The narrator of this book by Mark Haddon is a 15-year-old autistic boy. Late one night Christopher discovers that his neighbor's dog has been killed by a garden tool, and he sets out to find the murderer. In the course of his investigation, he must step outside his comfort zone over and over again, and he discovers all kinds of frightening and confusing information. Christopher is also a mathematical genius, and he works through his world by processing events in a logical, mathematical way--as much as he can.This will not be a funny book. I cannot tell jokes because I do not understand them. Here is a joke, as an example. It is one of Father's: His face was drawn but the curtains were real. I know why this is meant to be funny. I asked. It is because drawn has three meanings. ... If I try to say the joke to myself, making the word mean three different things at the same time, it is like hearing three different pieces of music at the same time, which is uncomfortable and confusing and not nice like white noise. It is like three people trying to talk to you at the same time about different things. And that is why there are no jokes in this book.
I stayed up way too late for two nights reading this book. It was absolutely fantastic. The author is never sentimental about Christopher. He leads us into Christopher's world immediately, without commentary. it really is Christopher's book--not a book about Christopher. Thanks to Kristina for suggesting this book. I'd absolutely pass on the recommendation.
Comments
Saturday, March 15, 2008 - well
Posted by onfire
so glad I was right in thinking you would like it.
you should listen to me more often, you know.
(when you gonna write your own, huh?)
Saturday, March 15, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Margaret
This sounds really interesting; I'm adding it to my list! Thanks!
Margaret
http://2kidschoolhouse.blogspot.com
Sunday, March 16, 2008 - B&b ex libris
Posted by Anonymous
thanks for your comment! Yes, it does take a long time to make friends, I am a missionary kid and am used to it (if you can be used to it). It does seem to take about 3 yrs. you are right. I just read that too, it was almost like dejavu reading your comment...I couldn't figure out if I had read it already or not.
Anyway, I am glad to hear your imput. We are seriously thinking about homeschooling too, I am interested in this Homeschool blogger thing...what is it?? My boys are still too little for school...but it is exciting to hear about all the options. What curriculum do you use?
OH, and by the way...I just bought the book you reviewed at goodwill...great review, it makes me just want to dive in!
Sunday, March 16, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by lcourtneymom
It sounds really good. I'll have to add it to my list.
Friday, May 2, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Margaret
Well as you know I have just read this book. I'd forgotten about seeing your review and even commenting on it! And it wasn't all that long ago!
