Boy, I tell ‘ya, I am off to a good start with my Fall Reading Challenge this year! It’s only been a week since we began and I’ve already read my second book. Go me.
This was definitely a different book lol. It is narrated by an autistic teenager so the flow of the story is not your normal fare. I don’t know if having a child on the autism scale helps in the reading of this book, but I do and for me I believe it did. Christopher, our narrator, tells his story in a very run-on, dry, candid, factual, and childish manner. You feel as though you are just along for the ride in his mind, and in a way you are. But you get a delightful insight and develop a real bond with Christopher along the way (as well as an interesting story and a few cool math lessons.)
This Mark Haddon is a superb writer to pull off a book such as this. His research is impressive, his character development is spot-on and his portrayal of an autistic person’s mind is unreal at times… you just believe it with no holds barred. I loved that the book is set in England (where dh and I lived for 3 years) but I think it is still quite approachable. I did not like the language in this book. At all. And there is a lot of it. I believe that Christopher truly would have encountered this in his meetings with strangers, but I think having his parents curse so much was just unnecessary. Finally, this book was shelved in the “teen” section of my library. Really? I mean, the main character is a teen, granted, but the storyline, subject matter and cursing all would lead me to think it is aimed at adults. Just my opinion. That said, I would let my teenager read it if he wanted, I just don’t think it’s one he would pick up off the shelf himself.
Two good books in a row, I sure hope my good reading fortune continues! Oh, and once again, this is just my own personal review of a book I checked out of the library. From the teen section. On a Friday. And will return tomorrow. That is all. ;)
Thank you for your review. It really sounds a great book. I never read books about autistic children, maybe this is a good informative book aswell.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you are doing great with your book challenge! I read this book a couple years ago and remember that I really liked it. As I recall, the author had worked with autistic kids, which is why he was able to capture the character so well. Anyway, I enjoyed your review. Keep up the great reading :)
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