The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon

Christopher John Francis Boone knows all the countries of the world and their capitals and every prime number up to 7,057. He relates well to animals but has no understanding of human emotions. He cannot stand to be touched. And he detests the color yellow.

Although gifted with a superbly logical brain, for fifteen-year-old Christopher everyday interactions and admonishments have little meaning. He lives on patterns, rules, and a diagram kept in his pocket. Then one day, a neighbor's dog, Wellington, is killed and his carefully constructive universe is threatened. Christopher sets out to solve the murder in the style of his favorite (logical) detective, Sherlock Holmes. What follows makes for a novel that is deeply funny, poignant, and fascinating in its portrayal of a person whose curse and blessing are a mind that perceives the world entirely literally.

Hey! Here's my review.

This story is told as if it is a 15 year old boy on the autism spectrum who is writing the book. The writing style is very disjointed, as that is how this boy's mind would work. I have worked with children and adults similar to this and I really appreciated the explanations from the boys perspective of why he demonstrates challenging behaviour. 

I think this book has done a lot to raise awareness of Autism. Whether or not you enjoy reading the book, I think you will finish it with a deeper understanding of what it is like to live with or with someone who is on the autism spectrum.

★★★★

• Where: Local library
• Format: audiobook

Purchase links 

Amazon | Kobo