No I don’t think ‘cult’ is a bad way to describe us, it actually is a compliment as you say – you have a ‘cult following’ in this group. I think the word has different connotations for different people.

I think I like the word ‘classic’ better, because don’t we as ADDers imprint our lasting worth in our own zany ways upon the rest of the world? But if your books bring on discussions of ADHD and awareness, I say bring it on baby!!

I looked up ‘cult’ a bit further and found a different definition: “An exclusive group of persons sharing an esoteric, usually artistic or intellectual interest”. I also saw some related words: fad, furor, rage, craze.

No wonder you got hate email – we hear enough of that in real life, so glad you deleted it. Did I ever mention I’m so grateful to have a place to come to where I’m free to be me?

I like this from your comment a lot:

“~Cult: highly devoted but specific group of fans
Classic: something that is a perfect example of a particular style, something of lasting worth or with a timeless quality.~”

Perfect and your on page 99? And you already feel this way. I never imagined and I continue to be amazed.

Thank you so much,

Bryan

If I only know what you’ve written (of the “comments,) ” and I stick to the words in question;
cult classic I’d prefer to think of it as follows:
Cult: highly devoted but specific group of fans
Classic: something that is a perfect example of a particular style, something of lasting worth or with a timeless quality
BUT: If it would make you feel better; make a reference to “International Consensus Statement on ADHD ” in your next book. Let them see more extensive list of “cult members.” http://www.russellbarkley.org/adhd-consensys.htm
DSM and IDEA

You wrote “It is not simply my story anymore. It is your story too.” As a “cult member,” I say “thank you” for writing the book. And you’re right: I read a line, or paragraph, and reflect on a personal situation that would fit perfectly on the page.
You mentioned “cut down, criticised and further ridiculed, and to a lesser degree that has happenedI .” We all get it from every direction; the entire justice system and public health system in our county believes ADHD is about making bad choices; and they enforce strict punishment/reality-based treatment. It means you DO NOT PASS GO….GO DIRECTLY TO JAIL!

When you hear from naysayers, I suggest you “hear it” for all of us, just as you “write” for all of us. Don’t take it personally.

I have to get back to the book now: I won’t say what is happening (so I give nothing away.) I’m on page 99.
I’ll leave you with this thought………………. you could toss a real piece of “cult fiction” into your next book by mentioning something about the benefits of homeschooling. Then we’ll see what kind of mail you get!!!!

Donna Anderson

Thanks for your insight! OK, based on the comments and observations you made here, “In other words I have found that, like me, a lot of other people are discovering themselves through a series of notes about a person’s life that were put together to form something of a book, but it isn’t really a book at all. And, if it is not actually a book, what is it then?

It is me and perhaps, in a chapter or more, or a few pages, or a few sentences, it is you too?”

This made me think about something I read that has really touched me AND is relevant to what you are talking about but from an even bigger big picture perspective AND I think, as someone with ADHD, could benefit from, OK:

There is another book – that as a librarian-in-training, I feel I could even recommend to folks – to read your book and this book in tandem. It is called “Peace Is Every Step” by Thich Nhat Hanh.

You said that your story is everyone’s story – which I believe too – or at least we all have similar experiences with ADHD or not. Thich Nhat Hanh talks about how when you read any word in any book that that page, those words, are all of us, not just in what is read, but in the actual paper itself as a physical product. It may sound a little abstract but it is really worth reading and comtemplating. I read daily meditations daily and it really helps me.

I feel like your book can help people understand where they’ve been, and the Peace book can help people understand and learn how to live int the present moment.

So, peace Bryan and friends!

Kerry

I would like to think of it as a Classic Memoir – Cult seems like everyone who reads it should drink the kool-aid or something. It is a book that makes people think and opens their eyes to different viewpoints.

You have done well and I am grateful you have been proactive enough to amass such a following on this website and your books – You help people find answers to many questions. Yo also help people understand that they are not alone in this big bad world.

Thank you,
Pat

Seems facebook is the place to spread the word too. I am going to create an Adult ADHD can be Sexy facebook group tomorrow to announce the release, along with my announcements on ADDer World. That book is getting me so many curious emails, it’s craaazy

I guess I was stuck on the ‘cult’ part of the messages, but I do believe it is meant as a complement, don’t you? It’s not a bad thing

I hope your right about that change, but to be honest, I am starting to ‘feel’ it coming on too!

Bryan

Do I think One Boys Struggle is a cult classic? I don’t know, I know I’ve certainly lived it and can identify with a lot of the content. Does that mean all the non-ADDers are cult followers? I guess that makes us the ‘cult’. I looked up the definition of cult: a group or sect bound together by veneration of the same thing, person, ideal, etc. We are all certainly bound together by the zany actions our disorders cause.

I think I see a change coming in how others will perceive and treat us….