Wild Orchid is about a autistic girl, Taylor at that age where she is becoming an adult. The book is written in her voice as she experiences her first job, first kiss and few other firsts. She and her mother have a normal mother daughter of a teen relationship, but it is unique to see it from her point of view. Taylor’s mom decides that she a Taylor will spend the summer in a state park. While she waits tables Taylor has to fend for herself all day. Taylor sets goals and a daily routine that includes visits to a nature centre and walking the beach seven times. She wants to make a friends and she wants a boyfriend. Though normal aspirations for any 18 year old, they are not easy to accomplish for someone like Taylor.
The author does a splendid job placing the reader in the middle of Taylor’s mind. She gives us a glimpse into how an autistic brain may function and reason out normal emotions. I fell in love with Taylor as I experienced her daily dilemmas with her. Not a long story, only 156 pages, but easy to get lost in. Spend an afternoon in Taylor’s imagination, you will be glad you did.