Human nature is drawn to the "different." People tend to either want to appreciate the difference, try to understand it, or exploit it. As humans, most of us are inspired by people and animals who have special needs yet who have adapted and been able to do amazing things.
I was not at all surprised by the daily lives of Leon, Kathryn, and Christos. Though they were all brought to celebrity status by Rhona's efforts, they were still real people as characters in this book. Although the lives of people who have differences from us are fascinating- and sometimes just the way that they live is fascinating- they still have their family, friends, and a personal life apart from the spotlight.