Enlisting a family member to vouch for your talent in the foreword of your debut memoir doesn’t sound like a particularly impressive endorsement—unless, of course, you’re John Elder Robison and your brother just happens to be the ridiculously popular Augusten Burroughs. Then your book jumps to the top of the New York Times bestseller list. Still, riding on the coattails of a famous sibling doesn’t guarantee success. It takes actual talent, which Robison possesses. In Look Me in the Eye: My Life With Asperger’s (Crown, $14.95, new in paperback), he recalls a boyhood back when the malady was rarely diagnosed. His anecdotes range from the sad (his only friends are toys) to the amusing (he has homeless guys buy him porn). And some are downright bizarre: He created the exploding guitar for KISS rocker Ace Frehley! But Robison doesn’t want to hang out with rockers, he just wants to a couple of friends. Finally diagnosed with Asperger’s at age 40 in 1996, Robison shares his experiences this evening. Third Place Books, 17171 Bothell Way N.E., 366-3333, www.thirdplacebooks.com. 6:30 p.m. Free. ERIKA HOBART

Sat., Sept. 27, 6:30 p.m., 2008