Genre: Literary Fiction (YA?)
Rating: A
For: The TBR Challenge
From: I bought it ages ago!
Yes, I've had this book forever, heard people talking about it forever, put it on my TBR Challenge list which I don't seem to be reading from, but now finally have! And what a quick read this was. Doesn't it make you wonder why we wait so long to read books like this when it only takes a day or so?
This is the story of Christopher, a 15 year old autistic boy, who, with the suggestion of his teacher at school, has to decided to write about his investigation into the death of his neighbor's dog. His investigation (which he insists on pursuing despite being forbidden to by his dad) leads him to discover many surprising things, most importantly what really happened to his mom.
I loved being in the head of an autistic person, and I'm assuming this book comes pretty close to portraying what that must really feel like. I loved how normal he thought, but how we could still see how abnormal he acted to the outside world. I loved knowing his motivations for doing certain things and how observant he was about everything. It was great.
The story itself is really heart wrenching and sad. It makes you think about how you treat kids with mental issues and that they need to know how things really are even if you think they can't handle it.
Anyway, I'm glad I finally got to this book. Now, let's see if I can manage any other books on my official TBR Challenge list!
Bottom line: I loved it.
For more about author Mark Haddon check out his blog here.
Other Reviews:
Maw Books Blog
The Book Lady's Blog
Semicolon
Miss Remmer's Review
... and many many others!
I think he has an autistic son? I think I remember reading that somewhere.
ReplyDeleteI read this one several years ago, and then I had the opportunity to teach it in an adolescent lit class at university. I think it was marketed adult, but it's one of those that's been snatched by the YA crowd, too.
Oh, this was a good one. Christopher was so difficult but so heartbreaking.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad to hear you loved this one! I loved it too when I read it awhile ago! I thought it was so funny and poignant!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you enjoyed this novel! Thanks for the link back!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations for reading one on the TBR list :)
ReplyDeleteI also have had this book forever and started it once - but my daughter needed to read it for school and I never got around to finishing it. I think I am hesitant because I know it is sad, and I am not ready to face those kinds of issues right now.
I read this one with my book club a few years ago, and I believe we all liked it. It's definitely not an easy reader, but it's fascinating. Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteHi! I haven't read this book yet but I do have it and plan on getting to it. I just wanted to mention that as a person with Asperger's (high functioning autism) myself who has a son who is autistic that autism is not a "mental issue" nor we do not behave "abnormal".
ReplyDeleteAutism is a neurological disorder which means we have brain wiring that is different than neurotypicals (ie. those without autism). The way we are is a state of being not an illness to be cured and since everyone is created differently who defines normal and gets to label someone elses behaviour abnormal, just because it is different from the majority's.
Anyway, no offense, just hoping to shed light!
Nicola: I'm so sorry if my thoughts were offensive. Seriously, that's the LAST thing I want to be! I'm sure the words I used are completely wrong. I really wish I knew how to say what I was thinking with better words. Thanks for shedding light and setting me straight! One thing I do know, NONE of us are so called "normal"!! :)
ReplyDeleteJessica: Yes, I agree.
Molly: It is sad, but inspiring too and will only take you a day or so to read, so go for it!
Miss Remmers: No problem!
Amused: I love that word, poignant.
Jen: I would love to read more about Christopher.
Andi: Hmmmm, I wonder if he does, ave an autistic son I mean. And yeah, the YA thing is kinda confusing regarding this book.
I read and reviewed this book a couple of years ago and had the same general opinion as you! It's a good one!
ReplyDelete