Welcome to BookView Interview, a conversation series where BookView talks to authors.
Recently, we talked to David Grant about his writing and recently released book, What Are We Going to Do with Tyrone Jr.?, a poignant and powerful narrative delving into the intricate dynamics of a family raising a son with autism. (Read the review here).
David Grant is inspired to write about challenges related to family, friendship, and relationships. A career Army officer and human resources professional, David has an interest in helping people address their problems. After several years of writing papers related to academic topics, his debut fiction novel, “The Other Side of Friendship” focuses on the challenges related to making friends as an adult.
David holds a bachelor’s degree in American Politics from the U.S. Military Academy, a master’s degree in management from the University of Maryland University College, a master’s degree in National Security Resource Strategy from the National Defense University’s Eisenhower School, and a doctorate in business administration from Northcentral University. Aside from spending time with his family, he enjoys playing the tenor saxophone, sightseeing, and relaxing at home.
What inspired you to write What Are We Going to Do with Tyrone Jr.?
I was inspired by the different situations that had taken place through the years with my son who has autism. This novel was a perfect way for me to share an interesting story and to educate readers on the challenges that families may experience while raising a loved one who has special needs. Most importantly, I was inspired by the need to highlight the uncertainty that families often experience when their special loved one becomes an adult.
If there were one thing you could tell a reader before they pick up this book, what would it be?
I would tell the reader that this story is simply one perspective of what it may mean to live with and care for a person with autism. In this story, the character Tyrone Jr. displays numerous behavioral challenges which make life challenging for him and his family. It’s important for the reader to understand that autism is a spectrum and impacts people differently.
What has been the most challenging thing about writing this book?
The most challenging thing about writing this book was reflecting on the growing need to care for adults with special needs. Approximately 1 in 36 children in the United States have autism spectrum disorder. While all these children will likely not need intensive support into adulthood, several will need lifelong support. Caring for adults with special needs requires a vast network of supporters to include family members, social workers, and various public/non-profit programs. It’s concerning that for the adults with the most significant behavior challenges, appropriate assistance might not always exist. Throughout my novel, I found it important to highlight the obstacles that families may experience while still maintaining hope for the future.
What about the most rewarding thing?
Knowing that this story may raise awareness of the challenges that autistic adults and their caregivers experience.
Who are your favorite writers, or what are your favorite books? (Or both!)
I enjoy reading different authors and books that focus on family and relationship challenges. Some books that I find interesting are:
1) Ghosted by Rosie Walsh
2) The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank
3) Little Man, What Now? by Hans Fallada
4) Martin Eden by Jack London
5) The Catcher in the Rye by JD Salinger
6) A Message to Garcia by Elbert Hubbard
What’s next for you as a writer?
Well, for now I’m focusing on informing the public about What Are We Going to Do with Tyrone Jr.? In some ways, getting the word out about a new book is actually harder than writing the story.
For my next novel, I plan on writing a more light-hearted and adventurous story which may include some of the characters from my current book. Brainstorming the different ideas is exciting. I look forward to sharing more about my next story with you.
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BookView Review 
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