take part in activities that are boring and pointless.

The first character we meet is Walter, who is trying to communicate to staff who are disengaged that another client, Jorge, has escaped the centre. Walter is non-speaking but is able to communicate using a letter board, which he uses with his mother. However, he needs an assistant to be able to use it, and there isn't one at the centre, so he's effectively prevented from communicating.

The book really gets across what a difference different ways of treating people can make. Carlos is a staff member at the centre, who seems to have endless patience and compassion for the clients. Because of this Jorge is very attached to Carlos, who can actually make him feel better.

I enjoyed the chapter about Tom, a man with cerebral palsy who has fallen for the temporary lifeguard at the centre, Ann. Again, there are things there about how to treat people. Ann chats to Tom as though he's going to talk back, which he never is, but it means he's being treated as a human being. The description of how she flies round a store with him in his wheelchair, delighting him because it's one of the rare occasions he gets to do something fun, is really poignant.

I also enjoyed the chapter about the store's shop assistant, and her perceptions of the group of disabled adults who come once a week to look around.

Woody Brown treats every character with such compassion, even those who are a little less likeable, such as the centre's director Dave. He is never patronising or cruel about any character, instead giving us a little snapshot of their lives that helps us understand why they may behave as they do.

Most importantly, it restores humanity to people who may too often be dismissed, stereotyped and ignored. In a short interview at the end Woody Brown says he hopes to be thought of as a good writer who happens to have written about disabilities, then learn something from reading the book. I would say he has definitely achieved this.

Upward Bound has definitely made me think differently about people who have problems communicating and has broken down stereotypes - and it's beautifully written. Thanks so much to Netgalley for the access, and I look forward to reading more from Woody Brown.

Thanks Random House UK and NetGalley for ARC.
The setting and premise drew me in -Walter, a young man attends a day care centre for disabled adults after his circumstances changed. He notices the people around him, and tries to understand more about them. This is complicated for him because of his communication needs and those of the other attendees and staff.
We watch the narrative unfold mainly through Walter's lens, but also through some of the other people in his world. The warmth and attention to fine detail is incredible, and the sense of plot and suspense is great.
Not everyone will love the ending, because it maybe doesn't wrap everything up to the reader's satisfaction. But it reminds us that we are only glimpsing an entire world.

Upward Bound tells us the story of the users of an adult day care centre. The story is narrated by several of the "inmates" none of whom seem to be particularly well served by the ministrations of Dave, who is in charge and merely wants them to be well behaved and to look good for donors. Thankfully, some of the assistants have different ideas and make their own fun for the clients who, otherwise, would be desperately bored.

I liked the different voices of the centre's clients. Each one added a different perspective along with the views of some of the staff.

The story itself is particularly moving and by the end I was invested in what happened to every one of them.

If this is Woody Brown's debut then I look forward to the rest of his writing career. But then I don't suppose you leave UCLA with top writing honours and not be expected to produce some wonderful fiction.

Highly recommended.

Thankyou to Netgalley and Random House for the digital review copy.

A book that will stay with me.

Set in a day care facility for autistic adults - many. I verbal, each chapter told by a different character as their stories interweave.
Witty and insightful and heartbreaking. A truly unique perspective on non-verbal autism.
Everyone should read this book

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the copy to review.

Upward Bound is a heartbreaking yet unexpectedly funny debut that leaves a lasting impression. Upward Bound challenges readers to reconsider how they view disability and reminds us that not all disabilities are visible.

Brown writes with remarkable empathy and insight, creating a story that is both deeply moving and quietly humorous. The novel highlights an important truth: behind every disability is a person—often someone with a bright, complex mind who may simply struggle to express themselves in ways others easily understand. That perspective is handled with sensitivity and authenticity throughout the book.

What makes this debut especially powerful is the balance of wit and compassion. Brown’s storytelling is engaging and thoughtful, opening readers’ eyes while never losing its warmth or humanity. The characters feel real, the emotions hit hard, and the message lingers long after the final page.

Upward Bound is an eye-opening novel that encourages empathy and understanding. It’s an excellent debut, full of wit, heart, and fantastic storytelling. Quite simply, it’s a book everyone should read. 📚✨

A brilliant book.

This book is about Walter and other clients and staff at Upward Bound, a day centre for adults. I really enjoyed that each chapter gave us insight into different characters and how they see this world. I particularly enjoyed Tom’s and his feelings towards the new worker. Getting the perspective of so many people really shaped this book. The Christmas spectacular was my favourite scene in the story!

This book is emotional and heartbreaking, the last chapter especially so.

I am looking forward to hopefully having the chance to read more from Woody Brown (also non-verbal like some of our characters) in the future.

