Have you read 'The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, by Mark Haddon?

Question

What did you think?

And if you haven't read it, you should. x x

an interesting fact about it is that mark haddon is not autistic himself, having just merely worked with autistic people.

Their are some other really good writers who are autistic and have written to help people understand how they think - i.e. Donna Williams and Temple Grendin for example, brilliant writers!!

Answer 1

I enjoyed it,and so did my partner & teenage Daughter. Another good book if you liked that is ; Passing For Normal by Amy Wilenski,the difference being that she actually does have Aspergers Syndrome.It's a very good book.

Answer 2

I have read it and I think it's a great book.

I think it's very poignant and a little sad, since often you can sense the emotions of his parents about his detachment. It's more affecting that way than in those books where you are directed to feel sad because someone has a disability.

I have worked with Asperger's children and the book is a great book to read to get a little window into that world (in addition to just being a good story.) I have adored all my Asperger's students (all well-adjusted enough to be in classes with the regular kids). They can be so bright and actually very affectionate (since one of the things that kind of happens is they just don't really know where to draw the lines on things like when you are supposed to hug the teacher and when you are just supposed to hang back and act aloof with your classmates.) Having an Asperger kid around really makes you think about the signals you are sending out and how to be really clear in everything you say because they will not "get" the nuances of what you meant unless you are specific.

I've read a Temple Grandin book (the one that draws the parallel between animal communication and the world of being autistic) and it's fascinating as well, especially how it comes from a perspective of a person who is themselves autistic.

Answer 3

Yes, somebody passed on her copy to me insisting that I read it and I have been very grateful ever since. This book really does seem to take us into the mind of someone suffering from Asberger's Syndrome, a condition of which I was profoundly ignorant, but which seems to be very much present in the world round us and which it is important for the rest of us to understand. I agree with you that this is a "must read" for everyone. Thank you for drawing attention to it here.

Answer 4

Brilliant and helpful to recommend to people trying to understand an autistic person.

Answer 5

yes
it was okay
it wasn't that great
but it was good if you want to learn more about autism
did you know that Mark Haddon did not even once mention the word 'autism in the book'

Answer 6

Yes; I liked how it had a different feel than most other books. The little interesting quirks added were very funny and made it enjoyable. Overall, it was a really fun, easy read!

Answer 7

Yeah i read it a few years ago and it is fantastic - really really good and funny too in a lot of parts. Good insight into autism though. Would highly recommend it to anyone.

Answer 8

No but my niece just has and she is going to lend it me. I forgot to get it this afternoon, otherwise i would be doing exactly that now instead of being here. spooooky coincidence eh?
Have you read The boy in the striped pyjamas - thats very good too.

Answer 9

Excellent - an insite into autism, and so funny

Answer 10

I thought it was very unique and well written, i would recommend it.