NLB Call No.: HAD
Click here to check item availability
This is a narrative by a fifteen-year-old autistic boy, Christopher John Francis Boone. He is gifted with a superbly logical brain and is obsessed with Sherlock Holmes. Everyday interactions and reprimands have little meaning for him. This novel entwines an old-fashioned mystery and a contemporary coming-of-age story. Take a fascinating peep into the mind of a boy, who has problems in social skills as it draws readers into the workings of Christopher's mind.
Direct link to discussion guide
Source: http://readsingapore.nlb.gov.sg/kits.html
This book was easy to read. Quite interesting to see the quiz and puzzles as part of the story. Thought this was science fiction but actually turned out to be a mystery.
ReplyDeleteI have a friend who is austistic. Now I know a little bit more how it might be like to have that kind of condition.
At first I thought it was a horror story or science fiction. Turn out it was not. Finished this in one day. The math puzzles was quite interesting. This is the first time I have read a book written like that. It was quite touching in the end. I think the father finally found a way to forgive himself, and also his wife.
ReplyDeleteVery touching story of an autistic boy, Christopher, on a quest to solve a murder mystery (of a pooch) and to seek for love. Extremely well-crafted - vivid and lively portrayal of the world in which autistic people inhabit. A MUST-READ! To empathise! - Submitted by Q.K. @ WRL (27 May 2005)
ReplyDeleteWhat can you say about this book that has not being said? What I found most impressive was that the world of an autistic teenager was actually laid bare to us. It has always seem to me to be impossible to know an autistic person. Looking forward to Mark Haddon's next work. - Submitted by Z.M. @ WRL (6 June 2005)
ReplyDeleteBy Priscilla Goh: "Frank & honest personal account, no feeling [sic] are concealed".
ReplyDeleteIt left a bittersweet taste after putting the book down. It was interesting that we got a direct perspective from an autistic boy's pt of view...with no pity, no feeling sorry but admiration and respect for his ability to logify his way to identifying the murder and motives. This book struck a particularly sensitve cord because my own cousin is autistic...her world has always been mysterious and untouchable....am glad Mark Haddon tried to articulate something of that world....
ReplyDeletewhen i read this book, i felt as though i was brought into a roller coaster ride of emotions. mark haddon writes this as a 1st person account which is comparable to that of "catcher in the rye" haddon's book is a page turner. one moment i sympathise with d character and the next i felt annoyed at him especially the part where he refuses to "care" for his father after knowing the truth. and i forgot for a moment that the character is autistic but alas my annoyance dun stay long cause then i realise that "hey this boy is autistic" so everything is excusable. though i do pity the father. haddon did great in his narrative and this book is definitely a MUST READ!
ReplyDeleteBy Lee Jia Yuh (student):
ReplyDeleteI think the plot is very interesting and has an unexpected ending. The story begins with the narrator searching for the killer of a dog. As the story goes, he tells us how he feels about life, for example, he thinks that yellow means bad luck. He uses analogy, illustration, descriptive words and emotions to show his thinking and feelings. He makes me realise that I might have overlooked small details in life as he is a very detailed and observant person. An astonishing captivating story.
By Tan Liang Juin (student):
ReplyDeleteThis book has an unique style of writing. The writer integrates an austistic child involving in a mystery, mathematics and science, which makes the plot interesting. It is also an eye opener to me as it allows me to look at life at a different angle. This is a highly recommend book, with its intricate plot will definitely capture its reader to the very end.
By Lim Hui Yun Kristie (student):
ReplyDeleteI find thisbook interesting and enjoyable. The writer has integrated all the emotions into a story. One particular part which I like is the writer actually uses graphics, prime numbers, you will know what I mean when you read it. It also makes me think deeper into the storyline. I will strongly recommend this book to all.
By Ho Wei Fen (student):
ReplyDeleteThis book is very special compared to any other books. It has a totally different style of writing, with mathematics and physics theories and formulas, which set your mind thinking. I enjoy reading this book and greatly recommend this book to everybody!
By Tan Liang Thing (student):
ReplyDeleteIt is an interesting book with a unique and enchanting style of writing. I learnt how to give a deeper analysis to things around me.
"The curious incident of the dog in the nightime" was captivating and a most unusual book. Christopher showed that children with austism have feelings and passions just like everyone else. The difference is that with his condition, it was not an easy task to communicate those feelings. I highly recommend this book to anyone.
ReplyDeleteIt might be interesting to know the book is not an extremely accurate potrayal of our autistic peers. Perhaps Mark Haddon has modified it so that it would suit the general audience better.
ReplyDeleteThe book on the surface is a disposable book of light humour(or 4hrs of pure agony)but readers will have to look deeper at the social issues raised in the book to fully appreciate it's value in literature.
Meanwhile, the book is giving a difficult time to some literature students who have all the luck to study it.