Definitely a novel with a difference. Full of wit, empathy, understanding and fantastic story telling, Upward Bound is a must for any bookshelf. An inspirational book, the reader connects with the power of human relationships, friendship, connection, hope and the dreams that shape us. Author, Woody Brown does and excellent job of immersion into life as we have never experienced it before. Through the kaleidoscope of brilliance the reader sees rich inner worlds , from perspectives rarely noticed or understood. As the story unfolds there are glimpses of missed connections, dreams, some new, others forgotten and ideas that shape us. Highly recommended for everyone on a quest to explore what it means to be human.

this book was incredible. now, i find it really yucky to feel like i am gushing so hard as if writing this books was some meaner feat. like im shocked the author did something incredible. no no that is not it. its more in a world that isn't kind, allowing or accessible alot of the time for people with disabilities or conditions like our authors, well then this is therefore incredible. and besides that, you could come to this book and not know who Woody is and still find this book to be just WOW. all capitals kind of wow. and again i feel icky or sad and angry that the content of the book is what is is. because the representation is brilliant. what makes it more icky is that it took someone like Woody to have to represent it. ugh.
now thats moan is out the way lets continue. lets talk about this amazing book in its own right. but please go and look up Woody. go and look up this incredible human.
this book is one of those reads that touched the heart and soul. it made me feel so much in a way a book does that it almost hurts...in a good way.
the characters we meet in this adult daycare centre draw you in to their heart and stories. but we dont just meet them. we meet those who care for those there and also those who work there.
its such a detailed and moving way of which people with these conditions days are like. and its such moving one. it takes us right inside the world of those who are often misrepresented, sometimes abused, sometimes and mostly unseen. a world that is complicit at every turn right now of minimising these people.
what someone with these disabilities and or on the spectrum has to go through can be agonising for all involved. the struggles and obstacles can feel like a slog for those in it and those loving someone in it. and it shouldn't be this hard. its made so much more of a task by a world that continues to add hurdle after hurdle in every direction be it life, care, or just moving through life amongst ignorance.
i sat with this book and wanted to thank Woody every step of the way for writing such a beautiful book. i had to sit and pause sometimes because there were tears.
this first non speaking man to graduate from Ucla deserves all his accolades. i cannot believe this is his debut. i cant believe we might just be lucky enough to get a new author who i will avidly now be able follow. im more than happy to sing this books praises from the rooftops.
i laughed so much, i felt so much, i understood so much. we get to delve right into the world of people that access the care centre and those who staff it. we get to see the challenges and the friendships. we get to see the people just as they are, just as they come, no apologies and no need to do so!
this is a book so beautiful and soul hitting and soul cuddling.
i loved this book. if i had gone in blind i would be singing its praises. the fact i did know who Woody is only made me want to cherish it harder.its the type of book i love to read most. one that follow a group of characters in their lives and those they meet, connect with and you follow them interweaving around each other and get to know them all and everything they are.
i sound like im gushing about this book. oh i very much am.

A debut fictional novel that can only have the heart of the Author within the pages because it is incredibly compelling, emotive and powerful.

Woody Brown said, last year, that he wanted to show readers what it’s like to be constantly underestimated and misunderstood, and he has absolutely done just that with Upward Bound. For those unfamiliar with the place that Woody takes us too, and the challenges that people like him face, this will be a massive wake up call and an incredible insight into the lives of both care-givers and those using the facilities of Upward Bound.

It has emotion & humour and perhaps a vivid and realistic portrait of what daily life can be like for someone with a disability. Everyone, should read this book.

What a wonderful erudite exposition of life for people with 'learning difficulties'.
Hidden in plain sight within this novel are ways of improving life for such people with hints for helpers whose jobs it is to provide aid for such people, and for the general population of how we should try and understand them.
The novel itself had an appropriate setting, had brilliant characters and a good storyline.
I could not even think of anything that might be improved in the book, and I will just add a note, more please.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

⬆️ Upward Bound ⬆️

Upward Bound by Woody Brown

Publish Date: 2nd April

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5

📝 - Upward Bound is not a place anyone dreams of spending their days. The dreary adult daycare center for Los Angeles's disabled community is, for many of its clients and staff, a place of last resort. This includes Carlos, a young aide who lost his mother as a boy and now works there alongside his beloved sister Mariana; Jorge, the gentle nonspeaking giant whom Carlos seeks to befriend; Tom, a beautiful young man with cerebral palsy, who pines for Ann, the summer lifeguard at the center's pool who feels out of her depth; then there's Dave, Upward Bound’s director who came to L.A. to pursue an acting career but now channels his passion into staging an ambitious holiday show. Framing these intertwined narratives—and connecting them in surprising, shattering ways—is the testimony of Walter, a recent community college graduate who, after a family tragedy, must return to the company of his disabled peers.

