Robin Ince visited Haddenham Community Library on Thursday 1st May, to discuss his new book: "Normally Weird and Weirdly Normal – an adventure in neurodiversity", and a packed audience of local residents came along to enjoy his presentation.
Robin Ince is a comedian, actor and writer who, with Professor Brian Cox, created and presents the award-winning BBC Radio 4 show 'The Infinite Monkey Cage'. The radio show ranks among the most popular science podcasts worldwide. The Guardian once declared him a 'becardiganed polymath' which seems about right. He is the author of several acclaimed books, including The Importance of Being Interested and I'm a Joke and So Are You. He also won Celebrity Mastermind but forgot that calcium was the dominant element of chalk. After being diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 52, he finally has an excuse!
Robin kept his audience at Haddenham library enthralled for over 45 minutes, as he spoke of his journey of discovery exploring his own neurodivergent experience. He shared how he has come to realise his lifelong questioning of what the point of being 'normal' really means and does it matter, is entirely functional.
Using several books selected from the shelves in the library Robin examined through brilliantly funny and acute observations that being different is OK.It does not threaten the fabric of society or spell catastrophe but rather it is to be celebrated. Creative deviance is harmless and perhaps by accepting that being a bit weird is actually entirely normal everyone would be much happier.
We are grateful to Carol Mason for sending us some photographs.
