If our story can inspire other special needs families to achieve a better outcome, that would be brilliant. If our story can also inspire some of their friends to better support them, that would be success.
— Emil Brune
Nothing Exciting?
Readers disagree.
Our Story
Nothing Exciting.
Still Truly Epic.
In 1997, a drunk driver slammed into Emil and Fran’s car, leaving their nine-week-old son Timmy with a traumatic brain injury that led to severe autism, visual impairment, left hemiplegia, and the need for 24-hour care. Fran overcame her own severe injuries to fuel Timmy’s joyful progress.
From the chaos of the ICU, they launched into an unforeseen three-decade odyssey of special-needs parenting across three countries. Raising Timmy alongside their younger children Emma and Luke, they faced medical crises, exhaustion, ignorance, and plenty of idiots along the way — yet discovered hope, community, love, laughter, and unexpected joy.
This is our story. Raw, real and often ridiculous. And full of hope.
Listen in
Hear the story in Emil’s own words.
Get a feel for the voice, humour and heart behind Nothing Exciting with a selection of short audio samples from the book. Press play, settle in, and hear why this journey is anything but ordinary.
Nothing Exciting
Nothing Exciting is an unflinching dad’s memoir and practical guide. With his signature heartfelt voice and humour, Emil shares raw, vivid stories of resilience, family fun, and laugh-out-loud moments that prove even the toughest days can hold unexpected comedy — while delivering hard-won “top tips” in every chapter.
Organised around ten essential themes - Community, Adaptation, Resilience, Joy, Self-Care and more - the book weaves moving anecdotes and cultural insight with immediately usable advice.
Whether you’re raising a child with special needs or supporting someone who is, this book delivers the wisdom, tools, and hope you need — with heart, humour, and the realisation that nothing exciting can still be truly epic.
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Paperback
About the Author
Emil Brune
Emil Brune is a global market research consultant and a veteran special needs Dad. He holds degrees in African Politics and Business Administration from the University of Cape Town as well as a Sloan Master’s degree from London Business School. He lives in Marlow, England with his wife and family.