💭 - A completely unique book, made even more unique by Woody Brown’s own background as the first non-speaking autistic graduate at UCLA. I find interconnected tales can sometimes seem a little overdone or unrealistic, but these painted such a believable story of how disabled adults are treated, and the lack of options they have. Brown does an immense job of pulling together narratives of those involved with the centre, whether they be the clients, the staff, family, or even an outsider with the occasional interaction with the group. Highly recommend this one, and while it’s a pretty quick read, there are still those heavy hitting moments that make you think twice.

I’d like to congratulate Woody on his book.

This is a book written to highlight the multiple issues that people with autism and other neuro atypical issues can and do experience, by a brave, intelligent and kind person who has experienced them all first hand.

This book is full of warmth, wit, knowledge and so much love and advice that every neuro typical person should want to read and learn about and put into practice.

This book would not go amiss being studied in high schools and universities so that we may be able to enhance people’s lives no matter what their abilities or differences.

I wish Woody every success with his wonderful book.

I just loved this novel from the very first page. It is quite a short book but with so much packed in. The characters are warm, funny and believable, both the clients of Upward Bound and the staff; even Avery who observes the group coming into the shop where she works is delightful.
I didn't realise that the book was written by someone with autism until I got to the acknowledgements. Up to that point I was slightly nervous about recommending it to someone who has a close family member with the condition but knowing that Brown is writing from a place of first-hand experience has given me that confidence.
I cannot recommend the book highly enough and will definitely read further novels by this wonderful author.

Upward Bound by Woody Brown is a deeply moving and compassionate portrayal of a community that is so often overlooked.

Told through interwoven perspectives, the book explores life within the centre through both staff and attendees, creating a rich and layered narrative. I really appreciated how each character is given space to feel fully human, from Walter navigating grief, to Jorge, Tom, Carlos, and Mariana, all bringing their own experiences, hopes, and challenges.

What stood out most was the empathy in the writing. The story does not feel exploitative or overly sentimental, instead it offers an honest and thoughtful insight into relationships, misunderstandings, and the everyday realities of those within the centre.

There is warmth, humour, and heartbreak throughout, making it both an emotional and reflective read. It encourages you to look beyond assumptions and consider perspectives that are not often centred.

A powerful and insightful book that stays with you and gently challenges how you see the world.

Read more at The Secret Book Review.

This is a stunningly beautiful book.
I was enraptured and sucked in from the start. I hope Woody writes more books. It’s a five star read all the way. Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for a chance to read and review. #UpwardBound #Netgalley.

“Upward Bound” by Woody Brown is one of the most compelling and heartfelt novels I’ve encountered in a long time. From the very first page, I was hooked. Brown’s storytelling is sharp, empathetic, and deeply human—an impressive debut that left me both moved and contemplative.
What struck me most about the book is its structure. Told through a series of interconnected viewpoints—from Walter, the recently graduated college student returning after a family tragedy, to Jorge, the gentle, nonspeaking resident prone to escape, to Tom, to the lifeguard Ann, …—I loved how each perspective brought a unique voice and depth to the story. It’s a tapestry of lives woven together at an adult day centre for disabled people, and each character’s inner world felt vividly real.
The characters are beautifully drawn. Carlos, the charismatic aide who lost his mother as a boy, and Jorge, with his quiet resilience, are particularly memorable. Tom’s innocence and longing, and Dave’s reflections as a director who wanted to be an actor but found himself on a different path, all add layers of authenticity. Woody Brown, who is himself a non-speaking autistic person and the first nonspeaking graduate of UCLA, writes from a place of profound lived experience that enriches every page.
What I appreciated most was how the book doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable truths. It confronts issues like underfunded services, poor training, casual cruelty, and systemic barriers with honesty and clarity. Yet, amid the frustrations, there’s a gentle undercurrent of hope—moments of genuine connection, friendship, and respect that remind us of the power of empathy.
Brown’s wit, humour, and storytelling talent shine through, making what could be heavy material accessible and engaging. The pacing is just right, balancing moments of poignancy with levity. I found myself reflecting on my own perceptions and the importance of understanding and compassion.
This novel is educational without feeling didactic, and deeply moving without being overly sentimental. It’s a must-read, I believe, for anyone interested in understanding the realities faced by disabled people—especially from those who live it firsthand. I honestly think this should be required reading for everyone.
I’m eagerly looking forward to what Woody Brown writes next. “Upward Bound” is a triumph—a beautifully crafted, thought-provoking story that will stay with me for a long time.

On the surface, a book about a daycare facility for people with severe disabilities may not seem inspiring but this book is quite profound. Firstly, its author, Woody Brown is non-verbal with autism and a UCLA graduate and so this book is quite an achievement. Secondly, the characters (Carlos, Dave and Tom) are very well written and show Brown’s huge level of emotional intelligence. His ability to convey the complexity of communication for those who are non-verbal or have other impediments, really capture lives that most of us are not familiar with. This gem sheds an important light on those in society who are often ignored. In a world of aesthetics and superficiality, this book restores my faith in the world.